12 Top Orange Beach, Alabama Attractions Near Your Hotel or Condo
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Orange Beach has become a popular vacation destination. But there’s more than just miles of pristine white-sand beaches and aqua Gulf Coast waters to enjoy. Here are 12 Orange Beach, Alabama, attractions near your hotel or condo that are sure to make your next vacation unforgettable!
Table of Contents
- The Cetacean
- Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
- The Wharf Amphitheater
- Gulf Island Charters Swim, Grill, and Chill Excursion
- The Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruises at The Wharf
- Banana Boat Rides
- The Park at OWA
- Brandon Styles Impressions and Magic Show
- The Track Gulf Shores
- Fishing Charter
- Lucy Buffet’s Lulu’s in Gulf Shores
- Chute for the Skye Parasailing at Tacky Jack’s
1. The Cetacean
Guests enjoying a scenic sunset sail with Cetacean Cruises Dolphin and Sailing Tours
Ask a nautical and they will tell you that the ideal conditions for sailing include spacious waters, sunshine, and medium winds. Lucky for you, Orange Beach hits all these points and more, making it the perfect destination for sailing adventures!
Experience the wonder of a dolphin cruise on a luxurious catamaran aboard the Cetacean, where you’ll enjoy refreshments and music while getting up-close-and-personal with bottlenose dolphins. This attraction is for ages 13 and up, and offers alcoholic beverage options for adults. This 2-hour cruise departs from The Wharf Marina, and sails the smooth waters of the Intracoastal Canal.
{Read Reviews & Book Orange Beach Sunset Sailing Tours Online}
2. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The tiger is just one of the many majestic animals you’ll encounter when visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Monkey around and scurry on down to one of the biggest and best wildlife exhibits on the entire Emerald Coast at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. A family-friendly Orange Beach, Alabama, attraction with over 500 different animal species, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is guaranteed to amaze and educate even the most well-read visitors and wildlife enthusiasts. The zoo boasts a variety of large animals and exhibits including:
- Siberian tigers
- Bengal tigers
- Wolves
- An exotic bird exhibit
- A monkey exhibit
- Petting zoo
- Reptile garden
- and MORE!
For an additional $10 fee, you can get up-close-and-personal with some of the zoo’s featured stars, on a Live Animal Encounter!
In 2004, Hurricane Ivan completely devastated The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The massive evacuation efforts led to a series featured on Animal Planet entitled, “The Little Zoo That Could,” which incited support from animal lovers far and wide. The beautiful history of this little zoo is part of what makes it such a local gem, and so full of character, hospitality, and charm.
3. The Wharf Amphitheater
Image Courtesy of The Wharf at Orange Beach
Enjoy great dining options, catch a movie at AMC Theatres, or enjoy some live music at The Wharf in Orange Beach! When you’re at the Wharf, anything goes! One of the top spots for shopping and live entertainment in the region, The Wharf boasts a long list of top designers and merchandisers including:
- Lucca
- Archipelago
- The Orange
- Build-a-Bear Workshop
Not only a great place to shop, dine, and take a Ferris wheel ride, The Wharf also boasts an excellent music venue, hosting some seriously big acts in 2021, from Jimmy Buffett to Chris Stapleton, with affordable ticket prices. Pull your loved one close, as you dance under the broad southern sky, to your song.
Enjoy the warmth and openness of the outdoor amphitheater, as you share drinks with friends. You’re certain to make some unforgettable memories that will have you coming back to The Wharf Amphitheater for your next concert!
4. Gulf Island Charters Swim, Grill, & Chill Excursion
The Swim, Grill, and Chill Excursion is a great way to experience beautiful Orange Beach from a different perspective
There isn’t much better than time spent on a boat, and on this charter, you’ll experience all the boating life has to offer! Captain Don will chauffeur you around to local hotspots to sightsee, fish, tube, and swim. You can even grill your own fresh catch! This activity is so jam-packed with fun, you’ll be coming back year after year as you make memories that will last a lifetime!
{Read Reviews & Book Gulf Island Charters Swim, Grill, and Chill Excursions Online}
5. The Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruises at The Wharf
According to a recent Traveler Story, a dolphin cruise aboard the Sunny Lady is a must-do
Sparkling waters and an abundance of bright sunny days can make anyone smile. Throw some bottlenose dolphins, majestic marine birds, and the occasional sea turtle sighting into the mix, and you have yourself one of the top Orange Beach, Alabama attractions!
