A- Overview:
Something magical happens when you visit Orange Beach on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The moment you arrive, the world starts to fade away. Maybe it’s the sound of waves gently lapping the shore or the smell of coconut oil. Perhaps it’s the white sand beach and sparkling emerald water. Suddenly building sandcastles moves to the top of the “to-do” list. This, and more, awaits the visitor to this seaside town.
No matter how long a visit, there is plenty to occupy every hour of the day. Putter around a bit on one of the championship golf courses or cast a line for deep-sea adventure on a charter fishing trip. Travel back in history with a visit to Fort Morgan, the site of the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay. Visitors can even commune with Mother Nature as they hike through one of the many wildlife areas and gaze at gators and shorebirds in the process.
The Gulf coast area has a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 67.4 degrees. The average annual precipitation is 67 inches, and the growing season is 292 days. The beaches are pleasant for sunning and walking year round. Water sports begin in the spring and are at their peak in summer and early fall. Festivals and fantastic scenery occur year round. And with all that sun, it’s a great time to explore some of the many attractions in and around Orange Beach. A must see attraction is Adventure Island.
With a variety of things to do such as mini-golf, laser tag, paddle and bumper boats, simulators (NASCAR/ roller coaster) super and kiddie go-kart tracks, as well as over 100 arcade games, it’s a place the whole family can enjoy. For history, Fort Morgan should be included in the activity schedule. Located in nearby Gulf Shores, its “Damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead!” You can almost hear the command of Admiral David Farragut as he led his troops into the battle of Mobile Bay. For a hands on experience, the nearby Gulf Coast Exploreum is a science adventure for all ages. With permanent exhibits, traveling exhibits from major science centers and the IMAX Dome experience, it’s a playground for the mind!
Now it’s time to get packing for Orange Beach. It’s a place where visitors can slow down, let loose, rediscover themselves and their loved ones. It’s Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and it will cast its spell over you.
B- City Information:
Population: 3,784
Elevation: 10 feet above sea level
Land Area: 10.4 square miles
Location: Located on the Gulf of Mexico in southwestern Alabama
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (when it’s noon in Orange Beach, it’s 1pm in New York City and 10am in Los Angeles). Orange Beach observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
50.5
53.4
59.8
65.7
73.2
79.2
81.5
81.1
77.3
67.9
59.5
52.7
High temperature (°F)
60.9
64.3
70.6
76.6
83.5
88.7
90.5
90.1
86.8
79.3
70.5
63.2
Low temperature (°F)
40.0
42.5
49.0
54.8
62.9
69.7
72.5
72.0
67.8
56.5
48.4
42.2
Precipitation (in)
5.9
5.1
6.7
4.4
5.0
5.8
8.2
6.6
6.1
3.7
5.2
4.2
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precipitation
10
9
9
6
7
10
14
13
9
5
8
9
Wind speed (mph)
9.1
9.4
9.9
9.5
8.6
7.6
6.9
6.7
7.6
7.9
8.3
8.9
Morning humidity (%)
82
82
84
86
87
84
86
87
85
82
82
81
Afternoon humidity (%)
65
61
62
60
62
61
65
66
63
57
61
65
Sunshine (%)
48
53
61
63
67
67
57
58
60
71
64
49
Days clear of clouds
8
9
9
10
9
7
4
6
10
13
11
9
Partly cloudy days
7
7
8
9
11
15
17
15
11
9
8
7
Cloudy days
16
13
14
11
11
8
10
10
9
9
11
16
Snowfall (in)
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Local Seasons:
The gulf coast area has a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 67.4 degrees. The average annual precipitation is 67 inches, and the growing season is 292 days. The beaches are pleasant for sunning and walking year round. Water sports begin in the spring and are at their peak in summer and early fall. Festivals and fantastic scenery occur year round.
How to Get There:
By Air
Pensacola Regional Airport
850-435-1746
The airport is located approximately 30 miles east of the town. It is served by many of the national airlines as well as certain local and regional carriers.
Ground Transportation:
Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi and limousine service is available at the airport.
By Car
Orange Beach is easily accessible by car. From the north, take I-65 to I-10 east, to U.S. Hwy 59 south. From the east, take I-10 to I-110 south, to U.S. Hwy 98 west, to U.S. 59 south.
