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If you’re looking for sun, sea, and sandy coastline on a budget, look no further than Orange Beach. Situated in Alabama between Gulf Shores and Florida’s Emerald Coast, Orange Beach is a stunning destination that benefits from white sand beaches and turquoise-blue sea.
But, unlike some of the more famous resorts in neighboring Florida, Orange Beach isn’t overwhelmed by crowds of tourists, so it retains its relaxed and unspoiled feel.
If that sounds good to you, you’re in luck! We’re here to help you plan your beachside getaway. Of course, where you choose to base yourself will determine the type of trip you have, so here are the best areas to stay in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Perdido Beach
Best for: Amazing gulf views and a central location.
Perdido Beach has seen plenty of growth in the last decade, and with its fantastic location situated between Orange Beach and Perdido Key, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with visitors. Head here for amazing Gulf views and a central location that makes it easy to make the most of your time in the city.
Some of the best Orange Beach attractions are located in the Perdido Beach area. Be sure to check out Perdido Key State Park for white sand beaches and rolling sand dunes, and if you’re a golf fan, don’t miss the Lost Key Golf Course.
Perdido Beach is also home to some of the city’s most popular events, including The Martini Festival, Seafood Festival & Car Show, Orange Beach Festival of Art, and Bama Coast Cruise.
Terry Cove
Best for: Deep sea fishing and island hopping.
If deep-sea fishing is your thing, head to Terry Cove, one of the best areas for deep-sea fishing on the Alabama Gulf Coast. This laid-back area is a boater’s paradise, with several charter boats operating out of Sportsman and Hudson Marina.
The popular Robinson and Bird Islands are just a few minutes boat ride away from Terry Cove, or you can hire a kayak and paddle out if you’re feeling adventurous.
There are two waterfronts in Terry Cove: Bay Front and Canal Front. Bay Front is located directly on the bigger waters of Terry Cove and has beautifully expansive views, while Canal Front is found inland and features man-made canals that provide quick access to the Terry Cove waters.
Cotton Bayou
Best for: Hiking and fine dining.
Cotton Bayou is next to Terry Cove and is centered around Perdido Beach Boulevard. This is another great area for water access, fishing, and exploring the local islands. The Cotton Bayou area offers the best of Gulf Coast life and is a favorite among the Orange Beach locals.
It doesn’t get much better than Cotton Bayou for outdoor enthusiasts. For hikers, head to the Cotton Bayou Trail, a scenic 5.5-mile loop that begins at the tip of the Cotton Bayou.
And if you can’t wait to hit the water, check out San Roc Cay Marina on the northeast side of the Bayou to charter a boat. If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, San Roc Cay Marina also offers boutique shopping, fine dining, and rest and relaxation in their courtyard.
Perdido Beach Boulevard
Best for: Groups with diverse interests (this area has it all).
Perdido Beach Boulevard is filled with tourist attractions, making it great for families. You could hit the water with a professional fisherman, try surfing on the beach, or head to Adventure Island, a small theme park a short walk away from the Boulevard.
There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants, and if you fancy something a little quieter, check out the nearby hiking trails that suit all levels.
If you want to party, one of the world’s most famous beach bars, the legendary Flora-Bama, can be found at the end of Perdido Beach Boulevard. There is live music most nights, as well as fantastic food and drink.
Central West Orange Beach
Best for: Family fun and endless entertainment.
The Central West region of Orange Beach was made much more accessible following the construction of the James Bridge in 2000, and it is now a hugely popular beach vacation destination.
The Wharf, a centralized entertainment, dining, and shopping hot spot, is a big attraction in this area and offers luxury condominiums overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and The Marina. The Wharf also has its own amphitheater, which attracts some of the nation’s top musicians throughout the year.
Other attractions in Central West Orange Beach include The Orange Beach Aquatics Center, which has a 25-yard outdoor heated pool and an array of activities on offer for younger visitors, including a wading/children’s pool with spray features and a slide.
Orange Beach also offers fishing charters, a 9-hole golf course, and a driving range. You’re also just a few minutes drive from the gulf beaches. For adrenaline junkies, check out the Hummingbird Zipline next to the Wharf, or even rent a jet ski. Nearly all of the amenities in this area are within walking distance.
