The Evolve Team April 22, 2020 Gulf Shores, Alabama and its neighbor, Orange Beach, Alabama have always been hidden gems. Go ahead and start with some of their delicious specialties, though, which include lots of shrimp and local dishes like fried green tomatoes, fried okra, quesadillas, and Lulus famous seafood gumbo. This is also a great place to find dips, grocery items, French bread and crackers, Cajun spices, and beautiful cooking utensils. The shop is open seven days a week and they even sell their own homemade fudge. This coastal campus is situated along the shores of the famed Orange Beach. If youre wondering what to do on the water when visiting this Alabama shore town, check out Wild Hearts Sunset Cruise. For more rainy day fun, check out the Track Recreation Center, where there are a handful of activities, including bumper boats, go-karts, mini-golf, kiddie rides, and more. Adjacent to the Fort Morgan Peninsula and surrounded by gorgeous forestry, the refuge is a beautiful sight to see. Start at The Park at Owa for a sunny day out. Here is an Alabama Beaches luxury condo review. Situated near Gulf Shores, a visit to The Wharf comprises a walk down scenic Main Street to take in all the surrounding excitement. Gulf State Park Beach If you are looking for a fantastic Gulf Shores beach, then Gulf State Park is the place for you! In addition to large mammals like Bengal tigers and American black bears, the zoo also has a large reptile house, camels, a significant number of primates, and a petting zoo where you can make friends with a donkey or a sheep. 10 Fun Things to Do in Gulf Shores July 2023 | Expedia You cant visit Gulf Shores without getting in the water. Tours last two hours and include a walk on the beach. Watch the video of me flying over Gulf Shores. From an incredible reptile house to many animal encounter exhibits and magnificent wildcats to more than 50 primates, the zoo is rife with astounding wildlife. Youll find a giant Ferris Wheel by the water, a laser show at night, and an ice skating ring in winter. Located in neighboring Orange Beach, The Wharf is an entertainment district filled with attractions, rides, and great shopping and dining. Rent bicycles fromBeach Bike Rentals to easily explore the magnificent park. Concerning the museums exhibits, some of the interesting exhibit themes cover local fishing villages, a Gulf Shores commemorative exhibit, and an exhibit on local hurricanes. There are also regular reenactments conducted here, as well as special events and guided tours available. Address: 28101 Perdido Beach Blvd B1, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States. Additionally, youll learn about how oysters are raised and aquaculture techniques. The 27-hole golf course now offers plenty of challenges for golfers of all levels, including private lessons for beginners who want to improve their game. Explore a mile or 10 of the trails, crisscross between them and explore as you go along. Address: 19950 Co Rd 71, Summerdale, AL 36580, United States. Start at the 10,000-seat Wharf Amphitheater, where you can catch concerts by the biggest names in country and rock music. 1. Let us know on ourContact page. It offers a mix of local cuisine, American fare, and lots of seafood. Want to try something else? This historic house-turned museum is one of the top places to visit in Gulf Shores, Alabama. An enriching arts experience for children, teens, and adults, the center provides a wide variety of artistic experiences, all with breathtaking views of Wolf Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. But there are a lot more things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama, including visiting wildlife refuges, hiking trails, and state parks, as well as chances for close encounters with playful dolphins in the Gulf waters. Visiting other parts of Alabama? Chances are youll spy some birds or other creatures among the extensive foliage. Craving more adrenaline? All rooms offer Dolby digital surround sound and the cinema is also equipped with a full concession stand offering popcorn, nachos, and plenty of other food choices, as well as a well-stocked wine and beer selection. Lastly, the farm hosts summer day camps for children, so this is a great option for filling a day or two if youll be in town with kids. Stay till the sun starts to go down for some great golden sky colors with the fort as your background. One of the top tourist attractions in Gulf Shores, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a blast for the whole family. Dont let the name fool you theres a lot more to do at The Track than take a ride. If you dont have a lot of experience kayaking, you can still join a kayak and then join a tour with an experienced guide. The park is even home to an 18-hole mini-golf course thats the quintessential end to any beach day. Or you can tour Navy Cove, where the oysters are farmed every Monday. With beautiful views, calm waters, and lots of wildlife around, this is a great way to escape the city. Whats more, a fun activity to do while youre in town is visiting the oyster farm for a unique tour. The soft white sugar sand draws