7 Unique Summer Attractions in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach (2026)

It’s no secret that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama are a popular summer destination. Our beautiful white-sand beaches and rolling blue surf beckon everyone to come enjoy a taste of paradise, and there are plenty of ways to spend your time in the sun. But if you’re looking for a more local beach experience, you can find some unique summer attractions that combine our coastal charm with family fun and outdoor adventure in ways you can’t find anywhere else. And isn’t that the point of a vacation, after all?

If the area is calling your name for summer 2026, add one of our top seven unique summer attractions to your itinerary for an immersive beach experience the whole family will love.

Mythic Beach Banana Bar

524 West Beach Blvd. Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 215-8293

Beat the summer heat at Alabama’s original Banana Bar! Mythic Beach is located right across from the main public beach in Gulf Shores and offers a “legendary” dessert experience. They offer frozen bananas, cheesecake, and ice cream sandwiches dipped in decadent candy shells, rolled in toppings, and drizzled in sauces. Visit this local family-owned dessert shop for a taste of coastal bliss by the beach.

The Hot Shop at Coastal Arts Center

26389 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-2787

If you want a cool hands-on experience meets unique souvenir, join a class at The Hot Shop. This premier glass blowing facility at the Orange Beach Coastal Arts Center offers classes four days per week (M/T/TH/F) where local glass artists will teach you how to make your own hand-blown creation. Appointments are required.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

20499 Oak Road East, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 256-7008

Voted the “#1 Zoo in Alabama” for two years running, our local Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a can’t-miss attraction. The legendary “Little Zoo That Could” is home to 118 species and sprawls across 25 acres with modern enclosures, unique animal encounters, interactive shows and more. Visit in the morning hours to see the zoo inhabitants at their most active.

Gulf Babe Wine Boutique

The Wharf, Suite C101 Portside
(251) 495-0573

Taking a summer beach trip with your girlfriends? Be sure to stop by Gulf Babe, The Wharf’s popular wine boutique that features delicious sips and samples in a feminine, beachy atmosphere that’s perfect for a night out with your pals. Stop by on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-11pm for handcrafted cocktails, unbeatable wine specials, and tons of cheer-worthy charm.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

3801 Orange Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-1063

There are few things more uniquely coastal Alabama than the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, a 28-mile paved trail system that winds through the diverse ecosystems of Gulf State Park. Recently named USA Today’s #1 recreational trail in the country for the 3rd year in a row, this popular nature experience is best enjoyed by bicycle as you pedal through live oak forests, freshwater marshes, coastal dunes and hardwood swamps. If you want to look without the legwork, rent an e-bike from Beach Bike Rentals right off the Rosemary Trailhead to explore the trails with ease.

Sail Wild Hearts

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

Step aboard Sail Wild Hearts for a thrilling sailboat tour across the Gulf’s most beautiful scenery. This 53-foot ocean catamaran offers dolphin cruises, family kayak adventures, nature tours, sunset sails and private trips for adventures of all ages. Spots fill up quickly, so book your dates and leave the dock behind as fair winds guide you to a whole new meaning of waterfront fun!

Sand Castle University

Various Locations
(251) 600-9771

Learn to create stunning sand sculptures from the experts at Sand Castle University! This boutique business offers private 1- and 2-hour classes right on the beach, where guests of all ages will learn to make beautiful sand creations like sea turtles, classic castles and even fancy cakes. Your sculptures may wash away in the surf, but the memories will last a lifetime!

Enjoy High-Flying Fun with Parasail Sky Surfer!

Of course, you can’t end your summer beach session without a Sky Surfing Adventure. Our experienced crew will treat your family to high-flying fun on a parasail tour over paradise that offers scenic views, thrilling marine friends, and lasting memories. Book your 2026 flight today to experience the beach from a bird’s eye view and see our coastal landscapes from a whole new angle.