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.
National Naval Aviation Museum
The National Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s largest Naval Aviation museum and one of the most-visited museums in the...
The Blacksmith Experience
Blacksmith Experience offers short Knife Making Experiences! Most classes are completed in about 2 to 3 hours. Perfect chance to...
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...
Bragg-Mitchell Mansion
Beautiful antebellum mansion minutes from downtown Mobile, Alabama. Nestled among centuries-old oaks and beautiful azaleas, the estate was created in...
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...
Foley Art Center
For almost 50 years, The Foley Art Center has served the Gulf Coast area with our cultural enrichment programs in...
Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit
This museum is located in the Louisville and Nashville railroad depot that was built in Foley in 1909. In the...
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Climb the 177 steps to the historic Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for one of the most beautiful views of...
Flight Works Alabama
Spearheaded by Airbus and the State of Alabama, Flight Works Alabama is a comprehensive aerospace exhibition and education center, now...
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...
Gulf Bowl
This family owned and operated attraction has been providing fun since 1959. We are a 35,000 square foot family entertainment...
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...
Holmes Medical Museum
At The Holmes Medical Museum, learn how far science and the medical field have progressed by exploring the first hospital...
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...
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!