visitorshuman and animalsall year round. Enjoy a Concert at The Wharf Amphitheater. Located at Johnnie Sims Park and is open daily and closes at dusk. Questions, comments, feedback? There are also two family tracks and a rookie track specially created for older children. According to the Nature Conservancy and several other sources, Alabama ranks as one thetop five most biodiverse states. After youve checked out the coastlines best spots, head out to Pensacola in neighboring Florida. Address: 110 HWY 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States. Whats more, The Factory has an arcade that features epic games, batting cages, a flight simulator, and ice cream machines. Outdoor Activities Exhilarating and educational, surprise your kids by booking one of these above-the-ground adventures on your vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. 6. Lake Shelby in particular is a major attraction because of its ideal conditions for canoeing and kayaking you can even rent a paddleboard here if youre up for trying something different. Traveling with friends or family? Be a human drone and fly 1,000 feet above Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Interesting, educational, and unique, a visit to Navy Cove Oysters is one of many cool things to see in Gulf Shores. If youd like to make some time for the Coastal Art Center, be sure to make reservations in advance of your arrival. Best Things To Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama - TripHobo That makes them a lot easier to fly than regular planes and you can experience that for yourself once your flight instructor hands you the controls as you fly over the beautiful coastline and try to catch sight of dolphins. Additionally, the center is home to a 5,000 square-foot arcade with both classic and newfangled video games to check out. 20% off 4 nights or more - Gulf Shores & Orange Beach We recently spent a super fun afternoon ripping through the intracoastal waters of Old River between Perdido Key and Ono Island. Today, he offers fun shows that mix comedy, music, and unexpected performances into a 70-minute extravaganza you wont easily forget. Kiddie karts are also available. In addition to nature trails for hiking and biking, theres a golf course, a zip line, and a nature center filled with resources and educational programs at the park. That was a unique Alabama beaches dining experience. After your Alabama National Park property hike in Bon Secour, drive to the end of the peninsula and visit Fort Morgan. No matter your budget or what you want to see, theres a flight perfect for your needs. Its a stupendous restaurant with great food, smashing drinks, loads of entertainment, and beyond. That means nature lovers will be enthralled when walking through the natural setting and extensive species that live on Alabama's coast. Open seven days a week, anytime is a good time to visit Groovy Goat. Gulf State Park Courtesy of Eric - Fotolia.com A must-see on your weekend getaway, Gulf State Park is a 6,500-acre park located along the Gulf of Mexico between Highways 59 and 161 that is managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Dont forget to take some photos on the pirate ship, grab some snacks, and explore the mysterious caves where the treasure could be hiding. During your visit to the zoo, youll have the opportunity to observe some of the more-than-300 animals that call the zoo home. Watch on Bounce till you can bounce no more, then head to the special trampolines where you can play dodgeball, basketball, and much more. Bring some of the local flavors home with you so you can recreate your favorite Alabama meals over and over again! Jeff Friend Trail. The trail runs next to urban areas too, so youll have a chance to grab a coffee or some snacks along the way if you didnt plan in advance. Have you ever wanted to hold a sloth or feed a giraffe? One of the best ways to explore the waterways of the Gulf, you should strongly consider booking a tour with Orange Beach Cat Boat Tour when youre in town. Besides hiking, other popular activities at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge include birding, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and photography. Customized sailing and catamaran cruises are available for a romantic evening out or if you want privacy with friends or family. Parasailing -9. Dolphin cruises usually last around 1.5 hours and are available throughout the day as well as during sunset hours for stunning photography. For more unusual things to do in Gulf Shores, consider spending a day catching your own dinner. Adjacent to the Fort Morgan Peninsula and surrounded by gorgeous forestry, the refuge is a beautiful sight to see. Local Gulf Shores cuisine experiences we love include eating Royal reds (local shrimp) at The Steamer, sampling craft beer at Big Beach Brewing, dining on fresh grilled seafood and rum drinks at LuLus (Jimmy Buffetts sister), local BBQ (amazing) at Hog Wild, and happy hour at Bills by the Beach (now closed). Finally, while some of the trails pass along the Gulf of Mexico, there are also three incredible lakes around which the trails interweave. Besides exploring the fort for the historical experience, there are plenty of other reasons to visit. Lastly, the park also provides vendors for food, rentals, and more. 12. Perdido Beach Resort provides lovely accommodations in Gulf Shores perfect for booking an extended stay. A mix of high-speed excitement and bouncing delight, banana boats are the perfect way to enjoy the water and cool off at the end of a long day. In addition to the superb eats and drinks, Groovy Goat is known for epic entertainment. 