Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail offers visitors to Orange Beach, Alabama an opportunity to escape the bustling tourist world and immerse themselves in the wild world of towering pines, scrub oak, palmetto, and thick, green deer moss.
Just minutes from the busy beaches and hotels, the trail runs past calm freshwater lakes, mysterious coastal swamps, and lush wetlands teaming with life.
As you walk the easy trail, you might spot white-tailed deer, coyote, bobcat, wild boar, otter, alligator, and hundred species of birds.
Why the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is worth visiting: The trail runs through six distinct ecosystems, namely longleaf sand ridges, freshwater marshes, live oak maritime forest, coastal dunes, pine flatwoods, and coastal hardwood swamps.
Good to know: The trails have interpretive signs to help visitors identify plants and wildlife.
What's nearby? Explore weekend getaways in Alabama for more travel ideas.
24037 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, Phone: 251-981-1180
Orange Beach Waterfront Park
Orange Beach Waterfront Park is shady, pleasant bayside park on beautiful Wolf Bay. Its most visible feature is a 400-foot-long fishing pier, which is a great spot to throw a line and hope for the best.
The spacious park has a number of picturesque picnic pavilions with benches and tables, BBQ grills, picnic shelters, restrooms, and a wonderful kids’ playground with swings, slides, and a jungle gym.
Good to know: There is a trail that runs through this wonderfully landscaped oasis, passing by many lush plants, blooming bushes, and towering trees.
Why is it worth visiting? The park is a popular spot for weddings, parties, festivals, and public events and is great place to watch spectacular sunset over the bay.
Where to find it: The Pleasure Island Art Association is located in the historic Campbell House Gallery in the park.
What's nearby? Browse our things to do in Alabama guide for more ideas.
26425 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, Phone: 251-981-6039
The Wharf, Orange Beach, AL
The Wharf is the most popular, exciting, and inviting dining and shopping destination on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Visitors can choose from a range of restaurants and eateries, from fine dining and casual Southern flair to local seafood favorites.
The fun continues at night at daiquiri bars, boat bars, places with live music, and sport bars with a range of games on TVs.
Do this: At the Wharf, you can pamper yourself at one of several spas and salons with a massage, rejuvenating treatment, or new hairstyle.
Pro tip: If you need some retail therapy, the Wharf has dozens of locally owned boutiques and unique shops, with something for everyone. You can also find decor for your home, sports gear, birthday gifts, and much more.
Where to find it: The Wharf is located on Canal Road in Orange Beach.
23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, Phone: 251-224-1000
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Adventure Island
Adventure Island is a popular amusement park located in Orange Beach just across the street from the Gulf of Mexico. It features a range of exciting rides and adventures for the whole family. You can ride go-karts and bumper boats and play laser tag, try adventure golf, have some fun at the arcade, or go on paddle boat rides.
Is Adventure Island kid friendly? There are many rides just for the kids. The whole family will enjoy watching the eruption of the giant five-story volcano, with fire shooting into the sky.
Why is Adventure Island worth visiting? You can try high power adventure game of tag, play 18-hole mini golf with the whole family, try climbing a coconut palm, or take a slow, relaxing boat ride on Adventure Island’s lost lagoon lake.
What's nearby? Browse our places to visit in Alabama guide for more ideas.
24559 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, Phone: 251-974-1500, (website link)
Where to stay: Perdido Beach Resort
The Fun Boat Dolphin Cruises
The Fun Boat Dolphin Cruises is a 2 hours of family fun in the bays of Orange Beach and Alabama Gulf Shores. It starts from Sportsman Marina in Orange Beach. The fun begins with a pleasant boat ride along the bay to locate playful dolphins.
Dolphins are social creatures that always travel together with their families, so when you spot a pod of dolphins, it means that you will see the whole family: Baby dolphin, daddy dolphin, mama dolphin, maybe even grandma.
Good to know: Knowledgeable deckhands who travel with guests on dolphin cruises will answer all the questions and tell you stories about the local sea life.
Is it kid friendly? After watching dolphins swim around the boat and showing off, the second part of the fun starts: Water wars. Kids get water cannons and squirt guns to splash each other to their hearts’ content. The boats take maximum 35 people on their dolphin cruise so that everyone gets full attention.
27075 Marina Rd., Orange Beach, AL 36561, Phone: 251-971-1893
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Orange Beach Sailing Charters and Sunset Cruises
Orange Beach Sailing Charters offers a relaxing ride on their elegant yacht on the bay or out into the Gulf of Mexico.
There is a range of trips to choose from and in all of them you will be able to see the Perdido Pass bridge, the jetties, the pass, frolicking dolphins, and miles of blue ocean. You will pass by other boats and will see the beach from the Gulf side.
