15 Best Things To Do In Orange Beach, Alabama

things to do in orange beach
Samali
Samali 
Updated
| 7 min read

Imagine a picture-perfect day at the beach: clear blue skies, sandy shores, a warm breeze, and rolling waves - this sets the scene for an ultimate beach vacation. Escape the scurry of city life and sink your feet in the white sands of Orange Beach, Alabama. Positioned on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Orange Beach lures thousands of tourists from all across the globe for its magnificent beaches, unspoiled waters, and a plethora of activities. Be it a visit to the Wharf and Indian & Sea Museum or the fabulous restaurants, parks, and bars, Orange Beach has it all. Check out the most enthralling things to do in Orange Beach, Alabama that we have listed out for you.

1. Appreciate the roots of Orange Beach at Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum

Posted by Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum on Thursday, 12 July 2018

If you are someone who finds happiness in objects that tell fascinating stories about older times, then you will surely love this museum that is home to memorabilia and local artifacts belonging to Native Americans and the area’s fishing heritage. Get to know more about the town’s history and its evolution from a place resided by Native Americans to the beautiful resort city it is today. Originally built as a schoolhouse, this cozy little structure was later furnished to serve as a museum. However, you will also find some artifacts and furnishings that are almost 100 years old.

Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum

Address: 25850 John M Snook Dr, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 9am - 4pm (closed from Fri - Mon)

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2. Watch the light show and fireworks at The Wharf

‪It’s official! At 7:30pm, 8:15pm, and 9:15pm each night, our Spectra Sound & Light Spectacular with be featuring Baby...

Posted by The Wharf on Saturday, 25 May 2019

One of the most exciting shopping and dining destinations on the Gulf Coast, The Wharf features hundreds of fun-filled activities. Dine at the wonderful restaurants or enjoy shopping at the eclectic shops and boutiques. One of the major attractions here is the Spectra Light and Sound Show that incorporates very sophisticated and beautifully choreographed lighting effects with music that can keep an audience of all ages entertained. The main street looks magical when the lights on the palm trees dance to the tune of popular music. Also, the fireworks display is just awesome.

The Wharf

Address: 23101 Canal Rd., Orange Beach, AL 36561

Website: The Wharf

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

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3. Spend a relaxing day at Orange Beach Waterfront Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If spending a relaxing day is what’s on your mind, then you can visit this beautiful and spacious public park. Open all throughout the year, the on-site amenities that you will find at Orange Beach Waterfront Park include picnic shelters with grills, a walking trail that passes through marvelously landscaped areas, a 400-feet (123-meter) fishing pier with covered pavilions and seating, and a kids’ park with swings, slides, and a jungle gym. Located on the picturesque Wolf Bay, you can also enjoy bayside beach access. Enjoy picture-worthy moments with a very pleasant ambiance.

Orange Beach Waterfront Park

Address: 26425 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

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4. Go ziplining with the help of The hummingbird Zipline Course

Posted by Hummingbird Zipline Course/Gulf Adventure Center on Tuesday, 2 April 2019

Looking for an adrenaline-filled activity? The Hummingbird Zipline Course is the place to be! Located on the Wharf, this is the longest and most thrilling zipline adventure in Alabama. This 6,000-feet (1829-meter) long course offers eight zip lines ranging from 300 to 1,600 feet (91 to 488 meters), along with towers that are 115 feet (35 meters) tall. Considered to be one of the best attractions in Orange Beach, the staff here ensures that you have a unique and flawless experience. Learn about the island’s fascinating history from your guides and relish the spectacular views of Wolf Bay. It’s undoubtedly super fun, but they are also very careful about your safety.

The Hummingbird Zipline Course

Address: Minutes from all Gulf beaches at 4830, Main St Unit G-114, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States

Website: The Hummingbird Zipline Course

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

Price: from 89 USD

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5. Soak in the beautiful sunset and go on a scenic cruise with Sail Wild Hearts

Our Sunset Cruise is the perfect way to end your day! Our 53-foot catamaran departs an hour before sunset, giving you...

