Set on the lovely coastal town of Gulf Shores and just 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from the beach, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is one of the famous attractions in this city. Tickets sell out quickly, especially to big-star concerts, so get yours in advance if your favorite star is coming to town. Best Things to Do in Gulf Shores for Couples - Tripadvisor The above scene at Bon Secour NWR is one of our top US Gulf Coast Photo Locations For Fun Instagrammable Shots. Community Events Concerts Live Local Music Calendar of Events There's always something to do, see, and experience on Alabama's Gulf Coast. Though it got its start as a library and then a youth center, it opened as the museum it is today in 1982. Go for a movie night filled with nightmares, join a CSI team to solve a murder mystery, uncover what really happened at the insane asylum, or join a space adventure like youve never experienced before! 10 Fun Things to Do in Gulf Shores July 2023 | Expedia The soft white sugar sand draws visitorshuman and animalsall year round. Traveling with a group of friends or family? City of Foley Depot Museum and Model Train Exhibit, Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier, You are viewing the first page of results. Traveling with your dog? Since its abandonment in 1944, the fort became a cool place to visit for its historical value but also for recreational activities too. The Jeff Friend Trail is the shorter trail and runs partially along . You can choose a one-hour tour around the Lake Shelby Picnic Area. With rides and thrills for all ages, this is the perfect attraction whether visiting with children or looking for activities for couples. The Track Family Fun Park takes family fun to the next level. We may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) from some links. Additionally, the fort is home to wildlife areas that are perfect for bird and wildlife watching. Experience the Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, or celebrate all things strawberry at the Baldwin County Strawberry Festival. From hiking and biking to watersports on Lake Shelby, there are tons of free things to do in Gulf State Park. Kiddie karts are also available. Here are ten things to do in April in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Or combine a trip around the islands with a stop at a sandbar. Highlight: The squeaky white sand that the Gulf Shores is famous for makes for a fun day at the beach. Right at the intersection of highway 59 and Beach Blvd is the place many people go to hangout, especially duringGulf Shores Spring Break when it is open until 2:30am. Whether you're visiting with a group or just you and a friend - make a reservation - you'll have a blast! Furthermore, The Wharf is home to an amphitheater that hosts top entertainers throughout the year. From amusement parks to animal encounters to museums and art galleries, youll find plenty to keep you busy during your visit. Paddle in a glow in the dark clear kayak from the marina to Robinson Island where the real fun then begins. Or stay even longer with one of their popular stay and play packages that include a combination of rounds of golfwith local stays. With 14 auditoriums filled with high-back rocker stadium seating and five 3D theaters, youll have plenty of choices for an amazing movie experience. The market carries a vast selection of seafood that runs the gamut from shrimp and oysters to a bevy of fine fish steaks and lobster. Your guide will take you along the coast and share lots of interesting details about the ecosystem along the way. 13th Annual Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival. Founded in 1972, this community theater is a great place to enjoy the dramatic arts in a more intimate way. Loaded with southern charm and rustic beauty, Oak Hollow Farm has bunk rooms for renting, tree swings littered about, picnic tables for taking it all in, and so much more. Established in 1986, Waterville USA has been a much-loved attraction for locals and tourists alike. The park is home to go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, paddle boats, and even an arcade. Dolphin cruises usually last around 1.5 hours and are available throughout the day as well as during sunset hours for stunning photography. If this isnt your first time, you can simply rent a paddle board and either explore the waters along the coastline or go deeper into the Gulf of Mexico for a more challenging adventure. This small Alabama beach sits just outside of Gulf Shores but is the perfect spot for a day trip to the beach. Gulf State Park. Let us know on ourContact page. . While there are plenty of things to do in Gulf Shores to keep you occupied for days, nearby Orange Beach is the perfect addition to your trip. You'll not only see dolphins during these cruises, but the knowledgeable tour guides will tell you all about their lives and habitat. While they offer art and music classes, as a short-time visitor you will likely be more interested in their art gallery, where you can buy a piece of local art or a unique hand-crafted item to take home. Interesting, educational, and unique, a visit to Navy Cove Oysters is one of many cool things to see in Gulf Shores. Whether youre looking for daytime outings, entertainment to enjoy at night, weekend adventures, culture, or the best restaurants in town, this list has it all. Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club recently underwent a multi-million dollar golf course renovation that added world-class bunkers and paths to improve the overall experience. Whether youre looking to hit the bike trails or just an alternate way to get around town, these companies also rent bicycle trailers for kids and RadRunner eBikes. Top 50+ Outdoor Activities | Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Exploring other parts of Alabama? For comfort with lots of amenities and four-star luxury, The Lodge at Gulf State Park is your best option. Lastly, the park also provides vendors for food, rentals, and more. A network of seven flat trails that extend for 28 miles, the backcountry area offers plenty of easy trails surrounded by pines and deer moss, wetlands, swamps, and lakes. Signs along with the Fort Morgan is a Third System masonry fort built between 1819 and 1833. If youre thinking about what to do during your upcoming visit to the Gulf, be sure to book a tour with WildNative Tours. You can also opt for a night glow tour where you'll search with a guide for ghost crabs on Bird Island. Whether you bring your own bike or rent one, you can try your hand at cycling your way through interconnecting bike systems in the Gulf Shores area. Get Your Flora-Bama Fix Central to the park is a five-story man-made volcano that erupts for an amazing show throughout the day. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. 29. They are in Mobile and Baldwin Counties in Alabama, which is just to the west of Gulf Shores. The Gulf Shores area is a top destination for birdwatchers, especially because of the many coastal birds that stop by the region during their annual migration. Besides the wonderful accommodations, the resort is home to a magnificent salon and spa. Sand Castle University offers one-hour and two-hour long classes on building sand sculptures worthy of an art gallery. If you get hungry, you can enjoy a bite to eat or drink at any of the fabulous restaurants at The Wharf. There is a small entrance fee but it is worth it for the sugar-white sand beach and crashing waves. Choose a budget 5-minute flight over the beach or a longer 12-minute flight that continues above the coastline. Besides the possibility of seeing beautiful bottlenose dolphins, the low-lying boats are zippy and youre likely to get wet. Along with these cruises, you can incorporate an anchorage and beach barbecue too. Concessionaire shops offering drinks and snacks open at 6am, and bait & tackle shops at 7am. Gulf State Park sits right on the Gulf of Mexico and extends over an area of 6,500 acres. Dedicated to the history and culture of the Gulf Shores area, this fun museum housed in an old cottage offers a mix of things to see and do. Visit Alabama Beaches Most of the fun activities in the Gulf Shores area center around their beaches so I will start there. A visit to Oak Hollow Farm provides a place to host events such as family reunions while enjoying a simpler way of life. Notably, the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum is a fun, adjacent attraction thats the perfect setting for a break from the sun; not to mention, its an awesome museum that imparts Native American history as it pertains to local fishing. Many waterways in southern Alabama and throughout the southern United States have that iced tea tint. Here is my list of the best things to do in an around Gulf Shores, Alabama: 1. Take a look at some of our most popular outdoor activities. 1. Situated along Orange Beach, its epic proximity to the coast is just one of the many reasons you should book your stay here. With two exciting 18-hole courses of miniature golf waiting for you, Pirates Island Adventure Golf is the perfect destination for a few hours of fun no matter if youre traveling with friends or family (kids as young as three can play here). This event promises a great course and a post-race party with food and fun. If youre looking for a unique way to enjoy the sights and outdoors when visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama, try kayaking. According to the Nature Conservancy and several other sources, Alabama ranks as one thetop five most biodiverse states. 1. The 13th Annual Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival in Gulf Shores is the perfect event to get out and enjoy the warm weather April brings. Most visitors come to the area for Alabama's amazing beaches. Youll get fun songs, some dancing, unexpected magic tricks, a touch of ventriloquism, and just the right amount of comedy too. More about these Gulf Shores activities appear below. