Yes, there are beaches in Alabama (and they’re pretty fantastic!) Nestled along the stunning Gulf Coast, Orange Beach, Alabama is a wonderful example of what coastal Alabama has to offer. Come with me to explore this somewhat off-the-radar beach town – I’ll take you along to all the places I loved so you can start planning your Alabama beach trip!
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Things To Do in Orange Beach Alabama
Ok honest moment here – when you think of beautiful coastline does Alabama even cross your mind? It didn’t for me… until I visited Orange Beach Alabama. It totally blew me away and if it isn’t on your radar, I hope after reading this travel guide it will be!
Let’s get straight to the list of things to do, and along the way I’ll share my personal impressions of the area and why these specific attractions made the list. Don’t let the fact that this list is short stop you from visiting this Alabama beach town. Part of what makes Orange Beach great is it’s quiet, small town feel! Let’s explore coastal Alabama…
Orange Beach Alabama Map of Top Attractions
1. Enjoy the White Sand Beaches
Orange Beach has some of the most beautiful beaches along the Gulf Coast, and sinking your toes into the soft, sugar-white sand is a must-do activity. Start your day with a leisurely stroll along the shoreline – is there any better way to kick off your vacation? I visited in wintertime (aka the off season) and the beaches were basically empty, I had them all to myself!
In Orange Beach there are several public beach access points to choose from:
- Shell Beach is located just across the Perdido Pass Bridge and is a great spot for collecting seashells
- Alabama Point East is another option on the east side of town. You’ll have easy access to restrooms, picnic tables and a boardwalk
- Cotton Bayou is centrally located and a popular spot with outdoor showers and a handicap-accessible ramp
- On the west end of town is Romar Beach, a bit of a quieter spot
TIP: Don’t forget to bring SPF! Check out this guide: Reef-Safe and Biodegradable Sunscreen: 16 Options To Choose From
2. Kick it Off with Coffee and Breakfast
Is it really vacation without an amazing breakfast to start the day? One of the best things to do in Orange Beach Alabama is stop and grab a bite to fuel your day of exploring. Here are a few spots I’d recommend for breakfast and brunch:
Southern Grind is your first stop, it’s not only the most adorable coffee shop/retail store you’ll ever find, but their drinks are amazing! They have a full menu in addition to drinks if you’ve got an appetite and 2 different locations depending on which part of town you’re in.
On my next trip to Orange Beach, I’ll be checking out Brick and Spoon and the Perdido Key Breakfast Club because I’ve heard good things about both of those places but didn’t get to visit firsthand.
3. Explore the Turquoise Waters (and Artificial Reefs)
There are tons of boat tours, dolphin excursions, snorkeling and scuba diving options in Orange Beach. In fact, did you know that Alabama is home to the largest artificial reef program in the U. S.? That’s pretty amazing considering their coastline is small compared to other states.
So any list of Orange Beach things to do has to include swimming, snorkeling and diving! It’s a great chance to swim alongside colorful fish, majestic sea turtles, and even a shipwreck. Here are a few places to consider:
- Check out the Whiskey Wreck, a 200 ft. Spanish Rum Runner that was sunk in less than 20 feet of water and is a popular snorkeling spot in Orange Beach
- Head to Poseidon’s Playground, a dive spot with statues of Poseidon, Venus of the Sea, and Apollo about 40 feet underwater
- Visit the artificial reefs at access points near Romar Beach, Alabama Point, and the Gulf State Park Pavilion. Poles with mounted red lights near the shore mark the site boundaries
TIP: There are SO many sustainable swimwear options out there! Read this before you shop: A Guide to Sustainable Swimwear: Everything You Need To Know
4. Shop & Dine at The Wharf
The Wharf entertainment district is a must-see thing to do in Orange Beach. There are tons of unique shops, local restaurants all along the “main street” and even an amphitheater and marina. When I visited Orange Beach in December, they had live music, a holiday-themed light show, Santa sightings and more! It was such a blast, AND was free and pet friendly. They’re actually the only pet-friendly district in the area so check it out if you travel with your fur babies like I do.
Be sure to check their events calendar before your trip, as they host a ton of cool experiences year-round like the C Spire Concert Series, Red, White and Wharf over the Independence Day holiday, or their annual OB Seafood Festival and Car Show.
5. Express Yourself at the Coastal Arts Center
If you have a creative or artistic side, or just want a really cool souvenir from your trip, check out the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach! At their beautiful facility overlooking the scenic Wolf Bay, you can check out pieces from local artists, blow your own glass at the Hot Shop, or create pottery in their Clay Studio. They also offer classes for adults and kids throughout the year.
