What to do in Orange Beach, Alabama

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Winter's over and spring is well underway in beautiful Coastal Alabama. If you're in the Orange Beach area, or planning to visit this year, you may be wondering what there is to do around town besides lounge by the pool in your Orange Beach condo or dig your toes into the fluffy sands by the Gulf of Mexico. Orange Beach offers a variety of family-friendly activities to do all over town. From hiking and dolphin watching to parasailing and concerts, there's always something to do in Orange Beach.

Just west of Orange Beach is Gulf State Park, which offers a number of things for visitors of all ages to do. From Orange Beach, you can enter the park through one several trails that wind through the park. Known as the Backcountry Trail system, these trails will take you through six different ecosystems where you can spot different types of wildlife. With over fifteen miles of trails to explore, hikers can stop to relax in the Butterfly Garden or climb around at the Boulder Park. Stay overnight and enjoy the beautiful starry skies from a primitive campsite near the trails. To get more information about trails and campsites, check out the Backcountry Trail website.

There are a number of things to do out on the water, but one of the most popular is to go on a "dolphin cruise" along the Gulf. Visitors can book seats on a boat (often times you can book a private boat) with experienced guides who know where to go to spot dolphins while they dance and play in the water. There are a number of different options when choosing who to take your dolphin cruise with, most offer options to go during the morning and afternoon as well as later ones, during which you can enjoy the fiery Gulf of Mexico sunset while you watch the dolphins in the water. The Gulf of Mexico is also the perfect area for parasailing. With the emerald-green waters below and breathtaking views of the white-sand beaches along the coast, parasailing in Orange Beach is a memorable experience that the whole family can get in on. OB Parasail has everything you need to get everyone in the family up in the air and enjoying breathtaking views of the entire city.

Similar to The Track in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach's Adventure Island offers a range of both indoor and outdoor activities that are fun for visitors of all ages. Separate into teams for a game of laser tag, get each other wet on the bumper boats, or have a competition out on the 18-hole mini golf course. Over at The Wharf, the kids can enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel while the adults go shopping in the onsite boutiques. The Wharf is home to a large amphitheater, which hosts regular activities and even concerts throughout the year.

There is always something to do around Orange Beach, especially as summer sets in and attracts more visitors and events to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Whether you're staying along the beaches, exploring the state park, or getting out on the water for a dolphin cruise, there's something for visitors of all ages and preferences. If you're wondering where to grab a bit to eat while you're out, don't forget to check out our website to see menus for restaurants in both Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama (be sure to check back regularly as we add more menus to the list).