Rich in southern culture, nature’s beauty and American history, the Alabama Gulf Coast brings shopping to explore, sites to see and adventure for the entire family. Discover life on the gulf coast and take a tour of our favorite local attractions.

Endless Shopping

THE WHARF – Orange Beach, Alabama

The Gulf Coast’s most inviting shopping, dining and entertainment destination is The Wharf, located in Orange Beach, Alabama off the Foley Beach Expressway and Canal Road. Designed along a promenade, the shopping delivers a unique experience with dozens of locally owned boutiques, one-of-a-kind stores, spas and salons. Collections of restaurants are speckled throughout and feature local favorites to satisfy a variety of dining experiences.  While at The Wharf, enjoy the Family Fun Zone highlighted with the largest Ferris Wheel attraction in the southeast, a 9,600 seat Amphitheater showcasing top acts in entertainment, movie theaters, a marina hosting world-class sport fishing tournaments and an awesome SPECTRA Sound and Light Show.  The Wharf has something for everyone!

Lucca

Lucca, a women’s clothing boutique located at The Wharf in Orange Beach, offers a selection classic pieces and cutting edge fashion from recognizable names and emerging designers such as Alexis, Alice & Olivia, Bordeaux, David Khan, Diana Warner, Diane Von Furstenberg, Elizabeth and James, Ella Moss, Hanky Panky, Haute Hippie, Hudson Jeans, Inhabit, JBrand, Love Quotes, Milly, Rebecca Taylor, Robert Rodriguez, Splendid, T-Bags, Theory, Tibi, Top Secret, Velvet, Virgin saints & Angels, Vince, Wink and much more!

Arts & Culture

COASTAL ARTS CENTER & HOT SHOP

The Coastal Arts Center on Wolf Bay was originally housed in Orange Beach’s first hotel, built in 1923, but is currently constructing a new Gallery for their artist that will feature elements of the historical property.  The Art Center promotes innovative ideas, offers classes and is host to the Hot Shop, the only public access glass studio in Alabama. Here you can join resident glass artist, Adam Burges, for lessons in blowing glass, public demonstrations and view exhibits by local artists.

GULF COAST ARTS ALLIANCE ART GALLERY

This kitchy gallery features the works of local and regional artists and offers a variety of art classes for adults and kids. Located in the trendy Waterways Village of Gulf Shores, the GCAA partners with the City of Gulf Shores to present the Art Market on the first Saturday of most months.

SOUTH BALDWIN COMMUNITY THEATRE

Founded in 1972, the South Baldwin Community Theatre combines the talents of local thespians to bring a piece of the performing arts to the Alabama Gulf coast. Experience the magic of the SBCT and be touched by the many productions. Meet your friends at the Theatre!

Must See Attractions

HUGH S. BRANYON BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL

Seven trails among six distinct ecosystems make up more than 15 miles of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail through Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama. Ride your bike or walk the trails and explore the timeless beauty of the Butterfly Garden, the mystical Freshwater Marshes and the Coastal Hardwood Swamps. Catch a glimpse of a Bobcat on the Twin Bridges Trail or a White Tailed Deer on Gulf Oak Ridge. View an Alligator basking in the sun on Rosemary Dunes and be sure to bring your camera to capture the adventure. Open daily from dusk to dawn and admission in free.

ALABAMA GULF COAST ZOO

Take a break from the beach for a close encounter of the wild kind and get up close with more than 500 exotic animals including tigers of every color variation, lions, bears, macaws, reptiles, and more! Visitors of all ages will enjoy the petting zoo, reptile house, interactive animal shows during the spring and summer months and seasonal hands-on animal encounters.
Admission: Adults $11, Seniors $9, Kids (3-11) $8, Kids 2 and Under are FREE!

FORT MORGAN ALABAMA HISTORICAL SITE

Located at the western end of Gulf Shores, on the mouth of Mobile Bay along the point of Fort Morgan Peninsula is the historical site of a Third System Masonry Fort built between 1819 and 1833. Fort Morgan played a significant role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August of 1864 and is visited annually for its over 600 acres of beauty on the Alabama Gulf Coast.  Visit the historical fort on your own or take a guided tour, experience history through the eyes of an independence day re-enactment, embrace nature on a variety of trails or along the pristine beaches, travel the Ferry to Mobile or launch your boat into Mobile Bay for a complete day of outdoor adventure!

BON SECOUR NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Named as one of the 10 natural wonders of Alabama, The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge provides 7,000 acres of sanctuary for native flora and fauna and offers refuge to more than 370 species; migratory birds, nesting loggerhead and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The refuge, one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Alabama coast was established by Congress in 1980 to preserve the coastal dune ecosystem, protect threatened and endangered species, provide compatible recreational opportunities, and serve as a living laboratory for students and scientists. Located on the Fort Morgan peninsula near Kiva Dunes, Morgantown and Peninsula Golf Club, The Bon Secour NWR is host to more than 100,000 visitors annually.

Fishing Charters, Cruises & Watersports

Flora-Bama Marina & Watersports

On the Florida/Alabama line you will find the Flora-Bama Marina & Watersports! Only minutes from some of the best sport fishing, this is the perfect place for your next Off-Shore or Inshore Charter Fishing Trip. Book an excursion with Captain Bubba and crew on the Blue Dolphin Cruise for a spectacular waterway view of dolphins and wildlife while cruising the sights of Perdido Bay and the homes of exclusive Ono Island. In addition they offer Boat Slip Rentals, Parasailing, Pontoon Boat Rentals, Jet Ski’s, Paddleboards and Kayak Rentals. Flora-Bama Marina & Watersports offers fun in the sun for visiting tourists and locals alike.

Gulf Coast Golfing

Select from a diverse stage of signature golf courses designed by legendary golf players including Arnold Palmer, Jerry Pate, Earl Stone, Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Haage. Conveniently located, these coastal courses offer the perfect mix between challenging and fun along panoramic views of natural wildlife, beautiful landscapes and emerald gulf waters. Try your swing at Kiva Dunes or Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club, located on Fort Morgan Road, play a round at the Cotton Creek / Cypress Bend courses at Craft Farms, Gulf Shores, experience lush greens at Glenlakes in Foley, or surprise yourself for a day of golf on the stunning topography of Fairhope’s favorite, Rock Creek Golf Club. Find your best round of golf at one of these courses or pick from many more!