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After several trips exploring Alabama’s Beaches, it’s safe to say I am a little bit obsessed with this slice of paradise on the Gulf Coast. And while I am a beach baby through and through, what I love most about these coastal towns is that there is so much more to do besides sitting on a towel in the sun, making it the perfect destination for cooler days in spring and early summer.
Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan are filled with things to do outdoors, from hiking the trails and sailing the ocean, to shucking fresh local oysters and frying up catch of the day. This list pulls together some of my favorite things to do on Alabama’s Beaches, so get out your planner and let’s go!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Visit Alabama’s Beaches; however, everything written is my own honest opinion. Thank you to the Visit Alabama’s Beaches team for hosting me!
1. Go on a Guided Naturalist Hike in Gulf State Park
You can’t come to Alabama’s beaches and not visit the Gulf State Park. With 29 miles of paved trails and boardwalks, lakes and sand dunes, and plenty of wildlife, this is a state park that must be explored.
One of the best things to do at the park is joining a free guided naturalist hike. I was so surprised to see a baby Bald Eagle (called an eaglet), and to learn that Alabama has 4 different types of carnivorous plants! (See if you can spot one of them right under your feet!)
Gulf State Park offers a full calendar of daily activities, including guided hikes and educational presentations all throughout the park, and many of them are free. Learn about dolphins in the Gulf, build a beach terrarium, or tour the Interpretive Center to learn about all the ways this park is protecting the ecosystem you know and love.
2. Graduate from Sand Castle University
When was the last time you built a sand castle? Well, you don’t have to be a kid to join Sand Castle University and learn the best way to build a huge castle on the beach – there is no age limit! This is such a fun, unique activity if you want to do more than just chill on the shore, and perfect for groups and families!
Classes are 1-2 hours and offer a range of sand sculptures to choose from. Your instructor will provide all materials, so all you need to bring is a reusable water bottle and your sunglasses, plus a towel for your knees if needed.
3. Tour an Oyster Farm
This was such a fun and unique attraction in Fort Morgan – take a tour at Navy Cove, a sustainable oyster farm.
Did you know oysters clean our waterways? Learn about the way oysters are grown and harvested, the history of the local Gulf Oyster, and how the only local oyster farm in Gulf Shores is changing the way oyster farms operate to be more sustainable.
Plus, join the crew by wading into the water for an up-close view of the action! Wear shoes and an outfit that are fit for wading into the shore for a close-up view. Tours that bring us closer to our food sources change our relationship with what we eat and where it comes from.
Then, taste the real thing at Sassy Bass Grill just down the road! Try at least one raw oyster, even if you’re scared.
Note: the tour is not offered in the heat of mid to late summer – another reason visiting in spring is ideal!
Can’t get enough oysters? Visit in early spring for the annual Fort Morgan Oyster Fest! Admission includes all-you-can-eat oysters, live music, and the opportunity to shop art from local vendors.
4. Have a relaxing Picnic on the Beach
This is one of my favorite things to do in Gulf Shores, and a perfect beach activity for spring weather! Showing up to a full picnic on the beach, complete with comfy pillows, a beautiful table set, and a full charcuterie plate, is such a fun, girly activity that I absolutely love.
Set up a picnic with Beach Moms with a catering add-on, and all you have to do is show up and enjoy! It’s such an Instagrammable moment that you are sure to remember from your vacation.
5. Get Out Paddling on the Water
See the water from a different angle by renting kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and going on a ride through the ocean. Kayaking is one of my favorite things to do, so I always try to rent a kayak and get out on the water in every new place that I visit. Several outfitters offer kayak rentals and even guided tours around Alabama’s beaches.
You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards in Gulf State Park and paddle around Lake Shelby, for a calmer experience on the lake. Lake Shelby is surrounded by pines and great for bird-watching.
There is just something so peaceful about paddling through the water on a sunny day, like nature’s therapy.
Tip: If you’re bringing your own kayak or paddleboard, download the free GoPaddling app to find all launch areas – this works around the world!
6. Dolphin cruise with Sail Wild Hearts
Is it just me or did every millennial grow up obsessed with saving the dolphins? Well, even if that’s not you, you are sure to love cruising on the water with Sail Wild Hearts, catching pods of dolphins in the surf along the way.
Dolphin cruises are offered in the morning and afternoon daily, but the best time to go is at sunset. Watch the sun go down in a colorful show after a full day of fun at the beach.
