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I just returned home from the most fun-filled yet relaxing visit to the Alabama beaches! I was so impressed with everything there was to do in this area and the beautiful beaches. However, as with most of the Gulf of Mexico coastline, it’s not always safe to swim. This is why paying attention to the local beach flag system is essential, as it alerts you when rip currents are present. In this post, I will discuss the Alabama BEACH Safe program and share 16 things to do in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores on red flag days!
Visiting Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
If you have never been to the Alabama beaches or are just finding out that Alabama has beaches in the first place, listen up!
Not only does Albama have beaches, but they are gorgeous! The most popular Alabama beach towns are Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. These vibrant coastal communities are located between Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.
Often referred to simply as The Alabama Beaches, these two adjacent cities blend into the perfect destination for your next family vacation. There are so many fun things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama!
The Alabama Beaches
There are 32 miles of white-sand beaches between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Sunbathing and saltwater swimming are generally the most popular activities, especially in the summertime! However, before you visit any Gulf Coast beaches in Alabama or Florida, it is crucial to know and understand each community’s beach flag warning system.
Why?
Rip currents are always a risk along the Gulf of Mexico. That is why Gulf Shores and Orange Beach established their BEACH Safe program! You can read more about the dangers of rip currents, how to spot them, and what to do if you get caught in one here.
BEACH Safe in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Flag conditions change daily, sometimes more than once a day.
To get real-time text notifications of the beach flag status in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, text ALBEACHES to 888777. You can easily opt out of the text alerts at the end of your vacation by texting STOP.
You can also click here to check real-time status and learn more about the beach flag system and rip currents.
I will tell you that rip currants are often where the water looks calmest and there is a break in the wave pattern. Knee-deep is too deep on red flag days, and entering the water on double red flag days is illegal.
However, red flags don’t have to ruin your family’s beach vacation!
Alabama Beaches: 16 Fun Things to Do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shoes on Red Flag Days
So, what should you do if you can’t get in the water?
Don’t fret! On red flag days, there are so many other attractions and fun things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. I have been lucky enough to do all of these myself, and I know you will find the perfect activities for your group!
So, here are 16 things to do in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores on red flag days. These are perfect for all ages!
#1 Visit Lulu’s in Gulf Shores
Lulu’s in Gulf Shores has it all! Enjoy great food and live music for the adults, and let the kids play in the arcade or on the “sandy beach.” There is also a ropes course and other fun activities for the older kids!
PS: Did you know Lulu’s belongs to the late Jimmy Buffett’s sister, Lucy Buffett? I love the laid-back vibes! And remember to stop by the gift shop for their popular souvenir t-shirts.
#2 Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Not to be outdone by Lulu’s link to music history, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is actually a movie star! It was featured as The Little Zoo That Could in the 2006 hit documentary series on Animal Planet.
The Zoo is an easy 2-3 hour outing, and there is a fantastic restaurant on site called Savanna.
I recommend adding on an animal encounter. Last week, I was able to go to the Sloth Encounter and the Lemur Encounter. Both were really fun and were under $25 each. They are a great, fairly low-cost, bucket list-worthy add-on.
Check out my sloth encounter Instagram reel to see how up close and personal I got!
#3 Take Sandcastle Lessons with Sandcastle University
Just because the water is closed doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beach! Of course, you won’t want to be out there on rainy days. However, many red flag days occur when the water is still choppy at the end of a storm. However, the sun can very well be out! Lay out, read a book, and enjoy the sunshine.
If you are feeling adventurous, book a private sandcastle lesson with Sandcastle University. Click here to see my Instagram reel showing off my creation. However, please note that on red flag days, only adults can get water from the Gulf of Mexico for any children participating in the lesson.
Sandcastle lessons are offered year-round and are one of the most popular things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama. They actually will come to your beach, so you won’t have to travel!
Here are the current prices. I actually think this is a great value, especially if you have a bigger group. It’s perfect for multigenerational travel and just as fun for adults as it is for kids. I personally loved this lesson!
1-Hour Sandcasatle 101 Class (all ages)
- $200 for 1-5 participants
- $250 for 6-10 participants
- $300 for 11-15 participants
2-Hour Sandcasatle 201 Class (ages 8+)
- $300 for 1-5 participants
- $350 for 6-10 participants
- $400 for 11-15 participants
#4 Enjoy Gulf State Park
The incredible Gulf State Park is located directly between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Therefore, it’s centrally located and easy to visit.
In fact, you will likely find yourself here on more than one occasion during your visit to the Alabama Beaches. Outdoor activities include biking the nearly 28 miles of paved trails, birdwatching, enjoying State Park nature trails, kayaking on Lake Shelby, participating in educational lessons at the Learning Campus at Gulf State Park (the State Park Nature Center), and more!
You can actually stay at this Alabama State Park as well. There are camping and cabin options. However, I recommend staying at The Lodge at Gulf State Park. This was the beautiful view from my balcony when I stayed there.
#5 Listen to Live Music
There are dozens of places to catch live music in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! One popular place is The Hangout, home to the Hangout Music Festival every May.
However, you can find music almost everywhere. I always recommend checking out each venue or restaurant’s website. Typically, their event page lists their live music schedule. Likewise, you can also look them up on social media!
Additionally, the Gulf Shores Orange Beach Tourism office keeps a great local live music list.
#6 Take a Class at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
This wasn’t even on my radar until my visit last week. I am so excited to tell you about the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, Alabama! Listen up, because this is one of the most unique things to do in Orange Beach for couples or families.
Located on beautiful Wolf Bay, this 4-acre campus is a destination in itself. The museum and gift shop are brimming with coastal art and unique gifts.
But for me, the highlight was the studios where they host classes. You can participate in glass making at The Hot Shop or work with clay in the Clay Studio. Both require appointments, and regular classes start at $95, so plan ahead.