How to Get Around:
Due to the numerous popular sites and attractions within an hour’s drive of the town, the most convenient way to get around is by either personal or rental car.
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.
President’s Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.
Memorial Day last Mon. in May
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.
Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve Dec. 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Adventure Island
24559 Perdido Beach Boulevard
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251-974-1500
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Mini-golf, laser tag, paddle and bumper boats, simulators (NASCAR/ roller coaster) super and kiddie go-kart tracks, 100 arcade games. See the Volcano erupt nightly!
Kayak Safari
1000 Captain Trent Lane
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251- 981-1FUN (1386)
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Paddle in Paradise! Come enjoy nature at its finest and explore the islands where Pirates once plundered!!! Tours and rentals available.
Nearby Attractions:
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
1204 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-5731
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Explore the natural habitats of more than 250 animals. Elevated viewing decks offer close-up viewing of everything from alligators to giraffes; plus a reptile house, aviary, petting zoo, gift shop, concessions, and a shaded picnic area.
The American Sport Art Museum and Archives (ASAMA)
One Academy Drive
Daphne, AL 36526
251-626-3303
Hours: Monday – Friday 8am- 5pm
Admission Free Dedicated to the preservation of sports history, art and literature.
Baldwin County Heritage Museum
25521 Highway 98
Elberta, AL 36530
251-986-8375
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Preserving the county’s rural heritage in a rambling building that resembles a turn-of-the-century barn with a working windmill and several outdoor agricultural exhibits.
Bart Rockett Magic
3757 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-967-BART (2278)
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
This magical production features state of the art lighting, sound, and special effects with spectacular illusions, amazing ventriloquism, and hilarious fun for the whole family.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
12401 Bellingrath Rd
Theodore, AL 36582
251-973-2217
800-247-8420
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Located on the lovely and tranquil Fowl River, Bellingrath is a 65 acre lushly landscaped garden and museum home with all the charm and beauty of the Old South.
Biophilia Nature Center, Native Nursery & Bookstore
12695 County Road 95
Elberta, AL 36530
251-987-1200
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Come see carnivorous plants, wildflowers, plant and butterfly nurseries, turtles, forests, and nature library/bookstore with the resident biologist of this private 20-acre ecological restoration project.
Bird of Paradise
3190 Airport Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-609-2043
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The Bird of Paradise takes flying to a new level…providing adventurous passengers open cockpit flights and romance of yesterday.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
12295 State Hwy. 180
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-540-7720
Office hours: 7:30am-4pm Monday-Friday
Admission Charged
Refuge has 4-5 miles of hiking trails and beach access.
Claude Peteet Mariculture Center/Marine Resources Division
21055 Mildred Casey Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
251-968-7576
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The center conducts studies and research that enhance our understanding of the life history of red snapper, various finfish and shrimp.
Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries
109 Bienville Blvd
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
251-861-2120
The sanctuary consists of 164 acres of maritime forest. Multiple walking trails allow the birder miles of habitat for Neotropical migrants.
The Estuarium at The Dauphin Island Sea Lab
101 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
251-861-7500
Hours: Open daily, call for exact hours
Admission Charged
Visual displays and interactive exhibits highlight Mobile’s estuary system.
Fort Gaines Historic Site
51 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
251-861-6992
Open seven days a week, 9am – 5pm.
Admission Charged
Where History spans three centuries.
Fort Morgan
51 State Highway 180 West
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-540-7125
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
“Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead!” You can almost hear the command of Admiral David Farragut as he led his troops into the battle of Mobile Bay. Today Fort Morgan is a testament to the evolution of American coast defense fortifications
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
65 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36633
251-208-6883
877- 625-4FUN
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Hands-on, interactive science adventure for all ages! With permanent exhibits, traveling exhibits from major science centers and the IMAX Dome experience, it’s a playground for the mind!
Minamac Wildflower Bog & Country Gardens
13199 Mac Cartee Lane
Silverhill, AL 36576
251- 945-6157
Hours: Open seasonally, call for additional information
Admission Charged
From early April through September, more than 300 varieties of native Southern wildflowers bloom in this five-acre preserve.
