Fun Day Trips from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach – The Ultimate List on what to do near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have a lot to offer – why should you leave? Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has beautiful beaches, many choices for water activities, great boating stops, and fun indoor activities. If you do want to explore outside of the island there are plenty of great choices for a day trip. From museums, to alligator farms, to areas with a lot of history, the towns and cities near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have a lot to offer.Baldwin County Things to Do
Baldwin County is the name of the county where Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are located but it’s a really big county – larger than at least one state. The shoreline has white sand beaches but there are also cities along the bay and other inland cities that have areas to enjoy and explore.Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan is on the same island as Gulf Shores, it’s just west. This is a quiet area with long stretches of white sand reached by a 2 lane road. Along the drive is the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Here you can hike through areas of coastal swamp and lots of wildlife or you can drive down to the beach for a generally more quiet beach experience (although it is getting busier more recently). Fort Morgan itself is at the end of the peninsula. A fort has been on this site guarding Mobile Bay since 1812. The fort played a prominent role of the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864 and was used in some capacity up through WW2. Today is a historic site surrounded by beautiful white beaches. If you want to make it a full day activity then add a ferry ride to Dauphin Island Sea Lab.Foley, Alabama
The city of Foley is just north of Gulf Shores and takes advantage of some of the tourism that passes through. It’s a cute city and has a few fun things to see.Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit
The Foley Train Railroad Museum is a great place to get out and stretch your legs. It features a small train museum, a model train area, several parts to a real train that can be explored and a small train that you can ride around the park. The train ride picks up passengers at the train museum and circles around the park. My kids love it.OWA
Owa is a pretty descent sized amusement park that includes restaurants, rides and roller coasters. The park is expanding with the addition of a water park. Owa has several events throughout the year.Tanger Outlet Center
The Tanger Outlet Center has numerous brand name outlet stores in an open area shopping environment. There is also a playground, splash pad and carousal which is where we spend most of our time when shopping. Many of the outlet stores have very family friendly choices.Graham Creek Nature Preserve
The Graham Creek Nature Preserve is 500 acres of natural habitats. There is a canoe/kayak launch, hiking trail and biking trail. They have also added disc golf course, picnic areas and swings. There is a building for events and they host summer camps.Gulf Bowl
Gulf Bowl is not just a bowling alley. Yes, they have really nice bowling areas but they also have lazer tag, a ropes course, and an arcade area. We love Gulf Bowl for rainy days.Elberta, Josephine and Perdido Beach Alabama
Elberta is north and east of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. It’s has a small downtown area (do not speed through here – not even 1 mile over the limit) and lots of land. South of Elberta are the towns of Josephine and Perdido Beach. Both are small cities not even big enough for a grocery store. Both Josephine and Perdido Beach have some nice areas on the water.Baldwin County Heritage Museum
Baldwin County Heritage Museum is on highway 98 just east of the main street in Elberta. This complex is a 20,000 sq foot museum along with several other buildings and structures. The museum focuses on the history of the farming and fishing towns in the area.Bamahenge and the Dinosaurs in the Woods
Bamahenge is a full-sized replica of stone henge pretty much in the middle of nowhere just off the road. There are dinosaurs and other roadside oddities sprinkled throughout the property as well. including a giant spider at Barber Marina You and the kids can run around all of the structures. Add in Pirates Cove to this trip and you have a fun day.Pirate’s Cove
Pirates Cove in Josephine Alabama is chill back bay beach bar. There is nothing fancy here and that just adds to Pirate’s Cove’s charm. Everything is no frills. Come by boat or by car, find a spot along the beach, get a burger and a bushwaker and just hang out. If you’re expecting clean bathrooms and air conditioning – you’re in the wrong place. Dogs run free at Pirates Cove and are just as much fun to watch as the interesting people that come and go.Summerdale Alabama
Summerdale is north of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach about half way to I10. It’s a small southern town.Alligator Alley
Alligator Alley has about 200 different alligators that make the area home but it’s more than alligators. There is a show where you get to watch the staff feed some of the big guys and the kids get to hold a 2 year old but there are also exhibits with turtles and other animals. Taking a hike on the boardwalk through several alligator habitats is a spooky experience. At first you may not notice much then as you look closer, gators everywhere.Bon Secour Alabama
Bon Secour supposidly means “safe harbor” in French but when I google translated it just now it translates to safe help – not nearly as nice. This small town has some pretty undeveloped waterfront mostly in subdivisions with a lot of surrounding country land. There are a few places worth stopping as wellFresh Seafood
Locals know that if you want the freshest seafood either catch it yourself of go to Bon Secour. Billy’s Seafood and Bon Secour Fisheries are two local favorites. We just like to go straight up to the shrimp boat and buy it from there. If you’re more interesting in eating seafood vs cooking it then stop by Tin Top. It’s a small restaurant with big taste and is another locals favorite.Swift- Coles Historic Home
The original home at the current Swift-Coles Historic Home site was a 4 room cabin in 1882. It’s been modified and expanded over the years to the now 6000 sq foot house that is present today. The home is now on the National Register of Historic Places and hosts events.Kayak Bon Secour River
If you’re looking for a more marshy kayak experience and then try one of the local kayak companies away from the crowds of the beach. Some of the river ways run through neighborhoods, other areas open to expanses of marsh and other natural areas.Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope is a lovely city on the east side of Mobile Bay. The downtown area has lots of fun local shops that are fun to explore. There is also a waterfront park with a pier that commonly hosts events. Visiting during Mardi Gras can also be a great experience. When you’re exploring the downtown, stop by the Fairhope History Museum.Weeks Bay Reserve
The Weeks Bay Reserve is a quiet natural area away from the busier areas of the county. There is a visitor center, hiking paths and other activities available.Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa
The Grand Hotel in Fairhope is a historical hotel, golf course and spa along Mobile Bay. The origional structure was built in 1847. The hotel sustained some damage from cannon fire during the civil war and was used as a hospital for confederate soldiers. Through the years the hotel has hosted famous guest including presidents. When you live in Gulf Shores or Mobile and you want a staycation – we go to the Grand Hotel. Our favorite part was renting a hobbie cat (sailboat) and enjoying the bay. We also really enjoy biking to local restaurants in the area. Brunch was fabulous too.Spanish Fort
Spanish Fort is on the east side of Mobile Bay along I-10. There is an outdoor mall (Eastern Shore Center), Bass Pro Shop, Urban Air (indoor activity park with ninja area, ropes course and other rides), and a couple notable parks to explore.
