During your stay at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you might find yourself in need of something to do on a rainy day or as respite from the heat. This destination isn't just sugar sand beaches and clear water. Learn more about some of our favorite Gulf Shores and Orange Beach indoor activities below.
Adventure Island
Adventure Island features rides and thrills for the entire family. Ride go-karts, bumper boats, and play glow golf. Experience adventure...
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
The public is invited to tour the grounds and monuments, utilize the picnic area, fish from the fishing pier, and...
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Come experience Bellingrath Gardens and Home, the naturally breathtaking historic manor home and pleasure gardens located in southern Mobile County...
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
This public research and education facility encompasses over 9,000 acres of protected estuarine habitats bordering Weeks Bay and Fish and...
Orange Beach History Museum
The building that houses the Orange Beach History Museum was originally built in 1910 as a schoolhouse. It has served...
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...
Exploreum Science Center
With numerous interactive exhibits, thought-provoking larger-than-life Giant Screen films, and fun, hands-on educational programming, the Exploreum Science Center aspires to...
The Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The Alabama Aquarium, formerly known as the Estuarium, will give you a hands-on learning experience exploring the habitats of coastal...
Gulf Shores Museum
This local history museum tells the stories of our coastal town, its people, their lives and their livelihood. You can...
Baldwin County Heritage Museum
We represent the grassroots of our society by providing a place for visitors to experience the heritage and share the...
Swift-Coles Historic Home
Swift-Coles Historic Home is a beautiful historic site opened to the public for historic tours as well as a premiere...
Holmes Medical Museum
At The Holmes Medical Museum, learn how far science and the medical field have progressed by exploring the first hospital...
Arena the Next Level
Come experience the thrills and exhilaration at Arena the Next Level! Located at The Wharf in Orange Beach, we are...
Foley Art Center
For almost 50 years, The Foley Art Center has served the Gulf Coast area with our cultural enrichment programs in...
Learning and Creating
Learn more about the local ecosystem when you take a trip to the Estuarium, with over 100 coastal species to see up close. The facility has 31 aquariums, exhibits, hands-on activities and experts to answer your questions. Another great way to spend the day indoors is to get creative and learn a new skill. There are ample opportunities to take art classes in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Try your hand at jewelry making at Blue Girl Beading or have some fun while making a painting to take home with Christie's Paint n Shop. The Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach is known for glass blowing. It offers classes and demonstrations, as well as pieces for sale.
Museums
Do you have history lovers in your group? They might be interested in stopping by the museums in the area. The Gulf Shores Museum has free admission to explore a historical home. Visit during a rainy day, and learn about the history of the city from friendly guides. The museums often host lectures and show movies highlighting events in Gulf Shores history.
Art and Culture
Whether you like looking at art, or you're looking for a piece to purchase and bring back home, you'll enjoy the local artists that call Gulf Shores home. Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is a great place to start, with a gallery that features over 50 local artists. You'll find several other small galleries and art shops throughout the area, each with incredible, unique pieces that showcase the style, culture and flair of the area.
Fun and Games
Looking for a family-friendly activity that doesn't involve being outdoors? There's still fun to be had away from the beach. Visit Fat Daddy's Arcade for arcade games that the whole family can enjoy. Adventure Island is home to over 100 games, a rock wall, and a roller coaster simulator - allowing you to enjoy the thrill of amusement park rides while staying indoors.
Shopping
If you're in the mood for retail therapy, you're in luck. Spend an afternoon out of the elements checking out local shops and well known stores. The Tanger Outlets offer over 120 stores to visit, including favorite brands at discounted prices. For some local gulf flavor, visit the smaller shops around town where you'll find everything from handmade jewelry to cute souvenirs that will remind you of your trip to Alabama.
Rain or shine, you'll always have a good time at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Be sure to look at the calendar of events to see what will be happening around town while you're visiting the area and start making your list of rainy day activities. Request a vacation guide to find out what else the area has to offer and plan a Gulf Coast vacation today!