Enjoy dazzling displays of sea bird antics from local Gulls, Pelicans, Blue Heron, and Ospreys as an appetizer to the main attraction of dancing dolphins! Local charters and their captains know exactly where to go and how to attract these super-intelligent creatures to the side of the boat. Who knows, you might even get a glimpse at a Manatee in the surf!
The 1.5-2-hour cruise is light-hearted fun, and offers multiple decks for your comfort and viewing pleasure, an air-conditioned cabin, men and women’s restrooms, and a snack bar. There’s also a great photo opportunity, as children can don the captain’s hat and grab the wheel. Dolphin cruises in Orange Beach are the perfect way to create memories your kids will never forget!
{Read Reviews & Book Orange Beach Dolphin and Sunset Cruises Aboard Sunny Lady Online}
6. Banana Boat Rides
Pictured above is a group of people on a banana boat.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique activity to do while you’re in Orange Beach, Alabama, be sure to go on banana boat rides! These rides are loads of fun for both kids and adults, and they offer a great way to see the sights and get some exercise at the same time. Just be sure to wear sunscreen and hold on tight!
{Read Reviews & Book Gulf Shores-Orange Beach Banana Boat Rides Online}
7. The Park At OWA
Image Courtesy of https://visitowa.com/
Just a short drive from the beach is a brand-new amusement park, with serious roller coasters and over 21 amusement park rides. OWA, which means “big water” in the Muscogee Creek language, also boasts a huge water-themed fun park called “Wacky Waters.”
To top it all off, there is a fabulous downtown area for shopping, dining, and strolling, featuring restaurants such as:
- Wahlburgers
- Crazy Doughnuts
- Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
If your family is into amusement parks, you need to check out OWA in Orange Beach!
{Read Reviews & Book OWA Admission Tickets Online}
8. Brandon Styles LIVE Impressions & Magic Show at OWA
Pictured above is Brandon Styles, doing one of his many impersonations
The super-talented Brandon Styles will have you laughing non-stop with his hilarious impressions of stars from Michael Jackson to Justin Bieber. You will be entertained from start to finish with comedy, magic, dance, and ventriloquism. Maybe you can’t get to Vegas this year, but you can experience a Vegas-style act super close to Orange Beach!
{Read Reviews & Book Gulf Shores Orange Beach Brandon Styles Magic Show Tickets Online}
9. The Track Gulf Shores
Image Courtesy of The Track
I can vividly remember coming to The Track as a kid. There is absolute magic in riding along on the “woody,” the wooden track for adults, as your parent peeled around the curve and attempted to pass the go-cart ahead of you.
The thrill of The Track will offer up memories that last, as I attested earlier, but not just because of the go-carts. The Track is stacked with bumper boats, a sky-coaster, and an arcade, making it the place to be when the sun goes down. You will not regret a trip to The Track with your family!
10. Fishing Charter
Explore the beautiful coastal waters and catch some of the area’s many fish species.
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting fishing experience, then be sure to check out the many fishing charters in Orange Beach, AL. These charters offer everything from half-day trips to full-day excursions, and they can accommodate all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to try something new, a fishing charter is the perfect way to spend a day on the water.
{Read Reviews & Book Gulf Shores-Orange Beach Fishing Charters Online}
11. Lucy Buffet’s Lulu’s Gulf Shores, Alabama
Lulu’s in Gulf Shores, Alabama, consistently ranks as one of the most popular restuarants on the water
How about we get to the food already? Lulu’s offers some delicious dining with enough options to please everyone in your family, but your kids are probably more concerned with playing. Welcome to Lulu’s, where everyone gets what they want. Your kids can play to their heart’s content!
There is an arcade, youth and munchkin climbing course, ropes course, and sandpit, and you can watch it all with an umbrella drink in your hand! Located right on the Intracoastal Canal, Lulu’s offers up stunning views of the bay, as well as a charming marina. This is one local favorite that you won’t want to miss!
12. Parasailing
Parasailing is one of the top Orange Beach activities for families
There is something magical about rising high above your surroundings, the butterflies in your stomach, the warm breeze on your cheek, and the noise fading away. Parasailing in Orange Beach offers a unique balance of peace and exhilaration that takes your breath away. Also, parasailing is a great way to catch sight of sea turtles, stingrays, and dolphins, not to mention stunning views of Orange Beach!
{Read Reviews & Book Gulf Shores Orange Beach Parasailing Online}
Now that you know the top Orange Beach, Alabama, attractions near your hotel or condo... it’s time to get out and have some fun! Don’t forget to visit TripShock.com for ideas on the best things to do while visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast.