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Can’t-Miss Attractions in Orange Beach:

By Amanda Smith, Posted on 05 Dec, 2021 at 05:21 am

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Attractions in Orange Beach

Let Some Can’t Miss Attractions of Orange Beach Take You To A Flabbergasting Experience!

Orange Beach, also named Pleasure Island, is a teensy weensy city located on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, attracting millions of visitors. It is known as a water sports hub; this beach is situated on Wolf Bay and features a Waterfront Park with a fishing pier and picnic areas. Resting right on Florida's border is the Gulf of Mexico, where visitors will find this southern hidden gem. Orange Beach is one of the ideal spots for celebrating a mind-boggling beach vacation with your family, or here you can even spend a love-filled romantic weekend getaway.

Orange Beach is a lot more than the stunning shorelines. The mind-blowing great attractions are all filling up the town from within and around. From exciting amusement parks to the best spots to take an escape in nature to delicious seafood meals to relish, it's all here. So, if Orange Beach is not on your laundry list, you should definitely make a quick step to add it to the top. It's all just beyond good!

It has become the top spot for quick getaways and welcomes over five million visitors per year. Plus, the hotels in Orange Beach are the best find for visitors. The southern charm sprinkles the entire spot wholeheartedly, and a visitor can find fun for the family. We rounded up the top 12 can't miss attractions in Orange Beach.

  1. The Wharf:

The Wharf is one of the most popular can't-miss attractions where visitors love to hang out. Hit the shops, dine in one of the restaurants, and soak up one of the entertainment packages. A movie theatre, an escape room, a mini-golf course, an arcade, and laser light shows are all the major attractions of Orange Beach.

Attend the concerts and some other events at the amphitheater or hop aboard the boat and tour the marina wholly. Ride up to the phenomenal Ferris Wheel to take in the breathtaking views, or stay on the ground and trip the train of Wharf Express and keep your eyes peeled for the sights of Main Streets. Be sure to cast a line to catch tasty and fresh local fishes like speckled trout, snapper, amberjack, and redfish.

Bonus Tip:

  • Get on the cruises of friendly dolphins and magical sunsets s you drift across the Wolf Bay on the Pontoon vessel style of 40 feet.
  • This Wharf offers multiple fishing competitions and boating shows.
  1. Gulf State Park:

One of the best state parks in Alabama is the Gulf State Park, stretching to two miles of white sand beaches. The Gulf State Park makes it a whopping beach getaway. Make the most of your lifetime here in picnicking, and don't forget to carry an umbrella and towels. The water of the Gulf Of Mexico is a great place where you can opt for surfing, parasailing, kayaking, and swimming plus, here you will find a fishing pier.

Shelby Lake also comes the realm of topmost attractions, so if you wish to switch it up, just dive into the freshwater.  Explore this marshy area and keep a weather eye on birds approaching the sky. Moreover, if you are a stargazing lover, go camping or stay in the lodge.

Bonus Tip:

  • Be sure to hit the gourmet-style restaurant featuring to-notch delicious dishes with a great set of indoor and outdoor.
  • Dine inside the rustic restaurant or under the oak tree while sipping a strong, yummy coffee with a great combination of lip-smacking breakfast.
     
  1. Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach:

Get into the Coastal Arts Center Of Orange Beach, and you will love it. Art lovers and local artists incredibly love this two-story building displaying a ton of work made by local artists. Plus, you will find here everything, ranging from ceramics to paintings to sculptures to woodwork and jewelry. Not only you will catch sight of the arts, but also you can create your own. Make your way to the Hot Glass, a glass blowing studio, plus here you can make a beginner class. Moreover, the Clay Studio will allow you to try out your art skills but don't miss out on events held in this spot!

Bonus Tip:

Let your inner creative soul show off to create your glass in a class of beginner level for only $85 in this trendy and fun shop!
 

