Things to do in Gulf Shores-Orange Beach, AL

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are neighboring cities in Southern Alabama. These coastal towns are popular for family fun attractions and tours with a focus on watersports and beach activities. Some of the top things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach include deep sea fishing, parasailing, boat tours, and rentals. Besides tours and attractions, travelers love the coastal cuisine, nightlife, and local nature.

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Featured Gulf Shores-Orange Beach Activities

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Mar 25 - Mar 31
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Orange Beach Dolphin & Sunset Cruises Aboard Sunny Lady

4.9
(9.2K)
1.5 Hrs.
Head to The Wharf and hop aboard the Sunny Lady for a scenic cruise in search of dolphins on Orange Beach's favorite boat. The Sunny Lady's spacious rooftop deck and climate-controlled cabins provide plenty of cozy seating throughout and great visibility for optimal enjoyment and plenty of photo ops. Grab some refreshments at the snack bar or just relax as the boat makes the rounds in search of bottlenose dolphins and other marine wildlife among the waves. Book your spot on an OB classic today!
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Booked 30 times in last 48 hrs
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Orange Beach: Dolphin & Sunset Cruises Aboard the Southern Rose

4.6
(1.7K)
1.5 - 2 Hrs.
Set out on an unforgettable dolphin-watching adventure on the Southern Rose Dolphin Cruise in Orange Beach, Alabama. Cruise through scenic waterways while enjoying island tunes, warm sunshine, and comfortable seating designed for ultimate relaxation. Keep your eyes peeled for playful bottlenose dolphins, as sightings are guaranteed! Perfect activity for families, couples, and nature lovers, this tour offers a fun and laid-back way to explore the beauty of Orange Beach. Don’t miss your chance to make lasting memories—book your Southern Rose Dolphin Cruise today!
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Booked 6 times in last 48 hrs
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Caribe Cruiser Dolphin Tours Orange Beach

4.8
(567)
75 - 90 Min.
Spend the day searching for dolphins while listening to the calming sounds of the waves and tropical music from the comfort of a covered pontoon boat. A perfect idea for large groups and family outings. Enjoy a narrated tour on the local waterways while they sit back and listen to beach music, book today!
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Orange Beach: Chute Em Up Parasail Tours

4.8
(897)
1 Hr.
Take your Orange Beach experience to new heights with a thrilling parasailing adventure! Soar 500 feet above the Gulf with Chute Em Up Parasail, where breathtaking views of sparkling waters and coastal scenery await. These state-of-the-art boats accommodate up to 15 passengers, ensuring a safe, smooth, and unforgettable ride for everyone. Whether you're flying solo or sharing the skies with friends and family, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. Book your Chute Em Up Parasail Tour today and make memories from new heights.
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Booked 2 times in last 48 hrs
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Helicopter Tours in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

4.9
(366)
View the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast on a thrilling helicopter tour! Explore Alabama from the sky and scope the notable sights from the Perdido Pass, Orange Beach Islands, downtown Gulf Shores, and beyond! The stunning views from a helicopter make for the perfect date night or family outing. Fly in the sky and book one of the seven exciting tours today!
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 303

Orange Beach: Private Dolphin Sightseeing Tour

5.0
(150)
2 - 8 Hrs.
Explore the peaceful, meandering waterways of Orange Beach, Alabama with this Private Dolphin Sightseeing Tour. Let Captain Matt and his lifelong experience on the water guide you around this beautiful ecosystem on his 24-foot Cobia center console. Learn all about the area's local wildlife and take in the sights and sounds of the day. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of Alabama’s Gulf Coast with this Private Boating Excursion & Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise. Book your dolphin cruise today!
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Orange Beach: Bear Point Marina Jet Ski Rental

4.8
(316)
1 - 8 Hrs.
Create your own adventure with an Hourly Jet Ski Rental Departing from Bear Point Marina. Go fast navigating the back bays of Orange Beach, Alabama on a Yamaha 3-seater jet ski. Create memories as you zip through Wolf Bay, exploring nearby coves at high speeds. Keep an eye out for native wildlife like bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, and fish! The shortest no wake zone in all of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach makes this rental the perfect fit to get out there and get on the water! Book your experience today!
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Booked 2 times in last 48 hrs
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 285

