While a day spent on the gorgeous, white sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is always a day well spent, that’s not the only way to get outdoors and take in the natural beauty of the Alabama coast.
Whether you’re looking for a way to enjoy your favorite outdoor hobby, seeking a little bit of an adrenaline rush or just wanting to try something new, the Alabama Gulf Coast is filled with fun ways to get outside — no sand involved.
You can see the sights while ziplining 115 feet in the air, hit one of the dozens of scenic hiking and biking trails, take in coastal views from the green of a world-class golf course or even spot some local wildlife while cruising on a Segway.
In fact, the hardest part will not be finding a way to enjoy the coast away from the sand and surf. It will be deciding which outdoor adventure you want to do first.
Here is a look at eight great outdoor adventures on the Alabama coast (that aren’t just the beach).
Get some air at the Hummingbird Zipline Course at the Wharf
What could be more adventurous, and fun, than zipping through the open air up to 115 feet above the ground? Hummingbird Zipline Course at the Wharf, home to Alabama’s longest zipline course, offers more than 6,000 feet of ziplines that will give you pristine coastal wetlands views and a serious adrenaline rush.
Take a tour with Coastal Segway Adventures
Coastal Segway Adventures offers nature lovers a chance to experience the beautiful forests, sparkling lakes and mysterious swamps of Gulf State Park in a new way that’s exciting and relaxing. Never been on a Segway before? The two-hour guided tours start off with a lesson on how to operate one so you will feel like a pro before you even hit the trail.
Go for a ride with Beach Bike Rentals
If you are looking for a fun way to explore everything Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have to offer on your own, bicycles are the way to go. Beach Bike Rentals offers cruisers, tandems, adult trikes, children’s bikes, pull behinds and more so the whole family can take part in a little joy ride along any of the area’s scenic bike trails and to local attractions.
Get wild at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, now at its new location, is made up of 25 acres that are home to nearly 300 species of animals from all over the world. In addition to exploring the grounds to learn about the zoo’s inhabitants, you can also take part in unique fun-filled animal encounters, watch interactive animal shows, and enjoy a meal at the zoo’s on-site restaurant.
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Want to take in some fresh air and diverse scenery? The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, located inside Gulf State Park, offers seven trails making up 28 miles of paved paths in nine distinct ecosystems so you can enjoy all the natural beauty the area has to offer. Whether you do so while on a walk, run or bike ride is up to you.
Explore the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for native flora and fauna, which makes it an oasis for many calming outdoor activities like bird watching, fishing, kayaking and more. There are also four trails to explore as well as an observation tower that offers elevated view of Little Lagoon and Gator Lake.
Get on the green at world-class golf courses
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have no shortage of exquisitely designed, world-class golf courses that allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the coast while getting in 18 holes. No matter which of the 14 courses in and around the area you choose, it’ll be an ace way to spend the day.
Paddle it up on the Back Bay Blueway
Looking to get on the water for an afternoon? Check out the Back Bay Blueway, which offers a full tour through Coastal Alabama’s unique waterways and ecosystems. With 21 launch sites along four distinct trails, paddlers of all kinds can enjoy the waterways surrounding Gulf Shores and Orange Beach as well as Fort Morgan.
This story was sponsored by Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism.
