The DL: Located on Alabama’s Gulf coast the two most popular beaches are Orange Beach and Gulf Shores which are practically intertwined and a 5-10 minute drive to the Florida line. You will find white sand beaches, beachy themed restaurants and a bay filled with boats of all sizes. With both beaches combined there is around 32 miles of sandy beach. When visiting Orange beach keep in mind this is your typical beach town with high rise condos and strip malls, but offers a lot to do on and off the water compared to other beach towns.
Where to Eat in Orange Beach
Breakfast
- Buzz Cats (blueberry biscuit)
- Latitude 30 at Perdido Beach Resort
- Ruby Slipper
- Another Broken Egg
- City Donut
Lunch/Dinner
- Fishers – Water View, Can get to by boat, More Upscale Beach Vibe
- Tacky Jacks – Water View, Very Chill Vibe, Can get to by boat – (the shrimp platter is a must, or any of the po-boys)
- The Gulf- Water View – (the grouper tacos, poke bowl, and actually the burger are all delish)
- Flora Bama Yacht Club- Water View (get the daiquiri or bushwacker, greek nachos, and any of the seafood options for your entree)
- Flora-Bama Ole River- Water View
- Fresh off the boat- Water View
- La Playa – Water View
- Foodcraft – In the state park – (Get baked oysters, and try the seasonal fish)
- Perch
- Cobalt – Water View – The cowboy caviar app, any of the seafood dishes are great
- Lillys Piza
- Lulus on the Beach
- Original Oyster House Boardwalk
Grab a drink:
- The Gulf
- Red or White Wine Bar
- Flora-bama
- Big beach brewing company
- The Hangout
What to Do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
- Visit one of the many beaches!
- Flora-Bama – one of the most famous bars in the Country, written about by many country stars the flora-bama is what you think of the epitome of a beach country bar. Home to lots of spring breaks and bachelor and bachelorette trips there are about 8-10 rooms of live music. Make sure to get their famous bushwhacker which is basically a spiked frosty!
- Golf at one of the 10+ golf courses
- Deep Sea Fishing or Charter an excursion – there are 75+ options depending on what you want to do
- Take a cruise – dolphin, glass-bottom boat, water sports, sailboat etc.
- Visit the Wharf – home to Ferris wheel, lazer tag, mini-golf, ziplne, movies etc. – a good spot for a rainy day
- Outdoor Activity – Play putt putt or ride go karts at the Track, hike, rent bikes, paddleboard etc.
- Visit the Zoo
- Try a unique experience – sand castle building class, clay studio, hot shop – glass blowing, etc.
- Shop – Sanroc cay marina (check out Jane loves shoes 3 stores), The Wharf, Orginal Oyster House Shopping Center
- Attend a festival – check out the calendar for annual events taking place
How to Get to Orange Beach
- Plane – Mobile Regional Airport or Pensacola Airport will be the closes options
- Car – if you are planning to explore the area, a car is a must, there is no public transpiration and Ubers can get expensive. I have rented cars through Priceline at the Pensacola airport and had no issues and got some affordable rates.
Where to Stay in Orange Beach
There are plenty of hotel and high rise condo options, here are a few condos to get started with:
- The Caribe
- Any of the Phoenix Condos
- Turquoise Place
- Ono Island – is a gated community that will sometimes have houses for rent if you have a big group
When to Visit
This is a year round spot, the winter (December – February have cooler temps with highs in the 60s).
You are also about 5 minutes from Florida, and can head to neighboring beaches if you extend your stay.
Looking for a more upscale beach option close by? Check out my guide to Alys Beach or Rosemary Beach in Florida.
Leave a Comment