Photo Credit: Scott Schram
Planning your next vacation to Orange Beach on the Gulf of Mexico? Chances are that you're probably coming for the fishing, golfing or the sand and surf. But what you probably aren't planning to do is take advantage of all of the other Orange Beach activities and places of interest to visit while you're in there.
With that said, I put together a "Top Ten" list of things you should do while visiting Orange Beach:
- SanRoc Cay offers four restaurants, two of which are in the top ten of best places to dine at Orange Beach – Café Gracie and Louisiana Lagniappe, shopping, art galleries and a marina for your choice of fishing charters.
- Blue Dolphin Cruises offer a great time for all. There are several companies throughout Orange Beach that offer dolphin excursions with trained crews who know how to engage and interact with these playful mammals of the sea for all guests onboard.
- Adventure Island offers a fun afternoon for you the entire family. Surrounding the iconic volcano centerpiece of the park, are a number of rides for you and the kids including bumper boats, go-carts, arcades and even a roller coaster.
- Venture out on a geo-caching scavenger hunt through the wilderness and find hidden treasures using GPS technology. This growing trend is gaining popularity all along the Gulf Coast.
- Set sail aboard one of the Daedalus cruises that offer twilight, sunset and moonrise cruises on the Gulf of Mexico. They offer two or three hour excursions for up to 22 guests. Be sure to pack a cooler with everything you'll need for the journey.
- In nearby Gulf Shores, Waterville USA is a water and amusement park with thrilling and chilling adventures for all.
- You'll discover more than 6,000 acres of wetlands and marshes amidst the coastal ecosystem that is Gulf State Park.
- Located in Pensacola – just a short ride away – is the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Here you'll discover more than 100 aircraft dating back to the early 20th century, authentic mock-ups of carrier decks and towers, the navy's F-18 Hornet flight simulator and the exhilarating Top Gun Air Combat simulator which charges a $25 fee to ride. Well worth it if you've got the right stuff!
- Visit "The Wharf" brimming with all kinds of boutiques and more than 15 restaurants to choose from. There's live music every weekend, concerts in the 15,000-seat amphitheater and even a Ferris wheel. The Wharf makes for a great afternoon and evening.
- Plus, a number of special events throughout the year including the National Shrimp Festival, the Frank Brown Music Festival, the Orange Beach Art Center's Holiday Market, Mardi Gras, Seafood Festival Car Show and many more! Be sure to check out the calendar of events when booking your dates.
Now that you see Orange Beach isn't just about the surf and sand, be sure to include these top 10 things to do in Orange Beach on your next vacation to the Emerald Coast.
