The best things to do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach for Couples! Alabama's Beaches are the perfect destination for a couples getaway, date night, or honeymoon.
Things to do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach for Couples
We live in Gulf Shores year-round and are always looking for fun things to do together. These are our favorite things to do for couples along our amazing Alabama Beaches.
Alabama's Gulf Coast is the perfect destination for a couples getaway. We loved our first getaway here so much that we moved across the country to live here full-time. We are incredibly thankful to Visit Alabama Beaches for introducing us to the area and sponsoring this blog post.
Whether you want to chill at a beach house or enjoy thrills during your beach vacation, we have something you will enjoy.
These are the best places for a romantic date night, fun filled days in the sun, or relaxing beach moments.
TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
✨What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Dolphin Cruises
We are blessed to live in an area with an amazing Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin population. One of our favorite day dates is to book a tour to see our local dolphins.
You can also book an amazing sunset cruise. Sail through the back bays, enjoy great music, a cocktail, and, hopefully, lots of dolphins.
Here are a few of the dolphin tours we have done so you can see photos and video of what to expect.
Cruise OB - We were amazed at how many dolphin we saw leaping from the water on this dolphin tour. Book HERE
Explorer Dolphin Boat - This is a great option for families. The boat is one level with easy bench seating. Book this dolphin cruise here
Southern Rose Dolphin Tour - They guarantee you will see dolphins on your tour. Book this dolphin cruise here
Hammock Time Tiki Tours - You can talk with Captain Glenn and set up a private dolphin tour for the family.
Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise - Leaves from the Wharf making it a really easy cruise to hop on. They have a two story boat with indoor and outdoor seating. Book this dolphin cruise here
Sail Wild Hearts - Enjoy a gorgeous sailboat tour while looking for dolphins.
Check out additional dolphin cruises here.
There are also private charter boats available if you want to set up a family dolphin tour on a private boat.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
When planning our Gulf Shores dates, I love finding interactive moments that we can both enjoy. I also love any date that lends itself to fun selfies and photos together we can enjoy afterward.
One of my favorite things to do is an animal encounter at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores. You can enjoy a visit with lemurs, sloth, or tortoise encounter and not only learn more about these amazing animals but also interact with them.
We all need a photo with a sloth in our lives. You may see kangaroo encounters listed some places but they are currently closed due to the kangaroos getting a bit feisty in their teenage years.
Address - 20499 Oak Rd E, Gulf Shores, AL 3654
Ice Cream
You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream...especially on a hot day! Thankfully Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have fantastic ice cream shops with a ton of delicious flavors.
This week we stopped at Pelican Scoop Ice Cream in Gulf Shores for a waffle cone and a few minutes together. Just sitting in the car talking with delicious ice cream felt like the perfect mini date moment.
Check out our favorite ice cream shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
White Sand Beaches
Does it get any better than strolling the waters edge at sunrise or sunset holding hands? This is one of the best things about visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast.
I highly suggest planning time to walk along the beach together and savor the serenity of the moment. Early morning for sunset is our favorite time to walk together and talk about our day.
The waves lapping at our feet as we walk is so peaceful and romantic at the same time.
Make sure to check the beach flags for any warnings before heading into the water.
Big Beach Brewing
If you are a fan of local microbrews you will love Big Beach Brewing in Gulf Shores. They have a fantastic outdoor courtyard perfect for relaxing together and listening to live music.
Their beers are fantastic and they offer great seasonal beer varieties to fit the time of year you are visiting.
If you are looking for cocktails by the beach check out the best beach bars in Gulf Shore/Orange Beach.
8 Reale Speakeasy
If you love craft cocktails, great wine, and high end whiskey you need to check out the hidden speakeasy at The Wharf....8 Reale!
The entrance is hidden behind a vault door! This swanky, cool, bar is the perfect date night for couples.
Get dressed up or don't its completely up to you! The vibe is old school with brick walls and great lighting but the atmosphere is super comfortable.
To gain access to the speakeasy, you have to visit the 8 Reale OBAL Facebook page on the day you plan to visit. The secret code is posted daily within their Facebook post. Hint: Look for the # and the 4 numbers.
Address - 4851 Wharf Pkwy W Suite D-112, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Couple's Massage
In my mind a couples massage is always a great idea! The Spa at the Beach Club offers massages and other spa treatments. They have a gorgeous shared relaxing area before you head to your private massage rooms.
After your treatments we suggest booking dinner at Coast Restaurant for a gorgeous date night on the water. Enjoy a full day of relaxing with all of the amenities the spa offers plus a great meal to end the day = perfection.
Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
If you love creating art, trying new things, or have always wanted to learn to blow glass you are going to LOVE the Coastal Art Center of Orange Beach.
It is the perfect hands on date activity! You can choose from glass blowing in the hot shop or learn to work with clay/pottery in the clay studio.