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Reviews | U.S. News Travel Deep-sea, inshore, pier and surf fishing - we've got it all. Let us know your favorite things to do inGulf Shores Alabama. Theres also a butterfly garden and the museum organizes a number of events and activities throughout the year. That makes them a lot easier to fly than regular planes and you can experience that for yourself once your flight instructor hands you the controls as you fly over the beautiful coastline and try to catch sight of dolphins. These adventures bring you face to face with the beautiful marine life of the Gulf. If youre looking for unique things to do during your visit to Gulf Shores, you should visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. If youre looking for an active vacation filled with outdoor fun and travel adventures, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach each have options for you. Fort Morgan Beach extends outside the fort. A 10-barrel brewhouse serving great craft beer, the Big Beach Brewing Company is the perfect destination for a night out in the town. By FhopeO8. It is always a nice day when I am on the water. Christie Shannon is the museum administrator and is VERY knowledgeable about everything inside and out of her charges. 22. If sharks are eating cocaine, the opportunities are plentiful: May 2021: 31 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $1 million washed ashore in Gulf Shores. Plenty of boats and sailing options are available from Gulf Shores and nearby Orange Beach but if youre up for a day of privacy out in the water, charting your own boat is a much better option. The festival kicks off at 8 am with a 5K Run & 1 Mile Fun Run benefiting Furrever Homes. Another Gulf Shores lodging option is vacation rentals, including condos, apartments, and houses. The Refuge is located a few miles down the Fort Morgan Peninsula Highway 180 (aka Fort Morgan Road) from Gulf Shores. Address: 921 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States. Larger animals like bobcats and wild pigs also live in the park. Visitors can take a ride on the Ferris wheel - one of the most memorable things to do in the town - see laser light shows, play games at the arcade, experience virtual reality at the Outer Limits VR site, take a train ride on The . Address: Gulf Shores, Alabama, United States. A ropes course, arcade, caricature artist, hair wraps, and henna tattoos are just a few of the fun things to do while you wait for food or have a couple of brews. Head outside for the ultimate thrill when you ride the flight simulator just remember to buckle up for a wild ride! There are also flights over the Gulf State Park and flights over the picturesque islands of Ono, Robinson, and Walker. Bring your camerayoull definitely want it for the Butterfly Garden. Address: 3200 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States. Located just six miles from the beach, the zoo itself resembles a tropical oasis. We hope youve enjoyed our selection of fun things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama! Take a ride in the express rain that crisscrosses through the district, sit back to enjoy a VR adventure, or stop by the Cool Shots Selfie Museum. Yall know Flora-Bama is a fun place, right? For more cool kayaking places, please read Fun Places to Kayak in US. I myself flew this super fun craft for about 20 minutes but who was counting. Do you have any other suggestions you think should be added to the list? If the weather is good, take a walk down Main Street to get an idea of everything the area has to offer. The Gulf Shores area is one of the best destinations in Alabama to see dolphins. Specializing in intimate sunset cruises and exciting family adventures, these cruises are one of the top Gulf Shores attractions. 11 Cool Things to Do in Gulf Shores Alabama Whats more, the park is also home to an indoor water park with water slides galore as well as an exciting wave pool. You can even book a room at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel right by the water and enjoy a weekend stay. This coastal campus is situated along the shores of the famed Orange Beach. Did you know April 7 is National Beer Day? Stay till the sun starts to go down for some great golden sky colors with the fort as your background. During the summer, you can volunteer with the local Share the Beach environmental group to help protect the sea turtles nesting in the sand. Check out all of the local happenings and plan to check out one or several of our exciting upcoming events. Within the trail system, theres a picnic pavilion, dog park, restrooms, and tennis courts. All rooms offer Dolby digital surround sound and the cinema is also equipped with a full concession stand offering popcorn, nachos, and plenty of other food choices, as well as a well-stocked wine and beer selection. and hit the beach. Birdwatching is great year-round and visitors can