Orange Beach Alabama, my second home. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Orange Beach, offers sugar white sands, beautiful beaches, great food, and entertainment. Today, I am partnering with Maho Shades to bring you the Orange Beach City Guide: local advice on where to stay, eat, drink, and what to do. Most importantly, I'll also include the ultimate packing guide for the OB! ...All in a pair of Mahos.
1. Stay
Currently my husband and I are living in small quaint neighborhood called Palm Harbor. Right Across from the Turquoise condominiums, where each house is a different color with its own personality. However, if we didn't already stay here while we are building a house, there are numerous inspiring places to stay for a mini vacay over the weekend or a long stay-cation visit.
This Beach house is just WOW. Located directly on the shores, Castle in the Sand is a brand new house that features a gulf side private heated pool, 5 private covered balconies on the south side of the home, and there are two additional private covered balconies on the north side of the home that offer incredible views of Ole River. We rented one side of this house for a photoshoot, but each side will accommodate 14-26 guests. You could rent both sides at one time for up to 52 guests! This could be one of the best values in the entire area. This interior is amazing and the views are even better. It's even a short walk to the Flora-Bama
These condos are located right across from our neighborhood. I get to see their magnificence of tall, soaring tower glass everyday. Once you step foot inside the Turquoise, you will automatically enter a world of luxury. Each unit is very spacious; which includes 3,4, and 5 bedroom ocean-front condominiums. What I love about this place the most is that each unit has a hot tub on the balcony. You can't beat that! Turquoise Place is a great escape from reality. Enjoy the very best of the Alabama Gulf Coast in a sea of Turquoise.
This hotel is BRAND NEW and just downright chic! The building features a wave like roof and is connected to the delicious Southern Grind Coffee House (which will be mentioned later in this post). Most of the hiking and biking trails are accessible right from the front door of the Indigo. The Indigo also has a full-time shuttle bus that goes back and forth from the State Park Pier. I love sitting at their swanky bar and having a cocktail.
What makes this gorgeous resort stand out is the lazy river and pool! Don't forget about the tennis courts, saunas and steam rooms, game room, private beach cart service, five star restaurant nearby-Cobalt, and much more. Not to mention, the Ole River sunset views are incredible from this location.
2. Eat
I LOVE Big Fish! This is one of my favorite eateries in Orange Beach. I come here for the amazing sushi rolls. The Lobster Roll and Red Dragon are the best. However, if you're craving either steak or seafood, they won't disappoint. For dessert, try the Key Lime Martini. It tastes just like your eating a bite of key lime pie. Don't forget to make reservations.
Did Someone say tacos? The Gulf serves some of the BEST fish and shrimp tacos. The grouper sandwich is also a hit as well. The dill sauce drizzled on top of the grouper is worth asking for extra! I almost forgot the most important part-the ambiance! This is hands down the coolest outdoor setting I've ever experienced. With a stunning view of the boats going by in the turquoise water leading into the pass, outdoor couches, teepees, picnic tables, twinkling lights, and more, you won't want to leave!
This is one of my favorite places to eat dinner. Dress casual. You can sit outside or inside, depending on your preference. The walls are filled wth colorful, beautiful art. Try my favorite, the Firecracker Shrimp. It's the most delectable appetizer- you won't want to share it with anyone. Tip: This place stays packed out during the summer months! Make reservations in advance.
Dine by the beauty of the the intercostal canal and enjoy a gorgeous sunset while sipping a martini, and snacking on a tuna stack. Made with the freshest pink aha tuna, sandwiched between crisp wontons & avocado slices, the tuna stack is my favorite appetizer here. Perched by the Perdido Bay Bridge, the views are sensational here. This is the custom coastal cuisine at it's finest. Ask for a window seat or sit outside by the live band.
Delicious donuts and coffee. What more could a breakfast ask for?
I ate breakfast here a couple of days ago and it was delicious! It was the best breakfast sandwich I've EVER had! Next on my list is the cinnamon roll breakfast sandwich. The coffee was great too. Stop by for lunch and grab a chicken salad wrap or some ice ream.
3. Do
Don't let this rather small town fool you. There are tons of things to do.
(My favorite on the "Do" list.) You can't beat the sugar white sands and the turquoise blue water. Crashing waves and catching rays should be the first thing on your list.