Mobile Bay Ferry
51 State Highway 180 West
Pensacola, FL 32501
251- 540-7787
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Vehicle/passenger ferry operating between Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan. Daily departures every 1 1/2 hours.
Sky High Parasail
19180 B County Road 10
5749 Bay La Launch
Foley, AL 36535
251-946-9000
Hours: Call for schedule
Admission Charged
A safe and smooth ride over scenic inland waters.
Tanger Outlet Centre
2601 S. McKenzie
Foley, AL 36535
251- 943-9303
Hours: Open daily, call for hours of operation
Admission Free
Discover the best brand names and guaranteed low prices at over 120 outlet stores including Gap Outlet, Polo, Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger and more!
The Track Recreation Center
3200 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-8111
Hours: Open daily, call for hours of operation
Admission Charged for Rides
Go-karts, bumper boats, Kids Kountry, arcade, mini-golf, skycoaster, and refreshment center.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
2703 Battleship Parkway
Mobile, AL 36601
251-433-2703
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Features the Battleship U.S.S. Alabama the Submarine U.S.S. Drum, military aircraft and equipment.
Wales West Light Railway & Family Fun Park
13650 Smiley Street
Silverhill, AL 36576
251-988-1950
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Passengers are treated to unique views as the trains travel for a mile past Victorian style buildings, a 4-acre lake, fields, gardens, playgrounds, woods, and wetlands.
Waterville USA
906 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
251-948-2106
Hours: Open daily, hours vary by season
Admission Charged
The ultimate in family fun, is a 20 acre Water Park and Amusement Park located in the beach resort community.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Adventure Island
24559 Perdido Beach Boulevard
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251-974-1500
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Mini-golf, laser tag, paddle and bumper boats, simulators (NASCAR/ roller coaster) super and kiddie go-kart tracks, 100 arcade games. See the Volcano erupt nightly!
Kayak Safari
1000 Captain Trent Lane
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251- 981-1FUN (1386)
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Paddle in Paradise! Come enjoy nature at its finest and explore the islands where Pirates once plundered!!! Tours and rentals available.
Nearby Attractions:
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
1204 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-5731
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Explore the natural habitats of more than 250 animals. Elevated viewing decks offer close-up viewing of everything from alligators to giraffes; plus a reptile house, aviary, petting zoo, gift shop, concessions, and a shaded picnic area.
Bart Rockett Magic
3757 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-967-BART (2278)
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
This magical production features state of the art lighting, sound, and special effects. Spectacular illusions, amazing ventriloquism, and hilarious fun for the whole family.
Bird of Paradise
3190 Airport Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-609-2043
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The Bird of Paradise takes flying to a new level…providing adventurous passengers open cockpit flights and romance of yesterday.
Fort Morgan
51 State Highway 180 West
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-540-7125
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
“Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead!” You can almost hear the command of Admiral David Farragut as he led his troops into the battle of Mobile Bay. Today Fort Morgan is a testament to the evolution of American coast defense fortifications.
The Track Recreation Center
3200 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-8111
Hours: Open daily, call for hours of operation
Admission Charged for Rides
Go-karts, bumper boats, Kids Kountry, arcade, mini-golf, skycoaster, and refreshment center.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
2703 Battleship Parkway
Mobile, AL 36601-0065
251-433-2703
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Features the Battleship U.S.S. Alabama, the Submarine U.S.S. Drum, military aircraft and equipment.
Wales West Light Railway & Family Fun Park
13650 Smiley Street
Silverhill, AL 36576
251-988-1950
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Passengers are treated to unique views as the trains travel for a mile past Victorian style buildings, a 4-acre lake, fields, gardens, playgrounds, woods, and wetlands.
Waterville USA
906 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
251-948-2106
Hours: Open daily, hours vary by season
Admission Charged
The ultimate in family fun, is a 20 acre water park and amusement park located in the beach resort community.
E- Events & Entertainment:
January
Annual Polar Bear Dip
Held on January 1
Location: Flora Bama
251-980-5116
What is a polar bear dip? A group of people joining hands and wading into the Gulf for a free drink and of course, the traditional black-eyed peas!
