Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach

The Coastal Art Center of Orange Beach, Alabama, offers amazing art classes, a world-class gallery, and special events.

Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach

The Coastal Art Center of Orange Beach is one of my favorite places to take art classes and look at gorgeous local art work.

They offer kids and adult art classes during various times of the year. If you are visiting and want to take a glass making class they can ship your glass art to your house to keep it protected.

Fine Art Gallery

The Fine Art Gallery at the Coastal Art Center is 10,000 square feet of gallery space. The two-story gallery showcases the work of Gulf Coast Artists.

If you are looking for coastal art to decorate your home, make sure to visit the art gallery spread throughout the spacious two-story building.

Every time I walk in I find more art pieces than I have walls to decorate.

There are so many gorgeous paintings, art pieces, photographs, pottery, and blown glass pieces.

The views of scenic Wolf Bay from the back of the Coastal Art Center are epic. This is a gift shop that I will happily visit any chance I get.

The original unique items from local artists include photography, craft pieces, blown glass pieces, sculpture, and so much more.

Hot Shop

The Hot Shop offers the opportunity to view glass artists working daily, take a make-your-own glass-blowing lesson or book a private glass-blowing class.

Make Your Own Glass Blowing Lessons are offered 4 days a week in the morning. You can choose to make a paperweight, globe, starfish, or flower during a session.

Each glass piece requires a different process. The glass artist will demonstrate each piece so you can decide which one to try.

Participants need to be ages 8 and over, wear closed-toed shoes, and they prefer you wear cotton clothing.

They also offer Flameworking Glass - Basics most Fridays for three hours. This class is an introduction to flameworking.

Can you tell how excited I was for The Hot Shop glass class. Total bucket list moment!

Athan the Glass Artist I worked with was amazing! He is so knowledgeable about glass work but also handled my sarcasm and joy with ease.

The Hot Shop classes are HANDS ON! You can do as much or as little as you choose. During the initial demonstration of each glass piece that can be made they explain which ones take the most hands on moments.

I chose to make a two color glass flower and the process was fascinating and so much fun.

I participated in almost every single step that is needed to make a glass flower. I stood by the furnace turning the glass to get it evenly heated, moved the punty (Metal rod) to the work bench, and kept the glass moving at all times.

Once the punty rod was on the work bench I helped pull the hot glass flower petals with a large pair of tweezers.

Athan walked me through how to pinch and pull the flower petals for an even flower. I am so excited to have my own glass piece that I helped crate.

If you have ever been fascinating with glass work you NEED to take this class. It is unbelievable.

We are already talking about taking a few classes in the Fall to make holiday gifts for family. Everyone needs a glass starfish or flower in their life.

Clay Studio

The Clay Studio features the work of ceramics artist Maya Blume-Cantrell. Visitors can sign up for a make-your-own pottery class including hand building, throwing on a pottery wheel, or pick-n-paint glaze premade pottery.

They also offer open studio time for clay artists throughout the year.

The pottery classes are amazing and so much fun. The guided class is perfect for trying your hand at throwing a pottery bowl.

Coastal Arts Student Academy Classes

Young artists in grades 3 to 6 can participate in a semester-long class that meets once per week for two hours.

Sessions include Camp CASA, Lil Kids Camp (for rising 1st to 3rd graders), and teen workshops (for rising 8th to 12th graders).

Orange Beach Festival of Art

The Orange Beach Festival of Art showcases visual, performing, musical, and culinary arts on the grounds of the Coastal Art Center.

Why you will love the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach

• Glass blowing classes at Alabama's premier hot shop
• Clay Studio and classes
• Local artists work for sale
• Gorgeous facility
• Enjoy artistic experiences while creating your own work of art
• Creative options to build your own creation and share with family members

Things to know when planning a visit to the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach

Address - 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Located east of Highway 161 just past the Orange Beach Library, Next to Orange Beach Waterfront Park.

Phone -

Hours - Gallery - Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Gallery is closed on the following holidays:

• Half day New Year's Eve and all-day New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Mardi Gras Day
• Easter Holidays
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving Holidays
• Christmas Holidays

Accessibility - There are accessible parking spaces near the Hot Shop and near the Waterfront Park.

Plus Size Seating - In the Hot Shop there are bleachers that were pretty comfortable to sit on. In the pottery studio it depends on the activity if there are low or high stools.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual depending on the class or event you are attending. If you are doing a Glass blowing class they ask that you wear cotton clothing and closed toed shoes. Trust me you do not want to have on anything hot while working next to the furnace.

Pets - Pets are not allowed in the buildings.

Parking  - There is parking available right in front of the art center.

Weddings - If you are looking for a gorgeous venue offering a breathtaking view of the water this is the perfect place to host your wedding.

There is the gallery space, a catering kitchen, and separate bride and groom dressing areas. The waterfront grounds are perfect for gorgeous wedding photos.

Wedding dates are frequently booked a year in advance so make sure to call and check on availability as soon as you can.

Restaurants and Attractions nearby

GTs on the Bay - Check out the salad bar! The indoor fish tank is amazing. Great food and views.

OSO at Bear Point - Great waterfront restaurant with good food.

Milkshake Momma - Epic milkshakes and fun ice cream treats.

The Tiki Bar - Located just down the street is a great waterfront Tiki Restaurant.

Lauria's Italian Bistro - Cute Italian Restaurant in Orange Beach with great food.

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.

Additional Gulf Coast Articles

Orange Beach Breakfast Restaurants - Check out all of the epic spots to enjoy a great breakfast/brunch in Orange Beach.

Best Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Coffee Shops - The best places to grab a great cup of coffee

Best Pizza Orange Beach - Check out all of the best pizza restaurants you can enjoy.

Things to do in Fort Morgan, AL - All of the fun adventures to do while visiting Fort Morgan including beaches, spa,  history, and more.

Best Burgers in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach - Check out the best burgers you can enjoy along the Gulf Coast of Alabama

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging

If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have personally stayed at each of these lodging options (except Margaritaville, coming 2027!):

Use code GULFJOURNEY at checkout with Spectrum Resorts and Beachball Properties for an exclusive discount!

🏖️ Beachball Properties - Vacation houses and condos throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount. Book with Beachball Properties

🏖️ The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - Beachfront condos with amazing amenities, a spa, and the incredible Coast Restaurant on-site. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book The Beach Club

🏖️ Turquoise Place (Orange Beach) - Our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic Gulf-front views, and stunning condos. Truly unforgettable. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book Turquoise Place

🏨 The Tides Hotel (Orange Beach) - Gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and top-notch customer service. Book The Tides

🏨 Island House Hotel (Orange Beach) - Right on the beach with epic views from every room. Book Island House

⛺ Timberline Glamping (Orange Beach) - Stay in an amazing glamping tent with a private bathroom, right next to Gulf State Park. Book Timberline

🏨 The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Beachfront Hilton hotel in Gulf State Park offering epic views, sustainable practices, and great on-site restaurants. Book The Lodge

🏨 Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf with a gorgeous pool. Perfect location for shopping and dining. Book Springhill Suites

🔜 Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach (Coming 2027) - The highly anticipated Margaritaville resort is coming to Orange Beach! The first phase opens in 2027 and will include beachfront cottages, bungalows, condos, pickleball courts, and an entertainment district.

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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