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Southern hospitality is alive and well in Orange Beach, a thriving community on the Alabama Gulf Coast. When it comes to welcoming visitors, this tiny town (its permanent population is only about 5,000) scores big, with luxurious accommodations delicious dining, and shops selling everything from souvenirs to fine art.
Lazing on the white-sand beaches has to be the most popular pastime in Orange Beach. Visitors looking for a little more action won't be disappointed, though. More energetic activities range from deep-sea fishing and just about every other kind of water sport to shopping in the area's many stores and outlet malls.
In nearby Gulf Shores, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge offers a walk on the wild side, with hiking trails through scrub forests, marshes and swampland to the dunes and beach. Local charter captains also provide boat tours of the area's bays, bayous, and marshes, all of which teem with wildlife. At the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium, interactive exhibits showcase the aquatic animal and plant life of Mobile Bay and the Gulf Coast region. And to enjoy a truly unspoiled stretch of beach, head down the highway to Perdido Key and Gulf Island National Seashore. Along the shoreline, the park is home to an astonishing variety of marine life, and its woods and wetlands hold a diverse population of plants and animals.
Journeys into the past are as close as Fort Gaines, on Dauphin Island, and Fort Morgan, in Gulf Shores. Fort Morgan, which guards the main channel into Mobile Bay, was part of a major naval battle during the Civil War.
Just a short drive inland are the picturesque towns of Fairhope and Magnolia Springs. Founded more than 100 years ago, Fairhope is best known for its lovely parks, moss-draped live oaks, and spectacular views of Mobile Bay. It also offers a sophisticated mix of shops, boutiques, cafes and art galleries. Tree-shaded streets, gracious homes, and well-tended gardens give Magnolia Springs its special charm. Originally developed from a Spanish land grant in 1800, the town boasts natural springs once dubbed “the purest in the world.”
Mild temperatures and lots of sunny days make Orange Beach an ideal spot for a getaway any time of the year. It also hosts special events throughout the year, including the annual Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, a 10-day musical celebration held each November, and August's Thunder on the Gulf powerboat races. Just down the road in Gulf Shores, the National Shrimp Festival celebrates its 37th year this October.
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Where to stay
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Accommodations include everything from high-rise condos to cozy cottages. To see photos, amenities, and other details on Orange Beach vacation rentals, choose from our list of condos, hotels, and beach houses. Or use our custom search feature to find the Orange Beach vacation rental that's best for you.
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Orange Beach restaurants
Dining spots in Orange Beach run the gamut, from romantic eateries overlooking the water to bustling sports bars whose wide-screen TVs keep diners abreast of what's going on with their favorite teams. Fresh seafood from local waters dominates most menus, but there are plenty of spots offering other alternatives that range from pizza and pasta to barbecue and coleslaw.
Discover the delicious side of Orange Beach by choosing from our list of restaurants.
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Orange Beach golf
Nine excellent courses, several of which adjoin luxury resorts, make the Orange Beach area a mecca for golfers. And since several of the courses were designed by golfing legends such as Arnold Palmer, Bruce Devlin, Jerry Pate, Earl Stone, and Robert Von Hagge, they offer challenges for players of all skill levels. Package deals and other specials are available and may include everything from green fees and cart rentals to rooms and meals.
Our list of golf courses and resorts will help you plan your Orange Beach golfing vacation.
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Orange Beach fishing
Perdido Pass provides a natural gateway to the Gulf of Mexico - and deep-sea bottom fishing. Depending on what's in season, anglers can expect the catch of the day to include grouper, amberjack, scamp, triggerfish, cobia, and snapper. In fact, the waters off the Alabama Gulf Coast offer some of the best red snapper fishing in the world.
Spring through fall is ideal for trolling, when catches usually include migratory fish such as king and Spanish mackerel, dolphin, redfish, bonita, and cobia. Summer is the best time to troll for big game fish, including wahoo, bull dolphin, and sailfish.
Landing the big one may involve nothing more than casting your line at the edge of the beach and being patient. King mackerel, amberjack, cobia, flounder, bluefish, and tuna have all been caught by landlubbing anglers.
The lake at nearby Gulf State Park, in Gulf Shores, and the wetlands of the Mobile Delta are ideal spots to catch freshwater favorites such as largemouth bass, crappie, and bream.
For more about Orange Beach fishing, and to charter a boat, check out our list of Orange Beach fishing charters.
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Orange Beach shopping
With the multitude of shops, malls, and outlet stores in Orange Beach and nearby communities, shopping is a pastime almost as popular as doing nothing. Merchandise ranges from shells and souvenirs to trendy new duds, one-of-a-kind artwork to discount shoes. Many of the big department stores have branches in the area. You'll also find plenty of locally owned shops offering goods that range from elegant and stylish to quirky and fun.
Our list of stores, malls, and outlet centers will help you plan your Orange Beach shopping excursion.
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Entertainment
The fun's just beginning in Orange Beach when the day winds down. Many local bars and restaurants have live music nightly, with choices ranging from acoustic to jazz, country to rock to soul. Or, for a really memorable evening out, consider a dinner cruise. What could be more relaxing than sipping cocktails on deck while the sun sets and enjoying dinner - featuring fresh local seafood, of course ¬- overlooking the moonlit waters of the Gulf?
For more casual fun, there are plenty of places to go for a juicy burger, an ice-cold beer, and the opportunity to watch your favorite sporting event on a wide-screen TV.
Our list of Orange Beach restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues can help you plan your nights on the town.
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Other things to do
If you decide you want a break from lounging beachside, you'll find plenty of options in Orange Beach and neighboring Gulf Shores. Just about every kind of activity that involves water is available, from diving and snorkeling to sailing and parasailing.
Less effort but lots of fun is boarding a glass-bottom boat for a dolphin-watching cruise. Some captains also offer drinks and snacks, plus a fascinating commentary on the abundant wildlife that populates Alabama's coastal waterways and bayous.
And the whole family's sure to enjoy a wet and wild adventure in one of the area's water parks. Food is available at park concession stands, so you can go early and spend the day.
For a break from water sports, go bird watching on Dauphin Island, admire the manicured beauty of Bellingrath Gardens, or tour the World War II battleship USS Alabama, anchored in nearby Mobile Bay.
For more options, and for diving/snorkeling and boat charter information, check out our list of area businesses.
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Special events
The temperate climate means that any time's a good time for a celebration in Orange Beach and neighboring Gulf Shores. Two of the best-known festivals celebrate the local shrimping industry and the talent of area musicians.
More than 300 vendors offering arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry, and other retail goods make the National Shrimp Festival one of the nation's most exciting outdoor events. The four-day festival, held annually in Gulf Shores, celebrates its 37th year this October.
The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, held each November at various spots in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and other nearby communities, offers 10 days of live musical entertainment. It's named for the late Frank Brown, a music fan who worked as night watchman at the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge for 28 years. The festival was founded as a venue for aspiring writers and musicians to showcase their work.
And there are plenty of other special events scheduled year-round - concerts, theater and dance performances, wine tastings, food festivals, arts and crafts shows - even a rodeo.
Check out our calendar of events for an up-to-date list of what's going on while you're in town.
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