A destination sure to blow through all expectations, there are tons of unique things to do in Gulf Shores (and surrounding beautiful areas). The Alabama beaches are definitely a holiday destination, with plenty of infrastructure to cater to the standard vacationers. But there’s SO much beyond that if you care to take a look.
Gulf Shores + Orange Beach encompass so many different areas and landscapes, from beaches, bays, and bayous to forests, state parks, and coves. If you look beyond the main spots, you will find fascinating art, hidden gem views, adventure sports, some of the freshest food, and so much more!
Below are some of the most cool, unexpected, unusual, or unique things to do in the area. How many will you tick off?
Unique Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Have you heard of all these unique Gulf Shores activities?
Bamahenge
Bamahenge is, as its name suggests, an Alabama version of Stonehenge. For me, this was one of the most unexpected things to do in Gulf Shores! It’s a true, life-size replica of Stonehenge made out of fiberglass and set in a calm clearing in a beautiful forest north of Orange Beach.
The best part is the initial intrigue – it definitely makes you wonder who thought of this idea, and why they wanted to place it here. It’s quite remote compared to the rest of the Alabama beaches, and is a fun road trip stop in a big block of land in Elberta with many other unique things to do in the area.
Grab your camera (or your drone) and get more up close and personal with Stonehenge than you ever could with the real thing!
Dinosaurs in the Woods + Lady in the Marina
These are some more cool things to see in the same area as Bamahenge. The Dinosaurs in the woods are a popular attraction as there are four massive fiberglass dinosaurs hidden at different points in the woods – some more difficult to find than others.
The Lady in the Marina is another totally unique sculpture of the area that is really a sight to behold. It’s a massive sculpture of a woman’s head and knees set to look like she’s bathing in the Barber Marina. All of the sculptures were made by the same artist, Mark Cline, for the landowner of the area and marina.
Before leaving the area, you can also look for the Roman Columns and the Knights in the woods! It’s like one big scavenger hunt that’s tons of fun for everyone.
Orange Beach Cat Bout Tours – Unique Tiny Catamarans to Explore
If you’re looking for the most unique thrill/adventure around Gulf Shores, look no further than Orange Beach Cat Boat Tours. These mini cat boats are made with two small barges, two comfy seats, a shade, and hand controls to accelerate and turn.
I will undoubtedly tell you this is THE MOST fun way to explore the beaches, bays, and bayous of the Alabama beaches while also being able to shoot photos, sip drinks, and learn about the area from an experienced guide.
Once you leave the ‘no wake’ zone, you can zoom all around the area, finding dolphins and shipwrecks and marveling at beautiful houses. Go with a guide if you want to get the lay of the land, or just rent one and explore on your own!
Jurassic Golf – 3D, Blacklight, Glow in the Dark, Dinosaur-Themed Mini Golf
Yes, you read that correctly! Gulf Shores’ newest attraction is the most unique mini golf course I have ever seen. Yes, it really is 3D and really glows in the dark. Leave your 3D glasses on the entire time if you dare (well, take them off if you feel sick because apparently that can happen – that’s how good the art is)!
There are multiple rooms full of life-size, glowing dinosaurs and realistic paintings on the walls. It’s a perfect rainy day activity or way to end a night and surely one of the most unique things to do in Gulf Shores.
Try an eFoil Lesson (and Get Hooked)
If you haven’t heard of an eFoil, maybe it’s time to find out. These self-propelled surfboards are not easy to master, but once you can get up, you feel like you’re on a real-life magic carpet. If you have done board sports before, you should be able to stand up within an hour of your first lesson at Foil Gulf Coast!
I cannot even describe how much fun it is to whiz around the calm bays of the Alabama Beaches using a remote control, trying to master the weight distribution on the board so the foil will lift up a few feet in the air.
These eFoils are also an awesome mode of transport around the area, but of course require that you don’t bring anything else along. I recommend doing a lesson if you haven’t tried it yet- it’s the thrill of a lifetime!
Rent a Bike and Explore Gulf State Park
Gulf Shores has the absolutely amazing and, quite frankly, rare feature of having an entire protected State Park pretty much within the city center! Gulf State Park is 5 minutes from anywhere else in Gulf Shores, but feels a thousand miles from anything with its incredible views, wildlife, and hiking trails.
Make sure to check out Gulf State Park for a day in nature. Keep your eyes out for eagles and alligators, walk along the Shelby Lakes, or book one of the stunning Eagle Cottages in the state park, which are surely one of the most unique places to stay in the area (and come with bikes so you can have a morning ride to your delicious included breakfast).
Take a Clay Wheel Lesson at Orange Beach Coastal Arts Center
Looking for something even more unique to do around the Alabama Beaches? How does an art workshop sound? You can take a few different kinds of classes at the Orange Beach Coastal Arts Center (which is worth a visit whether you’re learning a skill or not).
The Clay Studio at the Arts Center is a shared space where locals become members and create/sculpt at the facility. You can sign up for an introductory class at the clay studio, where you get a quick crash course on using the clay wheel and can create your very own bowl (which they will ship to you).