Posted by sail WILD HEARTS on Thursday, 10 October 2019

Soak in the warm Gulf breeze as you sail on an adventurous cruise with Sail Wild Hearts. More specifically, enjoy a gorgeous sunset from a sunset catamaran cruise. You can also choose from a wide range of tours like kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, sunset dolphin cruise, parasailing, customizable private charters, and more. The crew also offers a delicious menu that includes chips, crackers, dips, cheese, and veggies. It is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Sail Wild Hearts

Address: 25328 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States

Website: Sail Wild Hearts

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

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6. Explore local works at Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach


Visit the astonishing, 10,000-square feet (930-square meter) Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach that features a waterfront fine arts gallery. The Orange Beach Festival is also arranged in this roomy, two-story building overlooking the lovely Wolf Bay. The campus also has a Hot Shop - a glass blowing studio where you can create a glass piece. While here, learn at the Clay Studio and make your own creation on the pottery wheel. Home to more than 100 artists, admire the works of potters, watercolorists, painters, textile artists, sculptors, and others.

Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach

Address: 26389 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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7. Go biking or walking at the scenic Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Have you seen this new portion of the Trail- located north of the campground?

Posted by Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail on Friday, 6 January 2017

Enter the natural habitats of Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail that covers over 6280 acres (2542 hectares) of land. It offers a spectrum of activities like walking, jogging, biking, rock climbing, skating, watching wildlife, and photography. Towering pines, palmetto, scrub oak, freshwater lakes, and wetlands will enhance your experience as you connect with nature. Pass through fifteen breathtaking trails spread over six different ecosystems that make up over 25 miles (41 km) of paved trails. Additional attractions include Boulder Park, Butterfly Garden, primitive campsites, and more.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Address: 24037 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States

Website: Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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8. Spend a day at Adventure Island

Do you have weekend plans? What about a round of golf, or two? #familyfun #minigolf

Posted by Adventure Island Orange Beach on Thursday, 17 October 2019

Positioned in the heart of Orange Beach, Adventure Island is your ticket to the ultimate family fun! You can ride bumper boats and go-karts, play laser tag or adventure golf, have fun at the arcade, or enjoy paddleboat rides. The kids won’t get bored as there are several rides exclusively for them. Enjoy watching the massive, five-story volcano eruption with the whole family. Go for an adventurous game of tag, try climbing a coconut tree, play at the 18-hole mini-golf course, and take a relaxing boat ride on the lost lagoon lake.

Adventure Island

Address: 24559 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States

Website: Adventure Island

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: from 2 USD

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9. Treat yourself to a panoramic view of the landscape with Orange Beach Helicopter Tours

141113-N-TP834-207 (24190152405)
Source: Photo by user National Museum o... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

How about taking a thrilling helicopter ride over the gorgeous Orange Beach? A helicopter tour will allow you to enjoy a different perspective of the gorgeous Gulf Coast. The crew at Orange Beach Helicopter Tours can make your anniversary, honeymoon, or date a fantastic experience. The pilots are highly skilled so there won’t be any safety concerns. There are many popular options at Orange Beach, like Orange Beach Helicopter Tours and Lost Bay Helicopters.

Orange Beach Helicopter Tours

Address: 28273 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach AL, 36561

Price: from 50 USD

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10. Go bird watching at Alabama Point East

Millions of minnows at the beach so it was a free for all for the birds and the big fish....

Posted by Dan Howell on Wednesday, 4 September 2019

This is a fantastic place to spend time if you are a nature lover and enjoy watching birds. Alabama Point East is a short drive to the east of Perdido Pass Bridge and offers more than 6,000 feet (1829 meters) of sandy beach, dunes, four wonderful boardwalks, picnic areas, and shower facilities. Spend time fishing, observing the exotic birds, or gazing at the stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Perdido Pass. The place is a critical habitat for many animals, like the Perdido Key beach mouse and a variety of shorebirds. It is also a nesting site for snowy plovers and turtles.