For a slightly more relaxing day, head to Orange Beach’s Waterfront Park. This beautiful public beach is situated on Wolf Bay and is open all year round. Entry is free, and there are covered picnic pavilions with barbeque grills, a kids’ park, and a 400-foot fishing pier, providing plenty of entertainment for the whole family.
Ono Island
Best for: Gulf Coast luxury.
Ono Island is located in Baldwin County, Alabama, at the mouth of Perdido Bay on the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Bayou St. John borders this 5.5-mile-long barrier island to the north, and Old River is to the south. Ono Island is close to attractions such as The Wharf Amphitheater, Gulf State Park, and some of the best golf courses in the area.
If you’re looking for classic Gulf Coast luxury, then beautiful Ono Island is the place for you. It has an exclusive feel, and there are fantastic amenities for all ages here, including tennis courts, a children’s playground, an outdoor pool, and boat launches.
Romar Beach
Best for: A central location among Orange Beach’s most action-packed areas.
Romar Beach is located right between the main streets of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, making it a fantastic choice for those who like to be close to the action.
The majority of the complexes are directly on the Gulf Front, with stunning views over the Gulf to the south and Gulf State Park to the north. Romar Beach’s excellent location and plentiful amenities make it a firm favorite among tourists and short-term renters during peak seasons.
For entertainment, head straight to Fat Daddy’s Arcade and Adventure Island. Here you’ll find hours of entertainment, including go-carts, mini golf, and live music at Live Bait. Also nearby is the Gulf Adventure Center at Gulf State Park. This beautiful park is home to zip lines, kayaks, paddle board rentals, and much more.
Alabama Point Beach
Best for: Beautiful beaches and a lively atmosphere.
Alabama Point Beach is the heart of Orange Beach East and is a very lively part of the community during peak season. This is a beautiful stretch of the coast, and a sunrise beach stroll is not to be missed here.
The Alabama Point Beach area is home to many of the best outdoor activities in the Orange Beach area; be sure to check out the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail for a great day of hiking.
Alabama Point East beach is located just three miles east of Perdido Pass Bridge and has boardwalks, picnic areas, restrooms, and outdoor showers, all alongside a stunning 6,000 feet wide beach — one of the widest in the area.
Beachfront parking is free but limited, and crowds flock here in the summer, so if you’re driving, be sure to arrive early to get a space. Access from the parking area to the beach is via one of three wooden walkways.
Bear Point
Best for: A peaceful, small-town vibe.
Bear Point is a small town with a peaceful feeling at the far east end of Orange Beach. The location is stunning, surrounded by waterways with Arnica Bay to the north and Bayou St. John to the south.
This is another great area for boating and fishing, as you are only minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico. Head to Bear Point Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway for several great boating options for the whole family to enjoy, including charter fishing, dolphin cruises, jet ski rentals, and sailing cruises at various times during the day.
Just across the bay from Bear Point is Pirates Cove, a pirate-themed haunt serving up classic American eats, including delicious signature cheeseburgers and bushwhackers. Another favorite spot in Bear Point is Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar, which serves up fresh and eclectic food in a colorful setting.
Gulf State Park
Best for: Hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Gulf State Park is located directly in the middle of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The park itself is 6,150 acres and is home to over 28 miles of paved trails, known as the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. The trails run throughout Gulf State Park, and the nine unique ecosystems within it, and you can explore these trails by foot, bike, e-bike, or even Segway!
Gulf State Park is home to three freshwater lakes. The largest is 900-acre Lake Shelby, where you can fish, swim, kayak, and paddleboard. There are also picnic areas with equipped charcoal grills, public restrooms, and picnic tables if you want to stay the day. Picnic pavilion rentals are available seven days a week, and pets are also allowed in the picnic areas.
Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier is also located within the park, featuring indoor retail areas for tackle and souvenirs and wheelchair-accessible rail fishing. This is the longest pier in the Gulf of Mexico and Alabama’s only public pier, so it should be on any visitor’s agenda.
Perdido Key
Best for: Nature lovers.
Even though it’s not in Alabama, we had to include the remarkably beautiful Perdido Key in this list. Located on a narrow strip of powdery white beaches, it’s only a few minutes from downtown Orange Beach and acts as the gateway to Florida’s Emerald Coast.