5 Rivers Delta
Five Rivers Delta is on the east side of the causeway and is a great starting point to explore the marsh in the area. There is an exhibition hall and learning center, kayak rentals, and hiking trails.
Blakely State Park
Blakely State Park is a location of Alabama’s largest Civil War Battle and is rich in landscape and animals. Several activities are available including hiking, camping, horse back riding, and water cruises. Several different types of cruises are available including ones that explores the unique march habitat of the area.
Causeway Food
One of the best place to find great seafood in the area is the Causeway. Restaurants line this little strip of land and roadway starting with Bluegill and ending with Felix Fish Camp.
Mobile Alabama
Mobile is an historical port city full of history and southern charm. Mobile is known for seafood, beautiful old home, magnificent oak trees, and Mardi Gras. Attractions and things to do range from just strolling through down town to visiting a museum (or a few). Want more details about Mobile then visit our Mobile Alabama Family Travel Guide.USS Alabama The USS Alabama is probably the most popular day trip and thing to see in Mobile. This battleship has been a fixture on the Mobile waterfront since 1965. In addition to exploring the ship the grounds also have a submarine, tanks and planes.Mobile Museums
Mobile has several museums that are fun to explore. The Expoloreum: This museum has fun interactive areas for kids of many ages but also has rotating exhibits that are fun for adults too. Gulf Quest National Maritime Museum: This museum is located on the causeway and focuses on maritime history of the area. Several of the exhibits are interactive. The History Museum of Mobile: Artifacts and history information from Mobile including the time under the control of 5 different flags: French, Spain, US and Confederacy Mobile Carnival Museum: This museum houses everything Mardi Gras from Mobile including some fabulous past gowns of kings and queens. Colonial Fort Conde: This 3/4 scale replica gives a glimpse in to what life was life in the time of forts. Pheonix Fire Museum: If you’re into firehouse memorabilia – this is your place. The museum has some very old pre-engine firetrucks and other fun artifacts. Historical Homes: Mobile also has several pre-civil war and turn of the century homes that offer tours including the Oakleigh House, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Conde Charlotte Museum, Mobile Medical Museum, and Richard DAR house.Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island can be reached by driving up to Mobile then down to Dauphin Isand or the best way to reach the Dauphin Island is the ferry from Ft. Morgan. Always make sure the ferry is open prior to making the drive – it’s a long way out there.Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is marine research and education complex. They host overnight camps and have a public access aquarium area.Ft. Gaines
Ft. Gaines was used during the civil war as well as following wars to help protect Mobile Bay. The fort was used in the battle of Mobile Bay. Today the fort has tours and living history events.Pensacola
Naval Air Station Complex
Then Naval Air Station complex has several really fun activities for families. You will need to go through the gate on Blue Angel Parkway and show your ID to get on base. Once you are on base there are 3 areas to visit: NAS museum, Ft Barrancas, and the Lighthouse.NAS sustained major damage during hurricane Sally and Zeta. At the time of this article many things were still close. Please check websites for up to date information prior to visiting.
National Naval Aviation Museum
The National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS is one of the best museums I have visited, especially for planes. It is massive, there are several interactive areas, and best of all it’s free. There is even a small indoor playground that is very popular with the pre-school set – just turn left as you go in. NAS Pensacola is the home base for the famous Blue Angels. They often practice in the area and the museum has exhibits featuring them. The Lighthouse is just across the street from the museum.Fort Barrancas
Fort Barrancas is on of my favorite forts to explore. I love that you can’t see it until you are at the edge of the fort and I really enjoy the circle path that takes you through the fort.Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola offers a lively and fun nightlife scene as well as nice parks to stroll and delicious food. There are even walking tours that you can take. Museums in downtown Pensacola include: Pensacola Museum of Art, TT Wentworth Jr Museum, Pensacola Children’s Museum, Museum of Commerce, Museum of Industry and several others. Gallery night (one friday night per month) is a really fun time to visit for adults. The streets close and come alive with music, food, and festive people.Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama make fabulous vacations even if you don’t leave the island. However, if you want to explore there are numerous activities within a short drive that are really fun ways to spend the day.
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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.
