7 Quirky Must-Visit Places
In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
These fun-loving spots provide experiences you won’t want to miss.
As you might expect, there are countless ways to spend your off-field time along the Alabama Gulf Coast. But the not-so-typical places of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach create even more fun for an especially memorable visit.
Cool Shots Selfie Museum
Cool Shots Selfie Museum is a selfie-lover’s dream spot located in The Wharf at Orange Beach. Choose from more than 50 backdrops perfect for your Instagram, TikTok and Facebook accounts. They are group friendly and, even better, pets ARE allowed!
Gulf State Park
There’s something for everyone inside Gulf State Park. The beach pavilion provides picnic tables under a shelter, the nature center is a great place for the kids to learn, the swimming pool becomes a cool place to refresh, and Lake Shelby day area offers kayaking and canoeing. For a change of pace while visiting, check out the fishing and education pier, miles of biking on the Backcountry Trail, and the beautiful flowers in the butterfly garden. See if you can find Lefty, the three-legged alligator that lives along the dunes inside the park. If you see him, keep a safe selfie-taking distance.
LuLu's
Channel your inner child at LuLu's in Gulf Shores. There’s a surprise around every corner at LuLu’s. A three-story ropes course, a beach arcade, and a large sand area with beach toys are all perfect for the kids to climb, play and run off that pre-meal energy. With beautiful canal views and a delicious diet-restriction-friendly menu, every guest is guaranteed to have a fun-filled day here.
The Gulf
The Gulf is a configuration of repurposed shipping containers that creates a funky waterside restaurant complete with a taco bar and fresh seafood. Enjoy a beach atmosphere of surfboard décor and cabanas. Choose to dine at a picnic table, on the lawn, or with your toes in the sand. This outdoor dining experience is group-friendly and a wonderful place to refuel and relax near the water.
The Hangout
Get ready to hang out at The Hangout, a popular beachfront restaurant destination with fun for the whole family. With 2.5 acres to explore, this restaurant offers live music, foam parties and endless places to, well, hang out. When it’s time to burn off some energy, dance with the servers inside or to the band outside. In the summer, come early for the special Pirates and Princesses Breakfast.
GTs on the Bay
GTs stands for “good times,” and they mean it! Located in Orange Beach, GTs overlooks Wolf Bay and has plenty to see and do while you wait for a table. If you walk through the restaurant, you’ll pass by a pool full of stingray and fish. The back deck offers stunning bay views, live music and quick bar service to help pass the time. Kids will love the outdoor play area that features a wooden pirate ship and a large sandpit. You can also catch fun family activities like caricature drawing or face painting at various times throughout the year.
The Factory
The Factory is the perfect rainy-day activity! You can jump around on over 12,000 square feet of connected, world-class trampolines. With batting cages with pitching machines, foam pits, trampoline dodgeball, trampoline basketball, arcade games, and so much more- the fun never stops!