The glass blowing is so much fun and you get to take home a piece of glass art that you create! Choose from a flower, starfish, or glass globe. Both of you can create your own unique masterpiece to remember your Orange Beach date.
Gulf State Park Pier
The Gulf State Park Pier has reopened and it is the perfect place to watch sunrise or sunset and walk together.
My husband has knee injuries so walking on the sand is an every once in a while thing to do, BUT He can walk on the pier and get to see the amazing views with me.
This is a great accessible date idea for anyone who doesn't feel like walking in the soft sand. One of the top things to do at Gulf State Park.
The Wharf Ferris Wheel
The Wharf Ferris Wheel is a great thing to do for couples in Orange Beach. You can cuddle up together and watch the world go by.
At night the Ferris wheel is lit up in bright colors and The Wharf hosts a Spectra Laser Light Show that is a ton of fun.
The Wharf is considered an entertainment district with multiple bars, restaurants, and activities to check out.
Helicopter Tour
This is a date idea we are planning to enjoy soon! We keep hearing that Lost Bay Helicopters does an amazing tour of the coastline of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
It sounds amazing watching sharks and marine wildlife from the air.
Check out the amazing helicopter tours in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach HERE
Romantic Dinner
One of my favorite things about living in Gulf Shores and near Orange Beach is how many great date night restaurant options are available.
There are fantastic restaurants with views of the Gulf of Mexico, fresh seafood, live entertainment, and fresh Gulf Oysters.
We also have great fine dining options for high end steaks, Gulf views, and romantic atmosphere.
Tiki Sunset Cruise
Explore the coastal waters of Alabama on a Tiki Boat! You can book a daytime or sunset cruise on a unique tiki boat.
This is a boat cruise that is defiantly a unique adventure while on a gulf coast vacation.
Check out our experience enjoying a day tour on Hammock Time Tiki Tours. The only Tiki Tour with a bathroom on it.
Book a Tiki Cruise HERE
Clear Kayak Tour
Enjoy a sunset tour or crab grab tour in a clear kayak with light up lights. On the Crab Grab Tour you get to experience Bird Island.
During the sunset tour you can watch the sun go down while seeing all of the fish below you.
Book your Kayak Tour HERE
Take a flamingo or rubber ducky paddle boat ride - Closed
Did you know you can take a flamingo, swan, or rubber ducky paddle boat ride at High Tide in Gulf Shores?
No drinks are allowed on the boats. There is a circular path that you follow with the pedal boats.
Once you are done with your paddle boat ride head over and enjoy a daiquiri, mimosa, or Bushwacker flights. They have a super cute swing seating area along with fun tables and chairs right next to the water.
Address - 807 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, Al
Take a picture in a sharks mouth
At Souvenir City in Gulf Shores you can take a picture in the mouth of the shark entrance or with the pirate ship back door before shopping for great Gulf Coast gifts.
This may seem like a random couples thing to do but honestly where else are you going to get a fun photo in a sharks mouth that will make you smile every time you see it. We take this picture at least once a year and love seeing how we have grown
Address - 217 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542
Putt Putt Golf
I am going to admit that my husband and I can be competitive when we do sporty dates. One of our favorite dates is Putt Putt Golf. We are not great golfers which makes it even more fun.
We can tease each other about how badly we are shooting which makes it a really fun easy date night in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Things to do near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for Couples
These couple friendly things to do near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are a short drive away and so much fun! Grab a picnic lunch from Gourmet World Market or a local restaurant and head out on a fun adventure.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Take a hike on one of the trails that lead you through Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. This is a fantastic way to see migratory birds and take a break from town.
Alligator Alley
Just north of Gulf Shores you can visit Alligator Alley and learn about our local alligators and see their gator feeding show.
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
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 Battle of Mobile Bay, and learn about how the fortification was built with more than 46 million cubic yards of bricks.
The historic site is a great place to learn more about history. You can take the Mobile Bay Ferry nearby to Dauphin Island.
Fort Morgan is at the western end of Hwy 180, 22 miles west of Hwy 59 in Gulf Shores.
Dinosaurs in the Woods
Located just outside of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Elberta, Alabama is a couple of really fun roadside attractions.
This is a great day trip idea for couples who want to explore and have a great meal at the same time.
You can visit Bamahenge, Lady in the Lake, and Dinosaurs in the Woods all in one area. Then head over to Pirate Cove for a great meal by the water.
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.
Additional Gulf Coast of Alabama Articles
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Donut Shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Start your morning with a sweet treat!
Best Breakfast and Brunch in Orange Beach - The best breakfast restaurants and diners you do not want to miss in Orange Beach
Best Breakfast and Brunch in Gulf Shores - One of the best things about Gulf Shores Restaurants is all of the local diners and breakfast spots. From local coffee shops to breakfast diners, there is something for everyone.
Epic Coffee Shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - These Orange Beach and Gulf Shores coffee shops offer quality cups of coffee and so much more.
Check out our January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December Event Guides to 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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