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Local recommendations for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
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items I have lived in the area for 27 years and have made a curated list of mine and my families favorite places to go around town. There are our local recommendations and also the ones from tourists! Best of both worlds!
Map
Sections
10
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Boutiques
Outdoor Activities
Foley Farmers Market is a great source for locally grown and made everything!!! I love it! It’s like a festival every time we go!
Home | Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen Market, Foley ...
You can rent bikes for FREE for the whole family and explore all of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!
Hiking and Biking Trails | Alapark
This is my favorite place around, there is a park, a really cool sand pit for kids and walk through trails everywhere. Archery. Kayaks it is peaceful and hardly ever busy.
Graham Creek Nature Preserve
I bet you did not know Alabama has some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world!
Gulf Shores Main Public Beach (Gulf Place)
Located 40 mins from the beach you can walk through a historical home and the most beautiful garden you’ve ever seen. The story behind this place makes it wonderful!
Home - Bellingrath Gardens - The Charmed Spot of the South
Dog park fun plus water for them to play in!
Unleashed in Orange Beach
Talk about the best view in town and the most memorable exploring!
Fort Morgan - Alabama Historical Commission
Sky dive on the Gulf Coast from sunset sky diving, to the infamous landing in front of the flora bama!
Skydive The Gulf | Skydiving Pensacola & Gulf Shores, AL
You can download this app and rent bikes for free at the Gulf State Park Alabama.
BLOOM® Sharing Platform | Software for Bike Share, Scooter Share and more
Cruise from island to island, marina to marina, and drink at the bar on the water!
Orange Beach Islands 3-Hour Excursion (with Reviews)
Looking for the best things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama? Experience the water like never before with paddle board lessons, kayaking, and paddle board yoga at Pure Aloha Adventures.
Pure Aloha Adventures is a 100% woman-owned and operated business ...
Home - Pure Aloha - Alabama
Once you are onboard you will enjoy a narrative tour of the area waterways and sit back listening to beach music as we seek out the bottlenose dolphin. For your convenience, we have a snack bar on the boat which serves sandwiches, soft drinks, candy,...
Dolphin Cruise in Orange Beach Alabama (with Reviews)
Come aboard our spacious 40' Maurell pontoon boat, equipped with 2 double hammocks, a tiki bar with seating for 6, comfortable shaded bench seating and a clean bathroom, for a great adventure! This boat is laid out for fun and comfort. We have two 12...
Hammock Time Tiki Tours 251-253-2430
Unique way to experience the area. These unique two-passenger aircrafts provide a breathtaking view of the Gulf Coast from a much lower vantage point that you’ll experience on other aerial tours. Check out their website to book a flight.
Alabama - Magni GyroFlight
From the website: Beachside Circle Boat Rentals and Sales is a local family owned business that loves the water! We offer a fun and unique way to enjoy the waters of Orange Beach. Our portable-eco friendly electric circle boats make it easy for anyon...
Beachside Circle Boat Rentals and Sales
Restaurants
I’ve been eating here since I was a kid. Best cheese sticks I’ve ever had!! Local gem!
Crico's Pizza & Subs - The Best Pizza & Subs Since 1998 - Gulf ...
Wonderful hand-cut steaks. Great for the entire family! Kid friendly.
Big Mike's Steakhouse
The best date night restaurant around, and also wonderful five star food.
On The Bay – Dinner - Jesse's Restaurant
The kids love going here! It’s so fun.
Sunliner Diner - 50's Themed Breakfast Diner in Gulf Shores
My favorite place on the island to get sushi, or to go have dinner! It’s beautiful inside and such a great place to take the whole family!
Mikato Japanese Steakhouse
We always get our Chinese take out from here! Absolutely love their food.
Order Authentic Chinese Online | China Dragon - Pickup or Delivery Available
I love their seafood boil bags!! Honestly the kids normally order this for their birthday dinner! The sushi is phenomenal! The restaurant is gorgeous.
Miso Seafood | Order Online | Sushi & Seafood Restaurant | Gulf Shore
The food here is outstanding!
Home
Great place to order lunch Togo!
bento box | Foley AL
Delicious Thai food!
