Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach: A Local’s Guide
Beaches, trails, dolphin cruises, Fort Morgan and Gulf seafood: a local's guide to the best things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, plus parking and when to go.
From the journal
Guides, things to do and local features from Orange Beach and its neighborhoods.
6 stories · Events in Orange Beach · This weekend
Beaches, trails, dolphin cruises, Fort Morgan and Gulf seafood: a local's guide to the best things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, plus parking and when to go.
Same sand, different personalities. How Gulf Shores and Orange Beach compare on beaches, families, nightlife, food, fishing and lodging.
Dolphin cruises, clear kayaks, parasailing, The Wharf and family fun: the best things to do in Orange Beach when you want more than a beach chair.
Warm water, highs near 79 and the National Shrimp Festival, October 8 to 11, 2026: why October may be the best month on Alabama's beaches.
Oysters, royal reds, grouper and gumbo: the locally owned seafood restaurants worth planning around in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Foley.
How to pick a dolphin cruise or fishing charter in Orange Beach: trip types, the locally owned boats in our directory and what to ask before you book.