Orange Beach Travel Guide

  Boardwalk to the beach
by Hermanater
  • Boardwalk to the beach
      Boardwalk to the beach
    by Hermanater
  • Jellyfish washed up on the shore
      Jellyfish washed up on the shore
    by Hermanater
  •   Things to Do
    by Hermanater
  • Looking for a snack
      Looking for a snack
    by Hermanater
  •   Things to Do
    by Hermanater

Explore Orange Beach

Things to Do  

Boat races

Boat races, Orange Beach

 Hermanater Says:  In Oct. every year there are boat races. These boat cost between $300K and $1.5 million dollars. One guy told me it costs $2 million a year to race.The boats range from 800 to 1500 HP and can reach speed of 115 MPH. The boats were in the parking lot just west of Orange Beach... 

Walk the Beach

Walk the Beach, Orange Beach

 Hermanater Says:  It was too windy to really enjoy the water so we decided to take a long walk on the beach. From where we parked, it was about a 1 mile walk to the beach pavillion where there was a boat show (the races were postponed due to wind). Walking barefoot with the waves crashing... 

Go Sailing!

Go Sailing!, Orange Beach

 StarlaNell Says:  The best day of my trip was spent out on the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico sailing on Wild Hearts catamaran. The crew was lively and had great attitudes. We all tried paddle boarding for the first time....for FREE. We enjoyed watching the sunset and the dolphins over a... 

See Alligators

See Alligators, Orange Beach

 okieperson Says:  There was a little alligator farm near foley, i think it was actually in sunset or something that was close to it. neway they had just recently open when we were there. my kids got to hold alligators and we watched them eat. really cool. 

Hotels  

Sleep Inn Gulf Front Resort

 1 Review and 141 Opinions  So many of the hotels along the Gulf Coast were not operational when we were there in the winter of... 

Palm Beach Resort

 1 Review and 10 Opinions  We totally enjoyed our stay at this facility. The unit was clean, well equipped. Excellent outside... 

Hotels  

Emerald Key: Great condo

Emerald Key: Great condo, Orange Beach

 eccentricplanet Says:  This rent-by-the-week condo right next to the Sleep Inn is very well maintained. We had a three-bedroom condo right on the beach with a nice big pool. Attendants keep the cushioned shaded lounges in order and the condo rents beach games and paperback for free. We went for... 

Condo on the Beach: The View II

Condo on the Beach: The View II, Orange Beach

 Sassy417 Says:  We reserved a nice 2-bd condo which my boss owned and rented out to friends. It was more than we had anticipated, very plush accomodations. We enjoyed our week at the beach tremendously and plan to go back again soon. The pool was located right outside the Master suite,... 

Restaurants  

Wintzell's Oyster House: Mmmmmm Oysters

Wintzell's Oyster House: Mmmmmm Oysters, Orange Beach

 Hermanater Says:  This was just off the highway and my wife really wanted oysters. It was about 2:00 so we had a late lunch. We knew that this is a chain resturant but decided to try it. The staff was very pleasant and helpful. Oyster's Rockefeller and shrimp Po'boyThe Po'boy was alright but... 

Geno's Fresh Catch Grill in Ocean Beach, AL: This could just be THE worst restaurant - period!

Geno's Fresh Catch Grill in Ocean Beach, AL: This could just be THE worst restaurant - period!, Orange Beach

 miss_planit Says:  This restaurant has horrible, severely overpriced food and a very rude staff! I can't tell enough people to avoid this place. If you are misfortunate enough to actually complain about the food or service to the staff or "chef" ( if you can call him that), you will be... 

One of Many -- List: Where to eat in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach

One of Many -- List: Where to eat in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Orange Beach

 always1ontime Says:  Okay, if you really want to know where to eat in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach check out GulfShores.com and OrangeBeach.com. There is a list of about 85 places to eat ranging from fast food to five star fine dining. Check it out. Some of the restaurants have Web sites of their... 

Geno's fresh catch grill: Worse customer service, EVER!!!!

Geno's fresh catch grill: Worse customer service, EVER!!!!, Orange Beach

 turtle51 Says:  The only thing at sticks out to me is the horrible customer service I received last night at dinner! Both the restaurant manager and the chef actually came to my table to argue with me, the customer!, that I was wrong for sending back a steak which I found to be overcooked!... 