Alabama Point East

Address: 28835 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama 36561

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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11. Explore a plethora of water activities with Alabama Extreme Watersports

Posted by Alabama Extreme Watersports on Friday, 3 June 2016

If you love speed and adventure, then a visit to Alabama Extreme Watersports is a must. Offering its visitors a thrilling and safe water sports experience, this is the newest water sports company located at Bear Point Marina. Explore the back bays of the spectacular Orange Beach on a two-seater Yamaha WaveRunner. Also, the 90-minute guided dolphin tour includes an eco-excursion, a highly engaging experience where you can get up close to the dolphins. The guides will take you to some popular points where you can enjoy the amazing marine wildlife.

Alabama Extreme Watersports

Address: 5749 Bay La Launch Ave, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States

Website: Alabama Extreme Watersports

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: from 99 USD

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12. Try parasailing with Orange Beach Parasail

Posted by Orange Beach Parasail on Sunday, 9 March 2014

Parasailing can indeed be a great vacation activity. Relish the sight of the turquoise waters and the pristine white beaches from above. Experience the adrenaline rush of parasailing with Orange Beach Parasail. This company offers the most exciting and family-oriented parasailing adventure. The staff takes care of all the safety measures. Up to three flyers can be accommodated, and you will stay in the air for about 10 minutes, overlooking the dazzling sights below.

Orange Beach Parasail

Address: 27844 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States

Website: Orange Beach Parasail

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13. Enjoy views of the Wharf atop the Ferris Wheel

Ferris wheel in Orange Beach AL
Source: Photo by user divemasterking2000 used under CC BY 2.0

The first sight of the Wharf’s Ferris Wheel means you have reached your destination! This landmark attraction is one of the biggest Ferris Wheels in the southeast. It’s so thrilling to witness treetop views around the island and feel the soothing Gulf breeze, whether you are starting the day or ending it. Created by the Technical Park of Italy, this electrifying ride stands over 112 feet (35 meters) tall and can accommodate up to 140 people in its 24 gondolas. One of these gondolas is handicap-accessible.

Wharf Ferris Wheel

Address: 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States

Website: Wharf Ferris Wheel

Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm (daily)

Price: from 5 USD

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14. Go fishing on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico (from USD 275.0)

Want to try your luck catching some fish? Embark on an inshore fishing tour on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico in this Orange Beach Fishing Charter. It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family. The tour starts at Bear Point Marina, and you will be accompanied by very knowledgeable crew members. Fishing gear and bottled water will be provided during this excursion. There are also fish cleaning services for everything you catch. Be on the lookout for dolphins, sharks, and turtles. Enjoy fishing on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico

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Orange Beach Kid-Friendly Private Inshore Fishing Experience

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

15. Embark on a dolphin cruise in Orange Beach (from USD 220.0)

Imagine yourself on a cruise, exploring the white sands and turquoise waters of Orange Beach while the warm breeze relaxes your nerves. Cruises are always fun, and spotting dolphins makes it even more exciting. Enjoy a private dolphin cruise, which takes around two hours. The tour happens in the Orange Beach area, in safe inland waters. You will be picked up from Bear Point Marina, and the tour ends at the same location. All kinds of safety measures are ensured by tour operators. Opt for a dolphin cruise to complete your Orange Beach adventure.

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(2) hour private dolphin cruise in Orange Beach

Duration: 2 hours

A mesmerizing beach getaway to Orange Beach

Sunset at Orange Beach, AL
Source: Photo by user Jody Claborn used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Looking at this awesome spectrum of activities, there is no doubt that Orange Beach has something to please every age and every passion. The lively environment of this Gulf Coast town makes you feel welcome all year round. The possibility of going beyond the beaches and indulging in unlimited adventurous activities is what makes this beach destination extremely luring.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Samali Basu, a Content Creator with almost a decade's experience, is a former field journalist with a demonstrated history of working with various industries. She is Post Graduate in English...Read more

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