Last Updated on May 13, 2026 by Fadra Nally
This post is sponsored by Alabama’s Beaches, home to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Most people head to the beach (Gulf Shores and Orange Beach included) because they love the beach. Personally, I like looking at the beach, walking along the beach, and even wading at the beach. But I am not a beach girl.
That means that I can’t haul my chair out to the beach and sit there for hours. Even with a good book and a nice glass of something, I get bored.
I realize more and more that my vacation style involves equal parts fun and equal parts relaxation. And Alabama’s beaches are the perfect place for both!
If you’re looking for things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach that aren’t just sitting on the beach, I’ve got options, from high-adventure thrills to low-stakes fun.
Table of Contents
Adventure
If you’re the type that likes to get your adrenaline pumping (either a little or a lot), there are some great activities on the water, in the water, and even above the water at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!
1. Ease Into the Water with Circle Boats
Circle boats were new to me and they probably will be to you, even if you’re a regular on Alabama’s beaches. Beachside Circle Boats is the only place where you can experience this fun and low-stakes adventure.
Think of it as a stand-up paddleboard that’s round. And you can sit and steer with a small electric motor. Great for families as it suits young and old alike. They also have add-ons to accommodate things like your cooler and even the family dog!
See the circle boats in action here!
2. Get Your Adrenaline Going on a Jet Ski
Flora-Bama Marina & Watersports offers jet ski and boat rentals. I was looking for an individual sport and after a quick lesson, set off on a Yamaha while cruising Perdido Key. The jet skis are large, stable and definitely beginner friendly.
This is a great activity for the adventurous adults in your group (minimum rental age is 19) but you can bring passengers as young as five on a 1, 2, 3 or 4 hour rental.
3. See Orange Beach from Above While Parasailing
Once on the list of things I’ll never try, I can now say that I not only conquered that fear but loved it! Thanks to the group at Parasail Sky Surfer, it was easy to hop on a boat, get suited up, and launch into the air with the greatest of ease.
Believe it or not, this can be a family activity. Flyers can be as young as four and you also need a minimum of two passengers. But less adventurous vacationers can pay to be an observer safely on board the boat.
See me parasailing in action here!
4. Take in the Coastline on a Helicopter Tour
This is one activity that I didn’t try but I’d definitely be open to it, especially after flying high on a parasail. Lost Bays Helicopters offers multiple tours in the area ranging from coastline tours to Civil War fly-bys to sea life sightseeing.
This is a family-friendly activity but call for specifics on dates, times, and ages for your tour.
5. Kayak Through Gulf State Park
On my first trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, I had the pleasure of kayaking in the back bays where I got to see bottlenose dolphins and an abundance of both fish and fowl. With that experience, I can tell you that it’s worth doing again and again, especially if you love nature. You never know what you’re going to see and it’s a different show every time!
The Back Bay Blueway offers multiple trails and over 22 launch points in the area. So you can bring your own kayak or rent one from one of the many local outfitters.
Food + Drink
If you’re on vacation, of course you’re going to be eating and drinking. That’s half the fun of a vacation, right? But sometimes, a meal can be an experience and here are three in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach that I recommend!
6. The Flora-Bama Yacht Club Experience
The first time I visited Alabama, I was treated to a night at the Flora-Bama Yacht Club. And I was ready for… a yacht club. Now, I don’t frequent yacht clubs but I imagined a little cardigan and pearls were a necessity.
If you’ve ever been to this establishment, you’re probably laughing right now. This restaurant/bar/outdoor space/concert venue/shop is definitely an experience. Go for the food and drinks but stay for the people watching!
My recommendation is the Crab & Parmesan Hushpuppies and the Blackened Grouper Tacos (locally caught). But if you just want to forget your troubles, definitely have a signature Bushwacker which is a frozen concoction that tastes like coffee, chocolate, rum, and heaven.
7. Coastal Speakeasy
I feel like a true speakeasy should be found via word of mouth. So pretend that I’m whispering this to you.
Psst… head down to The Wharf, a local shopping and nightlife district, and look for a surprisingly vacant jewelry store. Head to a secret door in the back, wave your hand, and then enter the “vault” with a code only found online.
Welcome to 8 Reale, a coastal speakeasy with drinks and a vibe that are definitely for adults only.
See more details of this secret speakeasy here!
8. Donut Showdown
After a little adult fun, it’s time to get the family together for a little donut showdown! While there are many popular donut shops at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we pitted two favorites in a head to head showdown: City Donut and Daisy’s Donuts. Both offer amazing, fresh donuts and drinks to go.
But which one is better? That’s entirely up to you! Grab a dozen at each place and let your group decide the winner (although there are no real losers when it comes to donuts).
Watch my taste test where I do declare my personal winner!
Hidden Gems + Unexpected Finds
Let’s say you need a break from crowds or you’re still looking for something just a bit different on your Gulf Shores and Orange Beach trip. Hidden Gems just might be my middle name! Here are a few things I recommend you try.
9. Bike or Walk the Backcountry Trail
On my most recent trip, we rented ebikes from Beach Bike Rentals to tour nearby Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. It’s a lovely, paved walking or biking trail. But I say, why walk when you can ride?
With two hours, we barely scratched the surface of the scenery on the backcountry trail. Over 28 miles provide access to wetlands, grasslands, forests, and lakes. But the real draw for me was the wildlife.
With nature, you never know what you’re going to get and we got way more than we bargained for! On our ride, we spotted tortoises, herons, alligators, and even a bobcat (all from a safe distance, of course). I can’t wait to go back!
10. Cruise the Coast in a Slingshot Rental
Want the feel of a motorcycle while keeping more wheels on the ground? Rent a Polaris slingshot from Gulf Coast Rental Co. This 3-wheeled, 2-seater vehicle only requires a regular driver’s license (and personal insurance). Then you can cruise up and down the Gulf Coast in style (and even bring younger passengers with you!).
While I didn’t get to try this in Alabama, I have driven one and it’s exhilarating. It’s also available in both an automatic and a manual!
11. Create a Custom Scent at High Cotton Bath Co.
Maybe this one is just for the ladies in the group but I think everyone loves a good scent. And how unique is it to be able to create your own signature scent? At High Cotton Bath Co. at The Wharf, you can stop in for a “scent party” where you create your own scent for one bath and body product or for an entire product set.
Traveling with a large group? You can schedule a private party and even bring your own wine and champagne to make it an adult experience.
12. Ride the Ferris Wheel at The Wharf
While you’re at The Wharf, you might as well make it a traditional beach experience! You can ride the 140 foot-tall Ferris Wheel in a gondola-style car. Even better, it’s perfect for everyone in your party – kids of all ages (ages 1 and under ride free) and it’s also wheelchair accessible.
Experience Four Adventurous Activities Firsthand
If you’re not sure about the adventure portion of these activities, maybe a video of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will convince you! Come along with me on my firsthand experience for some of the activities listed above. And, as always, you can find short travel videos of all my experiences on Instagram and TikTok as well!
What Are Your Favorite Beach Activities?
I’ve only visited Gulf Shores and Orange Beach twice. And twice I’ve come home feeling like I haven’t had enough time and with a list of what I want to do on my next trip.
If you’ve been or you’re a regular, I’d love to hear what activities on this list surprised you or which ones keep bringing you back.
And even if this list changes over time, the white sandy beaches will always be there!
