Are you looking for free things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama? This list of attractions, beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, and adventures are perfect for your Gulf Coast vacation.
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🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
✨What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Free Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Let's be honest and admit that sometimes beach vacations can be expensive and it is really nice to be able to visit some free things to do to help with your overall cost.
Kids and Adults will love these free and cheap things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, AL. We also added some things to do nearby if you want to explore more of the area.
There are plenty of things to do that won't break the bank, including live music, laser light shows, a local picnic area with grills and pavilions, and so much more.
White Sand Beaches
The sugar-white sands of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are a dream, plus they don't cost anything to visit!
A few of the beaches have parking lot fees, but access to the beach is free!
Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park is an amazing Alabama State Park that includes access to the beach, biking and hiking trails, alligators, and other wildlife and has an epic campground.
Bike Trails - Gulf State Park has 28+ miles of paved trails that take you through the 6,150-acre park. They also have an amazing bike share program.
Guests can borrow a bike for up to three hours for no charge! There are 50 complimentary bikes available within the park. If you pass three hours of use, there is a small rental fee.
All you need is a smartphone, the Bloom Bike Share App, and to scan the code found at a bike station in the park.
Bike stations can be found at the beach pavilion entrance, major trailheads, and Woodside restaurant.
Nature Center - The Gulf State Park Nature Center is located in the campground. There is a $2 entrance fee for vehicles not staying in the campground to enter the facility.
The nature center is a living museum of plants and native animals to the Gulf Coast region. They offer guided nature walks, beach walks, and time with nature.
Sunrise/Sunset
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has truly amazing sunrises and sunsets throughout the year. Depending on the time of year you visit the views can be over the city or over the Gulf of Mexico.
Our favorite sunrise and sunset locations include the Gulf State Park Pier, Gulf Place Public Beach, or any beach access point.
You can take a sunset cruise while in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to get a view from the water.
Check out the best sunrise in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach spots.
Gulf Shores Museum
The Gulf Shores Museum offers the opportunity to learn more about the local area. Admission is free!
The permanent exhibits include portraits of a fishing village, drawing a line in the sand, and Hurricanes what you need to know.
Spectra Laser Light Show at The Wharf
The Spectra Laser Light Show at the Wharf is a fantastic free event that occurs nightly! Located along Main Street visitors of all ages will enjoy the show!
Music, laser lights, and fun!
Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum
The Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum is houses in a 1910 schoolhouse. The museum focuses on local artifacts related to Native American and fishing heritage. Admission is free
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Bike Trails
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Bike Trails consist of 26 miles of trails that travel through nine distinct ecosystems.
Waterfront Park Orange Beach at Wolf Bay
Located on Wolf Bay in Orange Beach this great waterfront park include a kids playground, 400 foot pier, picnic shelters, restrooms, a paved walking path, and parking area.
Look for dolphins while enjoying this fun free thing to do in Orange Beach. We love spending time at Orange Beach Waterfront Park. It is really relaxing and fun for the entire family.
Wade Ward Nature Park
One of our favorite free things to do in Gulf Shores is walk the elevated boardwalk in Wade Ward Nature Park.
You can look for alligators, great birds, and enjoy the scenic views from the park located right off of Highway 59.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge includes 7,000 acres of coastal land ranging from beach dunes to pine-oak woodlands.
Visitors can enjoy trails that showcase native plants and animals, paddle the refuge in a canoe or kayak, or walk the beach.
There is a small visitor center if you have questions about the wildlife refuge.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Playgrounds
There are multiple playgrounds spread throughout Gulf Shore and Orange Beach perfect for family fun.
Gulf Shores Kid Park - 348 W 19th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Orange Beach "Edward H. Carroll Sr." Kids Park - 26425 Canal Rd., Orange Beach, AL 36561
Gulf Shores Meyer Park - 400 East 22nd Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Gulf Shores Skate Park - 348 W 19th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Coastal Art Center
There is no entrance fee to visit the Coastal Art Center. There is a fee to participate in classes.
At the art center you can visit the fine arts gallery featuring Gulf Coast artists. Learn about the glass-blowing hot shop studio during your visit.
Alabama Coastal Birding Trail
The Alabama Coastal Birding trail includes six birding loops in Baldwin and Mobile Counties that total 200 miles. Each of the loops covers different ecological regions representative of the Gulf Coast.
