Free Things (or very cheap) things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama

 

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach along the Alabama Gulf Coast are beautiful coastal towns with plenty of fun activities from being out on the water to indoor activities that can be fun even in bad weather.  Some of these activities (especially the charters or boat rentals) can get pretty pricey but many activities in the area are free.  Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are both getting more expensive but budget travel is still possible if you plan ahead and take advantage of the many free things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama.

If you want more great tips on how to get the most out of your summer vacation please visit our Locals Guide to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama.

Go to the Beach

Anyone going to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama must make a stop at the beach.  The beaches along this stretch of the Alabama Gulf Coast are beautiful sugary white sand.  They’re pretty big too.  The best beach in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach depends on what you’re looking for but there are many to choose from. 

Gulf State Park

The Gulf State Park is located between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.  Fun activities include hiking and biking (bike rentals are available if you did not bring your own).  Geocaching can also be a lot of fun – there is an app for that.  There is also a nature center and educational (but fun) presentations throughout the summer.  The pier is also fun to explore but does have an entrance fee.

Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park in Orange Beach is a park with activities built along the back bay waterfront.  The park features the Coastal Arts Center, a beautiful building featuring local artwork and is very popular for weddings.  There is also a 400 foot pier, a playground, BBQ spaces, a pottery area and my favorite – the Hot Shop.  Watching the artist make glass works of art is just mesmerizing.

Walk the Warf

The Warf is an entertainment complex along the canal.  The Warf hosts concerts throughout the year and hosts numerous other events.  There are several restaurants and nice places to shop.  There is also a ferris wheel, arcade and movie theater if you have a little bit to spend. 

 

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

This national wildlife refuge located west of Gulf Shores off of Fort Morgan road is usually a good place to hike, explore and get away from the crowds.  There is a beach that you can drive too that tends to be less crowded than other beaches in the area.  There is also a hiking path where you can find many different types of wild-life. 

Orange Beach Museum

Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum is located near Orange Beach City Hall and is housed in an old school house.  This small museum holds many artifacts from Orange Beach’s past with a focus on Native Americans and the boating industry.

 

Gulf State Park Nature Center

The Gulf State Park Nature Center is located in the campground area.  You do have to pay for parking but the museum is free.  The museum hosts many educational activities for kids (and adults) to enjoy. 

Gulf Shores Museum

The Gulf Shores Museum is a small museum located in the more “local” side of Gulf Shores near the Bodenhamer Center and Firehouse.  It’s small but has a lot of good information about the area. The building was once used as a library then as a recreation center for middle school and teens in the area. Today, it’s a museum.

Orange Beach Disc Golf

The Orange Beach Disc Golf course is located down canal road and near the dog park.  Disc golf has similar rules to regular golf but it’s played with specialized frisbees instead of balls and golf clubs.  You don’t have to be a super-athlete to play disc golf – you just have to be willing to try.

 

Playgrounds

There are a few playgrounds on the island. The newest is at Gulf Shores Public Beach.  There are also playgrounds at Waterfront Park and along the Gulf State Park Biking Trail – park at the sports complex and turn left of the trail. Gulf Shores has a playground near the skate park and baseball fields. 

Sunset picnic on the Beach

If you’re looking for a special but free (or cheap) thing to do then head to the beach at sunrise or sunset. For an even more special event bring a picnic basket.  Usually the beaches are not very busy at these times (except for families getting photographs) but it’s really perhaps the best time of the day to be on the beach.

Enjoy a Festival

Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and the surrounding areas know how to host a festival.  Going to one of these festivals is probably one of the best ways to get to know the area and generally – they’re free!

Shrimp Festival:  This is a very popular festival every October and features music, great food and local artists.

Seafood Festival: Recently hosted at the Warf in addition to an antique car show.

Forth of July: Fireworks viewable from the beach from several locations along the coast. 

Mullet Toss: Usually the last week of April.  Throwing a dead fish is not free but spending the day on the beach is.  Drinks and food – not free.

Foley Hot Air Balloon Festival:  This festival is a beauty.  Hot air balloons show off for a very photogenic display.

More Events

Regardless of when you’re in town it’s always a good idea to check out the Mullet Wrapper and local websites for activities.  Sometimes you can find a really good one like the build your own boat race at the Bodenhamer Center.  Many of these events are a blast for kids.  With just a little cardboard, duct tape, paint and creative inspiration – we had boats that were even sea worthy to float around the waterfront park.

Free Activities Near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Bamahenge and the Dinosaurs of Elberta / Josephine

Way off any of the main roads and on the way to Barber Marina are some interesting and free roadside attractions.  There is Bamahenge which is a full scale model of the real thing set off of the road in a random spot.  There are also several dinosaur statues, a giant spider and an European Renaissance fountain.  

Train Museum in Foley

Foley has a small train museum in the center of town with a little train that can take kids (and their adults) on a loop around the park.  Check hours before arriving since they do not have the train every day.

National Aviation Museum in Pensacola

This museum located on the naval base is a big one and really interesting – it’s also free.  Explore planes and related items through modern day.  There is a small indoor playground for young kids and enough exhibits to keep older kids and adults entertained for hours.  Regardless of your plans during your vacation in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach throwing in a few free activities can make your trip more fun and definitely more budget friendly.  These activities are not only budget friendly – they’re great adventures. 

We’re a family of 5 (Physician Assistant mom, IT project manager dad and 3 kids ages 3,6,10) taking a gap year from normal life to travel.  For blog posts, locations, and more information on how we did it and how you can to click here.