Things to do in Gulf Shores-Orange Beach, AL
Looking for things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL? These neighboring coastal towns are packed with unforgettable beach adventures—from deep sea fishing and parasailing to boat tours and jet ski rentals. Families, couples, and friend groups flock here for sugar-white sand, fresh Gulf seafood, live music, and easy access to nature. Whether you want to relax or rev up the fun, there’s no shortage of tours, attractions, and Southern charm along Alabama’s coast.
Top Gulf Shores-Orange Beach Attractions, Tours & Rentals
Featured Gulf Shores-Orange Beach Activities
Orange Beach: Gulf Shores Helicopter Tours
Orange Beach: Private Dolphin Sightseeing Tour
Orange Beach: Sunset Helicopter Tour
Orange Beach: Private Island Grillin & Chillin Boat Cruise
Orange Beach: Private Bachelor(ette) Boat Tour
Orange Beach: Private ONO Island Sightseeing Cruise
Orange Beach: Family-Friendly Dolphin Cruise
Orange Beach: Private Sightseeing & Eco Boat Tour
Orange Beach: Private Islands Booze Cruise
Orange Beach: Private Bushwacker & Restaurant Boat Tour
Orange Beach: Polaris Slingshot Rental
Dauphin Island Paddleboarding Lesson & Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
There are tons of great spots to visit in the area. The Wharf in Orange Beach is home to a massive ferris wheel, zipline tours, shopping, dining, and water excursions. The Wharf Amphitheater is also home to major concerts and events. The OWA amusement park in nearby Foley is a massive theme park complete with rides, dining, and entertainment. Visit hundreds of awe-inspiring animals at The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, or cast a line at the Gulf State Pier in Orange Beach. The world-famous Flora-Bama bar and lounge rests on the line between Orange Beach, AL and Perdido Key, FL. Flora-Bama is testament to the local culture offering seafood, entertainment, and giant events and concerts. Some other great spots to check out include The Hangout Gulf Shores (seafood dining and entertainment in a beach setting), The Track (family friendly go carts, arcade, and rides), and LuLu's Gulf Shores (beach-themed dining and music), and Waterville USA waterpark.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are neighbors in Coastal Alabama. Orange Beach, AL, lies directly to the east of Gulf Shores, and borders Florida. Gulf Shores is larger, with approximately double the population. Both cities offer coastal dining, attractions, activities, lodging, and nightlife. The culture is very similar as well, with Gulf Shores being more famously known for events like Hangout Fest Music Festival. The two areas are frequently grouped together given their almost identical offerings to vacationers and families.
Coastal Alabama beaches, specifically the beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, are composed of soft, white sand. They are, as a whole, less busy than Florida beaches, but may be a little cooler as well.
Yes, the Perdido Pass contains four islands famous to locals. They are Bird Island, Robinson Island, Gilchrist Island, and Walker Island. While Gilchrist Island is privately owned and not accessible to the public, the other three islands are owned by the city and visitors are welcome!
The most popular event in Gulf Shores is the Hangout Music Festival. Lots more annual events take place in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach including culinary festivals (Oyster Cook-Off, National Shrimp Festival), party festivals (Interstate Mullet Toss), and music festivals (Frank Brown International Songwriters', Festival of Art)