Is it kid friendly? If you are traveling with kids, you might want to choose an introductory 1-hour sail.
Pro tip: For a more romantic journey, they also offer a sunset cruise. All cruises are private and take a maximum six people.
Good to know: You can bring your own snacks and drinks.
Hudson Marina 4575 South Wilson Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, Phone: 251-981-7245
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Gulf State Park Nature Center, Orange Beach, AL
The Gulf State Park Nature Center is home to a unique collection of animals and plants which are native to the Gulf Coast Region.
The center is located within the campground of the Gulf State Park, where it offers a number of regular programs and workshops which are intended to broaden visitor’s knowledge of their natural environment.
Is it kid friendly? The whole family can join in one of their interesting guided beach walks, nature walks or pier walks, to learn more about the plants and animals which have made their home along the Gulf Coast. Children will enjoy meeting a few of their animal ambassadors, which include turtles, alligators, snakes and owls.
Where to find it: Gulf State Park Nature Center, Orange Beach, AL 36561, 251-948-7275
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Cool Shots Selfie Museum, Orange Beach, AL
Dedicated to all selfie and social media enthusiasts, the Cool Shots Selfie Museum in Orange Beach offers 50 unique backdrops for your unique shots.
Here you will find the perfect background scene for your next Instagram Reels or your Tik Tok videos, not to mention hundreds of cool shots for your personal selfie collection.
Good to know: Even if you are not into selfies and social media, you can find amazing settings to take profession-quality family and group photos.
Why is it worth visiting? The museum is perfect for parties and events for all ages; when you book a party everyone gets to have selfie fun in the museum before tucking into pizza, birthday cake and more.
47008 Main Street Unit N-207, Orange Beach, AL 36361, 251-978-6940
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Cobalt, The Restaurant
If you are visiting Orange Beach you definitely need to add Cobalt – The Restaurant, to your list of must-try restaurants. The restaurant has received wide acclaim for their delicious food and wonderful setting at the edge of Perdido Bay. The food has been carefully crafted to provide contemporary coastal cuisine that will bring you back time and again.
There is an emphasis on the freshest of fresh gulf coast fish and seafood including their signature Firecracker Shrimp, served with a spicy remoulade.
Good to know: Those who do not eat fish can enjoy pizza, chicken or salad at lunch time and pizza, grilled chicken, BBQ pork or ribeye steak at dinner time.
28099 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, Phone: 251 923 5300, (website link)
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Orange Beach History Museum
The Orange Beach History Museum is a fascinating local museum located in a century-old schoolhouse, showcasing the region's Native American and nautical heritage. The museum houses numerous artifacts and memorabilia that tell the story about the area’s Native American and maritime history. Many families of fisherman have generously donated collectibles and everyday objects that remind us of the challenges and achievements of the area’s fishing industry in its early days.
Good to know: The building that houses the museum was built in 1910 as a schoolhouse, converted to a museum in 1995, and moved to the present location in 1999.
25850 John M Snook Dr, Orange Beach, AL 36561, Phone: 251-981-8545, (website link)
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The Southern Grind Coffee House at The Wharf
Established in 2012 at The Wharf in Orange Beach, the Southern Grind Coffee House is a popular coffee shop and a social spot. Spacious and bright, this quirky place is full of fascinating details and decorated with art and antiques that grab the attention of everyone who stops by for a cup of Java or some of their unique pastries, cakes, or sandwiches. Everything is made fresh with local ingredients. They use old family recipes for their home-made pastries, gelatos, and other treats.
Pro tip: They have a nice courtyard where you can sit with your dog.
Good to know: They also have a free Wi-Fi, so visitors can check their Facebook or emails.
4751 Main St #116, Orange Beach, AL 36561, Phone: 251-923-3265
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Lartigue's Fresh Seafood, Orange Beach, Alabama
Established in 1979, Lartigue’s Fresh Seafood Market is a family-owned and run business in Orange Beach specializing in fresh seafood caught locally in the Gulf of Mexico. Besides fresh fish and seafood, they also sell steamed seafood to-go with a side order of corn and potatoes, country boils, oven-ready specialty dishes, shrimps, fish, oysters, and crabs. Whether you are just planning to feed your family or having a party or a wedding, Lartigue’s will take care of your needs.
Good to know: They also sell fishing bait, tackle, souvenirs, and much more.
Local travel tip: If you are planning a beach picnic, bring your basket and they will load it up with a perfect lunch, complete with spices, sauces, and cutlery.
23043 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, Phone: 251-948-2644
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Things to Do in Orange Beach: Big Fish Restaurant & Bar
Located in a strip mall on Canal Road in Orange Beach, AL, Big Fish Restaurant is a surprisingly elegant seafood restaurant. The large bar and modern, sophisticated decor with white table cloths in the main dining room create a pleasant atmosphere for a business lunch or a family dinner. The place is famous for their sushi and fresh seafood, but their extensive menu has something for everyone.
