Whether you’re looking for a luxurious getaway or a budget-friendly adventure, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, have something for everyone. From private dolphin tours and high-end resorts to kayaking and dining on a budget, read this guide to discover all these top-rated beach destinations have to offer – at ANY price.
Attractions
Premium Attractions up to $2,000
Soar above the pristine shoreline on a Gulf Coast helicopter tour. With eight different flight options, you can choose the adventure that suits your budget and party size. Fly over the sugar-white beaches on a 12-minute Coastal Cruise tour, or go all out with a 30-minute sunset trip for mesmerizing views of the vibrant coastline. Other tours include an aerial perspective of the Battle of Mobile Bay and the opportunity to see wild sea life in their natural habitat.
Embark on a half-day deep-sea fishing charter for a thrilling day on the water. You’ll venture 15 miles offshore from the Orange Beach Marina to reel in fish like red snapper, mackerel, and wahoo on a six-hour journey. Want to bring home your catch? Take advantage of the free cleaning and bagging services.
For a more relaxing day at sea, set sail on a 1.5-hour private dolphin-watching tour. Take off from The Wharf Marina in a pontoon equipped with a cocktail bar and restroom. Sip refreshing cocktails while learning about the resident dolphin pod from the crew and admiring striking views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Budget-Friendly Attractions under $50
Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo for a family-friendly day out. It’s home to 118 species, including endangered animals like leopards and anacondas. Admission is under $25, but for a little extra, you can take part in unique encounters like feeding giraffes, hanging out with a sloth, and meeting a conspiracy of ring-tailed lemurs.
Rent a kayak and spend four blissful hours paddling through serene waters at Graham Creek, Bon Secour River, or Magnolia River. The Coastal Kayak crew will deliver the kayak, paddle, and life jacket to your chosen launch point. If you opt for Graham Creek, stick around afterward to test your skills in the archery park or disc golf course.
Go to Waterville USA for a fun-filled afternoon of flying down water slides and floating on the lazy river. Catch a never-ending wave on the FlowRider or race your friends down the legendary 55-foot Dune Racer. When you’ve had your fill of the water, enjoy activities like go-karting, bowling, and a blood-pumping escape room.
Free Things to Do
Explore some of Alabama’s last remaining undisturbed habitats at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Choose between four hiking trails, each at different lengths and terrain, for visitors of all skill levels. Stroll through rolling dunes or pine-oak woodlands and spot wildlife like loggerhead turtles, alligators, and sandpipers.
With 28 miles of paved trails, public beaches, and a free bike-sharing program, you can easily spend a full day at Gulf State Park. Bike the scenic Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail or swim in Lake Shelby, a huge freshwater lake in the middle of the park. For a nominal fee of $2 per adult, you can also visit the Gulf State Park Pier to go fishing or take in the sunset.
Catch the free SPECTRA Laser Light Experience on Main Street at The Wharf. Three times nightly, watch as lighting effects and lasers sync to upbeat songs by icons like Whitney Houston and Taylor Swift. Each show has a different theme, so you could see mythological sea creatures in one and pirates in the next. This is one of the most popular free things to do in Gulf Shores, so get there early for a good viewing spot.
Gulf Shore & Orange Beach Dining At Any Price
Premium Dining up to $150
Indulge in Gulf seafood and award-winning wines at Voyagers inside the Perdido Beach Resort. Enjoy the intimate coastal setting while savoring seafood dishes like broiled Gulf oysters or red snapper with Alabama crab salad. Leave room for their signature Peach Bread Pudding, served with white chocolate and brown butter bourbon ice cream.
Perch at The Lodge at Gulf State Park offers an elevated dining experience with mesmerizing waterfront views. Chow down on something refreshing like the Perch Seafood Tower, or go the savory route with seared scallops with glazed pork belly. After your meal, sip handcrafted cocktails around a fire pit on the outdoor deck.
Embrace an explosion of Creole flavors at Louisiana Lagniappe to indulge in dishes like blackened group and crab-stuffed jumbo shrimp. Expect entrees in the $35-$50 range in a casual yet upscale atmosphere. Coming for date night? Ask about the “2 Can Dine with Wine” offer, which includes two entrees and a bottle of wine for $59.
Budget-Friendly Dining under $50
If you’re looking for a lively spot with fresh local seafood, burgers, and live music, make your way to The Hangout. The family-friendly joint is known for its hourly foam parties, giant sandbox, and live music. Get the BBQ pork nachos or a Shaka Burger topped with fried Gulf shrimp. Sip the famous Shark Attack made with Malibu coconut rum, bue curacao, and pineapple juice.
Relax in the coastal-inspired dining room at Picnic Beach, a picnic-themed eatery complete with wooden tables and faux grass-covered floors. Take your pick of BBQ meats, burgers, fresh seafood, and salads. For an ultra-satisfying meal, order the fried grouper sandwich or the Caribbean bowl with blackened chicken.
Travel back to the “good old days” at Sunliner Diner, a retro 50s-style diner serving up burgers, handspun milkshakes, and all-day breakfast. Sit in a vintage car booth and enjoy fan favorites like the chicken & waffles benedict or banana nut French toast. Up for a challenge? Take on the sky-high Jukebox burger. If you can finish it, you’ll win a surprise gift!
Top Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Accommodations
Premium Hotels up to $2,000
Set on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, The Beach Club Resort & Spa offers both seclusion and luxury without being too far from the action. Swim in one of five outdoor pools and play tennis on lit courts. Indulge in a hot stone massage or an oxygen relief facial at the spa. Grab a bite from one of the food trucks on the Village Lawn, or enjoy a sit-down meal at Coast Restaurant. With so many amenities, you might not even want to leave.
For upscale beachfront accommodations, you can’t go wrong with the well-appointed condo units at Turquoise Place. The units sleep anywhere from 8 to 16 people and range from $800 to $2,400 per night. Get your heart racing on the 300-foot water slide or relax in the lazy river. Enjoy complimentary breakfast and games in the lounge, take a swing on the putting green, and soothe your muscles in the steam room.
A popular choice among Orange Beach vacationers, Perdido Beach Resort boasts a wide range of oceanfront rooms and suites. Pair breakfast with panoramic ocean views at Latitude 30, grab a Hawaiian-style pie at Perdido Beach Pizza, or enjoy an upscale dinner at Voyagers. Search for hidden objects in the seashell mural, dance to live music by the pool, or melt away your stress with Saturday morning yoga.
Budget-Friendly Hotels under $200
The Original Romar House was Alabama’s first seaside bed and breakfast, and it’s still going strong as a top choice among the budget-conscious. This family-owned gem in Orange Beach has cozy rooms, antique furnishings, and beach access. Kick back in a hammock on the outdoor patio, enjoy daily breakfast, or take a dip in the pool.
For a quiet retreat near Gulf Shores, stay in a charming room at the historic Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast. Every morning, savor the flavors of the South with a complimentary 3-course breakfast featuring dishes like egg casserole and homemade grits. When it’s time to unwind, curl up with a book on the wraparound porch surrounded by live oaks or mingle by the great hall fireplace.
Prefer a condo over a B&B? Gulf Shores Surf & Racquet Club is an affordable complex with one- to two-bedroom units and beach access. Play a game of tennis, nap by the pool, or grill up your catch of the day by the lagoon. Bringing a boat? For an additional fee, you can rent a boat slip on the property.
