Fun Wheelchair-Friendly Activities

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are family-friendly destinations with something fun for everyone, including our visitors in wheelchairs. Not only are our beautiful beaches handicap accessible, but so are several local attractions and activities in the area.

1. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo boasts 25 acres, houses 118 species, and is entirely wheelchair accessible. You’ll have the opportunity to get a close-up view of the exhibits and see animals like lions, alligators, and monkeys. The wide pathways make it easy to get around, and there are rest stops with benches along the paths and shaded picnic areas. If you really love animals, opt for a sloth or kangaroo encounter. You’ll have the chance to interact with these friendly animals in their enclosures and snap a few photos with them. Be sure to also visit the giraffe feeding station and Madagascar Adventure, where you’ll be able to hang out with lemurs.

2. Beachside Mini Golf

Mini-golf is a must-do when you’re on vacation at the beach, and Beachside Mini Golf offers 9 ADA-compliant and handicap-accessible holes for you to putt through. While on the course, you’ll admire the 50ft lighthouse, play around the charter fishing boat, and enjoy the sounds of the waterfall. After you’ve worked your way through all 9 holes, visit the mining discovery zone and search for gemstones, fossils, and shells. 

3. Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Experience the wonders of Gulf State Park by exploring the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. This trail offers 28 miles of paved pathways spread throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The park is home to nine distinct ecosystems and many native wildlife species. You may even spot a few, like Lefty, the resident alligator, during your time on the trails. 

4. Dolphin Cruise

Hit the water with a Sunny Lady Dolphin cruise and explore the waterways of coastal Alabama. The tours take place on large, comfortable boats that are wheelchair accessible so that you can roll right on. During this 1.5-hour tour, your captain will tell you all about the area’s local dolphins and their habits. The boat also has a snack bar and restrooms.

5. The Hot Shop at Coastal Arts Center

Channel your inner artist and take a glass-blowing class at The Hot Shop at the Coastal Arts Center. The experts at The Shop will guide you through the entire process and help you create your own piece, no matter your creative abilities. They’ll ensure you remain safe throughout the process. Once you’ve finished your masterpiece, you’ll leave it at the studio to cool and pick it up once it's set or have it shipped back home. 

6. Big Beach Brewing

Beer enthusiasts have to visit Big Beach Brewing in Gulf Shores. The only brewery at the beach, Big Beach brews its beers on-site in a 10-barrel brewhouse. They serve staple beers like their Area 251 Hazy IPA and Rod’s Reel Cream Ale all year long and have a rotating menu of their latest creations. You’ll want to order a flight, so you can try more than one. If you’re not a beer lover, order a glass of one of their house-made wines. The brewery offers indoor and outdoor seating and has a food truck that serves delicious eats on the weekends.

7. Fishing & Education Pier

Anglers, bird watchers, and those who enjoy sightseeing need to visit Gulf State’s Park Fishing & Education Pier. The second largest in the Gulf of Mexico, this pier is a popular fishing spot that attracts local marine life and coastal birds. The pier has designated spots along the rail to accommodate those in wheelchairs to cast a line or just enjoy the view. If you choose to fish, you can purchase a daily fishing permit on-site and rent gear such as rods and reels. There’s also a bait and tackle shop and restaurant on the pier, so you can grab a bite to eat or pick up some fresh bait.

The pier is currently closed for construction but will reopen later this year.

8. High Cotton

Enhance your nightly routine with custom-made products from High Cotton Bath. Here, you can create bath scrubs, lotions, soaps, and many more bath-time commodities. With over 200 fragrances and 40 base products, you’ll be able to mix and match until you find the perfect combo. They’ll even save a record of your favorite scents, so you can visit again and make more personalized products. 

9. Nature Center

Learn about the many plant and animal species that inhabit Gulf State Park at the Nature Center. This living museum is home to several varieties of wildlife and plant life native to the Alabama Gulf Coast. You’ll see snakes, turtles, baby alligators, and birds, including Hawkeye, the center’s resident hawk. The park’s naturalists will educate you on these local species and the park’s efforts to protect them.

10. The Beach

Of course, you must visit the beach while on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Two of the best places to spend a day in the sand are Gulf Place in Gulf Shores and Cotton Bayou in Orange Beach. These beach accesses have everything you need for a perfect beach day, including showers, restrooms, and beach access mats. The mats make getting down to the water a breeze, especially for people who use a wheelchair or have difficulty walking.

If you prefer to experience the beach beyond the mat, several area businesses rent electric beach chairs, including Beach Power Rentals, Beach'N Buggy's, and Ike’s Beach Service.

Now that you’ve narrowed down your activities, check out these wheelchair-accessible accommodations and book your trip to Alabama’s beaches.