If you have yet to visit Alabama’s Beaches, you’re truly missing out! This area (encompassing Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan) is full of gorgeous scenery, fresh seafood, one-of-a-kind lodging, and unique attractions. With 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches to explore, it’s the perfect destination for your next vacation. Read on to discover 15 unique things to do at Alabama’s Beaches.
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1. Attend Sand Castle University
My favorite activity—Sand Castle University—is first on my list of unique things to do at Alabama’s Beaches!
With their guidance, groups of all ages and skill levels can learn how to build impressive sand castles.
Sand Castle University comes to wherever you are and provides all the equipment you need for the class. You just have to bring your creativity!
2. Stay at Gulf State Park (Gulf Shores)
The Lodge at Gulf State Park is an eco-friendly beachfront resort inside Gulf State Park. Here, sustainability and connectivity to the outdoors are a central focus. The Lodge boasts amenities like a coast-facing infinity pool, two and a half miles of beach access, and three on-site restaurants.
When it comes to elevated comfort and Southern hospitality, there’s nowhere else like it on Alabama’s Beaches.
3. Create At The Hot Shop (Orange Beach)
Alabama’s premier hot glass-blowing studio, The Hot Shop, is at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. Visitors can pop in daily to watch the glass artists work or sign up for a “Make Your Own Glass” class to create your own artwork, making for the perfect souvenir.
4. Explore The Islands With Perdido Beach Service
Alabama’s Beaches may have 32 miles of shore to explore, but boaters have even more opportunities as several islands are along their waterways.
Perdido Beach Service offers convenient pontoon boat rentals that allow guests to explore the area’s stunning islands at their own pace. These spacious and easy-to-navigate boats come equipped with shaded seating and all necessary safety gear, ensuring a comfortable and secure experience on the water.
Whether it’s a day of dolphin watching, swimming, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty of the Gulf Coast, Perdido Beach Services provides everything needed for a memorable day on the water.
5. Indulge In Really Tasty Eats
Alabama’s Beaches offer a wide range of dining experiences, from fresh seafood and casual beachside eateries to upscale fine dining. Visitors can enjoy local Gulf Coast specialties like oysters, shrimp, and fish, often with scenic views. There are also international flavors, southern comfort food, and family-friendly dining options.
The restaurants of the Alabama’s Beaches cater to all tastes and occasions.
6. Visit the Flora-Bama (Orange Beach)
There’s always something going on at the world-famous Flora-Bama! This beach bar straddles the Alabama/Florida state line and boasts live music 365 days a year. In addition to the bar, the Flora-Bama has a retail shop, liquor store, three restaurants, and a marina.
7. The Track (Gulf Shores)
The Track is an exciting, family-friendly destination with thrilling attractions and activities for all ages. Known for its multi-level go-kart tracks, including the exhilarating Wild Woody track, The Track also features bumper boats, mini-golf, an arcade, and various kiddie rides.
With well-maintained facilities and attentive staff, visitors can enjoy safe, action-packed fun in a welcoming environment that keeps everyone entertained.
8. Relax In Your Own Personal Hot Tub (Orange Beach)
Turquoise Place is Alabama’s premier resort. Their oversized condos have plush furnishings, top-of-the-line appliances, and hot tubs on each unit’s balcony. Yes, you read that correctly. Each unit has its own private hot tub. How cool is that?
Pro Tip: Book your stay at Turquoise Place directly with Spectrum Resorts using promo code MAYROAM and enjoy 10% off your reservation!
9. Thrill Then Chill At OWA (Foley)
OWA is the Gulf Coast’s premier entertainment destination. With an award-winning 23-attraction theme park, indoor waterpark, unique dining, and live entertainment, it’s the ultimate combination of thrill and chill for the whole family.
Learn all about this hidden gem on the Gulf Coast in this post.
10. Try A Bushwacker
The signature drink of Alabama’s Beaches is a Bushwacker, and your trip wouldn’t be complete without indulging in one. You can find them on the menu at many Gulf Shores and Orange Beach restaurants, each putting its unique spin on it. Opt to try a few Bushwacker concoctions on The Bushwacker Trail.
Pro Tip: The Midwest Millennial ranked her top 7 Bushwackers in the area!
11. Create At High Cotton (Orange Beach)
Have you ever wanted to create your own bath product? If so, this activity on our list of unique things to do at Alabama’s Beaches is for you!
Stop in High Cotton Bath Company at The Wharf at Orange Beach to make your custom bath item. Select which product you want to make, then mix and match more than 200 fragrances to create the perfect scent combination.
12. See Dolphins With Sail Wild Hearts
Sail Wild Hearts offers unforgettable dolphin cruises along Alabama’s Beaches, providing guests with an up-close experience of the region’s playful dolphins. Aboard a spacious 53-foot catamaran, passengers enjoy stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico while watching dolphins in their natural habitat.
The cruises are family-friendly and blend adventure with relaxation, combining wildlife encounters with the serenity of a luxury sailing experience.
13. Kick Back And Relax At The Beach Club (Fort Morgan)
The Beach Club Resort & Spa is designed around a family-friendly village concept, providing everything you need for a memorable vacation in one location. Guests can enjoy upscale beachfront condos, diverse amenities, delicious dining, and exceptional service from Spectrum Resorts, ensuring a hassle-free, relaxing stay on the beautiful Fort Morgan Peninsula.
It’s no surprise that families return year after year to this unique getaway spot.
Pro Tip: Book your stay at The Beach Club directly with Spectrum Resorts using promo code MAYROAM and enjoy 10% off your reservation!
14. Experience An Animal Encounter at the Zoo (Gulf Shores)
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo’s Animal Encounters are unique educational opportunities to learn about some of the zoo’s most gentle and fascinating animals in a safe, supervised environment. Observe kangaroos, lemurs, giraffes, and sloths up close and personal through these one-of-a-kind offerings.
15. Bamahenge, Dinosaurs in the Woods, and Lady in the Marina (Elberta)
Elberta is home to three unique attractions. Bamahenge is a fiberglass replica of Stonehenge. Dinosaurs in the Woods are four giant dinosaurs hidden in the woods. Lady in the Marina is a sculpture made to look like she’s in the water outside of the Barber Marina. Artist Mark Cline created all three.
Kimmie of Adventures & Sunsets can tell you all about these cool attractions.