catch sight of herons, hummingbirds, and many songbirds. Whether planning your visit for tomorrow or this weekend or looking for something to do during the day or at night, The Wharf has it all. Source: jaja_runner_rn on Instagram. This awesome attraction provides your group with its own private instructor who will work closely with you to build the sandcastle of your dreams. Check out their website for feeding times if youre there during one of them (three times a day), you might be able to participate in the experience under the guidance of a professional. Head to the sand dunes to see sea turtles or walk through the forest to catch sight of armadillos, red foxes, and deer. For example, you can cruise along the coast, then head deeper offshore to look for dolphins. Cool down in the waterpark just steps from the beach, enjoy rides and thrills in the amusement park or test your smarts in the escape rooms. Drivers can race each other up and down over three stories around the parkbefore embarking on a thrilling drop back to the bottom. 27 Fun Family Activities To Do In Gulf Shores And Orange Beach With Kids Or grab a creamy fudge cup (six-cup samplers are also available if you want to taste a variety of flavors) or a scoop of the shops famous ice cream. Dont forget to take some photos on the pirate ship, grab some snacks, and explore the mysterious caves where the treasure could be hiding. You can charter a 65-foot fishing boat (complete with an air-conditioned cabin and bathroom) for anywhere between four and 10 hours. Entertainment and souvenir shopping are additional things to do when visiting Tropic Falls Theme Park. Dauphin Island, Mobile, Fort Morgan Come experience Bellingrath Gardens and Home, the naturally breathtaking historic manor home and pleasure gardens located in southern Mobile County Graham Creek Nature Preserve is home to hundreds of plant and wildlife species. From an incredible reptile house to many animal encounter exhibits and magnificent wildcats to more than 50 primates, the zoo is rife with astounding wildlife. Another popular outdoors spot is theBon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. See also our full article about The Lodge of Gulf State Park. Its a stupendous restaurant with great food, smashing drinks, loads of entertainment, and beyond. Customized sailing and catamaran cruises are available for a romantic evening out or if you want privacy with friends or family. Lastly is the Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulfs Greatest Beach Party. Things to Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach (2023) At the event, unique and spectacular classic cars line Main Street at The Wharf as spectators admire them from up close. Plan a visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo , Fort Morgan, a local waterpark, or even a Segway tour. Watch on Theres also an arcade and a unique axe-throwing attraction you cant miss. The 27-hole golf course now offers plenty of challenges for golfers of all levels, including private lessons for beginners who want to improve their game. You can rent rods and reels at the pier. If youre an experienced paddler, you can rent your own tandem kayak to take on the Little Lagoon in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, just minutes away from Gulf State Park. Up for something different? To find the best events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, look no further than our events calendar. That was a unique Alabama beaches dining experience. Moreover, combination sail and nature trips include guided nature tours where youll have the opportunity to observe local wildlife and their natural habitats. For a true hands-on sailing experience, book a cruise that allows you to take the wheel and learn some basic sailing techniques during your time in the water. Whether youre looking for great food, fun parks, nature and water sports, or a bit of art, Gulf Shores has something for you. After your Alabama National Park property hike in Bon Secour, drive to the end of the peninsula and visit Fort Morgan. Situated in Gulf Shores of Alabama, Sand Castle University teaches kids and adults of all ages to build epic sandcastles. You may even see one of the rare species (including the gopher tortoise, Alabama beach mouse and red-cockaded woodpecker) that call the region home. Established in 2011, Navy Cove Oysters is a premier oyster farm in Navy Cove, Alabama which is near Gulf Shores. If youre looking for something sporty to do when visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama, plan a few hours on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. And while there are plenty of ways to explore the beautiful Gulf, kayaking your way through it has its own special magic. A kid-friendly tropical playground and the ultimate grown-up body slide with a nearly vertical drop. Address: 14210 S Greeno Rd, Fairhope, AL 36532, United States. A lovely way to spend time with loved ones on the Gulf, a sunset cruise sets sail upon world-class catamarans. