Orange Beach is a town located on the Gulf Coast in Alabama and is the USA’s water sports hub. Once a small sleepy fishing village, the town has transformed since the 80s into an iconic beach resort town. It is the one of best options in the USA for enjoying natural beauty, relaxation, and fun-filled activities, all in one place.
Its soft white sand, swim-friendly waters, and the most beautiful sunsets guarantee that once you visit Orange Beach, you won’t want to go back home.
Our Review of Orange Beach, Alabama
Orange Beach is popular for being a family-friendly resort town. Apart from the variety of activities you can do, the waters at the Orange Beach Waterfront Beach are typically gentle and relaxing, making it an excellent spot for families with kids. Plus, there are lifeguards present at most public access points during peak seasons.
You’re not missing anything if you stay on the shore. You can spot dolphins and manrays without needing to get on the water. Other activities include sunbathing, snorkelling, hiking and playing fun beach sports.
Orange Beach has a variety of amenities to make your day enjoyable. Convenience starts at the free parking lot with free public access to the beachfront. The beach is also well-equipped with clean, well-maintained restrooms and outdoor showers to wash off the sand from the beachfront. You can rent umbrellas, lounge chairs and other supplies for optimal relaxation at reasonable prices. Many access points also offer ramps, making it easy for strollers and wheelchairs to reach the sand.
However, you must bring your own flip-flops, towels, sunscreen, and other personal supplies or visit the shops on the wharf to buy some.
If you get hungry or thirsty, restaurants and bars are everywhere around Orange Beach offering a wide range of food and drinks. Our top pick for food? The Salmon Salad at the family-friendly restaurant, GTs On The Bay will fill you right up with energy to keep up with all the fun activities you have lined up for the day. The food there is reasonably priced and they have equally delicious vegan and gluten-free options.
A variety of beachfront accommodations—from luxury resorts to cosy condos are available to pick from. Book a stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Orange Beach with its view of the Gulf Front to make the most of your visit.
Orange Beach has plenty of activities to keep you entertained, so even though it’s so big and gets pretty full, you never feel like the crowd is overwhelming.
Top Things to Do at Orange Beach
Orange Beach is THE location to find the perfect beach. Whether you’re a beach enthusiast, nature lover, exercise junky or adventure seeker, there are lots of fun activities for you. Orange Beach has great options for families, kids, and couples at all times of the year from peak summer to festive December.
So, here’s a quick run-through of some of the best things to do at Orange Beach, Alabama while you’re in the area.
Shopping and Entertainment at the Orange Beach Wharf
Located on Portage Creek, the Wharf at Orange Beach features over 60 unique stores, bars and restaurants. Its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions means that you can find just about anything you’re searching for here. Plus, you can ride the Ferris Wheel, try the arcade for some family fun and catch the Spectra Laser Light Experience, open to adults and kids of all ages.
Visit Adventure Island
This is our ultimate pick for the best family-friendly activity. Adventure Island is a family-friendly amusement destination with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. You can enjoy Go-Karts, Arcade games and laser tag. And so much more, for a fun day out with the fam or even an active date night.
Take a Boat out to the Ocean
A sunset cruise is our favourite thing to do at Orange Beach. The sparkling water and all that golden-hour beauty really are to die for. Many charters provide snacks, drinks, and live music for a relaxing evening experience.
A Dolphin Cruise
Want to delight your date with something out of this world? You can also try a Dolphin Cruise to see playful dolphins swimming alongside the boat. You can learn their names and more about their behaviours. Many tours also include magnificent sunset views and fascinating insights into local marine life.
For just $50, you can purchase a couples’ ticket to tour the Intracoastal Waterway with Cetacean Cruises and see the dolphins along with herons, bald eagles, and red-tailed hawks dipping into the water.
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Nature Walk at Gulf State Park
Your entire family would enjoy a walk at this sprawling park. The Park offers over 28 miles of trails for biking and hiking, fishing piers, and picnic spots. Super location for birdwatching and nature photography.
A hike on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is an amazing way to enjoy the mild weather and appreciate a view of the animals in the area. The 28-mile paved trail plus other unpaved side trails are well maintained and a great way to get lost in nature or just see lots of the park.
Enjoy all that seafood
What’s a beach visit without a stomach full of seafood? Visit one of the many restaurants in the area and load up your plate with shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and oysters. A fun idea would be to order a takeout box and try a makeshift picnic at the Waterfront Park.
Go Deep-Sea Fishing
Up for a relaxing day in the sun and surrounded by water? Orange Beach is renowned for its deep-sea fishing charters. The water is full of marine life including red, vermillion, and lane snapper. You can be sure to enjoy a zen day on a private fishing vessel alone or with a group. Pro tip: Ask your captain to take you through to some of the most beautiful scenic spots.
Play a Round of Golf
Hit the links at Orange Beach’s Golf Center. Our favourite review of the Golf Center is from Becky, who was visiting with friends and didn’t expect an impressive course. But when she was leaving, she had this to say, ‘We were visiting the gulf on vacation and wanted to catch at least one found of golf. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the course and had a great time.’
Visit the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum
History buffs, gather here! The Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum is a small but fascinating museum which offers an opportunity to dive into the area’s history. You can learn about Native American heritage, early fishing communities, and the region’s maritime culture.
Admission is free to this museum and there are ramps and handrails available, making the museum disability friendly.
Ride a Beach Bike
Beach bike rentals are available all over the beach and the Gulf State Park. Bikes and e-bikes are on offer to share the hiking trails with people strolling, to explore the nature park or to ride across the soft sand on the beach.
Check out the Gulf State Park Nature Center
At the Gulf State Park Nature Center, you’re sure to get a chance to explore the rich biodiversity of Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The park is a living museum of plants and animals that features hands-on exhibits that are perfect for curious children, birdwatching, nature walks and eco-friendly crafts. Visitors have reported seeing alligators, different kinds of owls, snakes, turtles, bats, seahorses, and a variety of birds.
The Nature Center is centrally located within Gulf State Park and easily accessible so you don’t have to worry about navigating with kids in hand. Just make sure that you and the little ones are wearing comfortable shoes. The park opens at 7:00 am and closes at sunset for all visitors.
Alabama Extreme Watersports
If you love activity, you need to rent a jet ski and visit the islands. Just like the boat rides, you can see so many dolphins. However, this time, they’re closer and within arm’s reach. An extra reason to do it: The view of the shore while you’re bobbling on your jetski is unmatched.
