Buckle Up

If you’re looking for the perfect mix of sugar-white sand, family-friendly attractions, and outdoor adventures, look no further than Orange Beach, Alabama! Nestled along the Gulf Coast, this laid-back beach town is a hidden gempacked with dolphin cruises, fresh seafood, pirate adventures, and endless water activities. Whether your family loves relaxing on the beach or getting out on the water, Orange Beach has something for everyone.

So grab your sunscreen, load up the car, and get ready for an unforgettable family road trip to one of Alabama’s best-kept secrets!

1. Must-See Attractions & Family Favorites

The Wharf

If you want a mix of shopping, entertainment, and fun activities, The Wharf is the place to go! This waterfront district has one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the Southeast, a mini golf course, an arcade, and laser tag. At night, don’t miss the SPECTRA Sound & Light Show, a dazzling free light display set to music.

📍 Location: 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL
🌎 Website: alwharf.com
🎡 Insider Tip: Ride the Wharf Ferris Wheel at sunset for the best views of the Gulf!

Dolphin Cruises & Glass-Bottom Boat Tours

Seeing wild dolphins up close is a must in Orange Beach! Multiple companies offer family-friendly dolphin cruises, where you can watch these playful creatures jump and splash alongside the boat. Some tours even have glass-bottom viewing areas for an extra fun experience.

📍 Departure Points: Various docks in Orange Beach
🌎 Book a Cruise: southernrose.com | obdolphins.com
🐬 Family Tip: Book a morning tour for calmer waters and better dolphin sightings!

2. Offbeat & Hidden Gems

Orange Beach Pirate Ship Adventure

Ahoy, mateys! Take the kids on an epic pirate adventure aboard a real pirate ship, complete with a water cannon battle, treasure hunt, and pirate games. This interactive cruise is a huge hit with little ones!

📍 Location: 4575 S Wilson Blvd, Orange Beach, AL
🌎 Website: pirateshipob.com
🏴‍☠️ Fun Tip: Let the kids dress up as pirates for the full experience!

Bamahenge & Dinosaurs in the Woods

Ever wanted to see a full-size replica of Stonehenge… in Alabama? Bamahenge is a quirky roadside attraction featuring a fiberglass Stonehenge replica, along with life-size dinosaur statues hidden in the woods. It’s a super fun and free stop that kids will love.

📍 Location: Barber Parkway, Elberta, AL (15 min from Orange Beach)
🌎 More Info: roadsideamerica.com
🦖 Hidden Gem Tip: The dinosaurs are scattered through the trees—see if your kids can find them all!

3. Outdoor Adventures & Active Fun

Gulf State Park & Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

For families who love biking, hiking, and wildlife spotting, Gulf State Park is a must. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail winds through swamps, dunes, and pine forests, where you might spot alligators, bald eagles, and even wild boars!

📍 Location: 20115 State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL
🌎 Website: alapark.com/gulf-state-park
🚴 Kid-Friendly Tip: Rent bikes or take a guided Segway tour for a fun twist on exploring the trails!

Flora-Bama Beach & Watersports

Looking for water sports rentals, beach games, and fun events? Flora-Bama is famous for its laid-back beach vibe, live music, and family-friendly activities. You can rent jet skis, paddleboards, or kayaks, or just relax at the beachside bar and grill.

📍 Location: 17401 Perdido Key Dr, Perdido Key, FL (right on the Alabama-Florida state line)
🌎 Website: florabama.com
🌊 Fun Tip: Try the “Bushwacker” frozen drink (for adults) while the kids play in the sand!

4. Spooky, Mysterious & Just Plain Weird

The Ghost of Fort Morgan

Just west of Orange Beach, Fort Morgan is a historic Civil War fort known for its eerie ghost stories. Many visitors claim to hear phantom footsteps and ghostly whispers in the old tunnels! Whether or not you believe in ghosts, it’s a fascinating place to explore.

📍 Location: 110 State Hwy 180, Gulf Shores, AL
🌎 Website: fort-morgan.org
👻 Spooky Tip: Visit at sunset for extra eerie vibes and breathtaking Gulf views.

5. Best Places to Eat (Kid-Approved & Unique!)

The Gulf

A restaurant made entirely from shipping containers? Yep! The Gulf serves up fresh seafood, burgers, and tacos in a fun beachfront setting with picnic tables and swings.

📍 Location: 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL
🌎 Website: thegulf.com
🍔 Kid Pick: The hand-cut fries and fish tacos are a must!

Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar

If you’re craving classic Gulf Coast seafood, Doc’s is a no-frills, family-friendly favorite known for fried shrimp, hush puppies, and gumbo.

📍 Location: 26029 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL
🌎 Website: docsseafoodshack.com
🦐 Local Tip: Try the fried shrimp—it’s the best in town!

6. Easy, Eco-Friendly & Mindful Travel Tips

• Ditch the Plastic: Many places in Orange Beach encourage reusable cups, straws, and water bottles to protect marine life.
• Respect the Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from dolphins, sea turtles, and alligators—look, but don’t touch!
• Bike Instead of Drive: The Backcountry Trail connects major areas of Orange Beach and is a great way to get around sustainably.

7. Nearby Adventures & Day Trips

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (30 Min Drive)

One of the last undeveloped coastal habitats in Alabama, this refuge is home to sea turtles, rare birds, and beautiful nature trails.

📍 Location: 12295 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL
🌎 Website: fws.gov/refuge/bon_secour

Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum (45 Min Drive)

Just across the Florida border, this museum features Blue Angels fighter jets, flight simulators, and hands-on aviation exhibits—a must for plane-loving kids!

📍 Location: 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL
🌎 Website: navalaviationmuseum.org

Are We There Yet …

From dolphin cruises and pirate adventures to quirky roadside attractions and fresh seafood, Orange Beach is a perfect family-friendly getaway. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or something in between, this Gulf Coast paradise has it all.

💬 Have you visited Orange Beach? Tag us in your adventures with #TheFamilyRoadTrip and share your favorite spots!