Pro tip: If you like seafood, you should not miss the Hurricane, a huge selection of shellfish that includes cold-water lobster tail, jumbo shrimp, diver scallops, blue crab claws, P.E.I. mussels, all poached in their house tomato broth.
Good to know: Their wine list is fairly small but very well selected. The bar makes superb cocktails.
25814 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, Phone: 251-981-5516, (website link)
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City Donut
For over a decade, City Donut has been pleasing Orange Beach palates with some of the best donuts you will find anywhere. This family owned business is proud to offer their wonderful range of freshly baked yeast and cake donuts – they are all baked on site (you will never find a frozen donut lurking here).
Local travel tip: You will need to be an early bird to get your favorite before they run out.
Good to know: The City Donut baristas are on hand to make your favorite espresso coffee while you choose your donuts.
25751 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, 251-981-3688
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Civil Axe Throwing
Axe throwing is a relatively new competitive sport which is taking America by storm. Civil Axe Throwing in Orange Beach is a great place to come and find out what all the excitement is about. They have a team of professionals to teach you all the important safety regulations and to help you learn how to toss your axe in order to strike the bulls-eye.
Is Civil Axe Throwing kid friendly? Everyone over the age of 10 years is welcome to come and have a go. There are several wide lanes for you and your group – up to 8 players can compete in each lane.
Pro tip: Things to remember include the need to wear closed-toe shoes and to bring your own snacks and drinks.
4830 Wharf Parkway, Suite G201, Orange Beach, AL 36561, 251-202-3099
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Breakout Games
Visiting an escape room is a great way to relieve the monotony of your regular nine to five. At Breakout Games in Orange Beach you and your friends or family can rest assured that you will have a highly entertaining 60 minute escape experience. All the rooms can be reserved for your particular group and you will never have to join strangers in an escape room.
Good to know: The themed escape rooms at Breakout are carefully designed to offer realistic scenarios – you can chose between the Runaway Train, the Hostage, the Kidnapping, the Island Escape or Operation Casino.
Pro tip: Escape Room experiences are great for parties and team-building events.
4776 Main Street Suite L208, Orange Beach, AL 36561, 251-929-8330
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Fat Daddy’s Arcade
When you need a break from the sun and the surf at Orange Beach you can head to Fat Daddy’s Arcade for some indoor fun and games. Fat Daddy’s invites you to come and play some of their 80+ high-tech arcade games as well as a host of all your favorite traditional games. In addition you can try your hand at grabbing an E-claw prize or winning at dueling basket ball hoops. Some of their latest arcade games include Jurassic Park, Fruit Ninja, the Walking Dead and more.
Good to know: There are great prizes to be won and you can purchase special multi-play card packages.
24565 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, 251-890-1050
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Beachside Mini Golf
Beachside Mini Golf is a tropical, beach-themed entertainment hub for the whole family. The 18-hole course winds its way between tropical palm trees, water features, a light house and even a fishing boat. The course is conveniently located just a block or two from the beach and is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 8pm (9pm on Friday and Saturday).
Is it family friendly? The course is designed to be fun and entertaining for all ages and it is also handicap accessible.
Local travel tip: After your round of golf you can try your hand at panning for fossils, shells and gemstones at the Mining Discovery Zone.
24156 Ruby Lane, Orange Beach, AL 36561, 251-292-4653
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Beaches Near Me: Alabama Point East
Located a short drive east of Perdido Pass Bridge, in Gulf State Park, Alabama Point East is a great place to spend some time enjoying nature and watching birds. It has over 6,000 feet of wide, sandy beach, boardwalks, sand dunes, picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. The sea oats habitat offers great opportunities for bird observation and fishing.
What is the best spot for photos in Orange Beach? The views of Perdido Pass and the Gulf of Mexico are breathtaking.
Local travel tip: Alabama Point provides a critical habitat for a number of animals, such as the Perdido Key beach mouse. It is a nesting site for the snowy plover and a variety of shorebirds, and common loons feed in the pass during the winter.
Must know: Overnight camping is not permitted in the park.
20115 State Hwy. 135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, Phone: 800-252-7275 or 251-948-7275, (website link)
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Conclusion
Located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Orange Beach is a small Alabama coastal town that attracts thousands of visitors with its spectacular wide, white sandy beach, warm waters, and plenty of activities in the water and on land. There are also several large parks, such as Gulf State Park, Alabama Point East, and Orange Beach Waterfront Park. The Wharf is a popular tourist destination with shops, restaurants, and bars.