I was so bummed that on my trip I wasn’t able to visit the Coastal Arts Center in person, so make sure you check out their hours and book an appointment ahead of time. If you’re traveling to Orange Beach in March, check out their Festival of Art, a local tradition for over 49 years! It’s even been selected as Best Art Show in Alabama for three of the past four years by the luxury magazine Alabama and is currently ranked nationally at #76 for the top 100 fine art and design shows. Pretty cool, right?
6. Grab Dessert at Kayden’s Ice Cream & Candies
No vacation to Orange Beach would be complete without indulging in a sweet treat, am I right? I stopped in at Kayden’s and was in candy, ice cream and fudge heaven! I tried the butter pecan fudge, it felt perfect for this southern beach town and was not disappointed.
What I loved about this shop was the friendly, personable staff and huge selection of sweets to choose from! My hubby likes ice cream and I’m more of a candy person, so there’s something for everyone and their hours are great too. Even in the off season, they were open later than most other dessert shops in Orange Beach. Thanks Kayden’s!
7. Visit THE Orange Beach Store
Driving down Perdido Beach Boulevard, the main drag in Orange Beach, you can’t miss this adorable little shop with all things Orange Beach. If you’re looking for a hat, t-shirt or other piece of clothing to commemorate your trip, this is the spot.
It’s also a great photo op and instagrammable spot in Orange Beach! I couldn’t resist sitting in front of their colorful sign in a white Adirondack chair. Love this shop so much and their merchandise is adorable, there’s lots to choose from.
8. Drink A Bushwhacker at Flora-Bama
What’s a bushwhacker? A boozy adult tropical milkshake that was created in the U.S. Virgin Islands but made it’s way to the Gulf Coast and is an iconic drink. Pair that with a fun bar straddling the Florida/Alabama border and you have yourself a good time.
Grab a cold drink, enjoy the live music and feel the ocean breeze off their beachfront deck. This spot is a must-visit and make sure you take a picture by the Flora-Bama sign!
9. Take a Dolphin Tour
One of my favorite things about Orange Beach Alabama? Dolphins can be spotted year round! So do yourself a favor and book a dolphin tour with one of the local tour operators that know the waters best and where to spot these ocean cuties. There is seriously NO BETTER thing to do in Orange Beach! Here are some options to check out:
10. Dinner With An Oceanfront View
There are many good options for dining with a view in Orange Beach, and I think it’s one of the best things you can do! I highly recommend CoastAL for their wonderful waterfront ambiance, open-air bar, and a CoastAL lifestyle store all rolled into one. The blackened chicken pasta was to die for! They also have a ton of seafood options as well.
Another great waterfront spot is The Gulf, a unique waterfront spot made from shipping containers and reclaimed, recycled and salvaged building materials. It’s rustic but at the same time, cozy and tropical. A really unique spot for sure! Their menu has a good amount of variety, from seafood to salads, burgers, and tacos. Yum!
Best Place to Stay in Orange Beach Alabama
You can take your pick of vacation rentals, condos, hotels and resorts in Orange Beach – there’s a little bit of everything! But if a stunning, beachfront eco-friendly resort in a state park sounds good to you, you gotta check out The Lodge at Gulf State Park. I was totally wowed by the location and amenities they offer, and are my top recommendation for a trip to Orange Beach Alabama.
Located inside Gulf State Park, this resort feels secluded and surrounded by nature. The beach is STUNNING! The Lodge also has a fantastic pool deck with hammocks, lounge chairs, an outdoor bar, firepit area and rocking chairs overlooking the water. It’s simply divine! YOu can also enjoy the 3 on-site restaurants, where they source from local fresh seafood from local fisherman.
I especially love the focus on sustainability at The Lodge at Gulf State Park. During construction of this resort, over six football fields of coastal dunes and native plant communities within the building site were protected! You can feel the intention throughout the property, from the sea turtle exhibits in the lobby to the energy-efficient lighting and design. There are so many thoughtful touches everywhere you look.
One thing I thought was really cool is that 75% of the property was landscaped using native species that can thrive without irrigation, chemical pesticides, or fertilizers. Additionally, all exterior lighting is shielded to protect sea turtles who nest on Orange Beach.
Book your stay the Lodge at Gulf State Park right here!
What to Pack for Orange Beach Alabama
Before you head to Orange Beach Alabama, here are some must-haves I recommend bringing along. To see the full list, check out my post 10 Must-Have Beach Day Essentials for a Perfect Summer Getaway.
Enjoy Your Trip!
I hope you enjoyed this travel guide of Orange Beach Alabama Things to Do! Comment below and let me know which of these things you’re most excited to check out. I’m already looking forward to going back to Orange Beach and exploring more of this gulf coast gem.
