- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Orange Beach
Orange Beach began as a fishing village, named for the satsuma orange groves early settlers tried to grow. Its modern landscape was shaped by Hurricane Frederic in 1979, which spurred a shift from simple cottages to resilient high-rise condos.
Beyond its 32 miles of quartz-crystal sand beaches, top attractions in Orange Beach include the 6,500-acre Gulf State Park. Explore the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail or paddle the Back Bay Blueway. Our artificial reef system is the nation's largest.
The local cuisine centers on fresh Gulf seafood, especially the sweet, deep-water Royal Red shrimp. A signature drink is the Bushwacker, a potent milkshake cocktail famous at the Flora-Bama. Many spots offer a 'hook and cook' service for your own catch.
- Orange BeachUnited States
- Orange BeachUnited States
- Orange BeachUnited States
- Orange BeachUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Junwarm, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Sep-Octmilder, pleasant weather
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #Sunscreen
- #BeachTowels
- #ComfortableSandals
- #LightWeightClothing
- #CoolerForDrinks
- #Swimsuit
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 days with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #OrangeBeachPavilion
- #GulfStatePark
- #PerdidoKeyStatePark
- #TheWharf
- #OrangeBeachFishingPier
- #AdventureIsland
- Sunset at Gulf Shores
- Visit local seafood restaurants
- Kayaking in the bay
- Fishing charters
- Dolphin watching tours
Recommended Hotels in Orange Beach by Experience
Things to do in Orange Beach
Discover
Exploring Orange Beach reveals stunning Gulf shores and unique attractions. Visit The Wharf for its iconic Ferris wheel, stroll the trails of Gulf State Park, and delve into local history at the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum.
Experience
Kayak the back bays or charter a deep-sea fishing trip. Enjoy live music at The Wharf Amphitheater, a major concert venue. In fall, don't miss the National Shrimp Festival, a huge event celebrating local seafood, music, and art.
The Wharf at Orange Beach
Entertainment district with a Ferris wheel, shops, marina.
Gulf State Park Pier
One of the longest piers on the Gulf for fishing and views.
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Paved trail system through diverse coastal ecosystems.
Orange Beach Waterfront Park
Relaxing park on Wolf Bay with a fishing pier and picnic areas.
Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum
Museum in a 1910 schoolhouse showing local history.
The Wharf Amphitheater
Major outdoor venue hosting national music acts.
Adventure Island
Family amusement park with mini-golf, go-karts, and an arcade.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Pensacola (PNS) or Mobile (MOB) for the easiest way how to get to Orange Beach. From the Orange Beach airport to city center, expect a 45-60 min drive. Pre-book an Orange Beach shuttle bus or grab a taxi; car rental is highly recommended.
Getting Around
A car rental in Orange Beach offers the most freedom. While limited public transport in Orange Beach exists, rideshares and seasonal trolleys are popular. Biking the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a scenic alternative for shorter trips.
Local Essentials
Valuable Orange Beach travel tips for first-timers: Driving in Orange Beach requires patience, as beach-front roads get congested. Pay-to-park apps are common for public beach access. Always check daily beach flag warnings for water safety.
Where to Stay in Orange Beach
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Orange Beach's culinary scene. Taste fresh Gulf oysters and Royal Red shrimp, signature local cuisine in Orange Beach. The vibe is casual dock-and-dine, often ending with a creamy Bushwacker cocktail. It's all about fresh catches.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Orange Beach, eat at Cobalt for elegant waterfront dining, reserve ahead. Drink at the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge, a rowdy spot, bring cash. Taste brunch at The Ruby Slipper Cafe, it's bustling, join waitlist.
Cobalt The Restaurant
Contemporary coastal cuisine under the bridge. Live music often.
The Gulf
Casual spot with a menu that changes daily. Laid-back vibe.
Louisiana Lagniappe
Creole-style seafood with waterfront views. Reservations a must.
Cosmo's Restaurant & Bar
Artsy spot with creative American coastal food. Very popular.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Orange Beach's traditions through its must-see events. Experience the Gulf Coast's take on Mardi Gras with family-friendly daytime parades in February. Celebrate the Christmas season with the annual lighted boat parade on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Enjoy
Discover contemporary Orange Beach attractions at The Wharf Amphitheater, a premier venue for major country and rock concerts. Enjoy large-scale events and diverse things to do from patriotic celebrations to local art showcases throughout the year.
Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade
Family-friendly Fat Tuesday celebration with floats and beads.
Orange Beach Festival of Art
March festival with 100+ artists, music, and culinary arts.
Interstate Mullet Toss
April beach party featuring a fish throwing competition.
The Wharf Concert Series
Seasonal concerts featuring top national music acts.
Orange Beach Freedom Fest
A patriotic September weekend with a car show and concerts.
Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
December boat parade on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Orange Beach Seafood Festival
February event with fresh seafood, live music, and a car show.
A Perfect Family Spot
Orange Beach is just a fantastic spot for a family getaway. The beaches are clean and not too crowded in the spring. We loved the area around The Wharf for dinner and shops. It felt safe and had plenty for the kids to do without being overwhelming.
Just what we needed
Such a relaxing trip. The pace is slow and the white sand beaches are gorgeous. Found some great little spots for seafood away from the main drag. The Royal Reds shrimp everyone talks about are definitely worth trying. A great place to unwind.
Great time with friends
Orange Beach was a total blast for our group of friends. The main reason for our trip was to check out the Flora-Bama, and it lived up to the hype. Good music, great drinks, and a cool crowd. The daytime beach scene is pretty active too.
Lovely, quiet escape
We enjoyed our off-season visit. The beaches are perfect for long walks without the summer crowds. Watching the boats go through Perdido Pass was a simple but really nice daily ritual. Everything was easy to get to and people were very welcoming.
Awesome Fishing
Came down for some winter fishing and it was excellent. The access to both back bay and deep sea trips is great. The charters are well-run and know where to find the fish. It's a real fisherman's paradise, even in the cooler months.
Beautiful even in winter
Even in January, the coastline is beautiful. Sunrises over the water are something special. It's a peaceful place to clear your head. Had some fantastic grilled oysters at a local spot. It's not just a summer destination, that's for sure.