  1. Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail:

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is one of the topmost attractions of Orange Beach, and here you will be spoilt for choices. Reconnect yourself with nature and hike through the seven mind-blowing trails, adding up a distinctive spark to its natural beauty. This addition is one of the flabbergasting attractions in this phenomenal nature space. Pop in one of the beautiful butterfly gardens bursting with flowers and bike through the paved loops weaving through the different ecosystems such as swamps, forests, and marshes.

Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife, and even here, you can catch some glimpses of American alligators, foxes, coyotes, otters, and much more. And yeah, the distinctive ton of bird species is the must-watch thing here, including bald eagles and other bizarre birds.

If trekking a trail isn't your style or wish to explore more in less amount of time, there's no better option than renting a bike. Choose any bike of your choice, whether it be an electric bike or a regular one.

Bonus Tip:

Make sure you are carrying your camera as some of the shaded areas with marshes, swamps, and trees are setting a fantastic background for your Insta profile and post!
 

  1. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge:

Stretching to 7,000 acres featuring beach dunes, forests, wetlands is one of an ideal place named the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is the best way to reconnect with nature. Refuge means the "safe harbor" in French, and this is exactly what it is serving as to many animals. Catch sight of the migratory and rare birds, and if you are a bird lover, there's no better place for you than Orange Beach.

Spend some time hiking, canoeing, and fishing and if you don't know the area well, drop by the Visitor's Center. Relaxing at the stunning beach and taking in the spellbinding sunsets will make the most of your trip ultimately!

Bonus Tips:

Make your way to the Little Lagoon, which sits on the Jett Friend Trail, promising an abundance of spots to sit, enjoy, and relax while taking in the sweeping vistas.
 

  1. Adventure Island:

Adventure Island, one of the can't miss attractions in Orange Beach, nestled across the Gulf Of Mexico street. Adventure Island is a complete full of beans spot featuring thrilling rides and bright-eyed-blue-tailed adventures. Whether you wish to ride go-karts and bumper boats or your idea is to have some amusing time at the arcade and play laser tag, we guarantee you the availability of everything right here! This spot not only entertains adults but also kids. This spot will ultimately throw you in a state of awe when you have a look at erupting five-story volcano with fire shooting the sky, creating sounds. Woah! Isn’t it cool? It is!

Play a round of 18-hole mini-golf, hop aboard the boat to take a tour of the lost lagoon lake of Adventure Island; it's all the fun things you can experience at this spot. Let your kids relish the spinning of the teacup ride, and be sure to paddle the boards.

Don’t Miss Out On:

  • The spurting volcano setting is the best backdrop for photographers.
  • A Spinning Teacup ride for kids
     
  1. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo:

One of the can't miss attractions in Orange Beach is the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the best flourishing attraction. Whether you are here just for fun or some educational and learning purpose, you are sure to get what you desire. Make new friends, learn new things, savor unlimited fun doses and make endless memories at this flabbergasting zoo, exhibiting bears, aviary, leopards, lions, bears, and primates. Moreover, you will get a close-up with the animals and experience some educational talks. Enjoy a comfortable retreat in a picnic area from the hot shimmering sun of Alabama.

This lovely zoo is home to almost five hundred exotic animals, including wolves, tigers, lions, and fifty-plus primates. Moreover, you will get to taste the rush of adrenaline as a zip line style ride, a train ride, and a nostalgic carousel are all waiting to greet you warmly!

Get to the Safari Club, one of the on-site restaurants, and you will be amazed by savoring the delicious cuisines that will definitely make you crave even more. Don't miss out on the fried goat cheese catered with fresh fruit and fig jam, if you like them.

Plus, here you will come across the best hotels in Orange Beach, so be sure to book one and stay near this outstanding spot!

Should Know:

  • If you wish to experience something new like lemurs on the head and hugging the kangaroos and a hangout plan with sloth, only a few dollars will enrich you with boundless collectibles.
  • Get free parking and a restaurant free of cost at the zoo.
     