Niki’s Seafood
This is a family favorite. We do birthdays here! They cater! Amazing food!
Vallarta Mexican Restaurant - Foley, AL
I love their seafood boil bags!! Honestly the kids normally order this for their birthday dinner! The sushi is phenomenal! The restaurant is gorgeous.
Miso Seafood | Order Online | Sushi & Seafood Restaurant | Gulf Shore
Delicious Mexican food.
Home - Cactus Cantina Mexican Grill - Mexican Restaurant
This is a local gem. Everyone loves Gelato joes!
Home - Gelato Joe's Italian Restaurant & Bar Foley Alabama
Locally owned by famous local chef and his daughter. Wonderful food!
Fresco | Italian Restaurant Near Gulf Shores, Orange Beach & FoleyFresco - Italian Restaurant in Bon Secour Near Gulf Shores, Orange Beach & Foley, AL - Dine at Fresco
Located in Daphne, Al just 45 minutes from the beaches of Alabama!
YAK The Kathmandu Kitchen
Located at our local Gulf Shores, Alabama zoo. You can take the kids to the zoo and also enjoy global cuisine!
Home
Wonderful Spanish cuisine! Located in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Agave Bar & Grill
Great gyro’s!!
Home
Enjoy fresh, locally sourced seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and a warm, laid-back atmosphere designed for every occasion. With indoor and outdoor seating, our waterfront setting is perfect for a casual lunch, an elevated dinner, or a day spent enjoy...
Zeke’s Restaurant
Exceptional food and a unique experience with surprising flavors are a result of careful selection of the freshest and best ingredients, a perfect blend of spices, recipes that have been passed through generations, and the ability and experience in o...
Restaurant | Fairhope | Mediterranean | Lebanese | Humus | Dolmas | Shawarma | Alabama | Sage Restaurant
Local fresh farm to table cuisine!
The Hope Farm | Farm-to-Table Restaurant in Fairhope, AL
Chef Hamme honed his culinary skills through an illustrious career as he worked his way through some of the best restaurants in the world, from the renowned Greenbrier Resort and The Hotel at Auburn University to openings around the globe for the fam...
Coast Restaurant at The Beach Club | Gulf Shores AL
After a fun day hiking the trails, swimming in the Gulf, or lounging by the pool—you’re sure to work up an appetite. And we’re proud to offer dining options for whenever hunger strikes. Each of our restaurants offers a unique dining experience, local...
Perc GSP
Other Food & Drinks
Clean, modern coffeehouse whipping up hot and frozen espresso drinks (some with local flavors) and pastries.
Your Site Title
Locally owned and operated you will love this brewery!
Big Beach Brewing Company | Gulf Shores, AL
New woman owned wine bar at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Al. It’s the new spot trending for locals. Great drinks!
Menu - Gulf Babe Wine Boutique
TVs everywhere, incredible food in the heart of Gulf Shores.
The Sloop - Dive Bar in Gulf Shores, AL with Live Music, Sports and Cheesesteaks
Best local dive bar in town. Great prices, great bar food and the people are terrific!
Discover the Hottest Restaurant in Gulf Shores - The Cove Bar and Grill
Locally known and operated. We’ve used this bakery since I was in high school. Excellent cakes!
A Specialty Bakery
Best food truck in Baldwin county! The birria tacos were phenomenal! Pricing is amazing!
LA PARRILLA EXPRESS - Updated July 2026 - Yelp
My husband and I tried this the other night and loved their food. It’s not fast food but it’s faster than my cooking and delicious!
Made in Colombia in AL food truck (@made_in_colombia_al) • Instagram profile
Delicious homemade milkshakes and icecream! Locally owned and operated.
Gulf Shores Menu — The Yard Milkshake Bar - As seen on Shark Tank
Cutest cafe in Foley! Nice owners! Great local spot to get your health on! I love the health shots! Wheat grass, turmeric, ginger! And I love the juice and smoothies. This place makes healthy taste really good! Foley has a gem with this business!
Food That Fuels | Agapé Juices | Foley and Gulf Shores
Locally owned and operated delicious made to order sandwiches! Reminds me of Dax sandwich! Love this place!
