10 Things You Can’t Miss in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach bring the fun: beaches, festivals, food, wildlife, and the kind of sunsets you'll never forget.

Is your vacation taking you to Alabama's Gulf Coast? If you're seeking the perfect mix of adventure, entertainment, nature, and relaxation, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach belong on your itinerary. 

These two beautiful towns offer the perfect mix of family-friendly activities, natural wonders, and, as the cherry on top, culinary gems that make your time here even more special.

Here's a little something to spark your curiosity:

1. The Wharf: Shops, dining, Ferris wheel, concerts, and marina fun.
2. Souvenir City: Shark-mouth entrance, beachy gifts, toys, and décor.
3. Hangout Music Festival: May beach fest with big-name acts on multiple stages.
4. Shrimp Festival: October tradition with fresh shrimp, vendors, music, and sand art.
5. Louisiana Lagniappe: Creole-style seafood with marina views.
6. Lucy Buffett's LuLu's: Coastal eats, family fun, live music, and kid-friendly beach.
7. Breathtaking Sunsets: Best seen from piers, beaches, or a dinner table by the water.
8. Golf: Nine scenic courses, including Kiva Dunes and Gulf Shores Golf Club.
9. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: 500+ animals, encounters, and family programs.
10. Gulf State Park: Beaches, a lake, trails, a pier, and eco-friendly stays.

At Luxury Coastal Vacations, we offer a wide range of rental options along the Gulf Coast, paired with exceptional customer service and meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of your vacation. As experts in Perdido Key, Pensacola, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores, our destination blog covers everything from top pet-friendly spots and kid-friendly activities to must-try restaurants, local distilleries and breweries, and tips for the perfect beach day.

In this guide, I'll highlight the attractions you won't want to miss during your visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Ready? Let's dive into the best experiences awaiting you in this beautiful corner of the South!

1. THE WHARF

A full-package destination for entertainment, dining, shopping, Ferris wheel rides, and more.

In Orange Beach, The Wharf isn't just a place to pass the time; it's a destination all its own. One moment you're browsing quirky shops, the next you're sharing fresh seafood by the marina, and before long you're 112 feet up on the Ferris wheel, taking in the coastline. Throw in live music, a cinema, and the kind of buzz that carries into the evening, and it's easy to see why people end up staying longer than they planned.

What You'll Love

• The Ferris Wheel: A 112-foot ride with panoramic views of Orange Beach and beyond.
• Concerts and Events: Big-name acts and lively festivals at the amphitheater.
• On-the-Water Fun: Book a fishing trip or dolphin cruise right from the Marina.
• Thrills in the Sky: Soar above the complex on the adrenaline-pumping zipline.
• Shops and Eats: From unique boutiques to fresh Gulf seafood, there's plenty to browse and taste.
• Nighttime Vibe: Streets light up with music, laughter, and a coastal nightlife buzz.

2. SOUVENIR CITY

 
Iconic shop selling beach-themed memorabilia and unique gifts.

This iconic shop is hard to miss, thanks to its enormous shark mouth entrance. Stepping through the jaws, you enter a world of beach-themed memorabilia and gifts. Shelves are stacked high with seashells, t-shirts, beach towels, and countless knick-knacks. It's the perfect spot to find that quirky reminder of your Gulf Shores vacation. Kids especially love the selection of toys and games, while adults might gravitate towards the local food products or home decor items.

What You'll Love

• Walking through the massive shark mouth for the ultimate vacation photo op.
• Browsing rows of seashells, t-shirts, beach towels, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes.
• Letting kids loose in the toy section while you check out local foods and décor.
• The whimsical, treasure-hunt vibe that makes every corner worth exploring.
• Finding that perfect souvenir to bring a bit of Gulf Shores back home.

3. HANGOUT MUSIC FESTIVAL

Annual music festival transforms Gulf Shores' public beach into a massive concert venue.

This annual music festival transforms Gulf Shores' public beach into a massive concert venue every May. Drawing tens of thousands of fans, the Hangout Fest features an impressive lineup of national and international acts across multiple genres. Attendees enjoy performances on several stages, including one right on the sand. Between sets, festival-goers can cool off in the Gulf or participate in beach games and activities.

What You'll Love

• Watching world-class performances with your toes in the sand.
• Cooling off in the Gulf between sets.
• Sampling local seafood and classic festival bites from food vendors.
• Exploring beach games and fun activities beyond the music.
• Soaking in the vibrant beach culture and community vibe that defines the festival.
  
  
  

4. SHRIMP FESTIVAL IN THE FALL

This beloved event turns the beachfront into a four-day celebration of food, music, and local culture.

October in Gulf Shores means one thing: shrimp. The National Shrimp Festival turns the beachfront into a four-day celebration of food, music, and local culture. More than 300,000 people come for the flavors, the fun, and the unmistakable Gulf Coast energy. From sizzling shrimp plates to live bands and sandcastles, it's a festival that truly captures the spirit of this beach town.

What You'll Love

• Fresh Gulf shrimp served up by local restaurants in every style imaginable.
• Over 300 vendors with coastal art, crafts, and handmade treasures.
• Two music stages featuring a mix of local talent and national performers.
• A dedicated kids' zone with games, activities, and entertainment.
• Sand sculpture contests that transform the beach into an outdoor gallery.
• A lively 5K and 10K run that gets the community moving.
• The chance to experience Gulf Shores' hospitality at its best.

5. LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE

A stellar marina-side restaurant serving up Gulf Coast favorites with Creole flair. 

Louisiana Lagniappe brings a taste of New Orleans right to Gulf Shores. Since 1984, this marina-side restaurant has been serving up Gulf Coast favorites with Creole flair. From gumbo to blackened fish with crawfish sauce, the menu blends tradition with creativity. The setting is polished but welcoming, with big windows that frame the boats and water just outside.

