Go Beyond the Beach

If you find yourself venturing to the swamps for an airboat tour, keep your eyes out for alligators! These notorious reptiles - which grow as large as 600 pounds - can be found throughout the marshlands of Gulf Shores, Alabama. While searching for gators (with caution and from a distance!), don’t forget to look up to see some of the region’s most magnificent species of birds. Woodpeckers, heron, osprey, and yellow rail can all be found throughout the area.
When visiting the beach or cruising the Gulf, you might also discover some of Orange Beach’s dazzling marine life. Sea turtles are native to the region’s shores; the best time to see their babies hatch and crawl out to sea is between late summer and early autumn. There are also many dolphin cruises in the area, which will take you to see majestic Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in action. Since they tend to be friendly, you might even see a group of them while jet skiing or paddleboarding out on the water!

People first settled in the area around Orange Beach, Alabama in the mid 19th century. While it was established as a fishing village, the land surrounding it was fruitful and productive. Naturally, it then became an important area for local farmers.

Using trees from the dense pine forests nearby, many of the first businesses in Orange Beach produced turpentine and other naval stores. In the late 1800s, the land had become deforested as a result. Orange groves were planted to replace the trees. And, this is how Orange Beach got its name!

The citrus industry thrived in the Orange Beach community for many years. However, after some hard freezes occurred, the land could no longer support the orange groves. The last of these freezes took place in 1926. Regardless, the legacy of the orange groves still shines through in the name of our beautiful beach town.

A relaxing day on the beach spent with close friends or family is always a great bet. However, if you’re looking for more lively activities to fill your summer days, there are tons to try on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Jump into a harness and life vest and take in the sea views from feet above the water with an afternoon spent parasailing. Visit the Gulf State Park Pier for a pleasant day of fishing from the shore. Or, for the ultimate adrenaline rush, rent a jet ski and speed over the Gulf’s surface on your own. The opportunities are endless!

On March 7th and 8th, walk over to Gulf State Park for the Ballyhoo Festival, a two-day celebration of fine arts and culture. Enjoy two tribal dance performances by the Poarch Creek Indians and a music competition featuring fiddles and banjos. The fun continues March 14h and 15th with the Orange Beach Festival of Art. This free event celebrates visual, performing, musical and culinary arts. Finally, luring you back to the water, The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show returns to Orange Beach on March 20th-22nd. Aside from live-music and instructional seminars, guests can enjoy various exhibits with over $150 million worth of boats and marine gear on display. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online. Whether you’re near or far from the sea, Orange Beach is the place to be. 

Love is always in the air during February, and on the 15th starting at 2 pm, LuLu's wants you and your spouse to rekindle that fire for FREE. Start your experience enjoying a romantic afternoon for two on LuLu’s private beach. Indulge in a special champagne toast surrounded by loved ones, a piece of wedding cake (or two,) beautiful flowers for the bride and bridesmaids, and a customized certificate of renewal. Awards will be given to the couple who has been married the shortest, the longest, and of course, there’s an award for best dressed. Although the event is free, spots will fill up quickly, so make sure to head online in advance to reserve your spot. A trip to the Gulf Shores around Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without proclaiming your love by the sea!

From January 6th to January 12th, you can enjoy skating from 4 to 10 pm on Monday-Friday, and from 10 am to 10 pm Saturday and Sunday. For just $12, the cost of ice skate rentals is covered, and for only $3 more, enjoy the Ferris wheel package. More information can be found online.

To all the snowbirds who travel to the beach far from harsh winter weather, The Snowbird Festival is held on January 11th from 9 am to 1 pm. Started first to cater to travelers and their needs as they live amongst locals, this festival event at The Wharf has included RV and boating expos in the past. But aside from holiday activities, a trip to The Wharf can end in escaping at Breakout Orange Beach, an interactive escape room, or getting adventurous at the Hummingbird Zipline Course. For alternate, more leisurely activities, enjoy a water cruise at The Marina or catch a movie at the local AMC. With an array of restaurants, shops, and events, The Wharf offers entertainment for everyone.

On December 14th, forget your average Santa hangout. It’s the FREE Flora-Bama’s Annual Santa Drop from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, with Saint Nick skydiving onto the beach at noon. Need plans for Christmas Day? Flora-Bama’s Annual Christmas Potluck starts at noon with food served at 1:00 pm. All are welcome to this free event, and don’t forget to bring a dish! You can walk off all your holiday calories on December 28th at Flora-Bama’s 32nd Annual Make It To The Line Run-Walk, with partial proceeds benefitting the Secret Santa Program, a foundation that helps local families in need by providing Christmas gifts, clothing, food and more. Finally, to end the year strong, head to Flora-Bama’s Annual New Year’s Eve Bash on December 31st. The party starts at six and will sell out! You can purchase your tickets here, and general information for each event can be found online.