  1. Fort Morgan:

Are you literally a history lover and want to step back in time? That’s great! The photogenic Fort Morgan is all you must visit. The Fort Morgan is located at the edge of the island, and at a short drive from this wonderful Orange Beach is the historical site. Get there via phenomenal State Highway 180, where World War I, World War II, Spanish American War, and some other conflicts play a significant role. Today, this awe-inspiring spot is all filled with nature.

It doesn't matter if you are not a big history lover because Fort Morgan has to offer beyond the history only. Launch a boat or a beach, or just opt for a picnic; a wide range of thrilling activities and live entertainment awaits you. Hike the trails at the Alabama Coastal Building Trail with the area as well while enjoying the serenity of Mother nature. are you traveling with your dog partner? A dog beach is all for them so enjoy wholeheartedly. Cast a line at the Old Fishermen's Wharf and enjoy a good catch. Be sure to feast on a hearty lunch while in the picnic spot.

Don’t Miss Out on:

  • Hiking and biking along the Fort Morgan Rail Trail, admiring the jaw-dropping scenery
  • A brilliant and lovely sun-setting scene.
     
  1. Perdido Key State Park:

Sprawling over a land area of almost 290 acres, Perdido Key State Park is one of the best Florida State Parks, sitting on a barrier island, 15 miles southwest of Pensacola. Bewitching boardwalks sprawling from the parking lot to the beach keep the delicate dunes and sea oats in pretty good shape. Swimming and surfing are the best choices if you don't want to get drenched while listening to the crashing waves of water; sunbathing is the best option.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like bird species and turtles that nest there. Recharge your batteries between the breaks of swimming and feasting on snacks under the shady spots of the covered picnic tables. This spot is best known for surf fishers and it invites all skill levels. Dig some shells embedded in the mushy sands bathed in water, or if you are with your family, have endless fun in the sun!

Don’t Miss Out On:

  • Take in all of the natural beauty.
  • Cast a line in the daytime
  • Experience the Island life as it is a bit different from the other regions.
     
  1.  Orange Beach Waterfront Park:

Orange Beach Waterfront Park is one of the topmost parks resting in Orange Beach sits on a Wolf Bay featuring a super amazing 400 fishing pier with seven picnic pavilions and a sandy swimming beach. This park is one of a pleasant bayside park and shady where fishing lovers throw a line and always hope for the best. Orange Beach Waterfront Park has everything to offer to its visitor, be it is a playground with lovely swings and slides, BBQ grills, or a jungle gym and benches and tables. Trek the trails running through the sublime landscaped oasis sprinkling ravish plants, towering trees, and blossoming bushes. Wedding bells ring? Organize any event or wedding ceremony and even parties right at this spot and wrap your event with sinking sun over the bay, casting different lovely hues, leaving you behind in awe. An extreme art lover? No worries! Make your way to the Pleasure Island Art Association, which sits in the historical Campbell House gallery!

Don’t Miss Out On:

  • The lovely and incredible sunsets
  • Swimming
  • ​​​​​​​Stroll around the fishing pier and try fishing from there.

 

Last but not least, there is no shortage of entertainment options in Orange Beach, and hence you won't sit empty for even a minute. There are plentiful can't miss attractions where visitors love to hang out and chill. Amusing in the parks with the kids, throwing a line to get a good catch, hiking the trails to take in the drop-dead gorgeous views, making endless memories, and clicking the pictures of sunset and sunrise are all the best ingredients that make up this captivating Orange Beach. Did we mention the hotels in Orange Beach? You will find in bulk where you can have a nice stay while enjoying the beauty of every attraction located near the hotel. So, what is this waiting for? The beauty of any gorgeous spot can't be best defined unless visiting on your own! So, just get up and catch your flight! Have A Nice Journey!

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About Author

Amanda Smith

Amanda Smith is a former journalist and now an award-winning travel blogger. She's 27 years old and on a mission to explore as much of the world as possible in other to show the travel enthusiasts how they can fulfill their travel dreams and indulge themselves in the adventure of traveling the globe!