What You'll Love

• Fresh, local seafood prepared with a Creole twist.
• Signature dishes like stuffed shrimp and crawfish-topped fish.
• Marina views that make dinner feel like a coastal escape.
• Friendly service and an atmosphere fit for celebrations or a relaxed night out.
• A long-standing favorite that supports local fishermen and farmers.

6. LUCY BUFFETT'S LULU'S

A Gulf Shores institution combining casual dining with all-day entertainment.

Owned by singer Jimmy Buffett's sister Lucy, LuLu's is more than just a restaurant; it's a Gulf Shores institution. This family-friendly destination combines casual dining with all-day entertainment. The menu features coastal comfort food, including their famous Crazy Sista's Cheeseburger and fresh seafood dishes. What sets LuLu's apart is its expansive outdoor area, complete with a beach, ropes course, and arcade. Live music plays daily, adding to the festive atmosphere.

What You'll Love

•  Coastal bites like Crazy Sista's Cheeseburger, fresh Gulf shrimp, and other comfort food classics. 
•  Family-friendly fun with a ropes course, arcade, and a beach just for kids to dig, build, and splash. 
•  Live music daily that keeps the vibe festive from lunch to dinner. 
•  Allergy-friendly menus tailored to different dietary needs, so everyone can relax and enjoy. 
•  Waterfront views on the Intracoastal Waterway, the perfect backdrop for cocktails or a relaxed meal.
  
  
  

7. Breathtaking Sunsets

From the shores or from a restaurant, this is the best show in town.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are famous for sunsets that turn the sky into a canvas of orange, pink, and purple. With the Gulf as the backdrop, evenings here feel like a natural performance. Many beachfront restaurants time their dinner service to coincide with sunset, allowing diners to enjoy the view. Believe me, this is the best show in town.

What You'll Love

• Front-row dining views at beachfront restaurants timed perfectly with the sunset. 
• Evening kayak tours where calm waters glow as the sun slips below the horizon. 
• Photo-worthy backdrops that draw photographers and Instagram fans alike. 
• Iconic sunset spots like Gulf State Park Pier, Beach Boulevard, and Fort Morgan. 
• A shared ritual that turns beach life into a community moment each night.

8. Play A Round of Golf

Golf courses boasting views of the Gulf or back bays.

Golf enthusiasts find plenty to love in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, home to nine signature golf courses. Many courses offer views of the Gulf or back bays, adding to the pleasure of a game. The mild climate allows for year-round play, though summer afternoons can be hot.

These courses offer a mix of challenges and scenic beauty, often incorporating the area's natural features into their design. Here are our favorites that we think you should include in your golf adventure:

• Kiva Dunes, designed by former U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate, is consistently rated as one of Alabama's top courses. Its link-style layout takes full advantage of the coastal terrain.
  
  
• The Gulf Shores Golf Club, the area's original course, provides a more traditional round amidst mature trees and lakes. 

9. ALABAMA GULF COAST ZOO

One of Gulf Shores' most loved attractions, home to over 500 captivating animals.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, nicknamed "The Little Zoo That Could" after its heroic evacuation during Hurricane Ivan, is one of Gulf Shores' most loved attractions. Home to over 500 animals and more than 100 species, it offers a chance to see everything from lions and tigers to playful primates. Its manageable size makes it easy to explore, and the new location opened in 2020 means bigger habitats, modern exhibits, and plenty of space for both animals and visitors.

What You'll Love

• Meeting sloths, kangaroos, and lemurs through hands-on animal encounters.
• Watching kids light up at the petting zoo, aviary, and reptile house.
• Learning about conservation through daily programs and talks.
• Exploring spacious habitats designed with animal welfare in mind.
• Enjoying a family-friendly day at one of Gulf Shores' top attractions.
  
  
  

10. GULF STATE PARK

Alabama's coastal beauty at its finest.

Gulf State Park stretches across 6,500 acres in the heart of Gulf Shores, bringing together beaches, lakes, trails, and wildlife. You'll find two miles of white sand for swimming and sunbathing, a 900-acre lake for paddling, and miles of trails to hike or bike through pine forests and coastal swamps. With spots to camp, stay at the lodge, or picnic by the playgrounds, the park is a natural playground that shows off Alabama's coastal beauty at its finest.

What You'll Love

• Two miles of soft Gulf beaches made for swimming, shelling, and relaxing in the sun.
• A 900-acre freshwater lake that's perfect for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• More than 28 miles of trails weaving through swamps, dunes, and forests.
• A fishing pier stretching 1,540 feet into the Gulf, great for casting a line or spotting dolphins.
• Family-friendly extras like playgrounds, picnic areas, and nature programs with park naturalists.
• Options to stay overnight, from tent and RV camping to the eco-friendly Lodge at Gulf State Park.

Which is Nicer, Orange Beach or Gulf Shores?

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are both beautiful coastal destinations with their own unique charms.

Orange Beach tends to have more upscale resorts and condos, while Gulf Shores offers a mix of accommodations and a slightly more casual vibe.

Personal preference plays a big role in determining which is "nicer." Both areas boast stunning beaches, great restaurants, and plenty of activities.

While in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, stay in style

Looking for an extra idea to make the most of your vacation on the Gulf Coast? Book your stay with Luxury Coastal Vacations. We offer the finest selection of luxury rentals on the Gulf Coast, spanning Alabama and Florida.

When you choose to stay in one of our homes or condos, you can expect a 5-star experience that you'll cherish forever. Browse through our options and discover what awaits you on the beautiful Gulf Coast.