Orange Beach, Alabama, nestled along the Gulf Coast, is the ideal spot for those who love beaches, enjoy outdoor adventures, and are looking for the perfect family vacation. Mere powdery white sands, shimmering turquoise waters along with dozens of activities, make up the coastal gem which both solo travelers and large families feel comfortable in. To decide whether to sunbathe on the beach, get on thrilling rides, or enjoy the best Gulf seafood, all these are at your disposal provided you are in Orange Beach. Quite succinctly, this detailed guide is about the most fun Orange Beach has to offer and is particularly about the activities that families can take part in there.
Top Things to Do in Orange Beach
Relax on the Pristine Beaches
With the pristine sandy shores of Orange Beach, you will certainly find inner peace if you are a fan of the serene places. Some of the main spots are Shoalwater Beach and Romar Beach where you can enjoy the sun, swim, or build sandcastles with your family members. The cushiony sand and clear waters make it a perfect getaway from your day-to-day life.
Tip: Sunrise or sunset is the best time to see spectacular sights, and there are no big crowds.
Best Beach Activities: Enjoyable for both children and adults, these activities include beach volleyball, shell collecting, and kite flying.
Embark on a Dolphin Watching Cruise
One of the most popular pastimes in Orange Beach is dolphin watching which is both children’s and adults’ favorite. Time to embark on your adventure by joining a cruise from Dolphin Harbor Excursions to watch the stunning animals make acrobatic jumps from the water. These trips are nothing less than an enchanting experience which is only amplified for children making them less likely to just walk away from the camera.
Pro Tip: Book a whirlwind trip to the sunset cruise for a more magical experience.
What to Bring: Make sure you remember to bring sunscreen, a pair of cheap binoculars, and a camera to capture these unforgettable views.
Visit The Wharf
The Wharf is a lively center for shopping, dining, and relaxing. Its variety of smaller shops and eateries makes it a haven for families to do things they love. The most thrilling thing for kids is a ride on the emblematic Ferris Wheel and playing classic arcade games at the family fun center.
Activities: You can test your skills in different activities like axe throwing, laser tag, or watching a movie at
Seasonal Events: Discover live gigs, holiday light shows, and admire the officially licensed SPECTRA Laser Light Show.
Discover Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park, a vast park extending over 6,000 acres, is a paradise for nature lovers. The park is crisscrossed with an infinite number of trails for hiking and biking, along with picnic spots and fishing piers. It is a perfect way to enjoy the Gulf Coast’s natural landscaping.
Must-Do: Go for a walk in the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, a place where you may see animals like alligators and herons.
Water Activities: Canoeing, SUP, and fishing are among the activities held in Lake Shelby.
Family Picnic Spots: The park’s sheltered regions are ideal for family reunions; in addition to picnic facilities, barbecue stands are included.
Adventure Island
This fun, and family-oriented amusement park has mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats, and an arcade. The star attraction at Adventure Island is an erupting volcano that is enticing to the kids and they are sure to love it.
Why It’s Popular: Reasonable pricing and activities suitable for all ages are the two main reasons why it is sought
Insider Tip: You never know because you may find some sellers that offer combo tickets which are cheaper than the single tickets to more than one of the attractions.
Fishing Charters and Water Sports
Orange Beach and its nearby areas are among the best places to enjoy outdoor activities. They have different activities such as overseas fishing and others which include kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing that are done along the coast. While conventional beachgoers need to be lauded for their courage, those who dare to go parasailing will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Gulf.
Top Charters: Orange Beach Fishing Charters and Reel Surprise Charters are the top companies in the city.after by many guests.
Best Time to Visit: Evenings, especially early ones, when the lights and the volcano are turned on therefore the atmosphere becomes lively and fun.
Family Option: What is best for families inshore fishing and why is it kids’ top activity? It is shorter than others so it is suitable for them.
Water Sports Rentals: Look through local operators and you are bound to find jet skis, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment for rent before long.
Things to Do in Orange Beach Alabama for Families
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Nicknamed “The Little Zoo That Could,” the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is very hands-on which gives the children the opportunity to see and sometimes pet some very unique animals. Everything from lemurs to kangaroos can be seen in the zoo making it everyone’s favorite family excursion.
Unique Features: The zoo has an option of animal encounters like the Sloth holding and Kangaroo feeding.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Use the early hours before it gets crowded to go to the zoo so that you might be able to see more animals in action.
Family Programs: The zoo even plans on conducting workshops and behind-the-scenes tours specifically for kids. Please take a look at the zoo’s schedule.
Sandcastle-Building Lessons
Why stick with ordinary sandcastles when there’s so much to learn from experts! Book a session with a skilled sand sculptor that will give your family lessons on how to make cool sand sculptures. It is a thing that’s not only enjoyable but also a great memory.
Perfect For: Families with children of age 5 and up.
What You’ll Learn: Techniques to make your sculpture stand stable, how to work with the texture, and which exact tools to use.
Bonus: Bring a photo of your artwork home with you.
Play at Romar Beach Baptist Church’s Playground
Families with young kids will definitely love this safe and friendly playground where children can play in a clean space. It offers children the opportunity to play as much as they can possibly want, while the adults get a chance to take a break.
What to Expect: Shaded places for kids, swings as well as the possibility of gently gliding to a stop and picnic tables for snacks.
Nearby Amenities: Walking distance to nearest restaurants for a quick stop and a bite to eat.
Explore Educational Activities
Amuse your kids with educational activities in the O.B. Indian & Sea Museum, which is a collection of local history exhibits and artifacts of the region.
Exhibits: About the history of Native American culture and the first fishing period in the area will be a treat.
