There are so many amazing and unique things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!
Unique Things to Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
There are quite a few fun attractions and unique adventures to be had along the Gulf Coast of Alabama.
Since moving to Gulf Shores this past year, we realized there were so many epic things to do even after visiting for years.
Adults and kids will find plenty of things to do while visiting the area on a beach vacation.
You can't go wrong spending time savoring the white sand beaches the Gulf Coast is known for.
These unique things to do are the perfect addition to a beach vacation. Don't worry; you can still enjoy bumper boats, go-karts, fresh seafood, water parks, laser tag, and more!
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
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
One of our favorite unique things to do in Gulf Shores is the animal encounters at the Gulf Coast Zoo. You can meet a sloth, lemurs, and kangaroos!
You can also feed a giraffe and pet them! Who knew giraffes were so soft? I certainly didn't before visiting the zoo.
They have a great petting zoo with deer, goats, and donkeys.
Banana Boat Ride
Looking to get out on the water in a unique way? Why not book a banana boat ride
How often do you get to say you rode a banana in the Gulf of Mexico?
Book your Banana Boat Ride HERE
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 Orange Beach tiki boat cruise that is definitely 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
Dolphin and Sunset Cruises
While taking a dolphin or sunset cruise may not be unique to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, it is pretty unique if you live in a landlocked state.
Moving from Spokane, Washington to Gulf Shores we decided that we need to take dolphin cruises as often as we can. There is just something magical about watching dolphins play in the water near you.
We have seen Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins on every dolphin cruise so far in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Book a Dolphin Cruise HERE
Slingshot Rental
Cruise the streets in style in a Polaris Slingshot! Drive around Orange Beach in a three-wheeled showstopper that is sure to grab attention.
I know we always comment when we see them cruising down the road. Let the wind flow through your hair as you cruise.
Book a Polaris Slingshot Rental HERE Use code GULFJOURNEY to save 10% off your rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co. in Orange Beach
Backcountry Trails of Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park is amazing and offers locals and visitors the opportunity to explore different ecosystems. One unique thing to do is the free bike program.
You can borrow a bike for up to three hours for free to explore the amazing bike trail system. It is one of our favorite free things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
You can also hike tons of hiking trails and look for lefty the gator who is a local unique wildlife star.
The Wharf Ferris Wheel
The Ferris Wheel at the Wharf is a great way to see stunning views of the Gulf Coast.
If you visit in the evening you can enjoy the Spectra Laser Light Show at the same time!
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.
Parasailing
If you are looking for a unique view of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach why not try parasailing?
You will have a birds eye view of the beach, dolphins, and so much more.
Book your Parasailing Trip HERE
Pontoon Boat Rental
Renting a pontoon boat with a waterslide is on our must do list now that we live in Gulf Shores.
I can't wait to take friends and family out on a pontoon boat with a slide on a warm day. You will definitely hear me squeal with joy as I slide into the Gulf waters.
Book your Pontoon Boat Rental 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
Bushwacker Restaurant Tour
This tour is unique to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and offers you the opportunity to learn more about the World Famous Bushwacker cocktail and of course try them.
A tour guide will take you to multiple locations to try this signature drink and local food specials.
Book your Bushwacker Tour HERE
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Bon Secour NWR has amazing trails, a great sea turtle program, and hiking trails to get out and explore.
The wildlife refuge includes 7,000 acres of coastal lands ranging from sand dunes to rolling pine-oak forest.
Trails are open year-round during daylight hours.
Pirate Ship Dolphin Cruises
Have you ever ridden on a pirate ship looking for dolphins? This swashbuckling pirate adventure includes cruising the seas, acting like pirates, and learning pirate lingo.
You can even have a pirate wedding aboard the American Star pirate ship.
Book your Pirate Ship adventure HERE
Big Beach Brewing Company
Enjoy a locally brewed beer at this Gulf Shores Brewery. They have live music and fun year-round.
Alabama's southernmost brewery offers an open-air taproom with comfortable seating. They have 12 taps of craft beer along with serving Pensacola made Big Jerk Soda for non-drinkers.
You can bring food with you or have it delivered while enjoying a locally-made microbrew.
Blow glass at the Hot Shop at the Coastal Art Center
The Coastal Art Center in Orange Beach has amazing art classes including blowing glass! Step into the art studio to learn more about the hot shop, pottery and painting.
There is no admission fee to visit the art center but they do charge for classes.
Gulf State Park Pier
The Gulf State Park piers offers the opportunity fish, look for turtles, sharks, and other marine life, and learn more about the local ecology.
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.
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.
Unique things to do near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
There are a ton of fun unique things to do near Gulf Shore and Orange Beach! A short drive will provide tons of entertainment and fun!
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 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 of Stonehenge called Bamahenge! A short walk down a trail from the parking lot is a great photo opportunity!
Visit Pirate's Cove just down the road for a Bushwacker by the water.
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.
Check out all of the fun things to do in Foley, Alabama.
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
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
LuLu's Gulf Shores - This is one of our favorite local restaurants offering great food and fun!
Pink Pony Pub - You can't miss this hot pink beach bar
Wade Ward Nature Walk - Enjoy a great boardwalk over wetlands with amazing bird watching right around the corner from De Soto's.
Sunliner Diner Gulf Shores- Step back in time and enjoy this 1950s retro diner!
Gulf Place Public Beach - Check out the world famous white sands of Gulf Shores at our favorite public beach.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Great Gulf Shores Donut Shops - Check out the epic donut shops right in Gulf Shores for the perfect morning treat.
Best breakfast spots in Gulf Shores - Gulf Shores knows how to do a great breakfast! These are our favorite breakfast restaurants we return to often.
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.
Go-Karts in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach - The best places for the entire family to enjoy go-kart rides.
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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