Travel Guide: Orange Beach, Alabama
Everyone deserves a vacation, and a trip to the beach is just good for the soul. If you’re looking for an affordable destination, look no further than the sugar-white sandy beaches of Southern Alabama.
Orange Beach is aptly named for the beautiful orange groves that covered the area before brutal freezes destroyed them in the early 1900s. A boom of land and marine infrastructure following Hurricane Frederic in 1979 catapulted Orange Beach into the modern age. Nowadays, the beautiful beach town is known for its world-famous charter fishing and plethora of vacation accommodations.
My family comes here nearly every year, so I consider myself pretty well-versed in what the area has to offer. Whether you want to take the whole family on a fun summer getaway or take a romantic trip with your partner, Orange Beach has it all!
Where to stay?
Lodging in Orange Beach is predominantly full of company and privately-owned rental condominiums. However if you know where to look, you can snag a private house on the shoreline. I have a small family, so we primarily stay in condos when we come, but a lot of my friends with large families rent houses here, and they are just as stunning.
Eden condominiums
So, this resort isn’t technically in Orange Beach, but it is my absolute favorite place to stay. Situated in Perdido Key, just across the Florida state line, lies this gem of a property. Its unique architecture allows sweeping ocean views to every condominium in the building. The higher floors are situated where the balconies are both covered and not, allowing you to bask in the Florida sun right from your room. The pools here are top-notch. Their large area makes the pool never feel too crowded. If you find yourself seeking solace from the sun after a long day on the beach, you can swim underneath the waterfall for a hidden cave, perfect for the kiddos. This condo is about a 10-minute drive from Orange Beach, so you won’t even notice it’s technically in another state. You have to stay here at least once!
Phoenix
With an astounding 22 resorts under the Phoenix Resorts umbrella, you can find anything and everything you’re looking for. Depending on your preference or budget, you can find Phoenix properties scattered across the area, both beach and bayside. Phoenix West II is a big hit with families due to its large outdoor recreation area boasting water slides, splash pads, and a lazy river. If you're looking to stay on the bay, Phoenix on the Bay II is a beautiful property with stunning views of the Perdido Pass. It even has private boat slips if you want to bring your boat and check out the world-class fishing the area has to offer. My friends and I stayed in the Phoenix X, directly beside the Flora-Bama. I won't bore you with the details, but let’s just say I left without my brand new watch and my dignity. I hope the lucky lad who found it in the sand enjoyed it like I did. Needless to say, Phoenix X is a must-stay for the younger, rowdier crowds!
Rental Houses
Depending on the size of your party, renting a house might be the way to go. Most houses located directly on the beach boast bedrooms of 8 or more, so they are a real steal if splitting costs between several parties. If you aren’t determined to stay on the sand, you can find quaint little homes a little ways from the hustle and bustle. “Red White and Beach” House is just one example of the cute little houses just a short trek from the main strip. This house, featuring a personal fishing pier and a fully stocked kitchen, could be your home away from home. I’m already mentally planning on staying here on our next getaway!
Where to eat?
Orange Beach and the surrounding areas are home to some of the best seafood in the South, in my opinion. A favorite tradition among my family is having everyone choose a different restaurant, writing the names on little strips of paper, putting the names all in a hat and picking one each day of the trip! We look forward to it every year!
Cobalt, The Restaurant
My personal favorite establishment, and a big hit with everyone who has been there on my recommendation, is Cobalt, The Restaurant. Contemporary coastal cuisine is how they describe themselves on their website, and they truly deliver art on a plate right to your table. Whipped up by renowned chefs, their cuisine is fresh, authentic, and a little bourgeois. Come by land or sea and take in the best happy hour on the island under the beautiful Perdido Pass Bridge.
My suggestions:
App: You must try the very best oysters in town, go for the chargrilled garlic parmesan.
Entree: Bronzed gulf grouper served atop parmesan risotto and topped with blue crab is a meal you’ll dream about.
Dessert: Different varieties of bread pudding are baked fresh daily, all of which are simply divine.
Drink: Grab a bushwhacker, just trust me on this one.
Doc’s Seafood Shack and Oyster Bar
Have you ever wanted to try the best-fried shrimp in the entire civilized world? Well, look no further than Doc’s Seafood Shack. You’ll walk in clean and waddle out greasy from this landmark restaurant that has been serving the island for over 34 years. Their campy decor and authentic seafood shack feel will leave you wanting to come back time and time again. They also have a huge selection of tee shirts, so be sure to grab one on the way out to remember your trip.
My suggestions:
App: Their classic seafood gumbo is a southern staple.
Entree: You better come hungry if you try the Super Seafood Platter including shrimp, oysters, stuffed crab, fish filet, cole slaw, gumbo, and hushpuppies.
Dessert: Doc knows you won’t have any room left for dessert.
Drink: Try a twist on the classic, with their famous salted caramel bushwacker.
Big Mike’s Steakhouse
If seafood isn’t your thing, or you want to mix it up, escape the norm at Big Mike’s Steakhouse. Serving up classics and every cut of beef you can dream of, Big Mike’s is an American cuisine lover's dream. Don't worry; they still have an impressive collection of seafood in case everyone in your party isn't up for steak.
My suggestions:
App: Try their delicious chuckwagon cheese fries topped with angus beef con queso, green onions, and bacon crumbles, served with ranch dipping sauce.
Entree: Go all in, try The Big Mike, a 24 oz ribeye! If you’re not brave enough, they offer a smaller variety.
Dessert: You can’t go wrong with their warm bread pudding, served with delicious vanilla ice cream.
Drink: If you’re getting tired of bushwhackers (is that possible?), try one of Big Mike’s specialty frozen drinks from their ever changing bar menu.
Where to play?
This charming little town is home to some serious fun! If you’re tired of lying on the sand all day, head out to some of the world-class attractions the area has to offer.
Flora-Bama Marina & Watersports
Rent a pontoon boat or a couple of jet skis from Flora-Bama Marina & Watersports and spend some time cruising around the beautiful Ono Island. It’s been rumored that Jimmy Buffett, Reba McIntyre, Britney Spears, and Carrie Underwood have owned property here. Who knows who you might spot? Sightseeing here is my favorite activity, to my family’s dismay, but looking at crazy expensive real estate is one of my true loves in life.
Southern Rose Dolphin Cruise
The Southern Rose leaves Happy Harbor Marina daily and promises every passenger that they will see a dolphin, 100% guaranteed. They also offer sunset cruises with beautiful views during golden hour. The boat is outfitted with a snack bar offering traditional fare as well as mixed drinks. This attraction is my parents' favorite way to unwind after a long day on the beach. The cruise is relaxing enough for the adults but fun enough for the kids. Who doesn’t love seeing dolphins?
Pirate Ship Adventure
Yo ho! This fun-filled adventure takes off from Hudson Marina. You’ll get to live like real-life pirates for the day. Have fun hunting for treasure, scrubbing the deck, and fending off competing pirates! Adults and kids alike will love this swashbuckling adventure. This attraction was my son's absolute favorite; the actors really made him feel like part of the story and he still talks about it all the time. Be sure to bring your wallet for all the gift shop goodies afterward!
No matter where you choose to stay, eat, or play, Orange Beach is sure to be a memorable vacation for you and your family! You can spend as much or as little money as you want, and that’s what I love about the area. Orange Beach is truly accessible to everyone, offering both affordable and luxury accommodations. I hope you all visit my happy place; I would love to hear all about it! Enjoy, and thanks for being here!
