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Things to do in Orange Beach, Alabama

Orange Beach, Alabama

Destination: Orange Beach

Welcome to the Alabama Gulf Coast! Relax, unwind, and take in the area’s 32 miles of sandy coastline extending from the Fort Morgan peninsula to the Alabama-Florida border. Here in Orange Beach, you’ll find a tranquil seaside community with beautiful beaches, stunning vacation rentals, fantastic weather, and countless family-friendly activities. 

When you choose Orange Beach for your next vacation, the sky’s the limit when it comes to activities for the whole family. If you’re here to take it easy, there’s no better way to spend your days than lounging on the beach from dawn ‘til dusk. Plus, with nature trails, water adventures for all ages, and over 20 golf courses nearby, there’s plenty to do year-round.

What’s more, known as the Red Snapper Capital of the World, Orange Beach is also a favorite destination for inshore and offshore fishing. Be it the area’s sun, surf, food, or people…whatever brings you to the area, you’ll be glad you came. And, chances are, you’ll be back! 

Book your next Orange Beach vacation home today.

Where is Orange Beach?

Orange Beach is a vacation destination located on the southernmost tip of Alabama along the Gulf of Mexico. Situated between the Gulf Coast State Park in Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida, Orange Beach is a popular driving destination for day trips, weekend getaways, and week-long vacations. Major airports nearby include the Pensacola International Airport and the Mobile Regional Airport.

Things to do in Orange Beach

Orange Beach is known for its natural beauty, scenic coastline, and quiet, laid-back atmosphere. Beach options are plentiful, with Alabama Point East, Cotton Bayou, and Romar Beach popular destinations for locals and visitors alike. 

Water Activities

Beyond the beach, water activities are abundant and available through a variety of water sports outlets. Rent a pontoon boat, jet ski, or sailboat for the day, or let someone else take the helm and book a dolphin, marine life, or sunset tour! For those more adventurous, explore the area’s waterways via paddleboard, kayak, or canoe, or canvas the terrain by air via parasailing, skydiving, or in a helicopter. 

Gulf State Park

Pack a picnic and head to Gulf State Park in the neighboring Gulf Shores, a public recreation area encompassing over 6,000 acres and filled with diverse habitats, thriving ecosystems, and an array of flora and fauna native to the area. Once on-site, head to the pier for fishing, or swim and boat in Lake Shelby. And, don’t miss the Backcountry Trail, a 28-mile paved trail system, ADA compliant and ideal for hikers, bikers, and Segway tours. 

Family-Friendly Activities

Beyond the beach, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities for kids of all ages. With several amusement parks and entertainment districts throughout the surrounding area, plus the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, when it comes to family-friendly activities in Orange Beach the options are many.

The Wharf at Orange Beach

Spend the day at The Wharf, an entertainment center with shopping, dining, and activities for the whole family. While you’re there, ride the Southeast’s biggest ferris wheel, enjoy an evening laser light show, or partake in Alabama’s longest zipline course. 

OWA Amusement Park & Entertainment Destination

Located up the road in Foley, AL, you’ll find yourself at OWA–the largest amusement park in Alabama. Complete with roller coasters, kiddie rides, firework displays, and a splash pad, a day at OWA is always well spent. 

Book your next Orange Beach vacation home today.

Where to Eat in Orange Beach

Food in the South isn’t just one cuisine, it’s a melting pot of flavors, traditions, and cultures. When it comes to Orange Beach cuisine, we take it one step further, by creating unique environments in which it’s consumed. Orange Beach is packed with countless family-friendly restaurants serving up fresh catches, killer views, fun atmospheres, and casual vibes. 

Here’s a round-up of local’s favorites for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks throughout Orange Beach and the surrounding area.

  • The Southern Grind Coffee House – for breakfast sandwiches, frappes, and smoothies. Then, browse the gift shop packed with jewelry, home decor, and local art and linger on the open-air, pet-friendly patio. 
  • Lulu’s – for great food, tasty cocktails, live music, and a ropes course for the kids. 
  • Hog Wild Beach & BBQ – offering up pork, chicken, and ribs with southern sides and homemade cornbread. 
  • The Gulf – a great open-air option for an afternoon spent overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Adults can indulge in frozen libations and sample fresh seafood while the little ones will enjoy the kid-friendly menu and plenty of space for outdoor exploration. 
  • Fisher’s Dockside at Orange Beach Marina – features an extensive wine selection with menu offerings ranging from po’boys and fish tacos to fresh scallops and filet mignon. 
  • Tacky Jacks – a local staple for waterfront seafood in Orange Beach.
  • Kayden’s Candy Factory and The Yard Milkshake Bar – because no meal is complete without dessert when you’re on vacation!

Plan your culinary adventure and choose from over 100 restaurants in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores at GulfShores.com.

Orange Beach Vacation Rentals

Ocean Edge

Sitting directly on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, Ocean Edge features cottage-style homes with luxury finishes and highly sought-after community amenities. Gulf-front homes offer eight bedrooms with room for up to 21 guests and adjacent, inland homes feature three bedrooms, sleeping up to 12 guests. Offering 300 feet of private beach, a community pool and sundeck, plus EV charger, Ocean Edge offers stunning accommodations and ideal vacation amenities. 

Book your Ocean Edge vacation home today.

The Osprey at Orange Beach

With a premier location in the heart of Orange Beach, The Osprey is just minutes from everything the Alabama Gulf Coast has to offer. This luxury beach community offers three to six-bedroom homes, plus access to boat slips and a large zero-entry community pool. If you’re looking to unwind, or want a fun-filled family vacation, The Osprey at Orange Beach is the ideal spot for your escape. 

Book your vacation to The Osprey at Orange Beach today.

Orange Beach Events

When in doubt, plan your Orange Beach vacation around one of the many festivals, events, and concerts throughout the year. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is not to miss, featuring more than 40 hot air balloons flying at dawn and dusk daily. Or, if you’re here for the seafood, why not travel during the Annual National Shrimp Festival, a lively celebration of music, art, and all things shrimp? If music is your thing, check out The Wharf Amphitheater line-up, ranging from rock and roll to country music and more. 

From the Orange Beach Billfish Classic to the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship, there’s always something happening in Orange Beach!

Orange Beach Weather

The Alabama Gulf Coast’s mild climate is perfect for land and water activities year-round. Days are typically bright and sunny with an average summer temperature of 82°. Winter brings fewer crowds and cools off a bit with temperatures dipping down into the 50’s. Water conditions range from 55° in January to 85° at its peak in August. 

Come for the moderate climate, friendly natives, family-friendly activities, and stay for the unbeatable selection of beach vacation homes. Book your Orange Beach vacation home today!

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