Overview
Orange Beach is a city on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. It has beautiful white sand beaches, but is quieter and cheaper than the Florida beaches nearby.
4 sights · 9 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Orange Beach
Fort Morgan
Museum 9AM-5PM daily. Fort hours vary by season. $3 for adults. $1 for children. A fort has been at this site on and off since the 1500s. The present fortification date from 1834 to WWII and played a vital part in the Ba…
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Zoo features many exotic animals, including lions, monkeys and bears. There is also a petting zoo, reptile house and in the summer there are daily animal shows.
Gulf State Park
A great beach for families and away from the hustle of the other beaches. Facilities are minimal and a small parking fee is charged.
Waterville USA
Hwy 59 North. A 25-acre water and fun park. It has waterslides that are for the kiddies and the daredevils. There is miniature golf, go-karts, an arcade, and small carnival rides for younger children.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Great location for hiking with more than six miles of trails. Amazing beach access - worth the hike.
Gulf Shores Museum
Learn about Gulf Coast weather with a video on the Hurricane Hunters. Great exhibition on shrimping and fishing.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–May. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 44°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Aug. (climate data from nearby Pensacola)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PNS Pensacola International Airport, Pensacola — 26 mi away (major hub). Directions
- MOB Mobile Regional Airport, Mobile — 48 mi away. Directions
You can fly into nearby airports such as Mobile, AL (MOB) or Pensacola, FL (PNS). Private and corporate planes are served by the Jack Edwards Airport (GUF) in Gulf Shores. Other options include Montgomery, AL (MGM) and New Orleans, LA (MSY)- both of which would require a three-hour drive.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Fort Morgan, Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum, GOLF!
- Lunch Gulf Shores Steamer
- Afternoon Ferris Wheel at The Wharf, The America II at Hudson Marina
- Dinner THE GULF
- Evening The Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar
Day 2
- Morning Gulf State Park, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
- Afternoon Adventure Island, Pirates Island Adventure Golf
Day 3
- Morning Waterville USA, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
- Afternoon Gulf Shores Museum, The Track Recreation Center
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By plane
You can fly into nearby airports such as Mobile, AL (MOB) or Pensacola, FL (PNS). Private and corporate planes are served by the Jack Edwards Airport (GUF) in Gulf Shores. Other options include Montgomery, AL (MGM) and New Orleans, LA (MSY)- both of which would require a three-hour drive.
By car
The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas are easily reached from Interstates 65 and 10 as well as US Hwy 98. All three intersect with Alabama Hwy 59 (also known as Gulf Shores Parkway) which leads directly to Gulf Shores.
Distance from major cities: Atlanta, GA, 370 miles; Birmingham, AL, 274 miles; Jackson, MS, 245 miles; Memphis, TN, 480 miles; Nashville, TN, 450 miles; New Orleans, LA, 214 miles; St. Louis, MO, 632 miles.
By ferry
A ferry service is available between nearby Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island. The ferry landing is approximately 25 miles west of Hwy 59 on West Fort Morgan Road.
By boat
Boaters can reach Gulf Shores and Orange Beach via the Intracoastal Waterway. The Tennessee-Tombigbee provides a link between the Intracoastal and numerous ports in the midwest. In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, boaters will find numerous marinas available.
Get around
By foot
Plenty of accommodations are located directly on the beach. Guests can walk right out and enjoy the sand and water. Some are located within easy walking distance of restaurants and shops.
By car
The cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are connected by two main east-west highways. The most southern one is Highway 182 (known locally as Beach Blvd). It runs along the beach and offers great views of the water. Highway 180 (known locally as Canal Road) runs along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Highway 59 terminates at the public beach in Gulf Shores where it connects with Beach Blvd.
See
See Fort Morgan
Museum 9AM-5PM daily. Fort hours vary by season. $3 for adults. $1 for children. A fort has been at this site on and off since the 1500s. The present fortification date from 1834 to WWII and played a vital part in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Historical tours are given daily in the summer.
See Gulf Shores Museum
Learn about Gulf Coast weather with a video on the Hurricane Hunters. Great exhibition on shrimping and fishing.
Do
The best thing to do in Orange Beach is enjoy the beaches. There are plenty of places to park at most public beaches. Some offer facilities and picnic tables. There are many beach access area that provide pedestrian access only. These are best if you are staying nearby and don't need a car to get to the beach. It is best to be aware of the Beach Warning Flags that tell you whether it is safe to go into the Gulf of Mexico.
There is an unlimited amount of water sports activities available in Orange Beach. Take your pick between waverunners, catamarans, parasailing, sailboats, boogie boards etc. at any of the numerous rental places along the beach.
- Orange Beach Public Beach Access at Cotton Bayou, Romar Beach, and Alabama Point. Beaches are full of activity and conveniently located near bars and restaurants. Arrive early for a good spot.
Do GOLF!