Bonus: don’t miss #9, one of my favorite things to do after a sail around the coast.
7. Hike in Bon Secours National Wildlife Refuge
The wildlife refuge is a short drive away from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, close to Fort Morgan, and has 4 trails to choose from. The visitor’s center and each trailhead are all in separate places, so plan accordingly.
Stop by the visitors center first and bring your US National Parks Passport to get a stamp and grab a map! Then head to the Jeff Friend Trail (.78 mi loop) for a quick loop on a boardwalk that is wheelchair accessible.
A higher difficulty, the Pine Trail (1.65 mi x2 out-and-back) is also a flat trail consisting of compact dirt for the first mile, until it turns into sand dunes and comes out on the beach.
Climb the steps to the lookout about midway down the trail for a view over the wetlands and river before heading past a lake and saltwater lagoon, out of the forest through the sand dunes, ending at the beach. To shorten the hike, turn around at the one-mile mark at the lookout.
8. Explore Fort Morgan Along the Alabama Birding Trail
One of the most popular attractions in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is touring Fort Morgan, which is a state historic site. But, did you know this protected area is also fantastic for birding? In fact, it has 5 individual stops on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail.
Visit in April to attend the Audubon Annual Birdfest – a rare chance to see scientists and volunteers in action, safely capturing birds and recording their information in a database.
If you can’t make the birdfest, check out their calendar for the many events offered throughout the year such as guided birding hikes, or just hit the Coastal Alabama Birding Trail with your binoculars and see who you can spot on your own!
9. Sip Mojitos and Watch For Dolphins at The Gulf
Shipping containers turned outdoor restaurant, string lights hanging between palm trees, open views of the water: The Gulf is one of my favorite spots in Orange Beach. I always order a mocktail Mojito and pressed Cubano sandwhich, but the menu at The Gulf is full of fresh seafood and tacos as well.
Grab a spot in a lounge chair or a picnic table in the sand and enjoy your meal beneath the palm trees overlooking the Gulf. Keep an eye out for dolphins, as they are often spotted in the Orange Beach Passage along the shore!
Hint: Don’t miss the gift shop! I may or may not have spent a few hundred dollars on these super cute t-shirts and hoodies (hides face) It’s ok, there’s no judgment here, it’s part of the coastal code!
10. Rent Bikes to Cruise Around Gulf State Park
With miles and miles of trails, one of the best ways to explore Gulf State Park is by bike; but don’t worry, you don’t have to pack your own. Bloom bikes are located throughout the park and can be rented quickly and easily on your cell phone with the Bloom App.
Tip: download the app on WIFI before leaving so you are ready to go!
I enjoyed biking along the Rosemary Dunes Trail, a small section of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail – which was voted the best recreational trail in the US 3 years in a row!
You can also rent segways at the park and even take a guided segway tour.
11. Have a Bushwacker (or 3, we won’t judge) on the Bushwacker Trail
Hit another kind of trail – the Bushwacker trail – during your spring and summer trip to Alabama’s Beaches. This frosty beverage, made up of coconut, coffee, and chocolate, just celebrated it’s 50th year, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
My favorite? Grab brunch at Sunliner Diner – yes, Bushwackers for breakfast – it’s fine, time flows at a different pace here.
Stop by The Hangout or CoastAL for a beachside Bushwacker at lunch.
Don’t miss the iconic Pink Pony Pub (I wonder if this is where the song comes from?) right on the beach for an icey version, and nearby High Tide offers flights of Bushwackers and so many flavors to choose from.
Or for a fancy version, try ordering one at Tin Top Restaurant and Oyster Bar with your dinner – I had a butterfinger!
Always say yes to a floater, especially if it’s peanut butter flavored.
12. Toss a Bra at Florabama (and, ya know, Listen to Live Music)
Florabama feels like spring break for adults, with live music, frosty drinks, and a *unique* decorative vibe.
Grab an icy Bushwacker and head to one of the five stages where the rafters are covered in ladies’ undergarments.
The tradition of tossing unmentionables may have started with wild roots, but today it’s all in good fun and many of the bras are purchased just to leave behind so you don’t have to worry about losing your favorite support piece (but if you feel like getting wild, you do you girl!)
13. Eat like a Local with a Fresh Seafood Boil
One of my favorite memories of living in Charleston is a seafood boil day – the whole family gathers outside and we dump the pot out along a clean table over to share.
