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    Home » Alabama » Orange Beach » Things to Do

    The Wharf in Orange Beach, AL

    Modified: May 8, 2026 · Published: Mar 12, 2024 by Tammilee · This post may contain affiliate links

    The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama is must see attraction, shopping destination, restaurant mecca, and so much more!

    Row of palm trees in front of a two story shopping center with a ferris wheel on the left side

    TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
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    ✨What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

    The Wharf in Orange Beach, AL

    Contents show
    The Wharf in Orange Beach, AL
    Attractions and Things to do at The Wharf
    Wharf Amphitheater
    The Wharf Orange Beach Restaurants
    Shopping at The Wharf
    Events at The Wharf
    New Year's Eve Kid Confetti Drop and Marlin Drop
    Blue Marlin Grand Championship
    Wharf Boat & Yacht Show
    Orange Beach Freedom Fest
    MoonPies on Main
    Christmas at The Wharf
    Ice Skating
    Where to stay at The Wharf Orange Beach
    Springhill Suite at The Wharf
    Wharf Condos
    Portside on Main
    Things to know when planning a visit to The Wharf Orange Beach
    Additional Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Articles
    Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours

    Located off of Canal Road in Orange Beach, The Wharf is a must-see attraction as you drive down the road. The Wharf Ferris Wheel can be seen easily, especially at night when it is lit up in fun colors.

    Whether you are visiting in December or in the middle of summer there is always something to do and see at The Wharf Orange Beach.

    Living in the area we find ourselves making the short drive over to The Wharf frequently. There are so many special events, great restaurants, and things to do that we end up there at least once or twice a week if not more often.

    The Wharf Ferris Wheel list up red and blue at night

    Attractions and Things to do at The Wharf

    The Wharf has something going on every day of the year - dolphin cruises, a giant Ferris Wheel, live concerts, a laser light show, indoor golf, and more. Here is a quick look at what is available:

    On the Water Cetacean Dolphin Cruise - Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise - Wharf Marina

    Entertainment and Attractions Wharf Amphitheater - Ferris Wheel - Wharf Express Train - AMC Theaters - Tee Off at The Wharf - Breakout Games - Outer Limits VR Game Room

    SPECTRA Laser Light Show Nightly choreographed laser light show with surround sound music at 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, and 8:30 PM. Each show is different so hang around for all three. Free to watch from anywhere along Main Street or the marina. The outdoor seating at Kilwins on Main Street is one of the best spots to watch with a sweet treat in hand.

    Portside on Main Outdoor stage with live events - Tee Off swing suites - boutique shopping - dining and drinks. Located near the front entrance to The Wharf off Canal Road.

    Events New Year's Eve Marlin Drop - Orange Beach Billfish Classic - Wharf Boat and Yacht Show - MoonPies on Main - Orange Beach Freedom Fest - 4th of July - Christmas at The Wharf, including ice skating - Wharf Amphitheater Concerts

    Wharf Amphitheater with bright lights shining, people in seats and bleachers, on a dark night

    Wharf Amphitheater

    Enjoy amazing entertainment and concerts at The Wharf Amphitheater. They bring is amazing bands and some of the biggest names for singers!

    Everything from country to hip-hop can be seen at this epic outdoor arena. This 10,000 seat amphitheater is one of the largest music venues along the Gulf Coast.

    looking over Marlin Circle down the main street of The Wharf with palm trees down the middle, Wharf ferris wheel on the far right side

    The Wharf Orange Beach Restaurants

    If you are looking for great seafood, ice-cream, tacos, or just great food you can find it at The Wharf. Some of our favorite Orange Beach restaurants are found here.

    The Wharf has dining options for every occasion - waterfront fine dining, casual bar food, pizza, cocktail bars, sweet treats, and morning coffee. See the full Wharf Restaurants Guide here for detailed info on every spot.