OR Take a Glass Blowing Lesson
If clay isn’t your thing, maybe glass blowing might be more up your alley! Next to the Clay Studio is the Hot Shop, which also offers hour-long glass blowing classes where you can learn the ropes of creating glass yourself!
I did the clay class and loved it, but I recommend any classes at the arts center as they’re some of the most unique things to do in Gulf Shores or a fantastic date idea, too!
Visit FloraBama Bar
What’s more unique than having a drink and a dance right between two states?! FloraBama bar has been an iconic establishment in the area for many decades – since 1964, to be exact. Now located only in Florida (due to liquor laws), it actually used to be half in Alabama and half in Florida.
FloraBama has multiple rooms of live music, some with multiple levels. The decor is completely eclectic, and there’s hardly an empty space on the walls at all! This is the place that really popularized Bushwacker cocktails in the area, so those are a must-drink here.
Float between the 3-4 dance floors, the many bars, the pool room, and the beach on a night out here that you’re sure to remember.
See How many Bushwackers You can Try… and Rate Them
Bushwackers are THE cocktail of the area, and each bar/restaurant has its own take on this creamy, boozy, and chocolatey blended drink. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a Bushwacker!
- Pirate’s Cove – there’s nothing like a Bushwacker at a boat-up bar on the beach. Enjoy in the daytime!
- Pink Pony Pub – Enjoy a Bushwacker here with amazing ocean views (which are pretty much everywhere in Gulf Shores).
- Tacky Jack’s – With a venue in Gulf Shores AND Orange Beach, Tacky Jacks has a deliciously strng bushwacker to enjoy with their delicious food (and a view).
- FloraBama – In my opinion, the best Bushwacker in the area comes from the place that popularized them, FloraBama.
Boat Up to Pirate’s Cove for some Pizza (and Petting Dogs)
Pirate’s Cove might be more well-known, but it’s still surely one of the most unique things to do in Gulf shores + the Alabama Beaches. This bar is surrounded by water on most sides, and is THE place to relax during the day.
Many people boat up (or take their eFoil!) to grab some food and drinks, swim, and enjoy the music. It’s also very dog-friendly with tons of pups running around prime for the petting!
Travel Back to the 50’s at Sunliner Diner
One of the most unique places to eat in Gulf Shores is surely the amazing Sunliner Diner! Many diners go for a 50’s vibe, but the Sunliner Diner takes it ALL the way with classic cars inside and outside, old school menus, costumed waiters/waitresses, old newspaper menus, and more!
It’s a whole experience to eat here, and their food is absolutely top-notch. Grab a frappe with whipped cream OR a breakfast cocktail, depending on your day’s plans, and some delicious sweet or savory breakfasts!
Experience Nearly 360 Degrees of Sea Views at Alabama Point
There are surely hundreds of miles of beaches all around Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and the area. But there’s no beach as unique as Alabama Point! It is located at the westernmost point of Perdido Key next to the Perdido Pass, which is how any watercraft would reach the Gulf from the protected bays of the Alabama beaches.
Alabama Point is a massive, sandy, sea-swept point completely surrounded by water! The currents can get strong here, so be careful if getting in the water, but the views are absolutely unbeatable.
Enjoy Margaritas at CoastAL for Sunset
One of the most unique beachfront venues to check out in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach is called CoastAL. This massive open-air venue is centered around a courtyard that has live music on the daily. This is a great spot for a few sunset drinks (yes, the sun sets almost over the water at certain times of the year) or a delicious, high quality meal too.
CoastAL has direct beach access so you can have a quick sunset dip between sips of your cocktail. Sounds like a dream!
Try a Mimosa Flight and Benedict Trio at Ruby Slipper Cafe
If you want the most unique brunch on the Alabama Beaches, look no further than Ruby Slipper Cafe. They have plenty of brunch cocktails, but the most unique drink on the menu is definitely the mimosa flight, which comes with four different colors/flavors of mimosas.
Their breakfast and brunch items are all unbeatable, with a fantastic selection of everything. But the most unique item, in my opinion, is the ‘Benedict Trio’, which comes with THREE different types of their eggs benedicts on one plate. If you are like me and want to try everything, this is the move!
In Gulf Shores, you can truly trace food back to the source – especially oysters! On the Fort Morgan Peninsula, Navy Cove Oyster Farm not only supplies much of the area with its oysters, but also offers tours where you can get in the water and flip cages yourself!
Doing a tour also enables you to understand how oyster farming works and why this location between the salty gulf and fresh waters of Mobile Bay is truly the perfect place to farm oysters! Learn more about Navy Cove here.
Visit Fort Morgan + State Historic Site
Visiting Fort Morgan is one of the most unique things to do in Gulf Shores. It’s one of the only war sites in the area and it’s an incredible one at that, with a massive star-shaped fortification and lots of history.