Perdido Key is arguably one of the area’s best-kept secrets and is a dream spot for nature lovers. Eco-conscious visitors can kayak to nearby uninhabited islands, and Johnson Beach Park, with its Discovery Nature Trail — a raised boardwalk that takes visitors through dunes, pine trees, and salt marsh outlooks — is a great alternative to the busier beaches in the main tourist area.
Prices at Perdido Key are a little bit higher than in Orange Beach, but there is a great range of accommodations to suit all budgets. If you’re looking for a quieter spot or somewhere a little romantic, then Perdido Key might be just the place for you.
Gulf Shores
Best for: Relaxing on the beach.
Slightly further afield is Gulf Shores, an established beach area around eight miles from Orange Beach. This is the ultimate beach lover’s destination because it’s home to some of the best Alabama beaches. Expect soft white sands and the warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico right on your doorstep.
Unsurprisingly, this makes Gulf Shores an extremely popular spot, especially in the high season. If you’re driving here, get to the beach early so you can grab a parking spot. For real beach lovers, you might want to consider staying right on the beachfront. Then you can just step out the door and straight onto the invitingly beautiful sand.
Activities in this area include hiking or biking the backcountry trail, kayaking the back bays, and checking out the array of golf courses.
Some of the best dining in the area is available here, with fresh Gulf seafood served in most restaurants. Some places will even cook what you caught on your fishing excursion! The world-renowned Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is also nearby, where you can get up close and personal with the animals.
Foley
Best for: Learning about local history.
Even further afield is Foley, located about 14 miles north of Orange Beach. A lot of visitors head to the inland city of Foley for its quaint and historic downtown area, museum exhibits, and laid-back water adventures.
In November, Foley holds the three-day Heritage Harbor Days celebration in Foley Heritage Park. With live entertainment including local and national bands, dancers, storytellers, children’s activities, food, and fireworks, this is a great opportunity to party with the locals.
Foley is full of genuine southern charm and is also home to popular outlets, a regional amusement park, and several restaurants. Foley Museum & Archives houses some local historical artifacts and is a great place to go to learn a little more about Alabama’s rich history.
For even more history, head to the Foley Railroad Museum, which is dedicated to documenting the important part the railroad played in developing this area. There are photos, tools, and memorabilia in the museum itself, and kids can take a free ride around the local Heritage Park on the Charles Ebert Express II miniature train.
Pensacola
Best for: Taking a stroll along the boardwalk.
If you have access to a car during your time at Orange Beach, then the Pensacola Bay Area is not to be missed. Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle and has been owned by the Spanish, French, and British at different times during its 500-year history. Located around 30 minutes driver from Orange Beach, this coastal paradise is a unique destination and offers a vast array of adventures and experiences.
One of the main attractions in the area has to be the sugar-white sand beaches. Pensacola is home to the longest stretch of federally protected seashore in the United States, and the picture-perfect coastline goes on interrupted for miles.
Pensacola Beach’s mild temperatures and crystal clear waters attract beach lovers from all over the world, as well as fishing enthusiasts and environmentalists.
For some of the best dining and shopping in the area, head to Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. There are boutiques selling jewelry, gifts, art, and clothing of all kinds. Restaurants to suit all tastes are on offer at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, ranging from casual dining in relaxed settings to more upmarket seafood options. There’s even a wine and cheese shop if you want to take some tasty souvenirs home with you.
The boardwalk is also home to Pensacola Bay Cruises, a hop-on/hop-off all-day cruise with three ports of call: Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and Downtown Pensacola.
And, to finish your day in style, the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk Amphitheatre is a great place to gather and listen to live music and take in a sunset.
Discover the Beauty of Orange Beach
So there we have it! As you can see, there is no shortage of incredible places to stay in Orange Beach and the surrounding areas. The charming beach communities are vibrant, and there’s a great mix of unique attractions, dining experiences, and stunning accommodations to take advantage of.
Whether you want an action-packed vacation or to totally relax, and no matter if you’re traveling as a couple or as part of a large group, there will be an area of Orange Beach that’s right for you.
Featured Image Credit: blandas71
