Alabama Beaches Vacation Guide

Nearby, Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile is home to the USS Alabama, a legendary World War II battleship turned museum, along with the USS Drum submarine and an impressive aircraft pavilion filled with historic planes and military vehicles. It’s an immersive, hands-on experience where you can walk the decks, climb ladders, and step back into history.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: Home to over 300 animals, including lions and kangaroos, this zoo offers interactive experiences and a fun carousel that kids love.

Waterville USA-A family: friendly water park with slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool, plus an arcade and escape rooms for extra fun on hot days.

Adventure Island: An entertainment complex with mini-golf, go-karts, laser maze, and tons of arcade games—perfect for kids who love active play.

The Wharf at Orange Beach: A vibrant spot featuring a Ferris wheel, fun light shows, shops, and restaurants where families can enjoy both entertainment and dining together.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Explore the calm waters of the back bays or head out into the Gulf for a more intense paddle. Whether you’re gliding through Wolf Bay or exploring Cotton Bayou, paddling is a great way to combine a workout with sightseeing.

Beach Yoga or Sunrise Workouts: Start your morning with a beach yoga class or your own sunrise workout. Nothing beats breaking a sweat with your toes in the sand and waves crashing nearby.

Fishing and Boating: You may not think of fishing as an "active" pursuit, but deep-sea fishing and even surf fishing require strength, balance, and stamina—plus, it’s just plain fun!

Tennis and Pickleball: Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have great public facilities for tennis and the ever-growing sport of pickleball. It's a great way to stay active and meet fellow vacationers or locals.

Beach Volleyball: You'll often find impromptu volleyball games happening near public beach access points. Bring a ball and jump in—it's a fun way to stay fit and social.

The Gulf is one of those places where the food is amazing, but honestly, the view might be even better. There’s nothing like enjoying fresh seafood with your toes in the sand and a salty breeze off the water.

Coastal is another solid choice. The food is delicious, and the view over the water makes it a great spot to relax and unwind. It’s one of those places that just feels like vacation.

Luna’s is a hidden gem for lunch. Their specials are always on point and perfect when you want something tasty without a long wait.

GT’s on the Bay has an awesome salad bar and it’s hard to beat the view overlooking Wolf Bay — it’s beautiful no matter the time of day

Cobalt serves up incredible food and, yes, another amazing view! It’s a local favorite for a reason, with fresh flavors and that laid-back coastal vibe.

And we can’t forget Lulu's: they have the best gluten-free menu around! Whether you have dietary restrictions or just prefer to eat a little lighter, they make it easy (and delicious) to find something that fits.

The Gulf is one of our go-to places for an afternoon cocktail—there’s nothing better than sipping a cold drink while watching the boats glide by. It’s laid-back, breezy, and the view can’t be beat.

And when we’re in the mood for something a little livelier, The Wharf has several cocktail spots to choose from, plus plenty of entertainment to go along with your drink.

Of course, you can’t talk about local drinks without mentioning Flora-Bama. Their legendary Bushwacker is a must-try, and there’s always something going on—live music, beach games, and even church on Sunday mornings (yes, really!).

Tacky Jacks is a classic stop, whether you're in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, or Orange Beach. It’s fun, casual, and a great place to grab a drink and some good food.

If you’re a beer lover, Big Beach Brewery in Gulf Shores has a rotating selection of craft brews and a super relaxed vibe.

Mullet Toss: One of the quirkiest local traditions, the Mullet Toss happens at the Flora-Bama every spring. Participants compete by tossing frozen mullet fish as far as they can, with prizes awarded for the longest throws. It’s a lighthearted, fun event that draws crowds for laughs and good times.

Shrimp Festival: The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival is a beloved fall event celebrating the area’s rich seafood heritage. Alongside mouthwatering shrimp dishes and other seafood specialties, the festival features arts and crafts vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities, making it a great time for locals and visitors alike.

Bulls on the Beach: This exciting event brings professional bull riders to the Gulf Coast for an action-packed competition right on the beach. It’s a thrilling mix of rodeo and beach culture, offering fans an up-close look at the skill and courage of the riders, along with plenty of food, music, and entertainment.

Mardi Gras-Gulf Shores and Orange Beach celebrate Mardi Gras with vibrant parades, colorful beads, and festive parties throughout the season. This family-friendly celebration features music, food, and traditional Mardi Gras fun, bringing a taste of New Orleans’ spirit to the Gulf Coast.