Numerous courses at varying rates. Gulf State Park has an affordable course. Look up Soldiers Creek, Lost Key and Glenlakes for great courses at very fair prices. Cotton Creek and Cypress bend are both Arnold Palmer designs. Many more.
Fishing charters
Buy
Shop The Wharf
The Wharf is the Gulf Coast's most inviting shopping and dining destination with exciting retail and dining options. Choose from a variety of restaurants and eateries on site with options for romance, family and friends. Enjoy fine dining, casual southern flair, and local seafood favorites at The Wharf's array of restaurants. From Daiquiri Bars to Cigar Bars, The Wharf has an active night life. Listen to live music and cheer on your favorite sporting teams at The Wharf's late night venues. When rest and relaxation is in order, pamper yourself at one of our spas and salons with a rejuvenating treatment, massage or new hair style. Shopping at The Wharf is a unique experience. Browse dozens of locally owned boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops-designed to delight the most seasoned shopper. Retail at The Wharf has a little bit for everyone. Shop for fashions for the whole family, home interiors, sports gear, souvenirs and more!
Shop Tanger Outlets
Shopping-mall chain featuring a variety of brand-name & designer outlet stores. Find great savings on merchandise from your favorite designer and name-brands direct from the manufacturer at stores like: Coach, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Talbots, White House Black Market, Nike, Chico's, Kenneth Cole, and Reebok.
Eat
Eat Gulf Shores Steamer
A great selection of steamed seafood is on hand at this extremely casual restaurant. They served up platters of freshly steamed seafood, sandwiches and a kids menu with some great appetizers including steamed blue crab claws, raw and steamed oysters and smoked tuna dip. They also serve hand-cut ribeyes, burgers and chicken for the landlover. They offer waterfront dining.
Eat THE GULF
"Just a little beach bar with an amazing view, serving thoughtful food inspired by the Gulf of Mexico. Oh, and the building is made from repurposed shipping containers and we spin vinyl. Come get stoked."
Drink
Drink The Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar
The Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar (aka The Flora-Bama or "THE BAMA"), located in Orange Beach, Florida, adjacent the Alabama/Florida state line, is a honky-tonk, oyster bar, beach bar, and Gulf Coast cultural landmark, touted as being America's "Last Great Roadhouse". The Flora-Bama takes its name from its location on the Florida-Alabama border line. The Flora-Bama property truly does lie in both Alabama and Florida with the bar sitting right on the line...
Sleep
Stay Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach
This modern breachfront hotel is 4.5 miles from Waterville USA's amusement park and 4.7 miles from the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. All rooms offer contemporary decor, balconies and custom-designed beds, plus free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, microwaves and Keurig coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Parking is free. There's a casual restaurant serving cooked-to-order breakfast and light lunches, as well as a 24/7 pantry and a poolside tiki bar. Additional amenities include a fitness center, beach access, an indoor/outdoor heated pool and 2 hot tubs. There's also a 24-hour business center and meeting rooms.
Stay Holiday Inn Express Orange Beach
This modern hotel overlooks Orange Beach and is a 2-minute walk from Adventure Island amusement park, and a 5-minute drive from Gulf State Park. The contemporary rooms come with private balconies, desks, flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers, plus microwaves and minifridges. WiFi is free, while kids 19 and under stay free with an adult. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor pool, a pool-side bar and a hot tub, as well free parking & breakfast. Business facilities include a business center and meeting space for up to 80 delegates.
Stay Hampton Inn & Suites
Off State Route 182, this contemporary beachfront hotel is a 5-minute walk from downtown Orange Beach. Classic rooms feature free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with HD channels, plus coffeemakers, desks and custom-designed beds. Suites add private balconies, living areas, minifridges and microwaves. In addition to the free daily hot breakfast (on-site) and weekday breakfast bags to go, there's an indoor/outdoor pool and a fitness center. Other amenities include an on-site tiki bar, a business center, meeting space for up to 320 people, plus free parking.
Stay Sleep Inn on the Beach
This modern seafront hotel is 1 mile from Adventure Island and 2.4 miles from the Orange Beach Marina. The sophisticated rooms feature free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers and flat-screen TVs. They also come with minifridges, microwaves and desks, while upgraded rooms add balconies, ocean views and pull-out sofas. The property offers free parking and continental breakfast. Other amenities include beach access, a seasonal outdoor pool and a business center.
Nearby
Gulf Shores
City / town · 25 listings · 8 mi away
Perdido Key
City / town · 22 listings · 9 mi away
Foley
City / town · 2 listings · 10 mi away
Pensacola
City / town · 85 listings · 23 mi away
Gulf Breeze
City / town · 11 listings · 25 mi away
Fairhope
City / town · 2 listings · 25 mi away
Cantonment
City / town · 2 listings · 26 mi away
Pensacola Beach
City / town · 40 listings · 26 mi away
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