Things to Do On Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Dolphin watching is practically a Gulf Coast rite of passage, and Orange Beach makes it easy to find the right cruise for your group. Standard boat tours take guests through the back bays and coastal waterways where bottlenose dolphins are a regular sighting. For a more romantic evening, sunset sailboat cruises offer a relaxed two-hour sail with dolphins, coastal wildlife, and a Gulf sunset as the backdrop. Families with kids will want to look into the pirate ship adventure at Hudson Marina, where little ones can hunt for treasure, take part in interactive games, and catch dolphin sightings along the way.

Orange Beach and the surrounding area offer some of the most acclaimed public golf on the Gulf Coast. Kiva Dunes, a links-style course designed by former U.S. Open Champion Jerry Pate, sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico and has earned consistent recognition from Golf Digest and Golf Week as one of the top public courses in the country. Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club brings 27 holes of beautifully maintained fairways tucked beside the Bon Secour Wildlife Preserve, making it a standout for scenery and course quality alike. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or just looking for a scenic round, both courses are worth a spot on your itinerary.

Gulf State Park is one of the best places on the Alabama Gulf Coast to get out on the water at a slower pace. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available through several local outfitters, with access to Little Lagoon, Lake Shelby, and the park's network of calm, scenic canals. Little Lagoon alone stretches over 2,500 acres, making it a great spot for a half-day paddle through wetlands, marshes, and quiet coves. Guided tours are also available for those who want a local perspective on the area's wildlife and waterways.

For a slower, quieter side of the Gulf Coast, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a standout. Covering roughly 7,000 acres of coastal barrier habitat, the refuge is one of the last undisturbed stretches of its kind along the Alabama shoreline. Four hiking trails wind through maritime forests, sand dunes, and wetlands, with opportunities to spot sea turtles during nesting season, hundreds of bird species, and the rare Alabama beach mouse. Admission is free and trails are open from sunrise to sunset year-round.

Gulf Shores has long been a favorite for beach volleyball, with stretches of hard-packed white sand that are ideal for a pickup game. Public beach access areas throughout Gulf Shores offer plenty of open space for families and groups to set up a net and play, and the warm Gulf Coast weather makes it a great option across multiple seasons.

At the western tip of the Fort Morgan Peninsula, where Mobile Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico, sits one of the most historically significant sites on the Alabama coast. Fort Morgan was completed in 1834 and served as a key military post through the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and both World Wars. Visitors can explore the pentagon-shaped masonry fort, walk the grounds, and tour an on-site museum featuring artifacts and exhibits covering the site's long military history. It is an engaging stop for history lovers and curious kids alike, with plenty of open space to wander and discover. Admission is modest, and the site is open daily.

Fort Morgan's beaches are among the least crowded on the Alabama Gulf Coast, offering a quieter and more secluded beach experience than the busier corridors to the east. The peninsula's dog-friendly stretches of shoreline, wide open views of the Gulf, and unhurried atmosphere make it a go-to for guests who want to slow things down and simply enjoy the coast at its most natural. It is a perfect complement to the more activity-filled days that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer.

OWA Parks and Resort is a 520-acre entertainment destination just minutes from the beach via the Foley Beach Express. At its center is Tropic Falls, a combination theme park and the region's largest indoor water park, featuring 23 rides and attractions alongside high-speed slides, a wave pool, and an outdoor surf simulator. Adjacent to the parks is Downtown OWA, a pedestrian-only entertainment district with dining, shopping, live entertainment, and a theater. Whether you are looking for a full day of rides or a relaxed evening out, OWA has plenty to keep everyone busy.

Shoppers will want to make time for Tanger Outlets in Foley, one of the Gulf Coast's most popular shopping stops. With more than 100 brand name stores including Nike, Coach, Kate Spade, Under Armour, and many more, it is a solid option for anyone looking to pick up vacation essentials or score some deals between beach days. The open-air layout makes browsing easy, and it sits conveniently along Highway 59 on the way to and from the coast.