    Date Night and Fine Dining Villaggio Grille - Mile Marker 158 Dockside - 8 Reale Speakeasy - Gulf Babe Wine Boutique

    Casual Dining and Bar Food Ginny Lane Bar and Grill - YoHo Rum and Taco Bar - Dick's Last Resort - Tee Off at The Wharf

    Pizza, Quick Bites, and Deli Vinny's Pizzeria - Island Time Daiquiris and Pizza - The Beli

    Sweet Treats and Dessert Kilwins Orange Beach - Crave Cookies - The Sugar Shack and Cafe - Dippin' Dots

    Coffee and Drinks Southern Grind Coffee House - Alabama Sweet Tea Company - Crush Wine

    Coming Soon Jimmy Buffett's Last Mango Bar and Chill

    Full Wharf Restaurants Guide →

    The Southern Grind at the Wharf display of beach prodcts

    Shopping at The Wharf

    The Wharf has over 30 shops covering fashion, gifts, souvenirs, home decor, cigars, sunglasses, spices, bath products, and more. Always confirm current tenants at alwharf.com/directory before your visit as the lineup does change.

    Fashion and Apparel Coco LOUIE - Crew - Huk - Joanna A. Boutique - LM Boutique - Love JUDE - Lucca - Maho Bay Company - SALT - Shades - Skylark - Sôlt and Stōn - Southern Athletica - The Royal Standard

    Gifts, Souvenirs, and Home Decor Build-A-Bear Workshop - Current Collection - Direct Furniture - Fish On A Dish - Frank and Co. at The Wharf - Fric-N-Frac - Gulf Coast House of Jerky - Pepper Palace - Sand Dollar Lifestyles - The Spice and Tea Exchange - The Wharf Store

    Bath, Beauty, and Wellness High Cotton Bath Company - create your own custom bath products in dozens of scents with monogramming and gift options available

    Pets Good Dog Boutique - gifts, toys, treats, and accessories for your four-legged travel companions

    Cigars and Spirits Shore Thing Cigars - Luke Bryan's luxury cigar and cocktail lounge at The Wharf with a private members' backstage lounge - Kentucky Mist Distillery - Legacy Spirits

    Portside on Main Boutiques Lavish Retail and Co - LM Boutique - Little Sunshine by the Sea - Love JUDE - SALT

    Tech and Services MyPhone Repair - cell phone and tablet repair right at The Wharf

    Mardi gras float with shrimp wearing a jesters hat and people dressed up on Main Street in the Wharf

    Events at The Wharf

    There are so many epic events at The Wharf in Orange Beach! If you are into restored cars make sure to look for the car events. They are so much fun.

    New Year's Eve Kid Confetti Drop and Marlin Drop

    Have you ever wanted to see a marlin drop from the sky to celebrate New Years Eve? If the answer is yes than this is the event for you!

    Blue Marlin Grand Championship

    Considered by many to be the greatest show in sportfishing the Blue Marlin Grand Championship is a multi-day event.

    It's the final leg of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series.

    Wharf Boat & Yacht Show

    The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show features over $100 million in boats and marine products. There are more than 120 companies exhibiting their best products.

    The show includes 130 wet slip boats and yachts along with more than 300 sport and console boats on land. There is live music, art classes for kids, and so much more. The event benefits St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

    Orange Beach Freedom Fest

    Enjoy family friendly activities, Bama Coast Cruisin' Car Show, and so much more.

    MoonPies on Main

    One of our favorite Wharf events is MoonPies on Main! Celebrate Mardi Gras with a float parade down main street along with a seriously cute pet parade.

    Christmas tree lit up with lights and ornaments next to palm trees with red and green lights. Looking down the road to The Wharf Ferris Wheel

    Christmas at The Wharf

    The holiday season is absolutely amazing at The Wharf! This is the perfect place to get family photos including Santa pictures. Bring your shopping list and enjoy fun shopping and events at great local stores.

    Ice Skating

    Enjoy ice skating in November and December with hot chocolate and lots of fun.

    Orange Beach Event Center - The event center offers 18,000 square feet of space perfect for corporate events, conferences, trade shows, banquets, sporting events, and more.

