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    Home » Alabama » Gulf Shores

    Waterway Village - Gulf Shores

    Published: Apr 8, 2026 by Tammilee · This post may contain affiliate links

    Waterway Village in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is located in the heart of Gulf Shores. The area includes great restaurants, shopping, the new Gulf Shores Pedestrian Bridge, amazing events, and more.

    Waterway Village South Sign with blue and tan logo, cars on the street behind the sign

    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

    Waterway Village - Gulf Shores

    Contents show
    Waterway Village - Gulf Shores
    Waterway Village Restaurants
    Full-Service Restaurants
    Quick Service & Specialty
    Waterway Village Shopping
    Waterway Village Services
    Additional Businesses in Waterway Village
    Gulf Shores Pedestrain Bridge
    Waterway Village Pedestrian Plazas
    Why You'll Love Waterway Village
    Planning Your Visit to Waterway Village
    Exploring Beyond Waterway Village
    Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
    Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging

    Waterway Village will include two pedestrian plazas in the future as the Gulf Shores Pedestrian Bridge work continues and will hopefully be complete in early 2027.

    Waterway Village is being developed to make space for a pedestrian friendly area that locals and visitors can enjoy. This developing waterfront district brings together restaurants, shops, services, and community spaces along the Intracoastal Waterway, creating a walkable hub where you can grab oysters at Acme, enjoy craft beer at Big Beach Brewing, browse unique boutiques, and watch boats glide by.

    The centerpiece of this transformation is the new Gulf Shores Pedestrian Bridge, set to open in early 2027, which will connect Waterway Village across the Intracoastal to the northern side including LuLu's Gulf Shores.

    We will continually update this post as we see changes, updates, and developments within Waterway Village. There is continual work being done to complete the overall project.

    Waterway Village Restaurants

    Waterway Village has become a dining destination with options ranging from casual cafes to oyster houses to craft breweries.

    Exterior of Tacky jacks Gulf Shores with colorful tape all over the buildling

    Full-Service Restaurants

    Tacky Jack's Gulf Shores Classic Gulf Shores vacation restaurant featuring seafood, the famous Farmer's Omelet (one of Alabama's 100 Dishes to Eat Before You Die), Mexican Garbage Nachos, burgers, and waterfront views. Known for the colorful duct tape wall tradition where visitors add their own messages.

    Acme Oyster House Gulf Coast institution serving fresh oysters, po'boys, seafood platters, and Cajun-inspired dishes. Famous for their chargrilled oysters and lively atmosphere.

    The Galway Irish Public House Authentic Irish pub offering traditional Irish fare, craft beers, whiskey selection, and live music. A unique addition to Gulf Shores' dining scene.

    The Sloop Waterfront dining with a focus on fresh seafood and coastal cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.

    The Ugly Diner Casual diner serving breakfast, lunch, and comfort food favorites.

    Isla Wine Wine bar offering curated wine selections, small plates, and a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for date nights or girls' night out.

    Big Beach Brewing Company sign with sun and waves.

    Quick Service & Specialty

    Amelia's Deli and Catering Sandwiches, salads, and deli favorites perfect for a quick lunch or beach picnic prep.

    Big Beach Brewing Craft brewery featuring locally-brewed beers, a taproom atmosphere, and often food trucks or light menu options.

    A Specialty Bakery Fresh-baked goods, pastries, cakes, and sweet treats.

    Pelican Scoop Ice Cream Ice cream shop perfect for dessert or cooling down on a hot Gulf Coast day.

    Foam Coffee Specialty coffee shop for your morning caffeine fix or afternoon pick-me-up.

    Fruitful Acai bowls, fresh juices, and healthy options for the wellness-minded.

    Agape Juices LLC Fresh juices and smoothies for a nutritious boost.

    Waterway Village Shopping

    Creative Needle Arts Yarn shop and crafting supplies for knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists. Classes and workshops often available.

    Gulf Coast Arts Alliance - This gallery has gorgeous art from local artist. They also offer adult art classes.

    Pottery Central Pottery studio

    Gulf Shores Builders Supply While primarily a builders supply, they often have unique finds for home projects and beach house upgrades.

