View of Orange Beach, AL from the Gulf of Mexico

Things to Do in Orange Beach, AL

Are you considering a move to Orange Beach, Alabama? If so, we certainly can’t blame you! This beautiful coastal town has so much to offer, from stunning beaches to delicious seafood restaurants and exciting outdoor activities. 

We’ve helped countless individuals and families find their dream homes in Orange Beach. We can attest to the fact that this is a truly special place to live. 

In this article, we’ll be sharing some of our top recommendations for things to do in Orange Beach. So, let’s dive in and explore all that this vibrant town has to offer!

The Wharf


Located on Canal Road in Orange Beach, The Wharf is the Gulf Coast’s premier shopping and dining destination. With an array of restaurants and eateries to choose from, visitors can enjoy anything from fine dining to casual Southern fare and local seafood favorites. 

The excitement doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Visitors can enjoy lively night spots such as daiquiri bars, live music venues, and sports bars with a wide range of games broadcasted on TVs. 

The Wharf also boasts several spas and salons where visitors can indulge in a massage, rejuvenating treatment, or new hairstyle. For those in need of retail therapy, The Wharf offers a variety of locally owned boutiques and unique shops, featuring everything from home decor to sports gear and birthday gifts. 

With something for everyone, The Wharf is the perfect place to enjoy a day out in Orange Beach.

Orange Beach Waterfront Park


Nestled on the serene Wolf Bay, Orange Beach Waterfront Park is a delightful bayside park that provides ample shade to visitors. Its most prominent feature is a 400-foot-long fishing pier, offering a perfect spot to cast a line and try your luck. 

The spacious park boasts several charming picnic pavilions, complete with benches, tables, BBQ grills, picnic shelters, and restrooms. For kids, the park features a fantastic playground with swings, slides, and a jungle gym. 

A trail winds through this beautifully landscaped oasis, leading visitors past numerous lush plants, blooming bushes, and towering trees. With its serene ambiance, the park is a sought-after venue for weddings, parties, festivals, and other public events. 

Visitors can also enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the bay, or head to the historic Campbell House Gallery in the park to explore the Pleasure Island Art Association.

Adventure Island


Adventure Island, situated in Orange Beach just across the street from the Gulf of Mexico, is a thrilling amusement park that offers something for the whole family. With an array of exciting rides and adventures, you can enjoy go-karting, bumper boats, laser tag, adventure golf, arcade games, and paddle boat rides. 

Children can also enjoy a variety of rides designed just for them. The highlight of the park is the giant five-story volcano that erupts with fire shooting into the sky. 

You can indulge in a high-power game of tag, putt your way through 18 holes of mini-golf, climb a coconut palm, or take a leisurely boat ride on Adventure Island’s lost lagoon lake.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail


Residents of Orange Beach can escape the bustling tourist world and immerse themselves in the wild world of towering pines, scrub oak, palmetto, and thick, green deer moss on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Located just minutes from the busy beaches and hotels, the trail takes you past calm freshwater lakes, mysterious coastal swamps, and lush wetlands brimming with life. While walking the easy trail, you may catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer, coyote, bobcat, wild boar, otter, alligator, and hundreds of species of birds. 

The trail passes through six distinct ecosystems, including longleaf sand ridges, freshwater marshes, live oak maritime forest, coastal dunes, pine flatwoods, and coastal hardwood swamps. Interpretive signs are available along the trails to help visitors identify plants and wildlife.

Gulf State Park Nature Center


The Gulf State Park Nature Center, situated within the Gulf State Park campground, is a sanctuary for an array of indigenous animals and plants found in the Gulf Coast Region. The center provides visitors with a variety of regular programs and workshops aimed at expanding their understanding of the surrounding natural environment. 

Families can participate in guided beach, nature, or pier walks to gain knowledge about the plants and animals inhabiting the Gulf Coast. Kids will have an enjoyable time interacting with animal ambassadors, such as owls, alligators, turtles, and snakes.

Indian and Sea Museum


The century-old schoolhouse in Orange Beach is home to the Indian and Sea Museum, a captivating local museum that highlights the region’s rich Native American and nautical heritage. The museum showcases a vast collection of artifacts and memorabilia that weave together the story of the area’s Native American and maritime past. 

Generous donations from families of fishermen have contributed everyday objects and collectibles that provide a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the early fishing industry. 

Originally built in 1910 as a schoolhouse, the building was later transformed into a museum in 1995, and eventually moved to its current location in 1999.

Beachside Mini Golf


Beachside Mini Golf is a family-friendly entertainment destination with a tropical, beach-inspired theme. Its 18-hole course meanders through lush palm trees, water features, a lighthouse, and even a fishing boat. 

The course is conveniently located just a few blocks from the beach and operates from Tuesday to Sunday. It opens at 11am and closes at 8pm, except Friday and Saturday when it stays open until 9pm.

It’s designed to offer fun and excitement for all ages, and is accessible to people with disabilities. When you’re done golfing, you can explore the Mining Discovery Zone and try your luck at panning for fossils, shells, and gemstones.

Fat Daddy’s Arcade


If you’re looking to take a break from the beach and soak up some air conditioning, Fat Daddy’s Arcade in Orange Beach is the perfect spot for indoor entertainment. With over 80 high-tech arcade games, as well as traditional favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

You can also test your skills at E-claw prize-grabbing or competing in dueling basketball hoops. Among their latest offerings, Jurassic Park, Fruit Ninja, and The Walking Dead are a few of the top hits. 

Don’t miss the chance to win some great prizes or take advantage of their special multi-play card packages.

Lartigue’s Original Fresh Seafood Market


Lartigue’s Original Fresh Seafood Market, established in 1979, is a family-owned and operated business in Orange Beach that specializes in providing customers with fresh seafood caught locally in the Gulf of Mexico. 

They offer a wide variety of options, including fresh fish and seafood, steamed seafood to-go with a side of corn and potatoes, country boils, oven-ready specialty dishes, shrimp, fish, oysters, and crabs. Whether you’re feeding your family or planning a party or wedding, Lartigue’s has got you covered. 

Additionally, they sell fishing bait, tackle, souvenirs, and more. Planning a beach picnic? Bring your basket and they’ll fill it up with a perfect lunch, complete with spices, sauces, and cutlery.

Takeaways

At 1 Percent Lists The Coast the perfect home in Orange Beach can be a daunting task. With so much to do and see, it’s no surprise!

A good agent will not only have access to the latest listings and knowledge of the best neighborhoods in Orange Beach. They’ll also understand your needs and preferences and work tirelessly to find you the ideal property. 

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, having the right agent on your side can make all the difference. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to contact us today and start the journey to finding your dream home in Orange Beach!