11 Cool Things to Do in Gulf Shores Alabama A more accessible space offering equipment rental, carts, and spectacular views all around, the Gulf Shores Golf Club is open seven days a week. Address: 20115 State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States. Step into a tropical world where pirate ships, bodies of water, and bridges await. Furthermore, Lulus hosts live music acts every day of the week. Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach? From trampoline jumping to a ninja course and rock-wall climbing to dodgeball, this place has it all. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge William A. Morgan / Shutterstock This more-than-7,000-acre refuge is situated just west of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Address: 3200 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States. Each course highlights the beautiful scenery of the region. As for drinks, the bar has more than 25 brews on tap as well as a full-service bar; a great specialty beverage menu, as well as daily happy hour specials, are another benefit of visiting Groovy Goat. Hit the Beach -4. This is a one-on-one experience like no other! However, its signature attraction is its multi-level Wild Woody go-kart track. Thrilling and unique things to do in Gulf Shores are not hard to come by. There are even toy boxes on the beach, where you can grab a beach toy to keep kids entertained (or leave one behind when youre ready to leave). You can buy chocolates by the piece or by the pound. Nice plug for Gulf Shores. Alabama's Official Travel Guide For a true hands-on sailing experience, book a cruise that allows you to take the wheel and learn some basic sailing techniques during your time in the water. Best Things to Do in Gulf Shores for Couples - Tripadvisor Top 100+ Attractions in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach 2023 Some article links may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. It was really fun to explore nooks and crannies in the Gulf Shores Alabama area. Why not check out some of the things to do in Birmingham, AL& some of the things to do in Montgomery, AL? By FhopeO8. This museum is located in the Louisville and Nashville railroad depot that was built in Foley in 1909. Be a US Gulf Coast Travel member & we will let you know when new articles are published. If youre looking for an active vacation filled with outdoor fun and travel adventures, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach each have options for you. The Wharf is a must-visit attraction in the Gulf Shores area, especially for families. While our WildNative Tours guide set up our kayaks, dolphins jumped in the water right in front of us. Traveling with young kids? We couldn't wait to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in its new location. Whether you prefer to shop a la carte or from their curated meals to go, you will not be disappointed with a meal from Gulf Shores Seafood Market. For the freshest seafood in town, nothing beats the Gulf Shores Seafood & Meat Market. Even better, you dont have to worry about anything, as fishing licenses, bait and tackle are included in the price of the trip. The festival kicks off at 8 am with a 5K Run & 1 Mile Fun Run benefiting Furrever Homes. One of the best places to go for good food, good times, and perfect scenery, Lulus is a quintessential summer spot. Address: 26389 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States. Besides the possibility of seeing beautiful bottlenose dolphins, the low-lying boats are zippy and youre likely to get wet. There are three major exhibitions set up here, which include a closer look into the 19th-century fishing village that once stood here and the families that called it home. A non-profit organization, this gallery was created by a group of local and regional artists to have a space to produce and sell their work. A great group-friendly small theater that sits under 150 people, the theater offers great classics like A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. It is also split between five different units. Painted shells? The festival features exhibits, raptor shows, and kids activities. 