This gives you the opportunity to see a variety of bird species both local and migratory.
Pickleball
There are fantastic Pickleball Courts in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach including the free courts at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex.
This is a great way to get outside and enjoy our beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast weather.
Festivals and Live Entertainment
Shrimp Festival - The Shrimp Festival is the most popular festival of the year. Entrance to the festival is free. There are fees for some parking areas.
Fourth of July - Enjoy fireworks over the Gulf of Mexico.
Cheap Things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
While these activities are not free, they are also not normally crazy expensive.
Putt Putt Golf/Mini Golf Courses
There are quite a few Putt Putt and Mini Golf Courses in the area including Beachside Mini Golf, Zooland Mini Golf, Shrimpy's Golf and Grill, Pirate's Island Adventure Golf, and Adventure Island.
If you want to get out of the heat or rain check out Jurassic Golf near Target that offers glow-in-the-dark mini golf.
Gulf State Park Fishing Pier
The Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama offers epic fishing, wildlife viewing, access to hiking trails, white sand beaches, and a great restaurant.
The Wharf Ferris Wheel
The Wharf Ferris Wheel is a great family fun adventure offering epic views of The Wharf and the surrounding area.
Historic Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan is a National Historic Landmark that has stood as the guardian of Mobile Bay since 1834.
Today visitors can explore the fort and learn about how the fortification was built with more than 46 million cubic yards of bricks.
Fort Morgan is at the western end of Highway 180, 22 miles west of Highway 59 in Gulf Shores.
Alligator Alley
Alligator Alley is a swamp sanctuary that has an elevated viewing platform so you can see some of the over 600 alligators in residence.
The nature walk is also a great area to see Osprey, Owls, Turtles, and other native wildlife.
Feeling adventurous? You can hold a gator and make a new friend in the air-conditioned gator station.
This is a great opportunity to learn about alligators in their natural habitat.
Address - 19950 Hwy. 71 Summerdale, Alabama 36580
Free Things to do near Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
Lady in the Lake (Elberta)
It is a little bit of a drive from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to reach Barber Marina but it so worth it!
If you are looking for a fun day trip adventure, this is one of our favorites. The Lady in the Lake is an amazing sculpture located in the waters next to Barber Marina.
Bamahenge (Elberta)
Located in the same area as the Lady in the Lake is a replica Stonehenge called Bamahenge! A short walk down a trail from the parking lot is a great photo opportunity!
Dinosaurs in the Woods (Elberta)
There are dinosaurs in the woods near Barber Marina! Most of the dinosaurs can be seen along a dirt road off of the main road but a couple of them involve taking short walks.
This is one of our favorite fun photo spots in town.
Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit
The Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit is free fun for the entire family! There are full size train cars that can be explored, a model train exhibit that has to be seen, and a small train that gives rides through the park.
Holmes Medical Museum (Foley)
Holmes Medical Museum in Foley, Alabama tells the story of Baldwin County's first hospital from 1936 to 1958. Step back in time and learn about early 20th century medical equipment and life 75 years ago.
The National Naval Aviation Museum is open to the general public for free! You can visit the Blue Angels atrium, hanger bay one, the USS Nimitz flight deck replica, and see historic planes.
The Naval Aviation Museum is located at Naval Air Station Pensacola. You will need to bring photo ID with you to get onto the military base. Make sure to enter through the west gate.
Baldwin County Heritage Museum (Elberta)
The Baldwin County Heritage Museum preserves the culture of the farm communities of early Baldwin Country. Visitors can learn more about the appliances, farm equipment, and rich local history of the area.
The Civil War Trail (Mobile County)
The Civil War Trail stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to north Mobile County including, Fort Morgan, Fort Gaines, Blakely State Park, Magee Farm, and the Museum of Mobile.
The trail documents famous Civil War Battles, including the Battle of Mobile Bay and the Overland Campaign.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Things to do in Foley, AL - Don't miss all of the fun to be had in nearby Foley including the amazing Homes Medical Museum and the Railroad Museum.
Things to do in Fairhope, AL - The top things to do in Fairhope, Alabama, include attractions, dining, sunset, wildlife, nature preserves, and so much more!
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.
Things to do in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach when it Rains - Don't let a little rain ruin your trip to the Gulf Coast! These activities are perfect for rainy days.
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.
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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