Interactive Displays: They are great for inquisitive children who appreciate the hands-on way of learning.
Attend Family-Friendly Events
Try to plan your visit at the time of one of Orange Beach’s festivals. The Orange Beach Freedom Festival and Seafood Festival are main events that offer live music, tasty food, and various activities for all ages near you.
Bonus Tip: Most of the events are free, which means a day out is a budget-friendly choice.
Don’t Miss: Car shows are great places for kids and grown-ups and a popular activity at these festivals. You really shouldn’t miss them.
Where to Stay in Orange Beach
Luxury Stays
Orange Beach’s Windward Pointe: Condominiums with a plenary view of the Gulf and other luxurious amenities like pools and hot tubs are commonly found here.
Bella Luna Properties: Family-style vacation plan possibly comes with excellent Why has this happened to me beaches where one may go alone?
Mid-Range Options
Regency Isle Orange Beach Condos: Not only is the layout comfortable, it is also one of the best places to get value for your money when you stay at one of these rooms and enjoy meals in your kitchen or on your private balcony.
Harbour Place Rentals Orange Beach: (Get some rest here, boys
)Located near the main attractions, this property is a perfect place for families.
Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Summerchase Condos: There are approximately 100 units in the complex, which are ideal for families, and probably the most suitable for them as compared to any other place for which they compete.
Bayshore Towers: Budget conscious travelers looking for comfort and convenience will be elated with the perfect getaway.
Vacation Rentals
For bigger groups, the whole beach house or cottage can be an alternative. However, the cottages at Romar were the first to have enough units, and on top of that, they offered better facilities and services than most of the other resorts in the area.
Pet-Friendly Rentals: Fogs are like gates but houses are more like houses for people. Both places might be better off if combined.
Dining in Orange Beach
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Lillian’s Pizza: Pieces of goodness (or the joy of eating) are always in the air at this eatery, just off the road a bit;
Chronic Tacos: A Mexican restaurant that differentiates in the American market for their respective dishes that appeal to both children and adults.
Seafood Lovers’ Paradise
Shipp’s Harbour Grill: Another good spot from where you could have another aerial view of the Gulf in the background could be Shipp’s Harbour Grill, (by enjoying the excellent food) also serves up fresh Gulf seafood, (possibly is there on one of the cliffs of the restaurant building).
Fish Camp Orange Beach: The restaurant up in the
Desserts and Sweet Treats
Dippin’ Dots: An entertaining stop for kids to have unusual frozen desserts.
City Donut: An excellent choice for early breakfast or as a late afternoon snack.
Sweet Spot: Make a short trip to Sugar Rush Candy Shop if you are not ready to leave yet and you will be able to taste and look at the old-fashioned sweets and chocolates.
Seasonal Events and Festivals at Orange Beach
Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show
The festival takes place annually and this year, it was filled with seafood from the Gulf and cars from the old times. A family experience not to be missed, guests come from far and near to attend the show.
What to Expect: Bands playing live music, food vendors, and play stations for kids.
Festival of Art
A networking of local artists that give exhibitions, live music performances, and workshops for kids. These days are the right time to kindle creativity in our children and also to appreciate the art cultural background of Orange Beach.
Workshops: Children have the choice of pottery or painting class to engage in.
Christmas in Orange Beach
During the Christmas holidays, the whole city of Orange Beach metamorphoses into a world full of colorful lights, parades, and exclusive events.
Don’t Miss: The Christmas light trail at The Wharf.
Unique Feature: Kids will be photographed with Santa on the beach.
Outdoor Adventures and Hidden Gems
Catman Trail
Usually a part of the Hugh S. Branyon-Backcountry Trail, Catman Trail offers a wildlife refuge that allows you to get close to nature and relax. It’s an excellent destination for biking or hiking.
Best Time: In the early mornings as it is usually cooler at that time and the animals are mostly active.
Trail Features: There are benches, downloadable guides, scenic overlooks, information about wildlife, and the built environment, and audio and tactile access to the map. There is also an accessible bathroom.
Ono Island
Ono Island, although primarily residential, is a real hidden marvel due to its stunning and discrete nature. If you take a boat tour, namely, you have a chance to pass by the high-end houses lining the island and be awestruck by the calm waters.
The Pass
The Pass is known by locals and tourists for its great fishing and beautiful sunsets.
Tip: Bring a picnic and watch the sunset as the sun gradually sets below the horizon.
Fishing Tip: For the best catches, go fishing for redfish or speckled trout in the early part of the day.
Travel Tips for Visiting Orange Beach
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Fall: The weather is cooler and there are fewer people.
Summer: The hot sun will give you more tanning time, but the hotter nights and days as well as the higher price and more people will bother you.
Safety Tips
Orange Beach is a place where you will find information about the flag system that will help you to decide if the conditions for swimming are safe for you to swim.
So, make a habit of drinking water and remember to use sunscreen.
Packing Essentials
Beach gear: Umbrellas, chairs, and sand toys.
Comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring.
Camera or smartphone for capturing the moments.
Reusable water bottles are a way to live sustainably.
Transportation
Orange Beach has a small area where you can walk but by renting a car, you will be able to drive around to all attractions according to the recommendation of the beach front.
Bike Rentals: There are many places where you can use these bikes, either for getting around the trails or for going to other places nearby.
Orange Beach, Alabama, is a perfect place to spend a vacation or more than that, it’s a destination that offers a variety of activities for the whole family like natural beauty, family-friendly activities, and cultural experiences. From simply lazing around the blue skies and beach blissfully to traversing the varied local history and savoring impeccable meals, Orange Beach Alabama is an endless gateway for all levels of travelers. Check out their official website and begin planning your vacation now to experience the best of it!
