Saturday Activities

Experience Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

This is the place where Southern charm meets the Gulf and every sunrise offers a fresh take on fun. But Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is also a place that means business, with facilities that set the stage for successful gatherings of all kinds. This year, as the Alabama Governors Conference on Tourism takes its business to the beach, don’t worry, there is still much fun to be had!

The list is virtually endless of things to do in and around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. From exploring the area’s flora and fauna within Gulf State Park or Bon Secour National Wildlife to soft adventure like dolphin cruises or ziplining along the Intracoastal Waterway, coastal Alabama has some fun for everyone. And, of course, the beach is an excellent option to sit back and soak up the sun.

Here are some suggestions for enjoying some free time while you’re at the coast for the conference:

Enjoy 18 holes at Craft Farms, one of Gulf Shores’ premier golf resorts. The Arnold Palmer signature courses have long been favorites here and will of the coastal golf experience you’re looking for. Both 18-hole courses, Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend are located just minutes away from the beautiful white sand beaches and are considered two of the best public golf courses in the South.

For special pricing on August 15th rounds – $89 or $79 after 2 pm – call or email Marsha at 251-968-5339 or marsha.guyer@honoursgolf.com.

Elevate your beach vacation with one or more of our Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Signature Experiences. These unique, hands-on adventures delve into the history, culture, nature and cuisine of our area, and are sure to make your visit unforgettable. Choose from these great options:

Angler Academy — Angler Academy novice anglers of all ages the tools and rules of saltwater fishing before casting out into the Gulf from the 1,540-foot pier.

An Evening of Coastal Arts & Entertainment 

This evening will dazzle you with the variety of amazing work by local Alabama artists and the beauty of the setting at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. Artists will all be onsite demonstrating their craft, while the music of Roman Street fills the air, and the best of coastal cuisine is yours to enjoy. The beautiful art center’s campus overlooks scenic Wolf Bay and features a stunning 10,000-square-foot fine art gallery on the site of the original hotel in Orange Beach. (Historical elements collected from the hotel (columns, wood flooring, doors and windows) are featured in the new gallery.) It is adjacent to the Orange Beach Waterfront Park and is also home to The Hot Shop, Alabama’s premier hot glass studio, and the Clay Studio, both featuring resident artists at work. In addition to gallery’s displays of the work of dozens of regional artists including watercolorists, potters, painters, photographers, sculptors and textile artists, the gift shop will be open, as well. Our evening will include demonstrations of glass blowing, pottery making, lampworking and painting. Come enjoy the art, music, food, culture and beauty of an evening on the shores of Wolf Bay.

Bath Boldly – At High Cotton Bath & Body Company, visitors can customize and create their own bath, body, home or pet products using a wide array of chemical-free product bases.

Chef’s Table with David Pan – Classically trained Chef David Pan creates a multi-course signature dining experience just for your group.

Espionage at Mobile Point – The Escape Room at Historic Fort Morgan offers a historical challenge. Use your skills to discover clues enabling your escape before you’re charged with treason!

Fishing Aboard Reel Surprise – Embark on a fun-filled fishing experience on the Gulf with Reel Surprise Charters. Choose from either a four- or six-hour trip while an expert captain and crew provide you with the instructions, gear and equipment needed for a fun-filled, memorable day on the water.

Guided Pier Walk – Experience first-hand the unique biodiversity of the Gulf on a journey of discovery along Gulf State Park’s 1,540-foot pier. Your expert naturalists from Gulf State Park’s Nature Center will familiarize you with the pier, marine wildlife and the conservation efforts of the park.

Feed Your Soul and More

Of course, you’ll want to enjoy your favorite restaurant during your beach visit. But you’ll also want to check out the entire list of dining options while you’re here. There may just be a new spot vying for that special place in your heart!