20 Cheap Things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama

October 2nd 2023
Mike Fisher
20 Cheap Things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Looking for a list of fun activities to enjoy in Gulf Shores, Alabama, but don’t want to break the bank? Unlike the hustle and bustle of city destinations such as New York or San Francisco, a trip to the beach can be one of the most cost-effective vacations, period. Certainly sun, sand, and water are a few great options, but what else is fun and inexpensive?

Well, we are here to tell you that when you visit Gulf Shores there is a laundry list of reasonably priced options. Check out our list of 20 Cheap Things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and start saving today!

Table of Contents

  • Sunset Cruise
  • Adventure Island
  • Biking
  • Concerts at the Coast
  • Dolphin Cruise
  • Visit the Wharf
  • Impressions and Variety Show
  • Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
  • Gulf State Park Fishing Pier
  • Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum
  • Virtual Reality
  • Orange Beach Islands
  • Escape Room
  • Paddleboarding
  • Fat Daddy’s Arcade
  • Gulf Shores Museum
  • Kayaking
  • Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails
  • Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
  • Relax on the Beach

 


 

Sunset Cruise

 

sunset cruise in gulf shores, alabama

According to a recent Traveler Story, sunset cruises are the perfect way to relax on the water

 

What could be more relaxing and beautiful than the sound of waves and the brilliant colors of the setting sun dancing on the water as you cruise out at sea? As one of the popular cheap things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama, hop on board one of Gulf Shores many ships and take it all in for yourself! You may even see a dolphin or two.

{Read Reviews & Book Gulf Shores Orange Beach Sunset Cruises Online}

 

Adventure Island

 

adventure island golf in gulf shores, alabama

Mini golf is just one of the many fun attractions for the whole family at Adventure Island

 

Awesome prices plus a long list of exciting activities like laser tag, mini-golf, and go-karts make Adventure Island a go-to for tourists and locals alike! One of our favorite cheap things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama, pop on over to the park for awesome deals and awesome times!

 

Biking

 

Biking in Gulf Shores 20 Cheap Things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama

The Gulf Shores bike trails take you through the natural environment of coastal Alabama.

 

Biking is one of the favorite cheap things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama. A great way to explore the natural surroundings, paved trails at Gulf State Park offer over 28 miles of biking opportunities.

 

Concerts at the Coast

 

concerts in gulf shores, al

Gulf Shores is the perfect place to listen to live music by the beach

 

Gulf Shores is home to some of the nation’s best music festivals and concerts. Events like Hangout Music Festival, The Wharf Concert Series, Shindig on the Sand, and the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival are sure to have something for everyone, and can be enjoyed for much less than other events like Coachella or Bonnaroo.

{Read Reviews & Book Gulf Shores Orange Beach Live Concerts Online}

 

Dolphin Cruise

 

gulf shores dolphin cruise

Dolphin cruises aboard Sunny Lady, pictured above, are one of the best and most affordable ways to get up-close-and-personal with the local nature and wildlife

 

Splash and dash with the dolphins of the Emerald Coast on a professionally-led dolphin cruise experience. Sit back, relax, and watch as these fantastic creatures sprint and jump through the waves, one of nature’s most amazing shows!

{Read Reviews & Book Gulf Shores Orange Beach Dolphin Cruises and Tours Online}

 

Visit the Wharf

 

the wharf in orange beach, al

Image of the ferris wheel at The Wharf in Orange Beach taken by Wally Argus via Flickr

 

The Wharf is a great place to spend a day wandering, window shopping, and hanging out with friends and family. This is the area’s premier shopping and dining destination, so come on down and enjoy your day checking into different shops and storefronts!

 

Impressions and Variety Show

 

brandon styles impressions and variety show

Pictured above is Brandon Styles, the star of one of the best magic and variety shows on the Alabama Gulf Coast

 

Brandon Styles Impressions & Variety Show is an absolute riot at an absolute steal of a price. An hour of spot-on impressions, comedy, and excitement is a great idea for a date night or a family outing!

{Read Reviews & Book Gulf Shores Orange Beach Brandon Styles Magic Show Tickets Online}

 

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

 

monkey at the alabama gulf coast zoo

Image courtesy of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

 

Get a close-up view of lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is an affordable, family-friendly day out and about. Peruse the gift shops, check out the petting zoo, and see animal shows and stimulating lectures!

