![The Wharf Ferris Wheel](/sites/default/files/styles/new_hero_xs/public/2021-11/the_wharf_ferris_wheel_36_2_0.jpg?h=9dcb53d8&itok=JLGS6jLF)
With dozens of activities and attractions in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you're sure to find something memorable for you and the whole family. With thrilling helicopter rides to relaxing boat charters, big game fishing to bird watching and nature trails, we offer a variety of fun outdoor activities for our many sunny days in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We even offer unique rainy day activities for the few rainy days we might encounter. From mini golf and arcades to historical sites and art centers, our area offers something for everyone. Book a place to stay directly on our site and discover local attractions near your lodging.
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Discover Attractions Along Alabama's Beaches
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Historic Oakleigh
The Historic Oakleigh House Museum is a circa 1833 country villa built by Virginian James Roper. A raised T-Shaped Greek...
AMC Classic Wharf 15
Experiencing a rainy day at the beach? Then come see the latest movie releases at AMC Classic Wharf 15. It...
Mobile Medical Museum
Located in one of Mobile’s oldest homes, the Mobile Medical Museum offers exhibitions and tours that provide visitors of all...
Hawaii Fluid Art
Embrace your artistic side! We are an art studio dedicated to providing artists of all ability levels with the opportunity...
Downtown OWA
Inspired by Southern small towns, Downtown OWA's pedestrian-only streets are a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment—just outside the Tropic...
Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
Nestled on four acres facing beautiful Wolf Bay we offer a waterfront art experience for everyone as well as a...
The Wharf Amphitheater
If it's big you want, look no further than The Wharf Amphitheater. With big acts, big sounds and a big...
The Wharf Express
Hop aboard The Wharf Express Train for a fun ride around Main Street to explore the sights and sounds of...
Escape House Waterville
Need an escape? We’ve got two game rooms to put your team to the test! Can you survive an approaching...
Fairhope Museum of History
We are located in the heart of downtown in Fairhope’s 1928 Spanish Mission-style city hall building. The museum includes the...
University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum
The museum showcases artifacts from the Gulf Coast and covers over 12,000 years of prehistory and history. Artifacts are contextualized...
Zooland Mini Golf
Enjoy the Island’s favorite home of all you can play mini golf just a few minutes from our sandy beaches...
Ferris Wheel at The Wharf
It's a landmark for every Gulf Coast beach vacation. Day or night, that first glimpse of The Wharf's Ferris wheel...
The Hot Shop at The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
Since 2009, The Hot Shop has been Alabama’s premier hot glass blowing facility. We are an open facility so feel...
Popular Attractions
![The Wharf Orange Beach, AL](https://www.gulfshores.com/sites/default/files/styles/single_column_image_medium/public/2023-05/thewharfgulfshores_-2_0.jpg?itok=8Zwy_P8N)
Action at The Wharf in Orange Beach
You won’t know what to do first at The Wharf in Orange Beach. For starters, the Wharf is home to one of the largest Ferris wheels in the Southeast. There are also laser tag, bazooka ball, and excursions from the marina. If you need a break from all that activity, sit back and enjoy live performances in the Wharf Amphitheater. Wherever you find yourself on the Wharf, there's enjoyment, dining, and entertainment waiting.
![The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Gulf Shores, AL Marmoset](https://www.gulfshores.com/sites/default/files/styles/single_column_image_medium/public/2023-05/Marmoset%20Twins%202.jpg?itok=lnwzBOGE)
The Wild Side of Nature
Many people vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to enjoy not only our beaches, but also bear witness to our unique nature and exotic animals. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to over 500 exotic animals including lions, tigers, primates, wolves and reptiles. You can even get close and personal with animals like kangaroos, lemurs, snakes and sloths.
![Gulf State Park Bird Gulf Shores, AL](https://www.gulfshores.com/sites/default/files/styles/single_column_image_medium/public/2023-05/back_country_trail_cb_gms2016-5629_1.jpg?itok=mAaNLsNN)
Migrations at Gulf State Park
Bird-lovers from across the country also flock to the Gulf Coast to enjoy the different Orange Beach and Gulf Shores birds. The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail features several bird-spotting locations including the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, which has recently been extended and now winds more than 27 miles through Orange Beach to the pristine sands of Gulf State Park (where you will find the Pier, the perfect place to cast a line for some Gulf Shores fishing). The Branyon area is one of the last intact maritime forests in coastal Alabama and an important stopping point for millions of migrating birds each spring and fall. Keep your binoculars handy for everything from tiny hummingbirds to majestic herons.
Fun and Games
![USS Alabama Battleship Mobile, AL](https://www.gulfshores.com/sites/default/files/styles/single_column_image_medium/public/2023-05/uss_al_tf06052015_gms421c.jpg?itok=zxb8pbLo)
Local History
For the history expert, there are several Orange Beach Gulf Shores museums.Visit the historic Fort Morgan for historical tours or marvel at the massive antique ship at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park.
![Waterville USA Gulf Shores, AL Slide](https://www.gulfshores.com/sites/default/files/styles/single_column_image_medium/public/2023-05/Waterville_cb_GMS%202017-0610.jpg?itok=P4D8TuiS)
Slides Rule
With names like Triple Dog Dare, Jet Stream and Screamin’ Demon, you know some serious water slides are waiting, and Waterville USA delivers with high-speed thrills. Slow it down on a lazy river, challenge the wave pool or channel your inner dude on a surfboard. Separate children’s areas include Wa Wa World, while landlubbers enjoy mini golf, a rollercoaster, go-karts and an Escape House.
![The Track Gulf Shores, AL](https://www.gulfshores.com/sites/default/files/styles/single_column_image_medium/public/2023-05/woody4_img_2613_1.jpg?itok=YCDoWzZb)
Fun and Games
Steer into excitement at The Track Recreation Center, featuring go-karting, bumper boat rides and the heart-stopping Skycoaster which simulates skydiving (but with a safety harness) and reaches speeds of 70 mph.
For kids and the young at heart, the sheer joy of jumping is multiplied at The Factory, whose indoor trampoline park covers 12,000 square feet. But there’s much more for those who came to play – trapezes, slides, foam pits, dodgeball, arcade games and flight simulators.
Groups and families up for a little friendly competition can tee off on one of many mini-golf courses in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.