What are the best things to do in Orange Beach?
The best things to do in Orange Beach are catching a deep-sea fishing charter or dolphin cruise out of the marinas (it's the charter-fishing capital of the coast), visiting The Wharf for the Ferris wheel and shops, biking or hiking the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park, and of course the beach. It's more built-up and activity-packed than Perdido Key.
Get on the water
Orange Beach has the biggest charter fleet on the coast. Book bottom fishing or a Gulf trip with Distraction Charters, a laid-back sail with Sail Wild Hearts, or a dolphin cruise. Start on the charters page or fishing guide.
The Wharf
The Wharf is the closest thing to a boardwalk here — a 112-foot Ferris wheel, shops, restaurants, a marina, and an amphitheater that draws real touring acts. It's the go-to for an evening off the sand.
Parks and trails
Gulf State Park and its paved Backcountry Trail are genuinely worth it — 15+ miles of trail through six ecosystems, plus a fishing pier. Families should also look at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and The Track.
More questions
How far is Orange Beach from Perdido Key?
About 15-20 minutes by car — they're neighbors straddling the Florida/Alabama line. Easy to stay in one and play in the other.
Reviewed July 2026. Conditions change daily — for live numbers see Beach Today.