The Shrimp Basket: Ok to go here straight from the beach

The Shrimp Basket: Ok to go here straight from the beach, Orange Beach

 myca99 Says:  We liked this place, but it's really casual and it's pretty much one big open room. We went there on a recommendation for my Mom's birthday and it was too casual for a birthday. But it was really good food. Save it for a night when you don't want to worry about getting... 

The Original Oyster House: Don't miss the Shrimp Florentine

The Original Oyster House: Don't miss the Shrimp Florentine, Orange Beach

 myca99 Says:  This was the best meal we had in Orange Beach. We waited about an hour and it was well worth it. The restaurant is adjacent to shops so you can browse while you wait. It's a casual place with dark paneling on the walls and captain's chairs at the tables. I highly recommend... 

LuLu's Bait Shack: Great ambiance, plain food

LuLu's Bait Shack: Great ambiance, plain food, Orange Beach

 myca99 Says:  LuLu's is Jimmy Buffet's sister, and parrot heads will love this seafood shack situated on the Intracoastal Waterway. The property has a huge sand lot that makes it easy to entertain the little ones while you wait. The restaurant is open and airy and definitely has parrot... 

Nightlife  

Florabama: Fun for Groups or Couples or Singles

Florabama: Fun for Groups or Couples or Singles, Orange Beach

 MadStuff Says:  The Florabama defines description. Looks (in daylight) like it blew in from the Gulf. But at night, it comes alive with music, dancing, outdoor fun and more. Very low key. Sometimes, it looks like dress is optional. Very casual. Beach attire. 

The Flora Bama Lounge: A BAMA Blast!!!!

The Flora Bama Lounge: A BAMA Blast!!!!, Orange Beach

 always1ontime Says:  I had a blast at the Flora-Bama Lounge (and Oyster Bar, can’t forget that part!)! I went to a beach party for one of my friends. They had like four stages for bands and I hear they always have live music going, like every day. The food wasn’t bad either. It’s worth checking... 

Transportation  

2 Best Airports
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MadStuff 5 reviews

When the rates are right, Pensacola is closer.

However, parking is free in Mobile but still cheap in Pensacola.

Both are smaller airports with friendly people and quick service.

You can rent cars at either location with or without a GPS.

Written Dec 27, 2008

Related to:
 Budget Travel
 Family Travel
 Business Travel

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What to Pack  

Don't Bring too Much!
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MadStuff 5 reviews
It's all about the beach life

Luggage and bags: Less is better!

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Bring casual stuff.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Anything you need, you can get at the local drug store or walmart

Photo Equipment: Bring your camera!

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Beach is the word! Also scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling, and other water sports!

Miscellaneous: The suite we stayed in [Room 1015 at the Phoenix X] had a washer and dryer. I'll bring less clothes next time.

Written Dec 27, 2008

Related to:
 Romantic Travel and Honeymoons
 Beaches
 Family Travel

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Off The Beaten Path  

My encounter with Captain Crunch and the Alligator
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always1ontime 5 reviews

Alligator Alley was really neat. My son loved this but it scared the crap out of me. I’m a bit squeamish around 13 foot long alligators named Captain Crunch! The park is actually safe and family friendly and even “scaredy cats” like me can have a great time! I found Alligator Alley by going to the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Web site. They have some other exciting things to do there like historic tours and the National Museum of Naval Aviation, me and my sons next stop! I won’t be as squeamish at during this tour!

Written Aug 12, 2008

Website: http://www.gulfshores.com/things-to-do/beyond-beach/

Related to:
 Zoo
 Family Travel

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Favorites  

White sand beaches

White sand beaches, Orange Beach

 CarolWeaver Says:  Orange Beach is the perfect spot for relaxing on the beach. Start at the public beach access at Cotton Bayou and walk along the sand. Then head across the pass bridge and stop and Alabama Point for some boat watching. In the mornings the fishing charters head out for... 

Best white beaches

Best white beaches, Orange Beach

 beachman_54 Says:  Beautiful white beaches and clear blue water. Has a great family atmosphere and a good nightlife. Stay in condos on the beach for same or less than hotels. Best rental company is Brett-Robinson. They are on internet and have over 1000 condos to rent. Most are gulf front. The... 

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Map of Orange Beach