Unique Things to do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

There are so many amazing and unique things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!

Unique Things to do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

There are quite a few fun attractions and unique adventures to be had along the Gulf Coast of Alabama.

Since moving to Gulf Shores this past year, we realized there were so many epic things to do even after visiting for years.

Adults and kids will find plenty of things to do while visiting the area on a beach vacation.

You can’t go wrong spending time savoring the white sand beaches the Gulf Coast is known for.

These unique things to do are the perfect addition to a beach vacation. Don’t worry you can still enjoy bumper boats, go-karts, fresh seafood, water parks, laser tag, and more!

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

One of our favorite unique things to do in Gulf Shores is the animal encounters at the Gulf Coast Zoo. You can meet a sloth, lemurs, and kangaroos!

You can also feed a giraffe and pet them! Who knew giraffes were so soft? I certainly didn’t before visiting the zoo.

They have a great petting zoo with deer, goats, and donkeys.

 

Banana Boat Ride

Looking to get out on the water in a unique way? Why not book a banana boat ride

How often do you get to say you rode a banana in the Gulf of Mexico?

Book your Banana Boat Ride HERE 

 

Tiki Sunset Cruise

Explore the coastal waters of Alabama on a Tiki Boat! You can book a daytime or sunset cruise on a unique tiki boat.

This is a boat cruise that is defiantly a unique adventure while on a gulf coast vacation.

Book a Tiki Cruise HERE 

Dolphin and Sunset Cruises

While taking a dolphin or sunset cruise may not be unique to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach they are pretty unique if you live in a land locked state.

Moving from Spokane, Washington to Gulf Shores we decided that we need to take dolphin cruises as often as we can. There is just something magical about watching dolphins play in the water near you.

We have seen Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins on every dolphin cruise so far in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Book a Dolphin Cruise HERE 

Slingshot Rental

Cruise the streets in style in a Polaris Slingshot! Drive around Orange Beach in a three wheeled showstopper that is sure to grab attention.

I know we always comment when we see them cruising down the road. Let the wind flow through your hair as you cruise.

Book a Polaris Slingshot Rental HERE

 

Backcountry Trails of Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park is amazing and offers locals and visitors the opportunity to explore different ecosystems. One unique thing to do is the free bike program.

You can borrow a bike for up to three hours for free to explore the amazing bike trail system. It is one of our favorite free things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

You can also hike tons of hiking trails and look for lefty the gator who is a local unique wildlife star.

The Wharf Ferris Wheel

The Ferris Wheel at the Wharf is a great way to see stunning views of the Gulf Coast.

If you visit in the evening you can enjoy the Spectra Laser Light Show at the same time!

The Wharf Ferris Wheel is 112 feet tall with 24 gondolas that can hold a total of 140 people at a time. It is one of the tallest Ferris Wheels in the Southeast.

Parasailing

If you are looking for a unique view of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach why not try parasailing?

You will have a birds eye view of the beach, dolphins, and so much more.

Book your Parasailing Trip HERE 

Jet Ski Rentals

For fun on the water you can take a Jet Ski Tour or rent Jet Skis to hit the backcountry waters of Wolf Bay and the Gulf Coast.

You can see dolphins and wildlife while taking an adventurous ride on the water!

Book your Jet Ski Rentals HERE

Book your Jet Ski Tours HERE 

Pontoon Boat Rental

Renting a pontoon boat with a waterslide is on our must do list now that we live in Gulf Shores.

I can’t wait to take friends and family out on a pontoon boat with a slide on a warm day. You will definitely hear me squeal with joy as I slide into the Gulf waters.

Book your Pontoon Boat Rental HERE 

 

Clear Kayak Tour

Enjoy a sunset tour or crab grab tour in a clear kayak with light up lights. On the Crab Grab Tour you get to experience Bird Island.

During the sunset tour you can watch the sun go down while seeing all of the fish below you.

Book your Kayak Tour HERE

Bushwacker Restaurant Tour

This tour is unique to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and offers you the opportunity to learn more about the World Famous Bushwacker cocktail and of course try them.

A tour guide will take you to multiple locations to try this signature drink and local food specials.

Book your Bushwacker Tour HERE 

 

Orange Beach Selfie Museum

Cool Shots Selfie Museum at The Wharf is fun for the entire family. There are over 30 selfie scenes available!

They also have the SPLAT paint splatter room which gives you the opportunity to create your own unique art in a blacklight room with blacklight paint.

Grab your tickets to the Orange Beach Selfie Museum HERE

Address – 4700B Main St Suite N-207, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Bon Secour NWR has amazing trails, a great sea turtle program, and hiking trails to get out and explore.

The wildlife refuge includes 7,000 acres of coastal lands ranging from sand dunes to rolling pine-oak forest.

Trails are open year-round during daylight hours.

Pirate Ship Dolphin Cruises

Have you ever ridden on a pirate ship looking for dolphins? This swashbuckling pirate adventure includes cruising the seas, acting like pirates, and learning pirate lingo.

