Welcome to the sun-soaked shores of Alabama’s Gulf Coast! Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Our guide highlights the top attractions you won’t want to miss during your visit. From family-friendly activities to culinary delights and natural wonders, these coastal gems have it all. Let’s dive into the best experiences awaiting you in this beautiful corner of the South!
1. The Wharf
This entertainment district in Orange Beach is a hub of activity. Visitors can enjoy shopping at unique boutiques, dining at various restaurants, and catching a movie at the on-site cinema. The Wharf’s centerpiece is its 112-foot Ferris wheel, providing panoramic views of the coast. Throughout the year, The Wharf hosts concerts and events, drawing crowds to its amphitheater.
Families love the Marina, where they can book fishing charters or dolphin-watching tours. For the adventurous, there’s a zipline course soaring above the complex. As evening falls, the streets come alive with music and laughter, creating a festive atmosphere. The Wharf‘s blend of entertainment options makes it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a taste of coastal nightlife and daytime fun all in one place.
2. Souvenir City
This iconic shop is hard to miss, thanks to its enormous shark mouth entrance. Stepping through the jaws, visitors enter a world of beach-themed memorabilia and gifts. Shelves are stacked high with seashells, t-shirts, beach towels, and countless knick-knacks. It’s the perfect spot to find that quirky reminder of your Gulf Shores vacation. Kids especially love the selection of toys and games, while adults might gravitate towards the local food products or home decor items.
The store’s playful atmosphere encourages browsing, with each corner revealing new treasures. Beyond souvenirs, it’s become a photo op destination – many tourists snap pictures in front of the giant shark mouth. While it may seem kitschy to some, Souvenir City has become an endearing part of the Gulf Shores experience, embodying the fun-loving spirit of the beach community.
3. Hangout Music Festival
This annual music festival transforms Gulf Shores’ public beach into a massive concert venue every May. Drawing tens of thousands of fans, the Hangout Fest features an impressive lineup of national and international acts across multiple genres. Attendees enjoy performances on several stages, including one right on the sand. Between sets, festival-goers can cool off in the Gulf of Mexico or participate in beach games and activities.
The event has grown significantly since its inception in 2010, now considered a major player in the U.S. festival scene. Food vendors offer a taste of local cuisine alongside typical festival fare. The Hangout Fest isn’t just about music – it’s a celebration of beach culture and community. Despite its size, the festival maintains a relaxed, beachy vibe that sets it apart from other major music events. It’s become an economic boon for the area, filling hotels and restaurants during what was once a shoulder season.
4. Shrimp Festival In Fall
October brings a seafood lover’s dream to Gulf Shores – the Annual National Shrimp Festival. This four-day event celebrates the area’s rich fishing heritage and its star crustacean. More than 300,000 visitors flock to the public beach for this free festival, which features over 300 vendors. Local restaurants showcase their best shrimp dishes, while arts and crafts booths display work from regional artists.
Live music plays throughout the day on two stages, featuring a mix of national acts and local talent. Children enjoy their own dedicated area with activities and entertainment. The festival also includes a 5K and 10K run, sand sculpture contests, and a shrimp cook-off. Beyond its culinary focus, the Shrimp Festival serves as a community gathering, bringing together locals and tourists to celebrate coastal culture. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience the flavors and hospitality of Gulf Shores.
5. Louisiana Lagniappe
This upscale restaurant offers a taste of New Orleans in the heart of Gulf Shores. Known for its fresh seafood and Creole-inspired dishes, Louisiana Lagniappe has been a local favorite since 1984. The menu features Gulf Coast classics like gumbo and étouffée alongside innovative seafood preparations. Their signature dishes include stuffed shrimp and blackened fish topped with crawfish sauce. The restaurant’s elegant yet comfortable atmosphere makes it ideal for both special occasions and casual dinners.
Large windows offer diners views of the marina, enhancing the coastal dining experience. Louisiana Lagniappe prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible, supporting area fishermen and farmers. The attentive service and consistently high-quality food have earned the restaurant numerous accolades over the years. For those seeking a refined dining experience that captures the essence of Gulf Coast cuisine, Louisiana Lagniappe delivers.
6. Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s
Owned by singer Jimmy Buffett’s sister Lucy, LuLu’s is more than just a restaurant – it’s a Gulf Shores institution. This family-friendly destination combines casual dining with all-day entertainment. The menu features coastal comfort food, including their famous Crazy Sista’s Cheeseburger and fresh seafood dishes. What sets LuLu’s apart is its expansive outdoor area, complete with a beach, ropes course, and arcade. Live music plays daily, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Kids can play in the sand or splash in the fountain while parents relax with a cocktail. The restaurant also caters to those allergies, offering separate menus for various dietary restrictions. LuLu’s embodies the laid-back, fun-loving spirit of Gulf Shores, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals. Its waterfront location on the Intracoastal Waterway provides a picturesque backdrop for a meal or an afternoon of family fun.
7. Breathtaking Sunsets
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are renowned for their spectacular sunsets, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. The flat, unobstructed horizon over the Gulf of Mexico provides the perfect canvas for nature’s nightly show. Many beachfront restaurants time their dinner service to coincide with sunset, allowing diners to enjoy the view.
For a more active experience, evening kayak tours offer the chance to paddle on the calm waters as the sun dips below the horizon. Photographers flock to the area, capturing the interplay of light on water and sand. Some of the best spots to watch the sunset include Gulf State Park Pier, Beach Boulevard, and Fort Morgan. The sunsets here aren’t just beautiful – they’re a nightly ritual that brings people together, creating a moment of shared wonder and tranquility amidst the bustle of beach life.
8. Play A Round of Golf
Golf enthusiasts find plenty to love in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, home to nine signature golf courses. These courses offer a mix of challenges and scenic beauty, often incorporating the area’s natural features into their design. Kiva Dunes, designed by former U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate, is consistently rated as one of Alabama’s top courses. Its links-style layout takes full advantage of the coastal terrain.
The Gulf Shores Golf Club, the area’s original course, provides a more traditional round amidst mature trees and lakes. Many courses offer views of the Gulf or back bays, adding to the pleasure of a game. The mild climate allows for year-round play, though summer afternoons can be hot. Local golf packages often combine tee times with accommodations, making it easy for visitors to plan a golf-centric vacation. Even novice players can enjoy the sport here, golf lessons are available at several courses.
9. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Known as “The Little Zoo That Could” after its evacuation during Hurricane Ivan, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a beloved attraction in Gulf Shores. The zoo houses over 500 animals representing 118 species, including lions, tigers, bears, and primates. Its smaller size allows for a more intimate experience, with opportunities to get up close to many animals.
The zoo offers animal encounters where visitors can interact with sloths, kangaroos, and lemurs under staff supervision. Educational programs run throughout the day, teaching visitors about wildlife conservation. The zoo’s dedication to animal welfare is evident in its spacious, naturalistic habitats. A petting zoo area is particularly popular with younger visitors. The facility also includes a reptile house and aviary. In 2020, the zoo moved to a new, larger location, allowing for expanded exhibits and improved visitor amenities. Its continued growth and commitment to education make it a top attraction for families visiting Gulf Shores.
10. Gulf State Park
Spanning 6,500 acres, Gulf State Park is a natural oasis in the heart of Gulf Shores. The park boasts two miles of pristine beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Inland, a 900-acre lake offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Hikers and cyclists can explore over 28 miles of trails through various ecosystems, including coastal hardwood swamps and pine forests.
The park’s campground provides RV and tent sites, while the Lodge at Gulf State Park offers hotel accommodations with beach views. Nature programs led by park naturalists help visitors learn about local flora and fauna. The park’s pier, stretching 1,540 feet into the Gulf, is a popular spot for fishing and dolphin watching. Picnic areas and playgrounds make it easy for families to spend a full day enjoying the outdoors. Gulf State Park showcases the natural beauty of Alabama’s coast while providing accessible recreational opportunities for all ages.
Which is Nicer, Orange Beach or Gulf Shores?
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are both beautiful coastal destinations with their own unique charms. Orange Beach tends to have more upscale resorts and condos, while Gulf Shores offers a mix of accommodations and a slightly more casual vibe. Personal preference plays a big role in determining which is “nicer.” Both areas boast stunning beaches, great restaurants, and plenty of activities.
Conclusion
As you plan your visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, remember these attractions offer just a glimpse of the area’s charm. The warm sand, friendly locals, and endless activities ensure a memorable coastal getaway for every traveler.
For an unforgettable stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, book with Luxury Coastal Vacations. Experience top-tier accommodations and personalized service for your dream beach holiday.