You can also watch the glass-making sessions from the viewing area. Their website is the best place to see what’s going on each day.
Here are a few photos of the glass-making workshop that I took!
#7 Explore Historic Fort Morgan
History enthusiasts will enjoy a walk through Historic Fort Morgan. This Alabama landmark has been around since 1834 and was active during four different wars.
The self-guided tour allows visitors to stroll at their own pace. Tickets can be bought in advance, and at just $20 for a family of four, it’s one of the most affordable family activities near Gulf Shores. The grounds are open from 9 AM – 5 PM. However, the museum closes at 4 PM. So, give yourself plenty of time!
TIP: Check out the Blue Angels schedule. At times, you can see them flying over the Alabama Beaches on their way back to Pensacola, Florida.
#8 Dine at Local Restaurants
From casual catch-it-and-cook-it seafood restaurants to upscale white tablecloth dining, Gulf Shores offers excellent food for all occasions.
On my last trip, I had breakfast at Buzz Catz, a charming cat-themed coffee shop and restaurant. I enjoyed lunch at The Gulf and The Hangout. Dinners were spent at Wolf Bay, CoastAL, and Cobalt. All these places are highly recommended and are places the locals love.
Everything I ate was amazing, and at most places, the restaurants are a destination themselves with unique decor. Many sit on the Gulf Shores or Orange Beach waterfront. Remember to order a Bushwacker. Drinking Bushwackers is one of the most iconic things to do in Orange Beach!
You may also enjoy High Tide Daquiri and Mimosas. They have delicious flights of both, and weather permitting you can ride the adorable boats.
#9 Enjoy Your Hotel Pools
Many of the hotels in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have great pools! You will want to make sure they have at least one heated if visiting in the winter months.
Also, Turquoise Place by Spectrum Resorts, where I stayed on my last visit, is about to open its brand-new amenities deck with a four-story slide! Look at how fun this will be for kids (and adults, too)! I have a video of it on this recent Instagram Reel. I have a feeling that staying here and riding this slide will quickly become one of the top things to Do in Orange Beach!
#10 Stop by the Flora-Bama
Yes, I already mentioned live music and eating out, but Flora-Bama needs its own section. This iconic beach bar is located on the Florida-Alabama border—hence its name!
There is always live music and something fun going on. The venue is for adults only in the evenings, and it is one of the most popular things to do in Orange Beach for adults. Kids are welcome at the Flora-Bama during the day. Make sure to allow time to browse the gift shop on the way out!
#11 Go Boating Inland
There are many times when Gulf conditions don’t affect the bay and bayous, meaning many outdoor activities are still possible. For example, you may be able to get out on a pontoon boat or go on one of the sunset and dolphin cruises in Orange Beach. You might also consider a fishing trip. However, always call ahead to ensure wind and weather conditions are safe before booking online.
I highly recommend Hammock Time Tiki Tours for a group of 6 or less. Yes, the boat has hammocks on boat, and Captain Glenn also has a treasure trove of activities, including bean bags. It’s perfect for kids and adults. And spoiler alert: It’s the only boat of its kind with a bathroom on board.
Boating is one of the most popular things to do in Orange Beach, Alabama!
#13 Play at The Track in Gulf Shores
This is one of the most popular Gulf Shores attractions. At The Track Gulf Shores, go-carts, amusement rides, mini golf, and a 5,000-foot arcade will keep the kids busy for hours. And if you want to get wet, take a spin on the Blaster boats.
Additionally, the games and activities are on a points currency system. You may want to buy these in advance.
#14 Step Back in Time at the Sunliner Diner
The Sunliner Diner is a Gulf Shores icon! This 50’s themed diner and soda shop will take you back to a simpler time. Play your favorite tunes on the Jukebox, and attend the Tuesday night sock hop (winter only).
If you are lucky, you’ll get to sit inside the red car!
#14 Check out The Wharf
The Wharf, located in Orange Beach, is a one-stop destination for entertainment, shopping and dining and one of the most popular things to do in Orange Beach with kids.
Ride on the Wharf Ferris Wheel or catch a concert at the Amphitheater. You can even get out on the water from the on-site marina. If you visit after dark, you can see the SPECTRA laser light show.
Click here to see what’s happening at The Wharf!
#15 Find a Festival in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach
Not a weekend goes by without some sort of festival in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. There are Oyster and Shrimp Festivals, car cruises, and boat shows. There is always some kind of event and something fun to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!
Don’t miss the iconic Mullet Toss at the Flora-Bama in April. Yes, people take turns tossing Mullet at this famous beach party. Moreover, it’s one big party and a cherished tradition for Florida and Alabama locals.
You can check out the annual festival schedule and daily event calendar for the Alabama Beaches at any time before or during your trip!
#16 Explore the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Located just west of Gulf Shores, Alabama, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is home to a protected coastal barrier sanctuary for native flora and fauna.
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge covers 7,000 acres of coastal lands, from coastline to pine forest. This is a wonderful area for a nature hike and also offers world-class birding opportunities. Weather permitting, you can also enjoy a quiet kayak or canoe paddle in the Lagoon.
There is a small visitor contact station, open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Before your visit, visit their website for more information.
Enjoy Your Visit to the Alabama Beaches
As you can see, there are many fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama! And, on most days, you can add the beach to this list. Hanging out on the beach actually tops most free things to do on Orange Beach lists! However, there are so many additional things to do when visiting this vibrant coastal community.
Get your FREE Alabama Beaches Vacation Guide from the Gulf Shoes & Orange Beach Tourism office.
Just make sure to check the flag conditions each morning while visiting the Alabama Beaches!
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PIN This List of Things to Do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores on Red Flag Days
