Like this post? Please share!
Disclosure: Complimentary admission was provided. All opinions and thoughts are my own and are not influenced by others.
During my recent press trip to Gulf Shores, we experienced several days at The Beach Club, a Spectrum Resort. The resort allows guests to enjoy the amenities available without having to leave the parking lot. But you can not visit Gulf Shores, Alabama without sightseeing and visiting a few family attractions in the area.
The Wharf in Orange Beach offers music, shopping and dining experiences unlike no other. My family had the opportunity to enjoy the festivities during our recent stay but to sweeten the experience even more, Darius Rucker and the Eli Young Band was also performing at The Wharf Amphitheater that same evening. Imagine riding The Southeast’s Largest Farris Wheel at The Wharf AND listen to Darius Rucker play live simultaneously. It was definitely an ah-ha moment! This summer you can experience that same feeling when bands like Zac Brown, Daughtry and much more perform this summer.
Aside from family attractions like Sharkey’s Family Adventure Park, Arena the Next Level and the the Farris Wheel,you can also enjoy 100 Days of Summer Event happening The Wharf. You can also find Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill restaurant and my personal favorite: The Louisiana Pantry-Chef Tom Wolfe.
If furry friends is more to your liking, you can take the family to Alabama’s Gulf Coast Zoo. Home to the Little Zoo that Could, Alabama’s Gulf Coast Zoo is just a block away from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Our family enjoyed our time at the zoo which offered several animal encounters like the Kangaroo Encounter.
Additional encounters are also available to families at a low cost per person. Tiger Encounters, Kangaroo Encounters, Lemur Encounters and coming soon: Reptile Encounters are also available. More than 500 animals call Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo home. more than 500 animals. A petting zoo, reptile house, aviary are a few of the exhibts available at the zoo. Don’t forget to stop and visit the live animal shows throughout the day.
Feeling hungry? We had the opportunity to enjoy dinner at Cayman Grill located a few miles from The Wharf. Cayman Grill offers waterfront property in Orange Beach, Alabama. The food offers Caribbean flavors and features fresh Gulf Seafood. As you can see our family enjoyed the variety of dining options at Cayman Grill. The kids won’t get bored at Cayman Grill with their 8,000 gallon fish tank. Tell Diddy, their new puffer fish we said Hi!
How does your family keep busy while visiting the beach?
I really never thought about Alabama and beach -whatever-you all looked like you had a fantastic time. I would probably love the zoo the best. I do not like rides!
Love the sumptuous food! It’s nice that there are so many other things to do and lots of places to visit around the area.
I am pinning this. I want to travel that way soon and love the ideas.
Looks like a lot of place place to visit. That food looks amazing.
I’ve never been to Gulf Shores (close, but never actually gotten there!), but it looks like there’s tons to do. My girls would love the zoo!
My son lives in Birmingham, and we’ve explored much of northern Alabama — right up to Huntsville. This year, we’ll make sure to make it to the shore. Thanks for an informative post.
It looks like so much fun. I do have to admit he fairest wheel scares me and has since I was little.
This looks amazing. I love Darius Rucker, too. How awesome that you were able to enjoy this much fun!
awesome pictures you got here..thanks for sharing
I have been searching for this answer…how much does it cost to ride the ferris wheel? We are going there next month!
$4 per person! Have Fun !!
Looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to visit this place on day. Thanks for sharing.
It looks like you had tons of fun! I honestly don’t really go to the beach. The last time I remember going to the beach was in high school (probably 10 or 11 years ago) and it was for a camp reunion in Chicago. We weren’t actually in the sand because most of us were in wheelchairs, but it was fun none the less.
Just found your blog! It was fun to see because I am from this area! Erica