13 Free Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Hiking & Biking

We tend to go on and on (and on and on) about this little nature gem, but the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is idea for running, walking, biking, cruising on a Segway, and taking in nature—all for free!

Get Back to Nature

Speaking of getting in touch with nature for free, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, plus fishing, canoe and kayak launching.

No Really, Get Back to Nature

And if that still doesn’t scratch your nature-loving itch, the 500+ acres of natural at Graham Creek Nature Preserve will surely do the trick.

Adventure Time

Get the whole family in on a modern day treasure hunt when you go Geocaching. Head to Geocaching.com for instructions on getting your adventure started.

It's a Bird!

If you’re into birding, discover the wonders of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. Stay in the Gulf Shores-Orange Beach loop, or venture out to the Eastern Shore, Mobile, or Bayou La Batre.

It's a Ship...and some planes! 

Explore two National Historic Landmarks, the WWII battleship USS ALABAMA and submarine USS DRUM at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. Visit their Aircraft Pavilion and see 25 historic planes and more. Warning: You will want to re-watch every war movie ever after your visit.

A Festival for Everything

Check out one of the many free festivals throughout the year. A few of our favorite freebies include:

  • The Annual National Shrimp Festival
  • Orange Beach Festival of Art
  • Orange Beach Freedom Fest
  • Mardi Gras Parades
  • Fishing Tournament Weigh-Ins

Dinosaurs (yes, you read that right)

Seeing dinosaurs on your beach vacation is totally normal, right? Down here it is. In Elberta near Barber Marina, you'll find a t-rex, triceratops, stegosaurus, and prehistoric replicas just hanging out in the woods (ya’ know… like dinosaurs do).

Alabama or England?

While you’re in Elberta, you’ll also find a replica of Stonehenge aptly dubbed Bamahenge… we don’t know why, but it’s there and it’s pretty awesome.

Museum Time

Get your learning free of charge at our local museums.

  • Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum
  • Holmes Medical Museum
  • Foley Model Train Exhibit
  • Gulf Shores Museum
  • Baldwin County Heritage Museum

Civil War History

Damn the Torpedoes! Full speed ahead! It’s a great battle cry and an even better story. Follow the Civil War Trail at become immersed in the Battle of Mobile Bay.

Performance in the Sky

Catch the Blue Angels by land or by water! The annual homecoming show is not to be missed, but locals know that watching their practices (typically on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from March to November) is just as magical.

Our Favorite Option (don't tell the others)

Go to the beach, of course! It’s our favorite on this list of free things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and one look at any of our 32 miles of sugar-white sands is plenty explanation as to why!