You can even have a pirate wedding aboard the American Star pirate ship.

 

Big Beach Brewing Company

Enjoy a locally brewed beer at this Gulf Shores Brewery. They have live music and fun year-round.

Alabama’s southernmost brewery offers an open-air taproom with comfortable seating. They have 12 taps of craft beer along with serving Pensacola made Big Jerk Soda for non-drinkers.

You can bring food with you or have it delivered while enjoying a locally made microbrew.

 

Blow glass at the Hot Shop at the Coastal Art Center

The Coastal Art Center in Orange Beach has amazing art classes including blowing glass! Step into the art studio to learn more about the hot shop, pottery and painting.

There is no admission fee to visit the art center but they do charge for classes.

Gulf State Park Pier

Currently closed until Summer 2024 for repairs.

The Gulf State Park piers offers the opportunity fish, look for turtles, sharks, and other marine life, and learn more about the local ecology.

Historic Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan is a National Historic Landmark that has stood as the guardian of Mobile Bay since 1834.

Today visitors can explore the Battle of Mobile Bay, and learn about how the fortification was built with more than 46 million cubic yards of bricks.

The historic site is a great place to learn more about history. You can take the Mobile Bay Ferry nearby to Dauphin Island.

Fort Morgan is at the western end of Hwy 180, 22 miles west of Hwy 59 in Gulf Shores.

Take a flamingo or rubber ducky paddle boat ride

Did you know you can take a flamingo, swan, or rubber ducky paddle boat ride at High Tide in Gulf Shores?

Guests must be older than 5 years old to ride in the pedal boats. Each participant needs to wear a life jacket.

No drinks are allowed on the boats. There is a circular path that you follow with the pedal boats.

Oh and they have daiquiri and mimosa flights for after your flamingo adventure.

Take a picture in a sharks mouth

At Souvenir City  in Gulf Shores you can take a picture in the mouth of the shark entrance or with the pirate ship back door before shopping for great Gulf Coast gifts.

Unique things to do near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

There are a ton of fun unique things to do near Gulf Shore and Orange Beach! A short drive will provide tons of entertainment and fun!

Lady in the Lake (Elberta)

It is a little bit of a drive from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to reach Barber Marina but it so worth it!

If you are looking for fun day trip adventure this is one of our favorites. The Lady in the Lake is an amazing sculpture located in the waters next to Barber Marina.

Bamahenge (Elberta)

Located in the same area as the Lady in the Lake is a replica Stonehenge called Bamahenge! A short walk down a trail from the parking lot is a great photo opportunity!

Dinosaurs in the Woods (Elberta)

There are dinosaurs in the woods near Barber Marina! Most of the dinosaurs can be seen along a dirt road off of the main road but a couple of them involve taking short walks.

This is one of our favorite fun photo spots in town.

Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit

The Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit is free fun for the entire family! There are full size train cars that can be explored, a model train exhibit that has to be seen, and a small train that gives rides through the park.

Holmes Medical Museum (Foley)

Holmes Medical Museum in Foley, Alabama tells the story of Baldwin County’s first hospital from 1936 to 1958. Step back in time and learn about early 20th century medical equipment and life 75 years ago.

Check out all of the fun things to do in Foley, Alabama.

Alligator Alley

Alligator Alley is a swamp sanctuary that has an elevated viewing platform so you can see some of the over 600 alligators in residence.

The nature walk is also a great area to see Osprey, Owls, Turtles, and other native wildlife.

Feeling adventurous? You can hold a gator and make a new friend in the air-conditioned gator station.

This is a great opportunity to learn about alligators in their natural habitat.

Address – 19950 Hwy. 71 Summerdale, Alabama 36580

Restaurants and Attractions nearby

LuLu’s Gulf Shores – This is one of our favorite local restaurants offering great food and fun!

Pink Pony Pub – You can’t miss this hot pink beach bar

Wade Ward Nature Walk – Enjoy a great boardwalk over wetlands with amazing bird watching right around the corner from De Soto’s.

Sunliner Diner – Step back in time and enjoy this 1950s retro diner!

Gulf Place Public Beach – Check out the world famous white sands of Gulf Shores at our favorite public beach.

Additional Gulf Coast Articles

Great Gulf Shores Donut Shops – Check out the epic donut shops right in Gulf Shores for the perfect morning treat.

Best breakfast spots in Gulf Shores – Gulf Shores knows how to do a great breakfast! These are our favorite breakfast restaurants we return to often.

Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access – provides easy access to one of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast of Alabama.

Orange Beach restaurants with a view – Check out all of the great restaurants that have epic water views.

Breakfast restaurants in Orange Beach – The best places to grab breakfast and/or brunch.

Don’t miss our other Gulf Coast destinations including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Alabama and so many more!

Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!

Check out our Facebook and Instagram and Tik Tok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.