Built upon the site of another fort used in the War of 1812, Fort Morgan had the biggest role to play in the Civil War (in the battle of Mobile Bay in 1864) but was also used in the Spanish-American War, World War 1, and more. Today, you can visit many different batteries and beaches in the area… and stop at Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill on the way!
Jump on the Ferris Wheel at The Wharf at Sunset
The Wharf is a must-visit in the Gulf Shores – Orange Beach area, with the biggest selection of shops and restaurants around. But the most fun thing to do here? Why, ride the ferris wheel, of course! From the top of the ferris wheel, you can see all around the Alabama Beaches and the many waterways that make it unique.
Riding the ferris wheel is fun for couples, groups, OR families – I mean, who doesn’t love a good carnival ride?
Cruisin Tikis
Cruisin Tikis are a very unique way to drink on the water that are slowly taking parts of the US by storm, and there’s no better place to try it than the Alabama Beaches. These tiny floating tiki bars actually cruise around the bays of Orange Beach for a few hours with great tunes and even better vibes.
Get a Fully Loaded Milkshake the The Yard
When it’s time to satiate your sweet tooth, there’s no better place to go than The Yard milkshake bar. They serve the most perfectly instagrammable milkshakes in the world, full of different colors and flavors and piled high with whipped cream sprinkles, and so many other goodies.
Try Delicious BBQ
Gulf Shores may have great seafood, but the area also has some fantastic BBQ options! Here are some of the best:
- Hog Wild Beach & BBQ: Casual Beach-Themed BBQ joint in Central Gulf Shores
- OSO at Bear Point Harbor – a fantastic, sit-down restaurant with amazing BBQ, live music, and one of the best sunset views in the area
Watch the Sea over a Meal at The Hangout (Then Dance on Tables)
The Hangout is maybe the MOST iconic establishment in Gulf Shores. Located centrally and right on the beach, this venue really has it all. They offer full concerts in the back terrace area with high-level speakers and production. They have great food and cocktails and an unbeatable ocean view!
When it gets later in the night, people are known to dance on tables at the Hangout – its absolutely encouraged!
Climb, Explore, Play, and Eat at Lulu’s
Lulu’s is another iconic establishment in Gulf Shores Owned by Jimmy Buffet’s sister, Lulu. This waterside restaurant is not only a restaurant – it also has arcades, a huge ropes course, an on-site beach, and great options for food ad drinks for all ages.
Visit The Gulf Shipping Container Restaurant
One of the most unique things to do in Gulf Shores is to enjoy a meal inside a shipping container! The Gulf restaurant is right on the coast and makes shipping containers look great with its trendy and modern atmosphere.
More Things to do in Gulf Shores Not to Be Missed
The following things are likely to be recommended as the best things to do in Gulf Shores – but we still think they are unique and absolutely unmissable.
Visit a Water Park
Gulf Shores has MANY ways to play in the water, from the beaches and bays to water parks! You can experience waterslides and water rides at OWA, Waterville USA, Adventure Island, and more. These are fun things to do in Gulf Shores for the whole family, or for everyone on a hot summer day.
Eat Fresh Seafood at Cobalt The Restaurant
There’s amazing seafood available all around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach (and the whole Gulf Coast), but one of the best places we enjoyed is Cobalt the Restaurant. This is a great place for a more upscale dinner of crab legs, fresh fish, and over 5 different flavors of oysters! Deee-lish.
Rent Jet Skiis
There are truly infinite ways to explore the bays of Orange Beach, but jet skis are surely one of the most fun (and most classic) ways to explore. There are a few places to rent jet skis from, and there is no limit to the adventures you can have and the places you can visit on them. With no shortage of venues and bars you can boat up to, you can organize your own adventure!
Get Up Close and Personal at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Gulf Coast Zoo is always a good idea in Gulf Shores. Here, there are large enclosures housing all kinds of animals (even a lemur enclosure you can go inside)!
Go Kayaking
There are a lot of ways to go kayaking in Gulf Shores- from kayak tours to dolphin tours to the most unique option: a paint and paddle kayak tour (which is offered weekly in the summer).
Search for Dolphins on a Dolphin Tour
There are many schools of dolphins that call the Gulf Shores area home, cruising between bays and bayous. It’s actually quite easy to spot dolphins around here, and it’s one of the most magical experiences that the area offers.
Jump on a dolphin tour boat to view them from the comfort of a dry seat, or try paddling out on a kayak tour or searching for them from a cat boat or jet ski.
See the Beaches from Above on a Helicopter Tour
The beautiful beaches, bays, inlets, rivers, canals, and bayous of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are beautiful from ground-level, but they are downright mind-blowing from the sky!
Book a helicopter tour to enjoy the full splendor of the coastlines from the sky, and get an idea of all the amazing and unique places you can visit.
That’s it for unique things to do in Gulf Shores Alabama and surrounding areas! I think that’s enough to tick off for a few trips… let me know which activities you enjoyed in the comments below or on Instagram!
Thanks to Gulf Shores + Orange Beach Tourism for hosting my stay in the area. Of course, all words are my own and I can’t wait to come back!
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Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.