Serving as the night watchman for 28 years at the Flora-Bama, a Pensacola landmark where live music is a staple and a quick 10-minute drive from Hotel Indigo Orange Beach, Frank Brown also dedicated most of his time hanging at the lounge, admiring and encouraging local performers. In honor of his dedication, owner of Flora-Bama and founder of the festival, Joe Gilchrist, started the event to honor the skilled songwriters behind some of our favorite tunes. Joe’s gift to the creative community ranges from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to Perdido Key and Pensacola. You can join 200 aspiring writers and Grammy Award winners across multiples venues. For more information on the festival itself, make sure to check out their website. Because admission varies by location, check out the festival's full schedule for show dates and times.

Spooky Movie on The Lawn at The Wharf, October 26th, 2:00 pm 

Treat the whole family to a fun day on The Lawn. Activities begin at 2:00 pm with pumpkin painting, pony rides, and more. Enjoy complimentary buttery popcorn from AMC Theatre, hot cocoa from Kilwins, and Halloween hayrides from Kutter's Landscaping before settling into the main event. COCO will be screened at 7:30 pm, arrive early to claim your spot, and don't forget to bring chairs, blankets, and pillows! 

Treasure of the Isle Halloween Costume Party, October 26th, 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Enjoy live funk-rock blues from The Groovinators as you showoff your costumes during this ghoulishly delightful Halloween party. Snag nibbles from the light buffet and BYOB for a night to remember. Tickets are $30, and you must be 21+ to attend. 

Trunk R Treat, October 31st, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Fill your bellies with tons of scary good candy while cruising up and down Main Street at The Wharf. Bring the kids for face painting, camel rides, and friendly costume contests. 

It’s Relaxing

Dogs have the ability to make everyone feel at home. Rest your head easy knowing you have your best friend by your side. 

Make Unforgettable Memories

Traveling is about making memories with the ones you love—this includes all of your family members. Snap photos on the beach, head out for a day of sightseeing, explore the local parks—it’s all better with your furry friend. 

Feel Like A Local

Connecting with the local community is a breeze when you have your trusted companion. Make friends with the locals while taking a stroll to the dog park or grabbing a bite in the neighborhood. Let your pet be the ice breaker. 

At Hotel Indigo Orange Beach, your dog is always welcome! Reserve one of our dog-friendly rooms now.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Wander through the exhibitions featuring over 600 animals, 199 species, and 22 endangered species or opt for the up-close and intimate Animal Encounters. From observing animals to petting them, there is something for everyone. 

The Beach

Let your feet sink into our white sand beaches while you take in the sweeping views. Nothing relaxes the spirit like a laid-back day along the coast. Our complimentary shuttle will take you to and from the beach, making getting to the Gulf Shore a breeze. 

Waterville USA

Beat the summer heat with a fun-filled day amongst the waterslides. Treat the whole family to an unforgettable day in the sun. Splash into an adventure while you let the kids roam the 20-acre complex—equip with amusement rides, an escape room, and more. 

Wave your complimentary American flag proudly while the sun sets on the horizon. Then dance to live music along the iconic row of palm trees decorated in red, white, and blue. Bring the entire family because there is something for everyone. Camel rides, a petting zoo, a surf simulator, and more will keep your little ones entertained. Watch as they spend the afternoon jumping on trampolines or playing in the bubble zone. At 8:30 pm meander over to Main Street to claim a prime firework viewing spot. At 9:00 pm, the sky will be set ablaze. If you feel like continuing the celebration, linger after the display for a patriotic Spectra Sound and Light Show that will illuminate the palms. 

Speed around the motorway in go-carts, let the kids work off some energy at the bumper boats, and dodge lights at laser tag. Reconnect as a family at 18-hole mini golf, day or night, and try the unique Coconut Climb attraction to test your physical limits. See who can scream the loudest at the Max Flight Roller Coaster Simulator. Finally, be sure to check out the Giant Volcano. This five-story mock volcano comes to life with an eruption of sound, steam, and flame, making it a spectacle to behold. Check out their website for more information on your next family outing.

Established in 2003, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is comprised of over 15 miles of interconnected paths. Eight distinct routes wind through six different ecosystems, giving visitors a glimpse of Gulf Shores’ stunning biodiversity. White-tailed deer, bobcats, otters, and alligators share space in this preserve, and over 100 species of bird own the skies. As more people visited, more saw how special this trail complex is: It was designated a National Recreational Trail in 2010, and was recently recognized as an Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. The best part? The trailhead for the 1.75-mile Rosemary Dune hike is a minute’s walk from our front door.