Sunset Helicopter Tour By Lost Bay Helicopters

4.7
(11)
View the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coastline via a thrilling tour with Lost Bay Helicopters! This half hour tour soaking in the golden hours as a red western sun sinks behind an unforgettable tropical horizon is a must see! Enjoy the breathtaking sunset from high above the shoreline. Fantastic for a first date, romantic rendezvous or a unforgettable family outing. Book today!
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Orange Beach Sunset Sailing Tour

4.9
(355)
2 Hrs.
End the day with a sunset cruise. Nothing but smooth sailing on this Orange Beach Sunset Sailing Tour aboard a beautiful 52 foot catamaran. Enjoy your favorite beverage while listening to some great music, kicking back, and watching the stunning sunset. Leave your cares in the wind as you cruise through the bay around Orange Beach. Don't miss the boat, book today!
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Cruise OB Dolphin Cruise

4.8
(334)
2 Hrs.
Set sail for fun as you cruise the sparkling back bays of Orange Beach on a Dolphin Cruise. Sightsee pods of local Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and watch as these majestic and social creatures leap and play up close to the boat. Enjoy the sights and surroundings as your knowledgeable captain and crew educate you on the local marine wildlife like the mesmerizingly beautiful blue crab. Experience breathtaking views on this pleasure cruise that whisks you into the Gulf of Mexico and book your experience today!
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Orange Beach: Private Sunset Boat Tour

5.0
(21)
2 - 4 Hrs.
Explore the peaceful, meandering waterways of Orange Beach, Alabama with this Private Sunset Boat Tour. Let Captain Matt and his lifelong experience on the water guide you around this beautiful ecosystem on his 24-foot Cobia center console. Learn all about the area's local wildlife and take in the sights and sounds of the evening. Choose from various departure times for a customizable cruise experience. Sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of Alabama’s Gulf Coast with this Private Sunset Boat Tour. Book your sunset experience today!
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Orange Beach: Private Snorkeling Tour

4.8
(18)
2 - 8 Hrs.
Search the peaceful, meandering waterways of Orange Beach, Alabama with this Private Snorkeling Tour. Snorkel in 2 to 3 feet of shallow water exploring Sea Grass beds while searching for small crabs, snails, and fish. Keep an eye out for the area's other local wildlife such as dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and so much more! This is a beginner level excursion that is great for young kids and new snorkelers. Sit back, relax and enjoy Alabama’s Gulf Coast on this Private Snorkeling Tour. Book your excursion today!
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some popular places to visit in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach?

There are tons of great spots to visit in the area. The Wharf in Orange Beach is home to a massive ferris wheel, zipline tours, shopping, dining, and water excursions. The Wharf Amphitheater is also home to major concerts and events. The OWA amusement park in nearby Foley is a massive theme park complete with rides, dining, and entertainment. Visit hundreds of awe-inspiring animals at The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, or cast a line at the Gulf State Pier in Orange Beach. The world-famous Flora-Bama bar and lounge rests on the line between Orange Beach, AL and Perdido Key, FL. Flora-Bama is testament to the local culture offering seafood, entertainment, and giant events and concerts. Some other great spots to check out include The Hangout Gulf Shores (seafood dining and entertainment in a beach setting), The Track (family friendly go carts, arcade, and rides), and LuLu's Gulf Shores (beach-themed dining and music), and Waterville USA waterpark.

2. What are the differences between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores?

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are neighbors in Coastal Alabama. Orange Beach, AL, lies directly to the east of Gulf Shores, and borders Florida. Gulf Shores is larger, with approximately double the population. Both cities offer coastal dining, attractions, activities, lodging, and nightlife. The culture is very similar as well, with Gulf Shores being more famously known for events like Hangout Fest Music Festival. The two areas are frequently grouped together given their almost identical offerings to vacationers and families.

3. What are the beaches like in Coastal Alabama?

Coastal Alabama beaches, specifically the beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, are composed of soft, white sand. They are, as a whole, less busy than Florida beaches, but may be a little cooler as well.

4. Are there islands to visit in Orange Beach, AL?

Yes, the Perdido Pass contains four islands famous to locals. They are Bird Island, Robinson Island, Gilchrist Island, and Walker Island. While Gilchrist Island is privately owned and not accessible to the public, the other three islands are owned by the city and visitors are welcome!

5. Which events take place in Gulf Shores, AL?

The most popular event in Gulf Shores is the Hangout Music Festival. Lots more annual events take place in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach including culinary festivals (Oyster Cook-Off, National Shrimp Festival), party festivals (Interstate Mullet Toss), and music festivals (Frank Brown International Songwriters', Festival of Art)

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