    Exterior pool and multi story Springhill Suites Hotel in Orange Beach

    Where to stay at The Wharf Orange Beach

    Springhill Suite at The Wharf

    We stayed at the Marriott Springhill Suites when we were looking for houses. The hotel offers a state-of-the-art-fitness center, epic pool, easy access to town, and great rooms.

    Many of the rooms have private balcony with a great view of the pool.

    Book your hotel stay here.

    Wharf Condos

    Vacation rentals are available right at The Wharf! Levin's Bend Condominiums include 9 floors of condos overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and The Wharf Marina.

    Enjoy easy access to the Oasis Pool with a zero-entry wave pool, lazy river, hammock island, and tiki bar.

    Portside on Main sign on a blue building with palm trees on either side

    Portside on Main

    Check out 33,000 square foot retail space with offices and entertainment, along with an outdoor stage.

    The new tenants includeTee Off at The Wharf, LM Boutique, Kilwins, Love Jude Boutique, Little Sunshine by the Sea, Salt, Gulf Babe Wine Boutique, Legacy Spirits, Lavish Retail + Co, and Crave Cookies.

    Portside on Main has more than 33,000 feet of space that is currently being built near the front entrance to The Wharf.

    • Tee Off at the Wharf - Has the Gulf Coast's largest swing suite powered by Top Golf.
    • LM Boutique - A contemporary women's fashion boutique with accessible, chic clothing and accessories.
    • Brand - Luxurious interior decor and specialty gifts, on-trend jewelry, and more.
    • Kilwins - A 2nd location offering their delicious ice cream, confections, and decadent fudge.
    • Love, Jude - This super cute boutique offers investment-worthy pieces that are comfortable and stylish.
    • Little Sunshine by the Sea - The Beaufort Bonnet Company Signature Store is an upscale children's boutique.
    • Salt - The 2nd location for this great locally owned boutique.
    • Gulf Babe Wine Boutique - Trendy and coastal inspired wine bar offering a social wine experience.
    • Legacy Spirits - Boutique spirits store with a wide variety of liquor, spirits, and mixers.
    • Lavish Retail + Co - On trend retail boutique offering clothing, accessories, and shoes.
    • Crave Cookies - New flavors of cookies offered weekly. Oh my!
    Painted mural with Hooked on Fun, a boat, #shopthewharf, and palm trees

    Things to know when planning a visit to The Wharf Orange Beach

    Address - 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561

    Hours - The Wharf's hours vary by season

    Accessibility - We highly suggest finding parking on the main level of the Wharf or along Main Street. The elevator and escalators have a tendency to not be running when you need them.

    Plus Size Seating - There are benches and comfortable chairs outside at many of the local restaurants. Most of the restaurants have had comfortable chairs. Check each restaurant link above to see photos of the chairs and seating options.

    Dress Code/Suggestions - casual, date night, whatever makes you happy.

    Pets - Pets are allowed outside including on the pooch porch at The Southern Grind.

    Public Parking  - There is quite a bit of free parking available at The Wharf in Orange Beach. There are two multi-level parking garages on each side of the property.

    Nearest Airport:

    • Gulf Shores Airport - 3 miles
    • Pensacola International Airport - 35 miles
    • Mobile Regional Airport - 68 miles
    • New Orleans International Airport - 203 miles
    Metal marlin statues in the middle of a round about looking down the road to Palm trees and The Wharf Ferris Wheel

    Additional Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Articles

    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - They offer amazing animal encounters (Lemurs, Kangaroos, Giraffe Feeding, and Sloths)! This little zoo is packed with fun. They have a great petting zoo area with goats, donkeys, and more.

    Best Bars in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores - Check out the best bars to enjoy a great drink, live music, and fun atmosphere.

    Unique Things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores - There are so many amazing and unique things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!

    Best Sunrise spots in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - All of the best places to view sunrise.

    Bottlenose dolphin jumping out of a wave on the Gulf of Mexico

    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, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.

    Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach

    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 Parasailing 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.

    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!

    Check out our Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.

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