The Beli - The Original Beach Deli - Gulf Shores, AL
If you are in Elberta, Al you absolutely must stop at the Elberta Sandwich shop! Their sandwiches are out of this world good! Great for beach days Togo also.
Elberta Sandwich Company | Foley AL
Delicious farm to table food in the heart of downtown Foley, Al. Delicious food!
Feast & Co. | Foley AL
Locally owned and operated homemade cookies for any celebration! They are made from scratch and are delicious!!
The Blue Crab Cookie Lab | Gulf Shores AL
Arts & Entertainment
The Orange Beach Coastal art center offers art classes for children all year around. Glass blowing classes and much more!
Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach | Orange Beach, AL
Since its founding in 1963 as a public/private entity then known as the “Mobile Art Gallery,” the art museum has evolved into the only accredited art museum in south Alabama, with a collection of over 6,400 artworks comprised of painting, sculpture, ...
Home - Mobile Museum of Art
If you are looking for something unique to learn stop by the Coastal Arts Center and go by The Hot Shop. Learn to blow glass and create memories with your family.
Hot Shop at Coastal Arts Center | Orange Beach, AL
Local Favorites
Located down Bear Point in Orange Beach, Al is one of the locals favorite restaurants with live music on the weekend!
Best Seafood in Orange Beach, AL | OSO at Bear Point Harbor - Orange Beach | Seafood near me
We love going to Pirates Cove right around the corner from this marina. Then on our way home we take the kids to see the lady in the water, spider sculpture and the hidden dinosaurs in the woods! We even have our own Bamahenge!
Barber Marina > Home
The best cheeseburgers around and the best bushwacker around! Ask for the topper for your bushwacker! I love taking my kids here bc it is shallow for a long way out and the kids can swim and play all day!
Pirates Cove – Legendary Bar & Grill in Josephine, Al
This is some of the best Irish food around! We love this new addition to Gulf Shores. We have eaten here a lot!
The Galway Irish Public House
Wonderful bartenders and wonderful food. One of the favorite bars for all our locals.
O'CHOPPERS, Orange Beach - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
A true treasure in Baldwin County owned by Jodi & Brian Harsany. With a very eccentric menu including locally sourced seafood and sushi! The place is always booming with locals!
Home - Cosmo's Restaurant & Bar - Seafood Restaurant in AL
The absolute best coastal dinner experience tucked away down Canal Road in Orange Beach. A local favorite featuring happy hour Monday through Friday.
HOME | Barometer
My mom and I have been going here for years. Their fried green tomatoes are delicious. They use fresh Gulf seafood!
The Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar | Restaurant | Bon Secour, AL
Located at the FL/AL line is the infamous Flora-Bama! You can enter from the beach side also! Best fried shrimp po-boy!
FLORA-BAMA | WORLD FAMOUS BEACH BAR AND LIVE MUSIC
While on a treasure hunt on the coast of Rum Cay, Bahamas, a hurricane nearly sank Bob’s 45ft sailboat, the “Kavu”. With the main sail gone and power dwindling, he made it back to George Town, Bahamas. To celebrate his defeat of near death, Bob parti...
Home
TODAY.Â
While the Pink Pony Pub isn’t much more extensive than when it began, we still serve Gulf Shores’ best food and nightlife. Enjoy soaking up the A/C on a sun break or bask in the sun on the weathered wooden deck that looks out over the su...
Homepage
The best place for crawfish parties & karaoke in Orange Beach, Al.
The Undertow Grubbio
Bahama bobs is great for lunch. In the winter they have specials for snowbirds and people vacationing. Full service bar, with dining outside and in. You can literally walk the dock down to the beach!
Bahama Bobs
One of the oldest family owned and operated seafood restaurants around. Delicious locally sourced seafood!
Desotos Seafood Kitchen
From oysters and shrimp, to steaks and signature cocktails, Ginny Lane delivers a dining experience that’s as memorable as the waterfront views. My husband and I love the food here.
Ginny Lane Bar Grill
Boutiques
Locally owned upscale boutique! I love all the clothes Jana picks for her boutique. She always comes in clutch when I need a nice outfit!
