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If you’re planning a getaway to Orange Beach in Alabama, chances are you’ll spend some of your time at The Wharf entertainment complex.
There are seemingly endless things to see and do for visitors of all ages at this super fun venue: whether you’re heading to The Warf on a family day out, a romantic date night, or for a fun afternoon with friends, you’re certain to have an incredible time that you’ll never forget.
This visitor’s guide will help you plan your activities to make the most of The Wharf and all the excitement it has to offer.
An Introduction to The Wharf in Orange Beach
- Address: 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL
- Website: alwharf.com
- Phone: (251) 224-1000
- Opening hours: Seasonal; check the website for current hours.
The Wharf is known as one of the best entertainment districts in the South, and if you’re visiting Alabama’s Gulf Shores, it’s not to be missed.
It’s easy to spend a whole day (and night) at The Wharf, so planning your itinerary in advance is a good idea. Visitors can shop and dine along Main Street, check out the views from the Ferris wheel, and explore arcades, escape rooms, and more. Then, head to the marina for an exciting afternoon of water excursions, and when the sun goes down, look out for the spectacular laser shows.
The Wharf also hosts a fun-packed program of festivals, fishing tournaments, conferences, and boat shows, so be sure to check the schedule during the time of your visit to get involved. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout The Wharf, and the property is also pet friendly, so you can take your four-legged friends along to enjoy all the fun.
Getting to The Wharf
The Wharf is centrally located in Orange Beach on the Intracoastal Waterway that feeds into Wolf Bay. Positioned just off the Foley Beach Express and Wharf Parkway, it’s easy for visitors to reach no matter how you’re traveling.
By Car
There is free parking on-site in two multi-level parking decks on the east and west sides of Main Street. Parking fills up quickly during high season, so arrive early to guarantee a spot.
By Plane
Many visitors arrive at Orange Beach via Mobile or Pensacola airports which are a little over an hour away. The Gulf Shores International Airport is also just three miles from The Wharf.
By Boat
Access to the marina is within the Intracoastal Waterway at Mile Marker 158.8 between Mobile Bay and Pensacola Bay. Perdido Pass on the Gulf of Mexico is around 12 miles away and Bon Secour Bay is 8 miles to the west.
The Best of The Wharf
There’s too much on offer at The Wharf to list everything here, so we’ve selected our top pick of things to do. See the website for a comprehensive guide to what’s on offer at The Wharf.
Retail Outlets
There are over 30 retail outlets on offer at The Wharf, from Joanna A. Boutique to the Liquor Cabinet By the Pantry specialty spirits shop. Whether you’re in the mood to splash the cash or do some casual window shopping as you stroll along Main Street, the variety of stores on offer will appeal to your entire group. A full list of retailers can be found here.
Dining Options
Shopping is hungry work, so be sure to make time for a bite to eat while at The Wharf. There’s a great range of dining options to suit the whole family, from fine dining to casual meals and snacks, so you’re sure to find a venue in the Wharf Directory to sate your appetite.
Ginny Lane Bar & Grill is our top pick for deliciously fresh seafood with a view. Grab a table on the patio and watch the boats in the marina while digging into oysters, crab cakes, and shrimp. Of course, there are plenty of non-seafood options, too.
YoHo Rum & Tacos is a casual dining option that pairs mouthwatering tacos with premium rum-based cocktails. Or, for the best gelato, pastries, and sandwiches, head to Southern Grind Coffee House.
Ferris Wheel
The Wharf’s Ferris wheel is one of the largest in the region, and its 34-meter height is the best way to get a bird’s eye view of the spectacular Gulf Coast. Plan your ride for sunset for an exceptional vista or during the evening to get an unbeatable view of the laser show.
The Ferris wheel is wheelchair accessible, and kids age three and under ride free. Adults pay $8 per ride.
SPECTRA Laser Light Experience
The SPECTRA light experience chow is a free show that combines state-of-the-art lasers and music to deliver a fun-packed spectacle that visitors of all ages love.
The show is free and can be viewed from anywhere on Main Street. It typically plays several times per night after the sun goes down: twice per hour during summer and once per hour in winter.
The Wharf Amphitheater
The Wharf Amphitheater is one of the largest venues on the Gulf Coast and home to some of the hottest concerts and performances in Orange Beach. This 10,000-seat open-air arena has seen live music from some of the top artists in various genres, including country, hip-hop, and rock. Check out the events calendar here.
The Wharf Marina
The Wharf Marina is a state-of-the-art marina that visitors love to explore. There are several exciting nautical adventures to be enjoyed around the marina, including sunset boat tours, dolphin spotting expeditions, and fascinating nature tours. It’s also an ideal entry and exit point for visitors exploring Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
The marina is home to some of Orange Beach’s most popular fishing tournaments, including the Blue Marlin Grand Championship. Annual events such as The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show are also held here, drawing huge crowds of locals and visitors.
AMC Theatres
This ultra-modern cineplex has 3D and jumbo digital screens and is the best place in Orange Beach to catch the biggest hits and latest releases. Sports events are also shown here. Check current listings to see what’s on during your visit.
Arena the Next Level
Arena the Next Level is a fun-packed arcade where you’ll find an amazing selection of interactive games. Play laser tag, challenge your friends to an air hockey tournament, or test your skills on one of the many arcade machines: the choice is yours. This is an ideal activity for a rainy day or as a fun family day out.
Cool Shots Selfie Museum
If you love taking selfies, you shouldn’t miss the Cool Shots Selfie Museum. There are over 50 interactive scenes and backdrops to get creative, making this the perfect spot for Instagram lovers to fill their grid with epic shots.
Ice Skate
If you visit The Wharf during winter, ice skating is a very popular activity. From November to January, a real ice rink is set up inside a tent and is the perfect activity for a winter evening.
Opening hours can differ, but the rink is typically open from 4 pm until 10 pm during the week and from 10 am until 10 pm at weekends.
A Day to Remember at The Wharf
The Wharf is a unique destination in Orange Beach that makes an incredible day out for all the family. Whether you’re in the mood to drink, dine, shop, or explore, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained from sunrise until long after night falls.
Featured Image Credit: commons.wikimedia.org