 

Gulf State Park Fishing Pier

 

gulf state park fishing pier

Image by faungg via Flickr

 

Destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the Gulf State Park Pier is back and better than ever! Featuring concessions, indoor retail, and a place to buy fishing supplies, this Pier is 2,448-feet of scenic views and fishing spots for the whole family!

{Read Reviews & Book Gulf Shores Fishing Charters Online}

 

Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum

 

Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum

Image courtesy of the City of Orange Beach, Alabama

 

The Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum is a well-priced option for history buffs and amateurs alike. Check out their incredible collection of artifacts, stories, and historical exhibits and learn more about the region’s fascinating past.

 

Virtual Reality

 

virtual reality in gulf shores alabama

Virtual reality is an experience like no other, as depicted in the picture above.

 

Experiencing virtual reality is also a great way to escape the rain in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The Virtual Reality Experience at the Wormhole is a gaming experience like you have never seen before. Embark on a 3D gaming adventure that will make you use your brain!

 

Orange Beach Islands

 

robinson island orange beach al

Pictured above is Robinson Island, and for more information about the Orange Beach Islands, please visit https://orangebeachislands.com/

 

The Orange Beach Islands include:

  • Bird
  • Robinson
  • Gilchrist
  • Walker Island

A mini getaway within the paradise that is the Alabama coast, voyage on over to Orange Beach Islands to see marine wildlife, rare plants, and watch birds hop around and fish on the water.

 

Escape Room

 

escape room in gulf shores, alabama

Image of a group working to solve an escape room mystery taken by David Hofmann via Flickr

 

The Gulf Coast Escape Room, INC. pins you and your friends and family against the clock! Find out if you have the chemistry and analytical know-how to solve the puzzle and escape before time runs out.

 

Paddleboarding

 

Paddleboarding in Gulf Shores 20 Cheap Things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Explore Gulf Shores on a paddleboard rental for a serene and scenic experience on the water

 

Stand up paddleboarding is one of the hottest activities at the beach! Get some exercise and test your balance against the waves with friends and family.

{Read Reviews & Book Gulf Shores Orange Beach Paddleboard Rentals Online}

 

Fat Daddy’s Arcade

 

arcade games in gulf shores, alabama

From ski ball to pinball, there’s something for everyone at Fat Daddy’s Arcade

 

Always a happening spot no matter how old you are,Fat Daddy’s Arcade is a HUGE facility packed with all of your favorites! From PacMan to Air Hockey, Fat Daddy’s delivers hours of entertainment for just a few bucks!

 

Gulf Shores Museum

 

gulf shores museum

Image courtesy of gulfshores.com

 

Gulf Shores Museum features a history of the town and region, as well as an interactive “Hurricane Hunters” display that explains the science behind the storms, as well as what it’s like to be in the eye!

 

Kayaking

 

kayaking in gulf shores alabama

Kayaking is the perfect way to connect with nature and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the water

 

Grab a friend or go solo and escape the troubles on land! A kayak rental is a great way to see the beach in all of its glory, explore, and burn some calories while you’re at it!

{Read Reviews & Book Gulf Shores Orange Beach Kayak Rentals Online}

 

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails

 

Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trails

Image from http://backcountrytrail.com/

 

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails are 15 miles of natural beauty and serenity. Hike historic roads and check out exciting attractions like Eco Tours and the Butterfly Garden!

 

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

 

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Image of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge from Wikimedia

 

Four trails and over six miles of spectacular, raw Alabama wildlife, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is as scenic as it gets. Experience the local nature, feed your wild side, and scout the protected habitats of gators, bobcats, and sea turtles!

 

Relax on the Beach

 

relax on the beach in gulf shores alabama

Beautiful sunset over Gulf Shores taken by John Tuggle via Flickr

 

Of course. And you thought we forgot? Well... we didn’t, so bring your towel and umbrella, and chill on the white sands as you listen to the gentle sound of the waves and the wind. Play frisbee or football for some exercise or just take a nap or meditate. Always free and always beautiful, the beach is what your soul craves and what Gulf Shores, Alabama, is all about!

{Read Reviews & Book Gulf Shores Beach Chair Rentals Online}

 


 

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