Shop the latest trends at Charm Boutique in Gulf Shores, AL
Voted #1 Consignment Store on the Gulf Coast 2023 & 2024. Nappie 2024 Winner🥇🥇🥇Women-Men-Children 👚👖 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10-4 PM
Cooper Twins Consignment (@coopertwinsconsignment) • Instagram profile
Hertha’s is upscale consignment, only taking in name brand clothes and shoes. Not your normal consignment shop. Very cute.
Hertha's Consignment Boutique Gulf Shores | Shop Your Favorite Brands
Sweet coastal boutique with great prices right beside The Original Oyster House.
Geez Louise Boutique: Coastal Fashion and Southern Charm | Geez Louise Boutique
Unique places to stay.
Unique places to stay around Orange Beach & Gulf Shores along with the best concierge services so you can truly vacation.
Absolutely lovely historical hotel in downtown Foley that is still operating. The hotel has a restaurant inside and the food is great!
The Hotel Magnolia LLC - Foley, AL
I absolutely LOVE this resort. They have food trucks on the green during the weekends, with dance parties and drinks for parents. The cutest boutique shops. Wonderful pools! All in one place.
The Beach Club Resort & Spa - Spectrum Resorts Luxury Vacation Rentals, Gulf Shores AL
I love the peacefulness of Fort Morgan. You feel like you are in a totally different state. It’s calm and the drive is scenic. Kiva Dunes is a magical place with a golf course.
Kiva Dunes: Gulf Shores Resort - Vacation Rentals, Golf & More
For an affordable golf plus family trip The Gulf Shores Plantation has all kinds of different rooms and houses on their resort. Also an indoor pool! Access to the beach. Wheelchair access.
The Gulf Shores Plantation
You may be surprised to find out Gulf Shores, Alabama has an airport. Allegiant airlines has affordable flights out of Gulf Shores.
Home - Gulf Shores Al Airport Flights to and from Gulf Shores
Take the stress out of your beach vacation with a stunning picnic put together by The Beach Moms. While this talented local concierge company offers plenty of other services (like grocery shopping and personal chef services), their beach picnics are ...
Concierge Services | Orange Beach, AL | The Beach Moms
We go to a Mardi Gras ball here every year. It’s beautiful at the lodge. It’s like being in your own world. Check out their website.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel
Kid fun in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores Al
Hunt dinosaur statues, see bamahenge and find the secret trails behind bamahenge. Barber Marina has a huge state of a lady in the water and a giant spider!! Wonderful place to visit after spending the day at Pirates Cove!
Bamahenge (2026) - All You SHOULD Know Before Going (with ...
Boat rentals! As a local we love living here and being on the water. With 3 kids we do not have time to own a boat. We rent a pontoon boat for family events and holidays. This is by far the best company we have rented from! You can add a lily pad for...
Southern Rose Dolphin Cruises | Orange Beach Parasailing, Jet Skiing, & More
Surf Shop, Skate Shop, Coffee Shop, Surfboard Rentals, Surf Lessons, Skate Lessons and Summer Camps. They also carry VANS skate shoes and a wide range of footwear! Locally owned and a local favorite!
TAMBO’S SURF & SKATE (@tambossurfskateshop) • Instagram profile
Foley, Alabama only 15 minutes from the beach. Great for all ages, my children all love to go to this park ages 7, 10, and 11!
Foley Kids Park - Alabama Travel
Since 1957, nestled on the shores of Josephine, Alabama, Pirates Cove has been a beloved gathering place for locals, boaters, and beach lovers for decades. Known for it’s laid back atmosphere, legendary bushwackers and iconic cheeseburgers. Pirates C...
Pirates Cove – Historic Bar & Grill on the Gulf Coast
Bohemian Park in Fairhope, Alabama, features a bend in the Fish River that creates a popular, natural swimming "lazy river" and local watering hole. Located on Co Rd 48, this free spot offers a small sandy beach, rope swing, picnic tables, and a kaya...
Bohemian Park - Park in Fairhope - Website
Sand castle university is a fun class you can schedule, and learn how to make huge really neat sand castles. They also do proposals and all kinds of celebrations.
Sand Castle University
A place of fun for all ages! The ultimate candy store locally owned and operated. My children love going to the Foley Park and to Yabba’s Sugar Shack after! Delicious burgers and fries!
