Craving sugar-white sands, Gulf Coast sunshine, and endless outdoor fun? Head to Orange Beach, Alabama! Located on Alabama’s scenic Gulf Coast, Orange Beach is a family-friendly resort town packed with water sports, fresh seafood, and beachfront relaxation. Whether you're dolphin-watching, zip-lining, or just kicking back with ocean views, it’s a top destination for coastal escapes in the South.
Orange Beach, AL Highlights:
- For Beach Lovers: Relax on Orange Beach – Powdery white sand, emerald water, and gentle surf make it perfect for families and sunseekers.
- For Boaters: Cruise the bays with a dolphin tour or fishing charter – Get out on the water for close encounters with marine life and big catches.
- For Adventure Seekers: Zipline at The Wharf – Soar above canals and nature trails on a thrilling aerial course.
- For Bikers: Ride the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail – Explore 28 miles of paved trails through coastal forests and marshland.
- For Shoppers: Explore The Wharf at Orange Beach – Dine, shop, catch a movie, and ride the Ferris wheel at this waterfront complex.
When I like to visit Orange Beach, AL
The best time to visit Orange Beach is in spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). These shoulder seasons offer warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and great deals on lodging. Summer is lively and hot, while winter is quiet and mild—ideal for a peaceful coastal retreat.
Tips for getting to Orange Beach, AL
- By Car: Orange Beach is accessible via AL-182 and is about 45 minutes from Pensacola, FL, or 1.5 hours from Mobile, AL.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pensacola International Airport (PNS), about 35 miles away. Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) is another option.
- By Shuttle/Taxi: Local shuttle and taxi services connect travelers from area airports to beach resorts and condos.
Where I like to stay in Orange Beach, AL
- Recommended for Families: Phoenix Orange Beach – Spacious beachfront condos with pools, lazy rivers, and full kitchens.
- For Couples: Perdido Beach Resort – Upscale resort with oceanfront rooms, fine dining, and a romantic atmosphere.
- For Budget Travelers: Sleep Inn on the Beach – A value-friendly stay steps from the sand with complimentary breakfast.
Best Things to Do in Orange Beach, AL
1. 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.
24037 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, Phone: 251-981-1180
2. 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.
26425 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, Phone: 251-981-6039
3. The Wharf
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
4. 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.
24559 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, Phone: 251-974-1500
Cruises
5. 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
6. Orange Beach Sailing Charters and Sunset Cruises
Orange Beach Sailing Charters and Sunset Cruises 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
Recommended Activities for Families
7. Gulf State Park Nature Center
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
Where to Eat in Orange Beach, AL
8. 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
9. 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
My favorite local events:
- For Foodies: National Shrimp Festival (October, in nearby Gulf Shores) – Celebrate seafood with live music, vendors, and coastal cuisine.
- For Music Fans: Hangout Music Festival (May) – One of the biggest beachfront music festivals in the country.
- For Family Fun: Mardi Gras Parades (February) – Family-friendly festivities with beads, music, and beach-town flair.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Orange Beach:
- For Military History: Pensacola Naval Air Station (45 min) – Home to the Blue Angels and the National Naval Aviation Museum.
- For History Buffs: Fort Morgan Historic Site (45–60 min) – A coastal Civil War fort offering history and panoramic bay views.
- For Wildlife & Nature: Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (30 min) – Protected habitat with nature trails and coastal dunes.
- For Shopping: Tanger Outlets Foley (30 min) – Brand-name outlets and local shops in a popular retail destination.
- For Island Hopping: Dauphin Island (90 min via ferry) – Beaches, an aquarium, and a laid-back coastal vibe.
Plan Your Trip