Top 10 Things to do at Alabama Beaches
Written and Photographed by Randy and Caly Behymer
Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a hidden gem known for its sugar-white sand beaches, warm Southern hospitality and laid-back coastal charm. Stretching along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the beach towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, enjoying fresh Gulf seafood or exploring scenic nature trails, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting Alabama’s beautiful beaches.
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10. Spend the Day at Alabama Point – Located just east of Perdido Pass Bridge in Orange Beach, Alabama Point is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. This scenic area features sand dunes, boardwalks, picnic areas, restrooms and outdoor showers, providing a perfect setting for sunbathing, beachcombing and photography. It’s also the perfect place to charter a boat for a fishing expedition!
9. Explore The Wharf – Located in Orange Beach, The Wharf is a premier family-friendly entertainment district offering a variety of activities for all ages. Families can enjoy a ride on one of the Southeast’s largest Ferris wheels, catch a movie at the theater, shop at one of the many stores or experience the nightly laser light show. With a range of dining options and seasonal events like big-name music acts at the amphitheater, The Wharf provides a fun-filled destination for the entire family.
8. The Hangout – The Hangout in Gulf Shores has been a local favorite since the late 1950s, originally a casual beachside spot that was rebuilt and reopened in 2008 after Hurricane Ivan. Today, it’s a vibrant, family-friendly venue offering coastal cuisine, live music, foam parties and fun features like a giant sandbox and vintage decor. It also hosts the popular annual Hangout Music Festival each May.
7. Get Hands on with Art – The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach features a fine arts gallery showcasing works by local Gulf Coast artists, as well as Alabama’s premier glass-blowing studio, The Hot Shop, and a hands-on Clay Studio. Visitors can participate in “Make-Your-Own” glass and pottery classes, explore the gallery, or shop for unique, locally crafted gifts. It is also home to the annual Orange Beach Festival of Art every March, ranked #1 by USA today.
6. Enjoy a Festival – Gulf Shores and Orange Beach host a variety of annual festivals that celebrate the region’s coastal culture, music, art and cuisine. In May, the Hangout Music Festival (now the Sand in My Boots Tour) brings major artists to the beach for a three-day event, while the Orange Beach Festival of Art in March showcases visual, performing and culinary arts. Other notable events include the National Shrimp Festival, the Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show, the Ballyhoo Festival and the Orange Beach Freedom Fest. Additional events like the Mullet Toss at Flora-Bama, S’mores on the Shore, and Mardi Gras parades add to the vibrant local calendar.
5. Take a Tour –Popular options include dolphin-watching cruises, sunset sailing trips, and eco-boat tours that explore the area’s rich marine life. For those seeking adventure, there are kayaking excursions, parasailing, and jet ski tours. Additionally, visitors can enjoy guided pier walks, tiki boat tours to nearby islands, and helicopter rides for a bird’s-eye view of the Gulf Coast.
4. Eat Local – With over 200 restaurants across 32 miles, you are sure to find something to satisfy your palate. Some local favorites are De Soto’s Seafood Kitchen, The Beach House Kitchen and Cocktails (which serve up one of the best Bushwackers in the area), Zeke’s, Sassy Bass, Tin Top, Pink Pony (located beachside) and Papa Roco’s. And for the perfect after dinner treat, head over to Del’s Ice Cream in Orange Beach for some of the best ice cream you will ever have.
3. Explore an Old Fort – Fort Morgan, located at the western tip of Alabama’s Gulf Coast, is a historic masonry fort completed in 1834 that played a significant role in the Civil War and both World Wars. Visitors can explore the well-preserved fortifications, walk through brick tunnels, and learn about its military history through on-site exhibits and interpretive programs. The site also offers opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and enjoying the nearby beaches, making it a destination that combines history with natural beauty.
2. Gulf State Park – You will find plenty to do across this park’s 6,150 acres. Onsite camping options range from full hookup RV sites to primitive tent spots, as well as accommodations at The Lodge, lakeside cabins, and Eagle Cottages. The park features 28 miles of trails for biking and hiking, a bike-share program, a fishing and education pier, and three freshwater lake for kayaking and paddleboarding. Dining options within the park include Foodcraft, Perch, and Roasted Oak at the Lodge and Woodside Restaurant towards the center of the park, providing a variety of meals to complement your outdoor adventures.
1. Enjoy the Beach – The beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are known for their soft white sand and warm Gulf waters, offering a perfect setting for relaxation and family fun. Public beach access points are plentiful, many with parking, restrooms and boardwalks leading straight to the shore. The Gulf State Park Pier is a popular spot for fishing and scenic walks, and several beachfront bars and restaurants like The Hangout and Flora-Bama Yacht Club offer drinks, live music and unbeatable sunset views.
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