You can experience a seafood boil, and even sit outside at a picnic table, at Picnic Beach. I feel like a seafood boil tastes best when you’re sitting outside – this is the beach I don’t make the rules.
By the way, it’s totally acceptable to wear a bib when having a seafood boil.
14. Taste Fresh-caught Fish and Gulf Oysters
Don’t leave the beach without tasting some fresh-caught seafood! Some of my favorite spots have been:
Bolo Orange Beach is a hidden gem! Order the crispy Brussels and daily catch.
At Sassy Bass I had chargrilled oysters that were amazing with their fresh grilled bread.
The Beach Club’s Coast Restaurant offers a catch of the day, a glass of white wine, and the sunset – it makes for a perfect end to the day.
Tin Top Restaurant and Oyster Bar was really good too – make sure you order a Bushwacker!
PS, you don’t have to get too dressed up; flip-flops double as formal wear here.
Bonus: Find the Secret Speakeasy at The Wharf
While it isn’t outdoors, this is one of my favorite things to do after a day of fun in Orange Beach, and I don’t want you to miss it either!
8 Reale is a hidden speakeasy at the wharf that is worth looking for. I won’t give away the exact location, but it’s safe to say it’s a combination of elegant and entertaining!
Find the daily password on their Instagram, and enter it into the keypad once you find the secret door.
Sit at the bar to watch the show as bartenders create your craft cocktails. We ordered 4 drinks and a mocktail and watched as she burned wood for a smoky old-fashioned, smashed aromatic herbs, and mixed concoctions like we were in a secret laboratory. I even got edible black pearls in my tiki drink!
Where to stay in Gulf Shores
A sustainable gem: The Lodge at Gulf State Park is a Hilton hotel located beachfront and in the state park. The hotel has 2 restaurants, a coffee shop and poolside bar, and even a few onsite shops. Check out my full, honest review here.
For a stay closer to nature, but still comfy and cool, try glamping at Timberline Orange Beach, located right on the Rosemary Dunes Trailhead in Gulf State Park. This is all the fun of camping, with hammocks and a fire pit, but with air conditioner, running water, and even a mini fridge in your spacious tent. Sign up for my email list to get notified when my full review is published!
Tip: if you’re coming for a spring break, it’s the perfect time to camp at the beach with mild, comfortable weather!
Spectrum Resorts Turquoise Place is also great for long stays, families, and big groups looking for a comfortable stay in Orange Beach. I got together with a few girlfriends for a workcation, and we found the condos to be the perfect hub for our group trip.
We stayed in Units D1407 & D1409, which are a short walk away from each other. The condos are spacious and every unit comes with a hot tub on the balcony which feels AMAZING in the cool spring weather! The buildings also have a ton of amenities, including a gym, pool, sauna, and hot tubs, plus a water slide and outdoor pool with a restaurant and bar. Read my full, honest review here.
Map of Gulf Shores Activities
Frequently Asked Questions About Activities in Alabama’s Beaches
What is there to do when it rains in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores?
You can do most things in the rain, but if you’d rather stay inside and warm (we don’t blame you), a few activities you can do are shopping at The Wharf and checking out the local businesses like The Spice and Tea Exchange and make your own bath items at High Cotton, live music at Florabama, or an art class at Foley Art Center or Coastal Arts Center.
You can also order a Beach Moms picnic to your rental, and they are happy to set it up indoors, which would be the perfect end to a day at the spa, wouldn’t it?
What is the closest airport to Gulf Shores?
New flights are being offered by Allegiant right into Gulf Shores at the Gulf Shores International airport. Check direct flights, which are regularly updated!
The closest international airport is PNS in Pensacola, and not much further is Mobile International Airport. Both of these are also small airports, but they do offer rental car counters, and security is quick and easy!
Beach Hair, Don’t Care—Let’s Get This Trip Booked!
With its blend of adventure, nature, coastal charm, and fresh seafood, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are so much more than just twin beach towns; it’s a place to reconnect with the outdoors, make unforgettable memories with friends, and soak in a slower pace of life. Whether you’re planning your first trip or coming back for more, there’s always something new to discover.
I could talk about it all day (and I would too!), but honestly? You’ll get it when you get there.
Whether you’re craving adventure, peace, or just a break from your routine, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach deliver in a way only they can. So if the coast is calling…
Click here to book your stay and start building your perfect beach itinerary today.
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