    Waterway Village Services

    Glow Studio and Shop Yoga studio offering classes for all levels, plus a shop with yoga gear, activewear, and wellness products. Perfect for maintaining your practice while on vacation.

    Beachside Salon Full-service salon for hair, nails, and beauty treatments. Great for pre-event styling or vacation pampering.

    Gulf Shores Equipment Rental Rent beach gear, bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and equipment for your Gulf Shores adventures without having to transport it yourself.

    Additional Businesses in Waterway Village

    • Sunny 105.7 (Radio Station)
    • The Lofts at Waterway Place
    Tacky jacks building with boats on the water and contstruction of the new Gulf Shores pedestrian bridge above it

    Gulf Shores Pedestrain Bridge

    The new Gulf Shores Pedestrian Bridge will cross the Intracoastal connnecting Waterway Village with the northern side including LuLu's Gulf Shores.

    The bridge anticipated completion date is January 2027.

    Waterway Village Pedestrian Plazas

    The Pedestrian Plazas in Waterway Village will be located on the north and south side of the canal creating public spaces for entertainment, events, and relaxing.

    The public spaces will have seating areas, shade trees, restrooms, event spaces, and be the bases for the new pedestrian bridge.

    Why You'll Love Waterway Village

    • Walkable Waterfront District Park once and explore multiple restaurants, shops, and services on foot. No need to drive between destinations or search for parking at each stop.
    • Variety of Dining Options From oysters to Irish pub fare to healthy acai bowls to craft beer, Waterway Village offers diverse dining for every craving and dietary preference.
    • Local and Chain Mix Enjoy local favorites like Tacky Jack's alongside regional chains like Acme Oyster House, giving you both familiar options and local discoveries.
    • The Pedestrian Bridge Experience Once complete in 2027, the bridge will create a unique Gulf Shores experience, connecting you to even more restaurants and attractions without driving.
    • Central Gulf Shores Location Located in the heart of Gulf Shores, Waterway Village is convenient whether you're staying beachside, inland, or passing through.
    • Events and Community Vibe The planned pedestrian plazas will host events, markets, and gatherings, creating a community atmosphere beyond just shopping and dining.
    • Boat Watching The waterfront location means you can watch boats navigate the Intracoastal while you dine, shop, or stroll.
    • Growing and Improving As the pedestrian bridge nears completion and more businesses open, Waterway Village continues to evolve and improve as a destination.

    Planning Your Visit to Waterway Village

    Location Heart of Gulf Shores, Alabama, along the Intracoastal Waterway

    Specific addresses vary by business. Use GPS or search "Waterway Village Gulf Shores" for general directions.

    Parking Multiple parking areas throughout the district. Park centrally to walk to various businesses.

    Exploring Beyond Waterway Village

    LuLu's Gulf Shores Once the pedestrian bridge opens, walk across to LuLu's for live music, beach-themed dining, and sandy play areas for kids.

    Gulf Shores Public Beach A short drive to the beautiful white sand beaches and emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

    The Wharf at Orange Beach About 15 minutes away, another waterfront development with shopping, dining, entertainment, and the iconic Ferris wheel.

    Gulf State Park Enjoy miles of trails, pristine beaches, and the Gulf State Park Pier.

    The Hangout Popular beachfront restaurant and live music venue in Gulf Shores.

    Downtown Gulf Shores Explore more local shops, restaurants, and the small-town charm of Gulf Shores.

    Fort Morgan Historic fort and beach area at the tip of the peninsula, about 30 minutes from Waterway Village.

    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.

    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 of Mexico views with Turquoise Place condo and white sand 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!

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

    More Gulf Shores Alabama Travel Guide: Beaches, Restaurants & Things to Do

    • Lagoon Tower condo exterior with balconies on every floor palm trees in the parking lot
      Lagoon Tower - Gulf Shores
    • sand castle with sand castle university sign behind it
      Sand Castle University - Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, & Fort Morgan
    • Hand holding a Tacky Jacks bushwacker by a colorful wall covered in tape
      Tacky Jacks - Gulf Shores
    • Piggie palms Ice Cream n Waffles sticker on a paper cup with two waffle ice creams
      Piggie Palms Ice Cream n Waffles - Gulf Shores

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