6 Bucket-List Attractions Near Orange Beach

Here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, our sun-kissed sands and warm blue waters offer more than just a beautiful backdrop for your beach vacation. If you’re a traveler with a taste for the extraordinary, you’ve surfed into the right spot! Alabama’s beaches are brimming with unique attractions that promise unforgettable adventures and Instagram-worthy moments. From (faux) ancient monuments and sky-high thrills to futuristic watersports and unforgettable sails, the area is brimming with unique attractions that cater to every kind of adventurer. Grab your sunscreen and your sense of adventure as we dive into six of the most unique attractions near Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

Barber Parkway, Elberta, AL

If you walk through the trees near Barber Marina, you may just find yourself a world – and several centuries – away. Tucked into a wooded path just west of the access road lies Bamahenge, Alabama’s own version of the famous Stonehenge monument. This full-scale fiberglass replica of the prehistoric monument stands 21 feet tall and is perfectly aligned with the summer solstice. It was designed and built by artist Mark Cline in 2012 and has drawn national attention for its unique location and precise detail.

Whether you’re a history buff or just love a quirky photo op, Bamahenge is a must-see. It’s free to visit, simple to find, and – unlike the actual druid monolith – fine to explore at close glance. But keep your ears perked for a prehistoric roar – there are dinosaurs living right next door! (If you visit, you’ll see what we mean!)

3190 Airport Dr. Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(850) 390-1820

Have you ever wanted to see the beach from a bird’s eye view? Then Magni GyroFlight is the attraction for you. Aboard their Gulf Shores Beach Flight, you’ll get to experience the Alabama coastline from inside a gyroplane—not just as a passenger, but as the pilot! With the help of your FAA-Certified Flight Instructor, you’ll get the chance to take the controls and glide through the sky high above our shoreline scenes. Feel the wind in your hair and the thrill in your heart as you take in panoramic views of the Gulf’s turquoise waters, sugar-white sands, and maybe even spot a dolphin or two from above. It’s an aerial adventure that will leave you feeling on top of the world.

807 Gulf Shores Pkwy. Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 820-5987

For a more laid-back yet equally unique experience, hop on a pedal boat and navigate the tranquil waters of Little Lagoon at High Tide Daiquiri and Mimosas. Pedal boats offer a fun, eco-friendly way to explore hidden coves and serene waterways at your own pace, and the quiet ride makes it easy to get a closer look at our shy marine critters. The boat’s unique hull designs (think yellow duckies and hot-pink flamingos) are also a photo-worthy plus.

Perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers, these boats let you be the captain of your own mini maritime expedition. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some exercise while having a splash of fun! Rentals are 30-minutes long and open to all guests five years of age and older; life jackets are provided and required.

5677 Bayou St. John Avenue Orange Beach, AL 36561
(972) 746-7276

If you’re looking for a cutting-edge watersport experience, Foil Gulf Coast has you covered. Imagine surfing your own waves, but elevated—literally! With a Lift3 eFoil board and a quick training session, you can glide above the water on an electric hydrofoil, an advanced sporting board that uses an electric motor to get you flying over the waves with speed and stability. Foil Gulf Coast offers rentals and lessons in a variety of custom packages, from 1-on-1 sessions to full party packages. It’s an exhilarating way to explore the Gulf Coast, combining the thrill of surfing with the sensation of floating.

Perfect for adventure enthusiasts looking to try something new, eFoiling is a high-tech twist on classic beach fun that’s sure to leave you grinning from ear to ear.

27101 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-6700

Set your sights on adventure with Sail Wild Hearts, your local source for sailing tours and family cruises that capture the spirit of our Gulf Coast. Wild Hearts, a 53-foot catamaran sailboat, is a large and spacious vessel with a custom mast and a mermaid guide to sweep you across the waves in comfort as you embark on a variety of coastal cruises.Whether you’re spotting playful dolphins, watching the Blue Angels soar through the skies, or kayaking around Robinson Island, Wild Hearts offers a unique way to experience coastal beauty throughout Orange Beach and Perdido Key.

All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and a camera to capture the memories. (Plus, they’re the only boat in the area that allows you to bring your own cooler with adult and kid-friendly beverages!)

27101 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 923-4808

We’ve saved the best for last! Elevate your Orange Beach vacation to new heights with Sky Surfer, a unique parasailing adventure like no other. Hop aboard our USCG-Certified vessel and we’ll safely secure you to the chute, then lift you gently from the deck to surf high into the sky. Feel the exhilaration as you soar hundreds of feet above the sparkling Gulf waters, taking in panoramic views of Orange Beach’s stunning coastline. With the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of dolphins playing in the surf and the vast expanse of white sandy beaches. We offer double and triple parasail flights (flying is better with a friend!) and observer passes for those who want to ride along.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a first-time flyer, parasailing with Sky Surfer is an unforgettable experience that blends the thrill of flight with the serene beauty of the Gulf below. It’s a perfect way to add a splash of adventure to your beach day and capture incredible memories from above. Call or book online to reserve your flight!