Fort Morgan
A Historic Military Landmark
Twenty-two miles west of Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan has stood as a guardian to Mobile Bay since 1834. Built with more than 46 million cubic yards of bricks, it was a key defense site during the Civil War as well as World Wars I and II. Tour the National Historic Landmark and its museum to see authentic weapons, uniforms, letters, photographs, and soldiers' personal items.
The Hangout
Live Music and Dining on the Beach
The Hangout, a central Gulf Shores restaurant, serves fresh seafood and more and is a live music venue where locals have been flocking for decades. It’s renowned for its oyster cook-off and lively vibe in an open-air space with direct beach access, a firepit, foam pit, shopping, and a giant sandbox.
Gulf State Park Pier
Fine Fishing and Family Fun
A 1,540-foot-long pier and the largest on the Gulf of Mexico, the newly revamped Gulf State Park Pier is ideal for fishing and sightseeing. It features an indoor concession area, a souvenir and tackle store, and comfort stations mid-pier. Anglers will enjoy casting a line for the plentiful varieties of fish here.
LuLu's
Tropical Vibes at a Waterfront Restaurant
Located on the Intracoastal Waterway and facing a marina, LuLu’s is a vibrant spot owned by Jimmy Buffett's sister, Lucy Buffett (aka Lulu). The made-from-scratch menu options include recipes created by Lucy herself and family ones passed down from generation to generation, like gumbo with shrimp and andouille sausage. Activities for the kids include sand play and a ropes course.
The Wharf
A Premier Entertainment Hub
With something for all ages, The Wharf is an expansive, one-of-a-kind home to outdoor entertainment, prime shopping, and diverse dining. It features a 112-foot Ferris wheel, escape rooms, arcades, a 10,000-seat open-air amphitheater, the Cool Shots Selfie Museum, and more. Plus, seasonal events take place here throughout the year.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park
An Eco-Friendly Coastal Resort
Complementing the LEED-certified building and other sustainable practices, a neutral color palette, design elements that connect you to the outdoors, and a laid-back vibe make The Lodge at Gulf State Park seem like a stylish beach house. Among its spectacular beachfront location and distinctly family-friendly atmosphere, take your pick of signature restaurants showcasing fresh coastal favorites and using locally sourced ingredients.
Mobile Bay Ferry
The Gulf Coast's Most Scenic Ride
Ride the 40-minute Mobile Bay Ferry departing from Fort Morgan and connecting passengers to Dauphin Island for access to Fort Gaines on the west side and Mobile Point on the east. You’ll enjoy wonderful views of the two commanding, historic forts that have long guarded the entrance to beautiful Mobile Bay.
Orange Beach Welcome Center
Your Source for Local Info
Got questions about what to see, do, and eat on Alabama’s beaches? The Orange Beach Welcome Center has all the answers. Pop in for free brochures, local maps, and information on everything you need to know about lodging, attractions, dining, and more. It’s open on weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CoastAL
Toes-in-the-Sand Dining
Savor tuna or blackened shrimp tacos, tropical handcrafted cocktails, and live music at CoastAL, an open-air bar and waterfront restaurant among palm trees, white umbrellas, and sugary sand. Panoramic, unobstructed views of the water pair with seafood sourced locally from the Gulf or nearby southeastern states, including grouper, snapper, and fresh blue crab.
Gulf Shores Welcome Center
Your Vacation Guide
Stop into the Gulf Shores Welcome Center for all the 411 to make your trip to Alabama’s beaches even more dreamy. Free maps, brochures, and more information await. Plus, use the free Wi-Fi while you’re there. It’s open on weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Coastal Alabama Back Bay Blueway
A Water Trail Adventure
See the landscape from a different perspective aboard a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. The Coastal Alabama Back Bay Blueway offers four distinct trails with 21 launch sites that take adventure paddlers around the waterways surrounding Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. It’s an opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems including back bays, lakes, and lagoons.
Bird and Robinson Islands
See Native Flora and Fauna
In 2003, the City of Orange Beach purchased Robinson Island to preserve it. Today, it’s part of Robinson Island & Bird Island Park, a public recreational area. These delightful, protected Perdido Pass islands are a sanctuary for birds and wildlife, especially nesting wading herons and terns, and a favorite summertime destination for boaters and sunseekers.
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Explore 9 Ecosystems-in-One
With 6,000 acres spanning the Alabama Gulf Coast and nine ecosystems, Gulf State Park is a world of meandering trails, quiet lakes, and a key part of one of the most biodiverse regions in the United States. You can borrow a bike for up to three hours for free to explore the amazing Backcountry Trail system.
Perdido Pass Bridge
Gateway to the Gulf
Stretching across the Perdido Pass, the iconic, 54-foot Perdido Pass Bridge connects the mainland to the barrier island of Perdido Key and serves as a symbol of the vibrant spirit and natural beauty of Orange Beach. With its modern design, the bridge provides an elevated perspective of the coastal landscape, allowing you to soak in the beauty of Orange Beach from a fresh angle.
Flora-Bama Lounge and Yacht Club
A Legendary Gulf-Front Landmark
Part honky-tonk and part restaurant, Flora-Bama has been serving up cocktails including its signature Bushwackers since 1964. Sourcing high-quality local seafood, its Yacht Club offers fine Southern dining for an unpretentious, flip-flop-clad crowd.
Coastal Arts Center
A Hands-On Arts Hub
At the Coastal Arts Center, see glass artists at work during live glass-blowing demonstrations and enjoy a firsthand art experience too. You can make and paint your own pottery pieces, as well as take classes.
