Orange Beach, Alabama is nestled between Gulf Shores, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida and offers great resorts and attractions for family travel.
A recent trip revealed an abundance of eco-tourism options and the latest in luxurious beach dwellings.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Turquoise Place is the newest high-rise on Perdido Beach Boulevard. It is comprised of two, 370-foot “turquoise” glass towers housing 400 three- and four-bedroom condominiums. The three-bedroom condos average 2,300 square feet, so families will feel right at home with the spacious accommodations.
Other amenities include a full kitchen lavishly equipped with Wolf and Sub-Zero stainless steel appliances, a dining room that seats six-to-eight guests, a spacious den with a gas fireplace, and on each balcony a Jacuzzi hot tub and outdoor gas grill kitchen. Parents of young children will especially enjoy the fourth-floor recreation area, which includes an indoor pool with a swirl slide, an outdoor play system, and a lazy river.
FAMILY FUN
- The Wharf
- 4550 Main Street
- Orange Beach, AL
- 36561 877-942-7325
- www.thewharfal.com
Another fairly new addition to the area is The Wharf, a prime destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Entertainment options include the Southeast’s tallest Ferris Wheel, movie theaters, and a 10,000-seat amphitheater hosting top touring music groups.
Ferris Wheel at The Wharf
Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m.-8 p.m. Tickets are $4.
The Water Plunge at The Wharf
The Wharf’s newest entertainment attraction featuring The Hippo®, the world’s largest water slide, measuring 36 feet high, 47 feet wide, and 175 feet long. Tickets are $4.
ECO-TOURISM
- Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
- 251-981-1063
Hike, bike, or take the guided golf-cart tour to explore the trail one walked by the indigenous peoples of Gulf Shores.
- Gulf State Park
- 20115 State Hwy
- 135 Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- 800-ALA-PARK
- www.alapark.com
The park’s 6,500 acres of land includes 2.5 miles of beach, three freshwater lakes, a nationally recognized scenic nature trail, a beach pavilion, picnic area, and a campground.
- Sailaway Charters
- 251-974-5055
Take a 2-hour eco-tour through Longs Bayou and Wolf Bay with Capt. Skip. where you will see and learn about oysters, blue crabs, shrimp, and a variety of fish and birds in their natural habitat. Fun and informative. $25 per person with 6 passenger minimum.
