The Wharf Ferris Wheel is one of the most popular attractions in Orange Beach, Alabama. Enjoy stunning views of the Gulf Coast.
The Wharf Ferris Wheel
Your first glimpse of The Wharf may very well have been the gorgeous Ferris Wheel. You can't miss the light show at night.
Whether you are enjoying a Gulf Coast beach vacation or local looking for a fun thing to do with your kids, this landmark attraction is worth visiting.
The Wharf Ferris Wheel is 112 feet tall with 24 gondolas that can hold a total of 140 people at a time. It is one of the tallest Ferris Wheels in the Southeast.
Enjoy tree-top views with the whole family. During our ride we enjoyed four spins around on the Wharf Ferris Wheel right before sunset.
The Ferris Wheel is open day or night so you can get two different experiences riding it a couple of times.
The ride is pretty smooth and you can see a great view of The Wharf shopping complex. In the distance you can see Turquoise Place and other Orange Beach Condo Buildings.
Why you will love The Wharf Ferris Wheel
- One of the top things to do in Orange Beach
- Fun ride for the entire family
- Unique thing to do in Orange Beach
- Giant Ferris Wheel near restaurants and shopping.
- Fun for locals, tourists, and visitors.
Things to know when planning a visit to The Wharf Ferris Wheel
The Wharf Ferris Wheel Cost - $8 per person, ages 3 and under ride free.
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the Ferris Wheel.
You can also buy a 1-day or 2-day attraction pass that includes admission to the Ferris wheel, Gulf Coast Zoo, and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, and Historic Blakeley State Park
Address - 23101 Canal Rd., Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone - 251-224-1000
Hours - Check the Wharf Facebook page for any changes in hours. The ride will shut down for rain, lighting or other special events.
Please confirm that the hours have not changed.
Accessibility - There is one wheelchair/handicapped-accessible gondola that can hold 1 wheelchair and 1 additional companion rider.
If you have mobility restrictions with your legs or hips this ride may be difficult. There is a small entrance into the Ferris Wheel Pod and then a step down into it.
Once you are in the pod you will need to shuffle a bit to get situated. The bench seating is pretty low and your knees will be higher than the bench seat most likely.
There is a pole in the middle that can be used to pull yourself back up but it is a small amount of space.
Plus Size Seating - The seating inside of the Ferris Wheel is interesting. You will need to be able to maneuver through a small door and then into the pod.
The door opens into the pod so you will need to maneuver around the pole depending on which seat your are in.
Once in the pod the bench is pretty low. One good thing about the Ferris Wheel pod is there is a pole in the middle of it. At the end of the ride you can use the pole to pull yourself up if you have any problems standing back up again.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual
Pets - Pets are not allowed on the Ferris wheel.
Parking - There is a ton of free parking at The Wharf either along Main Street or in the parking garages.
Restaurants and Attractions at The Wharf
Don't miss the Spectra laser light experience! It is fun for the entire family.
Wharf Amphitheater - Epic live music and concerts in the heart of Orange Beach. This 10,000-seat amphitheater is amazing.
Vinny's Pizzeria - Located right next door to the Ferris Wheel! They have great pizzas by the slice, whole pizzas, and my husbands favorite Pepperoni Log.
Villaggio Grille - offers Italian food in a casual fine-dining restaurant. Fresh ingredients create a wonderful meal you are sure to talk about for days.
Ginny Lane Bar and Grill - Enjoy a great meal with a fun atmosphere.
Southern Grind Coffee House - Enjoy a delicious drink and shop their amazing coastal gifts.
Mile Marker 158 Dockside - Located at the Wharf next to the Springhill Suites is a great local restaurant.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasaiing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access - provides easy access to one of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast of Alabama.
Orange Beach restaurants with a view - Check out all of the great restaurants that have epic water views.
Breakfast restaurants in Orange Beach - The best places to grab breakfast and/or brunch.
Gulf Shores Zoo - Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and see all of their amazing animals.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have stayed at each of these lodging options:
The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan): This resort offers beachfront condos with amazing amenities and a great spa. Don't miss dinner at Coast Restaurant.
Use Code - GULFJOURNEY for a discount when booking with Spectrum Resort.
Turquoise Place Luxury Vacation Rentals (Orange Beach): This is our favorite resort in the area! It offers luxury amenities, epic beachfront views, and unbelievable condos.
Use Code - GULFJOURNEY for a discount when booking with Spectrum Resort.
Springhill Suites Orange Beach: Located next to The Wharf, it is an excellent location near shopping and dining. We enjoyed their gorgeous pool.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park: Located on the beach in Gulf State Park, this Hilton Hotel offers epic beach views, a sustainable hotel experience, and great restaurants.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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