Explore Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Like a Local

May 4, 2026

Over the years, we’ve found that most travelers are looking for an authentic experience, the kind locals enjoy every day. After all, the best places and things to do usually come from firsthand experiences, not search results. That’s why we’re sharing how locals spend their time in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, so you can explore the area the way it’s meant to be enjoyed!

Jump to:

Coffee stops
Favorite beaches
Hiking and biking
Water activities
Local restaurants
Nightlife
Where to stay

Explore the Alabama Coast like a Native

Liquid Fuel to Start the Day

Drive through Beach Girl Coffee for hot, cold, and blended coffee drinks made to order. Kids will love the ‘fun and fruity blends’, including mango, banana, and orange dream, and you’ll appreciate the quick, friendly service. If you’ve got the time, Happy Pappy’s Coffeehouse is one of our favorites. Grab a table outside, order a cold brew or cappuccino, and dive into the avocado toast or a scone while mapping out your day!

Hit the Beach

The Alabama Gulf Coast stretches for miles, so popular beaches can sometimes be crowded with limited parking. Locals head for quieter spots in the sand, like Alabama Point East, where you’ll find a beautiful beach with easy access to restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas. Little Lagoon Pass Park is another option, with calm, shallow waters where kids love to play and explore.

Take on the Trails

With miles of walking and biking trails, it’s easy to switch things up and try a new route each day. A favorite among locals is the bike bath along Highway 182, especially West Beach Boulevard, where the ride rewards with great views, beautiful homes, and a few tempting stops along the way!

With multiple entry points and miles of scenic paths, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is an absolute must. Rent a bike, join a Segway tour, or wander on foot, and be sure to stop by the butterfly garden (the kids will love it!). Start near Woodside Restaurant, then circle back for a delicious meal, a craft brew, and a few lawn games like cornhole or ping-pong.

Make a Splash on the Waterways

Prefer to spend the afternoon on the water? Locals often head to Robinson Island, a go-to destination in Orange Beach for boating, exploring, and spotting dolphins. Rent a jet ski, cruise around, or check out the island’s bird nesting areas. Perdido Pass offers plenty to do, from snorkeling to fishing to simply watching the boats move through the channel between the Gulf and the Bay. Lake Shelby is yet another option. Paddleboard or kayak across calm waters, launch from multiple locations, and take in Gulf State Park at your own speed!

Dive into Coastal Cuisine

You’re bound to have an appetite after a day in the sun and will need to replenish those lost stores of energy. You won’t go wrong with Moe’s for traditional southern barbecue, along with finger foods, loaded spuds, and a mix of barbecue platters. If a relaxed, open-air environment on the water is more your speed, The Gulf checks every box. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail, mahi-mahi tacos, and gorgeous views. The Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar is another local favorite specializing in oysters, pasta, gumbo, and steak. For upscale dining, Big Fish Restaurant offers an elegant atmosphere, the day’s freshest catch, and a great wine selection!

Scout the Local Nightlife

Wrap up the day with a cocktail and a little dancing as the sun sinks into the horizon! Pleasure Island Tiki Bar, overlooking Terry Cove in Orange Beach, offers specialty drinks, a great atmosphere, and local musicians who know how to get the party started. Island Time Daiquiris offers more than just New Orleans-style daiquiris in nine different flavors; beer, wine, and liquor are also available. Select your favorite and catch a game on the flat-screen TVs. And if you’re more into picking a song on a jukebox and cueing up your pool stick, the Cove Bar and Grill is a fun spot with late-night snacks and live music on the weekends.

Stay Local with Kaiser Vacation Rentals

After years of living and working on the Alabama Gulf Coast, we’re here to help you find the right place and point you towards the best local experiences. Settle into a luxury vacation home on or near the beach with plenty of space for your whole crew!

Explore Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Like a Local