34 Things To Do Near Gulf Shores Alabama - The Food Hussy Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Reviews | U.S. News Travel The classic fort, built before 1833, protected Mobile Bay during several wars and is now a state historic site. It's a wonderful journey through history as you follow military movements, battles, and visit sites that show how soldiers lived during that time. 32 Awesome Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - A Brit and A Best of all, all of the tools you need are provided during your class; all youve got to bring is your imagination and sunscreen. What more could a kid need for a day full of fun? Plenty of rental companies can set you up with kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards for stints of up to eight hours. During these tours, youll choose from a chartered, captained boat, a kayak experience, or a delta charter. Furthermore, there are high-speed, thrilling tracks as well as low-key, family-friendly ones. Cool down in the waterpark just steps from the beach, enjoy rides and thrills in the amusement park or test your smarts in the escape rooms. Notable spots include the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center (with many vantage viewing points over the waterways), Battleship Park with busy saltwater marshes, and the Bellingrath Gardens bird sanctuary. Copyright 2023 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. Founded in 1972, this community theater is a great place to enjoy the dramatic arts in a more intimate way. You'll find crawfish boiling all day, along with live music, children's activities, art vendors, food and the Little Miss Zydeco Pageant. Furthermore, the beach is surrounded by lovely restaurants as well as spots for watersport rentals. Come for the food, stay for the drinks, and enjoy all of the fun activities while youre at it. We attended aNUISANCEdinner atVoyagers, at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, under the direction of Chef Brody Olive. Besides the scenic views, youll pass through alligator habitats as well as other natural wildlife habitats. #1 Reason to Go to Gulf Shores: Gorgeous Beaches The sand on the beaches is so powdery, with packed sand areas good for walking and biking. However, there are so many other things to do in Gulf Shores besides just lounge on the powdery sand! This 11-mile-long paved trail starts just outside the limits of Gulf State Park. Take a look at some of our most popular outdoor activities. Beyond the breathtaking surroundings and picture-perfect outdoor scenes, there are many ways to spend your time. Whether you want to try some of that magic or just want some great food, there are plenty of local restaurants that are worth experiencing. You cant visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach without hearing about theAlabama Coastal Birding Trail. During your tour, youll have the opportunity to explore local swamps and swamplife, an open marsh, and the open waters of the Gulf. Take a ride in the express rain that crisscrosses through the district, sit back to enjoy a VR adventure, or stop by the Cool Shots Selfie Museum. There are also flights over the Gulf State Park and flights over the picturesque islands of Ono, Robinson, and Walker. Gulf Shores, Alabama Attractions & Things To Do - Sundance Vacations A 4-person scramble, this tournament is a favorite among golfers. Phone (251) 328-4191. Most visitors come to the area for Alabama's amazing beaches. By 607jayb. 12295 State Highway 180 Website Price & Hours Free Details Beaches, Natural Wonders, Free, Parks and Gardens, Hiking, Recreation Type 2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend scorecard 5.0Value. Inside Gulf State Park there is a championship golf course, beach pavilion, tennis courts, hiking . Adventure Island is a seasonal amusement park with loads of thrills to be had. Harry Potter Film Concert Series coming to Huntsville in 2024 So go ahead and pack up some sunscreen for a day (or a week) of fun under the sun, Alabama-style! Built between 1819 and 1834, the star-shaped bastion fort sits overlooking Mobile Bay about 20 miles outside the city. Address: 244 W 19th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States. One of the top 10 ways to spend a beach day in Gulf Shores is by booking a class with the experts at Sand Castle University. If youre looking for all-out excitement for children near Gulf Shores, be sure to make time for The Factory. Address: 25328 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States. Dedicated to the history and culture of the Gulf Shores area, this fun museum housed in an old cottage offers a mix of things to see and do. Escape Room - There are a bunch of Escape Rooms in Gulf Shores and the fun thing about them is - a lot will have a local bent on one of the rooms. Orange Beach is the place to visit if youre looking for lots of stuff to do in one central locale. Lastly, the park is home to excellent restaurants and concessions; a handful of cafes, a grill, and a number of concession stands litter the park for your convenience and enjoyment. Situated along Orange Beach, its epic proximity to the coast is just one of the many reasons you should book your stay here. If youre looking for a great and unique way to spend an evening out, this variety show wont disappoint. For more thrills, try the bungee trampoline, mini golf, arcade and virtual reality center at the next-door park. This family-owned shop specializes in the production of homemade, handcrafted chocolates, fudge, and gourmet truffles.

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