Hello fellow adventurers!
Earlier this year my new husband, Marc, and I had an amazing honeymoon in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, and I shared why it was the perfect honeymoon destination.
But there is SO much to share about it, so here I’m sharing the unique and exciting things we discovered. It turns out, this coastal paradise isn’t just about relaxing on those stunning sugar-white beaches, though we did plenty of that, too…
Ok, gotta take a moment to appreciate those beaches…yeah baby…
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, is a beautiful destination with plenty of unique activities to enjoy. There are quite a few quirky, cool, and unforgettable experiences to check out, whether you’re going there for your honeymoon, a girls’ getaway, or a trip with the kids – or teens. We did a few but I want to highlight just how fun the area is.
So, here are 12 unique things we did, plus other things we found out about but just didn’t have time to do. And most are budget-friendly. In fact, many are free! I hope this will show you why Gulf Shores should be your next must-visit destination! 🌴🌞✨
12 Unique Things to Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
Explore Gulf State Park- and Dine in a Restaurant there too!
We wanted a little adventure, so one of the things we did was explore Gulf State Park by bike.
Gulf State Park is located right in the middle of Gulf Shores, and has 6,150 acres of beautiful land featuring hiking and biking trails, fishing, and a beautiful beach.
There are FREE bike rentals, so we picked up a couple and biked on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail around Lake Shelby, which was approximately 6.5 miles. The entire trail through the park is over 28 miles. It is scenic and has a leisurely, flat-level path, which makes it a popular choice for bikers and walkers.
We also enjoyed dining right inside the park at a restaurant called Woodside Restaurant. They have delicious food – we had breakfast here. You can get free bikes to rent right outside too so it’s a great place to start your bike ride. Woodside also has live music and events like trivia night.
See Historic Fort Morgan
Be sure to explore historic Fort Morgan, a significant site during the Civil War. The fort offers guided tours, reenactments, and gorgeous views of Mobile Bay. You can wander through the fort’s grounds, including its walls, tunnels, and rooms, and learn about its history and role in various wars, particularly during the Civil War, the Battle of Mobile Bay and World War 2.
Fort Morgan is located at the very western end of the peninsula. It has a museum with artifacts, exhibits, and informative displays about the fort’s history, military life, and significant events.
Visit the Wharf at Orange Beach
Experience entertainment, shopping, and dining at The Wharf in Orange Beach. There are many cute shops here. Don’t miss the nightly light and sound show at the marina! It’s free, and you can also watch it from inside Villagio Grille at the Wharf. We enjoyed a show while eating our dinner there.
Also, take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a bird’s-eye view of the area (check in advance if the ferris wheel is running).
Make Glass Art
The Coastal Arts Center is located in Orange Beach, right by the water. You can enjoy the art museum here, with beautiful local art, and you can try glass blowing at The Hot Shop. It’s a unique opportunity to create your own glass art piece under the guidance of experienced artists.
I tried it myself and had a great time. The instructors were very helpful and yes, you do get to really blow glass!
I made two glass pieces – a paperweight and an ornament. However, it takes a few days for your art to be finished so they may have to ship it to you, depending on your length of stay.
Check out my finished glass art!
See Bamahenge!
Located in Elberta, just a short drive from Gulf Shores, Bamahenge is a full-scale replica of Stonehenge, made of fiberglass. It’s a bizarre and unexpected sight in the middle of Alabama’s countryside.
Like literally, it’s in the middle of nowhere. I was worried we wouldn’t find it but Google got us right there.
There are also dinosaurs nearby so be sure to look for those.
Ride pedalboats at High Tide!
High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas is a beach restaurant with sandwiches, coffees, daiquiris, mimosas and other drinks. And they have cute pedalboats you can rent! How unique is that?!
Eat and Play at LuLu’s
Owned by Jimmy Buffett’s sister, Lucy Buffett, LuLu’s is not just a restaurant but a full entertainment complex. I was so amazed at all you can do here! You can enjoy quirky activities like the rope course, arcade games, and live music, plus sit by the water and watch for dolphins! We saw some!
The food is amazing, too. Try the Shrimp & Grits (the locals say it’s “Slap Your Mama Good!”), Smoked Tuna Dip and Fried Crab Claws! They also have an extensive allergy-friendly menu.
Visit the Beach!
The beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are unique because they’re clean, sugar-white, and just stunning. Being from Minnesota, we don’t have anything like this in the midwest, so visiting Gulf Shores is an absolute treat.
If you’re fortunate enough to be staying somewhere with beach access, you will want to schedule some time there. We stayed at an amazing 2-bedroom condo right on the Gulf.
Otherwise, there are 8 public beach access locations, with Gulf Place being the main public beach access point, featuring picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a playground. It’s a great place to relax, have a beach picnic, or play some beach volleyball. Be sure to learn about the beach warning system to stay safe in the water!
Be in both Alabama and Florida at the same time!
There’s a restaurant called the Flora-Bama that is literally on the border of Florida and Alabama, hence the name!
It’s a quirky place where you can get food and drinks, enjoy live entertainment and sit on the beach.
Go on a helicopter ride over the Gulf!
Gulf Shores has helicopter rides! Lost Bay Helicopters has different Beach Tour options from 12 minutes to 40 minutes.
Visit the local quirky souvenir shops!
It’s worth stopping at some local souvenir shops as they are fun and quirky, and huge inside! They’re an experience by themselves. There are several in close proximity to each other too. They had everything. I bought a few things for my kids and myself here.
Visit Orange Beach’s Oldest and Best Donut Shop
City Donuts is a unique donut shop for sure. They are Orange Beach’s oldest donut shop, and were rated the USA Today Readers Choice 2024 #1 donut shop! They have quite a variety of donuts and treats – the Glazed Croissants are to die for.
So that’s 12 unique things to do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama.
But there are actually more things to do! We didn’t have time for these but they’re worth checking out:
See Dolphins
Take a dolphin cruise to see these playful creatures up close. Various companies offer guided tours that provide insights into the local marine life.
Gulf Shores Museum
Learn about the local history and culture through exhibits that showcase the area’s heritage, including artifacts from the fishing industry and historic photos.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Visit the “Little Zoo That Could,” featuring over 500 animals, interactive exhibits, and the chance to get up close with lemurs, kangaroos, and sloths.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Enjoy bird watching, hiking, and fishing in this protected area known for its diverse wildlife and pristine natural beauty. It’s located right near Fort Morgan so you can see both in one visit.
Fishing Charters
Book a fishing charter! Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, you can try deep-sea fishing or inshore fishing for a variety of species.
Parasailing
Get a bird’s-eye view of the Gulf Shores coastline with a thrilling parasailing adventure. Enjoy the stunning scenery and the adrenaline rush as you soar above the water.
Alligator Alley
Get up close and personal with alligators at Alligator Alley in nearby Summerdale. Walk the elevated boardwalk and see over 450 alligators in their natural habitat. You can even hold a baby alligator if you’re feeling brave!
Summary
These activities offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and learning opportunities, making Gulf Shores a versatile and exciting destination.
There’s even more, too. Visit the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach website for more information and ideas!
Share or pin this post!
Read about why we thought Gulf Shores & Orange Beach were the perfect honeymoon destination!
What are you most excited to see and do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama?