Two of Our Favorite Spots to Hang Out in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

When you're spending the day in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there are a few things that are non-negotiable atmosphere requirements:

A view of the Gulf
Fun and family-friendly vibe
Good food
Cold cocktails

With those items on our checklist, it's no surprise to those who've frequented these two Gulf Shores and Orange Beach hot spots that The Hangout and The Gulf are at the top our list of must-stop spots.

Hangout at The Hangout

The Hangout in Gulf Shores, AL restaurant

Like its name suggests, The Hangout is the ideal spot to spend an hour, a meal, or the day kicking back and enjoying gorgeous waterfront views, mouth-watering dishes, and fun for the whole family.

The Hangout prides itself in serving fun, fresh coastal seafood straight from the waters conveniently situated right behind the restaurant. Gulf Coast favorites, beach side burgers and daily blackboard specials are ready to be washed down with a signature mojito, a frozen drink from the Daiquiri Bar or a cold beer while chilling beach side in the courtyard, as the kids play in the sand pit or just enjoying one of the many attractions with your family & friends. Now it’s even easier to enjoy time at The Hangout with streamlined service coming from the newly renovated kitchen.

Are you Feeling the Vibe yet?

Taylor Hill FilmMagic

The Hangout in Gulf Shores, AL

If you haven’t caught on yet, The Hangout is all about FUN for the whole family. Games, dancing, music, contests and entertainment start early in the morning and don’t stop until closing at The Hangout. At the top of the hour, the foam machine revs up and kids (of all ages) run through an avalanche of foamy bubbles. There’s a gigantic sandbox with a tunnel, a fire pit, a giant shaka hand, a mermaid bar, collections of vintage lunchboxes, action figures, matchbox cars and Pez containers, and a 15 foot wishing wall where guests jot down their heart’s desire, roll them into scrolls, and cast them into the wall. You’ll also find hair braiding, temporary tattoos and bungee jumping. All that, and we haven’t even mentioned the foosball and ping pong tables, big screen sports and live DJ.

There’s Always Something

Besides the games, dancing, music, contests, and entertainment that start early in the morning and don’t stop until closing time, there are also events taking place throughout the year at The Hangout.

Hangout Music Fest in May

Pirates & Princesses Breakfast all summer long
Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Beer Weekend in November.

Plus other seasonal events like tailgate parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, Halloween happenings, and more!

But what about your event, you ask? The flexible floor plan and indoor/outdoor environment, along with a custom crafted food and beverage menu, allows The Hangout to accommodate events of all sizes, from intimate dinner parties, to full-scale weddings. Pssst...if you’re thinking about hosting your next event at The Hangout, please contact them via email at lee@thehangout.com

Get a Front-Row Seat to The Gulf of Mexico at The Gulf

View from The Gulf restaurant in Orange Beach, Alabama

If you’re able to drag yourself away from The Hangout during your visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast, be sure to check out their sister restaurant, The Gulf, which is a uniquely designed restaurant destination, serving locally inspired food and beverages in a beautiful waterfront setting. The daily changing food menu features Gulf-to-table food and the bar features locally brewed beer and craft cocktails.

The folks at The Gulf are passionately committed to offering the freshest, seasonal menus of locally focused ingredients, with a concentration on Gulf seafood and sourcing from neighboring regional farmers. The design is centered on shipping containers and includes recycled, reclaimed and salvaged building materials.

Here, it’s all about reclining with your toes in the sand, grabbing a seat at the bar or at a communal table, or meandering about, and enjoying the magical vibes, views and tunes. The Gulf is a casual and chic seaside hideaway that you don’t want to miss!