Ride the Flowrider!
Yoga on the beach! Enough Said.
Located at the Wharf. Make your very own customizable fragrance for bath and body products. They have 200 fragrances to choose from!!
4. Drink
To the nights we won't remember and the friends we'll never forget! You've heard about this place in famous songs, Kenny Chesney's Flora-Bama, JJ Grey and MoFro Florabama, Jimmy Buffett - Bama Breeze. The Flora-Bama is the home of THE bushwhacker. I can't say enough about this place. Only that I have had countless unforgettable memories here with my family and friends for years and years. Voted one of the world's best Beach Bars! Come in the A.M. and enjoy a burger, listen to local bands, and catch some rays on the deck. ...And when the sun goes down, the night heats up. Don't forget about the world famous Mullet Toss. It's the biggest and best beach party you'll ever attend. Why not throw a fish or two while your there? By the way, it was this past weekend!
Because the food is unbelievably delectable, Fisher's should be in the dine portion too. I LOVE their drinks and cocktails! This is a two story building. The top restaurant is fancy and the bottom restaurant is nice and casual. Try the Signature Margarita with the sea salty foam topping- delicious. With Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka, grapefruit-thyme soda, lime juice,lemon bitters, the Downrigger is also another fave of mine.
Getting Bushwhacked at Pirates Cove is what every summer needs. Ask for floater. You know you want one! P.S Most of my friends and I travel here by boat.
The best coffee on the beach! The Southern Grind Coffee House has two locations; one at Hotel Indigo, and one at The Wharf! They offer homemade pastries, amazing fresh breakfast, many choices of Gelato. The numerous flavors of gelato are AMAZING! They have wifi, and not to mention, they are pet friendly! For me to be able to bring my pup Oliver to coffee hour makes SGCH more than a Coffee House! I work on blog posts here all the time. Plus, you never know what unique array of gifts and home décor you will find in stores. The owners' hands on approach has earned them numerous awards and excellent reviews!
This vanilla bean bushwhacker rivals the Whacker from the Flora-Bama! Pull up by boat or car, both will do. Their seasonal drinks are wort a try as well, like the Mardi Gras bushwhacker. Laced with King Cake, it's to die for!
Have some cheese and prosciutto with your wine, red or white. They have all the finest. The pizza is satisfying as well.
This milkshake brings all the boys AND girls to the yard! You've never seen a milk shake like this before.
5. See
Bring the beach towels, beach chairs, sand toys and snacks. You may just stay all day and enjoy the waves, rays, and passing boats from the bay. Don't forget your Mahos for the catching rays part.
Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
This venue offers a cool rainy day venue with interactive arts and culture. Visit the gallery, the Hot Shop and the Clay Studio where you can see a demonstration or take a class. Pick out a piece of art work or make your own!
Take a rod and reel for some fun pier fishing. This pier has 2,448 feet of fishing space available along the rails plus the views are gorgeous! Cost varies.
6. Hang Out
Shop, dine, see a movie, go to a concert, walk the promenade, ride one of the South's largest ferris wheels, try your luck at putt-putt golf, catch a fishing charter, or see a fishing rodeo, it's literally ALL here! You can spend all day and night here and still have many things to do! I highly recommend the shopping scene! Maho can be found at the Shades store at the Wharf.
7. Pack
Swim suits
Beach Cover-ups
Shorts and Tank Tops
Sandals and Flip Flops
Beach Bag
Sun Hats
Beach Towels
Beach Chairs
Sunscreen
A good book or magazines- to read on the beach
Go-Pro/Camera
Pool Floats: AKA Giant Unicorns and Swans
Evening Wear: Wedges, Sundress, Dressy Jeans, Cute Tops & Blouses
Casual Wear: Romper, Maxi Dress, Casual Sundress, Light Jacket, Casual Blouses.
There are so many fun things to eat, see, and do here! I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed this City Guide post as we adventured though Orange Beach as much as we did! I am wearing the Maho Key West Rose, and the Maho Reykjavik 49Mm Polarized Round Sunglasses in Whisky. The beach definitely looks better through a pair of Mahos.
From my closet to yours, thanks for stopping by.
-Morrell
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