Yabba’s Snack Shack
Great place for kids!!
LuLu's Fun Food & Music - LuLu's
This zoo is newly built after a hurricane forced the zoo to move north, it is absolutely gorgeous! It has a fine dining lunch option but regular dining prices!
Home - AL Gulf Coast Zoo
Fun for all ages.
Tropic Falls Indoor Waterpark – OWA Parks and Resort, Foley AL
Newly added to Orange Beach a squishy store that has all the latest squishies. They also do henna tattoos and hair wraps!
seriously think we just found the Squishy Kingdom of Orange Beach. 🥹💛 We stopped in just to look.. and ended up staying forever. 😂 Giant chicken squishies, cheese, bananas, butter, and SO many viral TikTok squishies I’ve never seen all in one place! 🐥🧀🍌🧈 If you’re camping, on vacation, or just driving through Orange Beach this place is an absolute MUST One of the cutest shops we’ve visited all summer! ✨ 📍Beach Star – Orange Beach, AL #SquishyKingdom #BeachStar #OrangeBeach #CampingLife #OrangeBeachVacation
We love this park. All three of my children like to go. They range in ages 7-12.
Waterfront Park & Kids Park | Orange Beach, AL
Fly high above white sand dunes and crystal clear waters on our Hummingbird Ziplines. Explore the coast on a kayak or paddleboard. And enjoy the natural wonders and wildlife that only the Gulf Coast can provide.
Welcome to the Gulf Adventure Center!
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Gulf Adventure Center
Golf
Nestled on the beautiful Fort Morgan peninsula between Mobile Bay and the Gulf of America, rests one of Alabama’s most spectacular golf resorts – Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club. Located in Gulf Shores, Alabama, Peninsula provides the perfect blend o...
Peninsula Golf Club
Kiva Dunes Resort is located on the Fort Morgan peninsula of Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Kiva Dunes presents Alabama’s coastal beauty and charm with vacation rentals ranging from beach homes to condos overlooking the 18th green. Each accommodation offers a...
Kiva Dunes
Course Type: Public
Number of Holes: 18
Length of Course: 6,812 yards
Number of Par: 71
Slope: Not Known
Operating time: 7AM to 7PM
Phone number: (251) 968-7366
Location: 520 Clubhouse Dr, Gulf Shores, AL 36542-3490, United States
Facebook: N/A
Gulf Shores Golf Club
Course Type: Public
Number of Holes: 9
Length of Course: 2,310 yards
Number of Par: 35
Slope: Not Known
Operating time: 7AM to 7PM
Phone number: (251) 968-3234
Location: 4000 Gulf Shores, Gulf Shores, AL 36542-5718, United States
Facebook: N/A
Offic...
Golf at ONE Club - One Club Gulf Shores
Course Type: Public
Number of Holes: 18
Length of Course: 7,028 yards
Number of Par: 72
Slope: 136
Operating time: 7AM to 7PM
Phone number: 800) 327-2657
Location: 3840 Cotton Creek Cir, Gulf Shores, AL 36542-9097, United States
Facebook: N/A
Lookin...
Craft Farms Golf Club | Golf Course in Gulf Shores, AL | Arnold Palmer Design
Course Type: Municipal
Number of Holes: 9
Length of Course: Not Known
Number of Par: 27
Slope: Not Known
Operating time: 7AM to 7PM
Phone number: (251) 981-4653
Location: 4700 Easy St, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States
Facebook: City of Orange B...
Orange Beach Golf Center
Course Type: Public
Number of Holes: 18
Length of Course: 4,054 yards
Number of Par: 64
Slope: Not Known
Operating time: 7AM to 7PM
Phone number: (251) 970-1444
Location: 3901 S McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535-3719, United States
Facebook: Gulf Links G...
Gulf Links Golf
Where to workout
MOXIE is a cardio fitness experience that focuses on creating health and wellness by strengthening the mind and body in unison. Whether you like to Yoga, Row, Bike or Barre, you will find an awesome place to sweat in our studio. Come visit us downsta...
Moxie - All You SHOULD Know Before You Go 2026 (w/ Reviews & Photos)