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (Gulf Shores) - Tripadvisor Contact. Bird lovers consider this area a bucket list destination due to the many species that pass through the area. April 21, 2023 - February 29, 2024. During your visit to the zoo, youll have the opportunity to observe some of the more-than-300 animals that call the zoo home. Check out all the coming fun and plan to join us this spring. Rotating exhibits focus on issues and events important to the area. Check out more events happening this spring and make a break for the beach! We spend the afternoon hanging out on the beach, playing in the sand, and crashing into the waves. The soft white sugar sand draws visitorshuman and animalsall year round. Visitors can try the oysters at the local Sassy Bass Bar & Grill or the Bon Secour Fisheries. Open seven days a week, anytime is a good time to visit Groovy Goat. 21 Exciting Things to Do in Gulf Shores with Kids THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Gulf Shores - Tripadvisor These unique exhibits are led by animal experts so they can be educative for all involved. Thank you for joining the US Gulf Coast Travel family. Are the beaches in Gulf Shores family-friendly? As such, you can trust them to sell you fresh, quality seafood every time you visit. Address: 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States. Address: 20499 Oak Rd E, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States. Of note, six unique trails vary in length and difficulty. If youre looking for sporty things to do in Gulf Shores, stand-up paddle boarding is a great choice. Other fun park attractions include bumper boats and Kids Country which is home to loads of rides just for little ones. Lastly, the park is home to excellent restaurants and concessions; a handful of cafes, a grill, and a number of concession stands litter the park for your convenience and enjoyment. Looking for things to do in Gulf Shores that wont break the bank? There are plenty of options for golfing on the Gulf Coast, including greens with stunning views and unforgettable settings. These are multi-use trails, so bring a bike, put on some good shoes, or grab a baby stroller all are welcome on these trails. Established in 2004, Alligator Alley is a sanctuary for rescued gators whove been injured or otherwise threatened. Nice plug for Gulf Shores. The longest helicopter flight available is 40 minutes long and takes you over the historic Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines as well as the coastline and the beach. Why not check out some of the things to do in Huntsville, AL? This is one university youll definitely want to attend when youre on vacation! 31 Best & Fun Things To Do In Napa Valley (California), 32 Best & Fun Things To Do In Providence (Rhode Island), 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Frankenmuth (Michigan), 21 Best & Fun Things To Do In Athens (Georgia), 31 Best & Fun Things To Do In Bentonville (Arkansas), 20 Best & Fun Things To Do In Tybee Island (Georgia), 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Jackson (Mississippi). See wildlife as you paddle in the animals natural environment. During a tour, youll see a working oyster farm in action, learn about oyster ecology, and the geology of Mobile Bay where oysters are harvested. Otherwise, there are other interesting markers nearby, including one for the 1882 Swift Coles Historic Home, which still stands today and can be toured to learn more about the history of the area. In addition to sunset cruises, this company also offers guided kayak snorkel adventures. Beyond the breathtaking surroundings and picture-perfect outdoor scenes, there are many ways to spend your time. 2009: two bricks of cocaine were found . One-hour parasailing packages start with a briefing so you know what to expect, then an exciting boat ride as youre lifted up into the air surrounded by the beautiful coastal scenery. Furthermore, the resort is home to five unique restaurants ranging from fine dining to a pizza joint as well as a coffee shop. There is a swamp area complete with a boardwalk where you can walk out and view these ancient creatures from above. Set up as an intimate, small community space, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo actually covers 25 acres and is home to just over 300 animals. Bring some of the local flavors home with you so you can recreate your favorite Alabama meals over and over again! You cant visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach without hearing about theAlabama Coastal Birding Trail. Natural Beauty There's only one thing that can top cruising around the beautiful coastal waters of Alabama, and that's spotting dolphins during your excursion. This is the best way to learn about their behavior and lives without interfering. Nine species of dolphins call the gulf home, and visitors can catch an exhilarating cruise ride to see the playful animals up close.