Immerse yourself in a week-long adventure that combines history, fantasy, and luxury, all set against the stunning backdrop of the beach. From the educational programs at Gulf State Park to the exhilarating water sports at Flora-Bama Marina, each day brings a new opportunity to explore, learn, and unwind. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a foodie, a craft beer lover, or simply looking for a unique way to enjoy the beach, this week-long itinerary promises an unforgettable experience. So, let's dive into a week of exploration, relaxation, and fun under the sun.
Monday, July 31st - The Gulf State Park keeps their activities calendar busy with exciting programs to educate the town and its visitors. The Park has much to offer the nature explorer as well as indoor events in the nature center. Meeting for these activities will be at the Nature Center located within Gulf State Park Campground. At 9 AM weather permitting, naturalists will take to the trails to find hot spots for some of the unusual inhabitants of the park. The park is home to a number of creepy crawlies that serve a unique purpose for the environment. For one hour, attendees will get the chance to get up close and personal with these insects and learn about their purpose. After getting your hands in the dirt and a quick lunch break, guests can meet at 1 PM in the Nature Center and break from the heat for this one. Birds of prey are fierce hunters and often very elusive. The park's experts will allow participants to safely meet some of the rehabilitated birds of prey in house and learn a little about what makes them “so secretive as RADICAL RAPTORS!” It's rare to get a view of ‘birds of prey’ up close or have the opportunity to learn about them while observing them up close. This is a great way to end July and close out summer with an educational option for the day.
The Nature Center
22050 Campground Rd
Gulf Shores, AL 36561
Day-use visitors-
$2 entry fee per vehicle
Tuesday, August 1st - Pop into Zeke’s Landing Marina, home to the Gulf’s largest fishing fleet, offering fishing charters year round seven days a week except for Christmas and New Year’s. Zeke’s also has a restaurant which underwent some major cosmetic changes and reopened with a brand-new look in September 2022. The facility has indoor and outdoor seating and comes with relaxing waiting or lounging areas. Open daily at 11 AM with lunch and dinner menu options, a daily Chef’s special and local oysters. Recently reviewed on Google as one of the best restaurants in Orange Beach, the new look and vibe at Zeke’s restaurant is gaining popularity as a top lunch and dinner option with a waterfront view. Dress can be casual or dolled up for an evening of great food and photos at one of Orange Beach’s landmark locations.
Zeke’s Landing Marina - Zeke’s Restaurant
26619 Perdido Beach Blvd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 280- 8008
Wednesday, August 2nd - World Famous Flora-Bama doesn't just offer land locked on the line fun they take the line to the water or even the local islands. In 2022, they introduced the 12 passenger, 4 Verado 400 HP engine boat, “On The Line” to the marina’s array of water sport fun. Not only does this boat have the speed to insure guests the best amount of coverage for their ride, but it’s also Gulf and Back Bay functional. Cruise rates are for half and full-day options and does not include the Captain's fee. Make a statement by cruising around aboard one of the most noticeable vessels on the water. Double the fun by booking with Southern Charm Picnic Company and adding an island picnic. As you approach one of our back bay islands, you’ll find a cabana set up or beach picnic customized with a charming design complete for a memorable occasion. Make this a day full of striking views and pampered treatment that will have you feeling like you've been at an exotic far away resort. Relax and unwind and let “On The Line” and its crew take care of you and your friends or family.
Flora-Bama Marina
29603 Perdido Beach Blvd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(340) 227-8452 Captain Brent
https://www.fishflorabama.com/
Thursday, August 3rd - Attention all hops lovers and no, we aren't talking about the hops in bunnies. Today for craft beer lovers it's all about the hops in Indian Pale Ale, better known as IPA. This universal movement founded in 2011 by Ashley Routson was originally meant just for social media but has developed into a worldwide celebration that unites brewers and hoppy enthusiasts ensuing parties and themed events all over the globe. Luna’s Eat and Drink features 32 craft beers on tap, making it a must for anyone wishing to hop in to celebrate national IPA day. While there grab some southern goodness from the soulful menu options served Sunday -Thursday 11 AM- 9:30 PM and Friday and Saturday open until 10 PM with nightly live music.
Luna’s Eat and Drink
25689 Canal Rd. Ste. B
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 980-5862
Friday, August 4th - Try a different way to the beach while in town and spend the day at Avenue Pub. Located at Hudson’s Marina, the pub still has some original look of a handcrafted boating vessel after its storm remodel and includes indoor and outdoor seating. Each menu item is made fresh in house daily. Expect to walk past a wide range of herbs and veggies grown year round for that extra fresh taste bud experience. Games and beach chairs are provided and a little beach to take a break from the busy crowds. Soak up the sun during the day and hang around for an evening of spectacular lights beaming off the waters as you listen to live local tunes from various artists. The menu has everything from seafood to burgers and bar options both upstairs and down by the sand to save you some steps. Enjoy the sites, sounds and edible grounds of this tucked away pub and don’t forget to bring a towel for the beach.
Avenue Pub
4575 S Wilson Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 200-0205
https://www.avepub.com/orangebeachmenu
Saturday, August 5th - If you’ve been driving around town you’ve likely seen a slingshot car. Gulf Coast Rental Company has really stepped up their rental game with these Polaris Slingshot rentals. Sightseeing on the Gulf Coast is done best from an open air view and these three wheels exotic vehicles are just the right amount of air and siding for you to feel safe yet free on the open roads. A credit card deposit is taken the day of the rental and make sure to bring a valid driver's license. Motor explorers can choose from several rental period time lengths and all are picked up in Orange Beach. Cruise the streets in style and turn some heads as you travel from around making all your favorite stops along the way.
Gulf Coast Rental Company
25150 Canal Rd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 510 -7226
https://gulfcoastrentalco.com/
Sunday, August 6th - Worship on the Water, a true southern beach way of doing Sundays. Meet at 9 AM or 11 AM at the Flora-Bama tent stage and join the local bamily and visitors as they bring a message and worship to the sandy shores for a coastal experience unlike any other. After filling your inner cup you can scoot on over to the FB store and snag an official Flora-Bama insulated cup to fill up. The end of the season BOGO sale has started and comes in both 16 oz and 24 oz options. After that, enjoy a water view in the shade for lunch from the Flora-Bama Yacht club across the street, specializing in creative seafood dishes, cocktails and live music.
The Flora-Bama
17401 Perdido Key Dr.
Perdido Key, FL 32507
The Flora-Bama Yacht Club
17350 Perdido Key Dr.
Pensacola, FL 32507
https://www.florabamayachtclub.com/
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