February
Gulf Shores Woman’s Club Annual Tour of Homes
Held in mid February
251-967-3212
Call for exact location
March
Fun In The Sun Corvette Show
Held in mid March
Location: Sawgrass Landing, Gulf Shores
251-968-6994
This show is a display of Corvettes for the general public to enjoy and to vote for their favorite Corvette. Trophies are awarded according to the most People Choice votes.
Mobile Arts Council Presents
Held in mid – late March
Location: Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, University of South Alabama
251-476-8794
Call for performance schedule
A variety of performances are held and vary by year.
April
Spring Bird Banding
Held in early – mid April
Location: Fort Morgan
Watch the Hummer/Bird Study Group as they record height, weight, health and species of the many birds returning north for the summer.
International Migratory Bird Day
Held in early April
Location: Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary
The birds will provide the major attraction. A crawfish boil Friday with Sunday wrapping up mid-day.
May
Annual Art in the Park
Held in early May
Location: John B. Foley Park
251-943-4381
Artists and craft persons from the tri-state area present their art for show and sale. Entertainment and food booths are also available.
June
Fort Morgan Candlelight Tour
Held in early June
Location: Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores
251-540-7202
Costumed interpreters tell the story of Fort Morgan’s early Civil War service through historic vignettes based on actual events.
Annual Low Country Boil
Held in mid June
Location: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf Shores
251-968-5731
This is an “all you can eat” Cajun picnic, served on tables, buffet style. Drinks are sold separately. Money from this fund raiser goes toward Zoo improvements.
A Fort Morgan Big Bang Celebration!
Held on July 4
Location: Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores
Price of admission.
251-540-7202
Experience Fort Morgan’s own brand of celebrating Independence Day! Cannons will be fired celebrating the Nation’s Independence.
August
Civil War Living History
Held in early August
251-540-7127
Demonstrations commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay
Annual Sandstock Festival
Held in mid August
Location: Flora Bama
251-980-5118
September
Annual Shrimp Festival Golf Scramble
Held in early September
251-968-6904
Annual Sandman Triathlon
Held in early September
Location: Lake Shelby, Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores
251-968-2000
Swim .6 miles, Bike 15.8 miles, Run 4 miles.
October
Annual “Colonial Isle Dauphine
Held in early October
251-861-6992
A living history weekend exploring life on the Gulf Coast before the Fort was built.
Orange Beach Charter Fishing Rodeo
Held in early October
Location: Orange Beach
251-981-2300
All passengers fishing aboard a member Orange Beach Fishing Association Charter Boat are eligible.
Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo
Held in October
Location: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf Shores
251-968-5731
Annual National Shrimp Festival
Held in mid October
Location: Gulf Shores Public Beach
251-968-6904
Featuring arts and crafts, music, entertainment, and food, guests agree this is one event not to miss!
The Annual Coast Artillery at Mobile Point in World War II
Held in October
Location: Fort Morgan
251-540-7127
Uniformed interpreters depict the garrison of Fort Morgan during its last period of active military service.
November
Annual Veterans Day Ceremonies
Held on Veterans Day
Location: 22 miles west of Gulf Shores on State Highway 180 West
251-540-7127
Uniformed interpreters will honor veterans, past and present.
Blue Angels Air Show
Held in mid November
Location: Naval Air Station, Pensacola
850-452-BLUE
See the Navy’s Blue Angels in action as they perform amazing gravity defying loops, rolls, and maneuvers!
December
St. Anne’s Christmas Lights
Held late November – early January
Location: At. Anne’s Church, Pensacola
850-456-5966
Over a million lights illuminate the church grounds in a spectacular display that also features free refreshments.
Let It Snow
Held in early December
Location: Foley Heritage Park behind the Depot Museum
251-943-1200
This is an alcohol free party with lots of snow, hot air balloon rally, games, prizes, music, storytelling, food and other entertainment.
Foley Christmas Parade
Held in early December
Location: The streets of Uptown Foley.
251-943-1545
Floats, bands, clowns, scouts, Santa Claus and many others celebrate the beginning of the Christmas Season.
Annual “Christmas at the Fort”
Held in early December
Location: 51 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island
251-861-6992
1861 Christmas with the Confederate garrison. A living history weekend.
Gulf Shores Women’s Club Annual Tour of Homes
Held in mid December
251-948-6333
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