Orange Beach, Alabama
Something magical happens when you visit Orange Beach on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The moment you arrive, the world starts to fade away. Maybe it's the sound of waves gently lapping the shore or the smell of coconut oil. Perhaps it's the white sand beach and sparkling emerald water. Suddenly building sandcastles moves to the top of the "to-do" list. This, and more, awaits the visitor to this seaside town.
No matter how long a visit, there is plenty to occupy every hour of the day. Putter around a bit on one of the championship golf courses or cast a line for deep-sea adventure on a charter fishing trip. Travel back in history with a visit to Fort Morgan, the site of the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay. Visitors can even commune with Mother Nature as they hike through one of the many wildlife areas and gaze at gators and shorebirds in the process.
The Gulf coast area has a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 67.4 degrees. The average annual precipitation is 67 inches, and the growing season is 292 days. The beaches are pleasant for sunning and walking year round. Water sports begin in the spring and are at their peak in summer and early fall. Festivals and fantastic scenery occur year round. And with all that sun, it's a great time to explore some of the many attractions in and around Orange Beach. A must see attraction is Adventure Island.
With a variety of things to do such as mini-golf, laser tag, paddle and bumper boats, simulators (NASCAR/ roller coaster) super and kiddie go-kart tracks, as well as over 100 arcade games, it's a place the whole family can enjoy. For history, Fort Morgan should be included in the activity schedule. Located in nearby Gulf Shores, its "Damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead!" You can almost hear the command of Admiral David Farragut as he led his troops into the battle of Mobile Bay. For a hands on experience, the nearby Gulf Coast Exploreum is a science adventure for all ages. With permanent exhibits, traveling exhibits from major science centers and the IMAX Dome experience, it's a playground for the mind!
Now it's time to get packing for Orange Beach. It's a place where visitors can slow down, let loose, rediscover themselves and their loved ones. It's Alabama's Gulf Coast, and it will cast its spell over you.
Attractions
Adventure Island
24559 Perdido Beach Boulevard
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251-974-1500
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Mini-golf, laser tag, paddle and bumper boats, simulators (NASCAR/ roller coaster) super and kiddie go-kart tracks, 100 arcade games. See the Volcano erupt nightly!
Kayak Safari
1000 Captain Trent Lane
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251- 981-1FUN (1386)
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Paddle in Paradise! Come enjoy nature at its finest and explore the islands where Pirates once plundered!!! Tours and rentals available.
Nearby Attractions:
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
1204 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-5731
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Explore the natural habitats of more than 250 animals. Elevated viewing decks offer close-up viewing of everything from alligators to giraffes; plus a reptile house, aviary, petting zoo, gift shop, concessions, and a shaded picnic area.
The American Sport Art Museum and Archives (ASAMA)
One Academy Drive
Daphne, AL 36526
251-626-3303
Hours: Monday - Friday 8am- 5pm
Admission Free
Dedicated to the preservation of sports history, art and literature.
Baldwin County Heritage Museum
25521 Highway 98
Elberta, AL 36530
251-986-8375
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Preserving the county's rural heritage in a rambling building that resembles a turn-of-the-century barn with a working windmill and several outdoor agricultural exhibits.
Bart Rockett Magic
3757 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-967-BART (2278)
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
This magical production features state of the art lighting, sound, and special effects with spectacular illusions, amazing ventriloquism, and hilarious fun for the whole family.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
12401 Bellingrath Rd
Theodore, AL 36582
251-973-2217
800-247-8420
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Located on the lovely and tranquil Fowl River, Bellingrath is a 65 acre lushly landscaped garden and museum home with all the charm and beauty of the Old South.
Biophilia Nature Center, Native Nursery & Bookstore
12695 County Road 95
Elberta, AL 36530
251-987-1200
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Come see carnivorous plants, wildflowers, plant and butterfly nurseries, turtles, forests, and nature library/bookstore with the resident biologist of this private 20-acre ecological restoration project.
Bird of Paradise
3190 Airport Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-609-2043
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The Bird of Paradise takes flying to a new level.providing adventurous passengers open cockpit flights and romance of yesterday.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
12295 State Hwy. 180
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-540-7720
Office hours: 7:30am-4pm Monday-Friday
Admission Charged
Refuge has 4-5 miles of hiking trails and beach access.
Claude Peteet Mariculture Center/Marine Resources Division
21055 Mildred Casey Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
251-968-7576
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The center conducts studies and research that enhance our understanding of the life history of red snapper, various finfish and shrimp.
Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries
109 Bienville Blvd
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
251-861-2120
The sanctuary consists of 164 acres of maritime forest. Multiple walking trails allow the birder miles of habitat for Neotropical migrants.
The Estuarium at The Dauphin Island Sea Lab
101 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
251-861-7500
Hours: Open daily, call for exact hours
Admission Charged
Visual displays and interactive exhibits highlight Mobile's estuary system.
Fort Gaines Historic Site
51 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
251-861-6992
Open seven days a week, 9am - 5pm.
Admission Charged
Where History spans three centuries.
Fort Morgan
51 State Highway 180 West
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-540-7125
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
"Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead!" You can almost hear the command of Admiral David Farragut as he led his troops into the battle of Mobile Bay. Today Fort Morgan is a testament to the evolution of American coast defense fortifications
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
65 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36633
251-208-6883
877- 625-4FUN
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Hands-on, interactive science adventure for all ages! With permanent exhibits, traveling exhibits from major science centers and the IMAX Dome experience, it's a playground for the mind!
Minamac Wildflower Bog & Country Gardens
13199 Mac Cartee Lane
Silverhill, AL 36576
251- 945-6157
Hours: Open seasonally, call for additional information
Admission Charged
From early April through September, more than 300 varieties of native Southern wildflowers bloom in this five-acre preserve.
Mobile Bay Ferry
51 State Highway 180 West
Pensacola, FL 32501
251- 540-7787
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Vehicle/passenger ferry operating between Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan. Daily departures every 1 1/2 hours.
Sky High Parasail
19180 B County Road 10
5749 Bay La Launch
Foley, AL 36535
251-946-9000
Hours: Call for schedule
Admission Charged
A safe and smooth ride over scenic inland waters.
Tanger Outlet Centre
2601 S. McKenzie
Foley, AL 36535
251- 943-9303
Hours: Open daily, call for hours of operation
Admission Free
Discover the best brand names and guaranteed low prices at over 120 outlet stores including Gap Outlet, Polo, Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger and more!
The Track Recreation Center
3200 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-8111
Hours: Open daily, call for hours of operation
Admission Charged for Rides
Go-karts, bumper boats, Kids Kountry, arcade, mini-golf, skycoaster, and refreshment center.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
2703 Battleship Parkway
Mobile, AL 36601
251-433-2703
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Features the Battleship U.S.S. Alabama the Submarine U.S.S. Drum, military aircraft and equipment.
Wales West Light Railway & Family Fun Park
13650 Smiley Street
Silverhill, AL 36576
251-988-1950
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Passengers are treated to unique views as the trains travel for a mile past Victorian style buildings, a 4-acre lake, fields, gardens, playgrounds, woods, and wetlands.
Waterville USA
906 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
251-948-2106
Hours: Open daily, hours vary by season
Admission Charged
The ultimate in family fun, is a 20 acre Water Park and Amusement Park located in the beach resort community.
