If you’re looking for a beautiful beach vacation destination, look no further than Orange Beach, Alabama. With its sugar-white sand beaches and turquoise waters, Orange Beach is a true paradise. And there’s plenty to do in addition to soaking up the sun.
Located on the Gulf of Mexico in Baldwin County, Orange Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers and fishermen alike. But what many visitors don’t know is that this area has a long and fascinating history. Let’s take a look at how Orange Beach came to be.
The first inhabitants of the Orange Beach area were Native Americans who lived in small villages along the shoreline. These tribes fished and hunted for their food. In the early 1600s, Spanish explorers arrived in the area and established a fort near modern-day Fort Morgan (a short 28-mile drive from Orange Beach).
In the late 1700s, French settlers began arriving in the area, drawn by reports of good fishing grounds. By 1800, there were several small settlements along the coast, including one called Orange Beach. The name “Orange” most likely came from the abundance of citrus trees in the area. In 1864, Union troops occupied Orange Beach during the Civil War in order to block Confederate shipping lanes.
After the war, the small settlements in Baldwin County slowly began to grow. In 1922, a bridge was built connecting Orange Beach to Gulf Shores, making it easier for people to travel between the two towns. In 1959, construction began on Perdido Pass, which links Orange Beach to Perdido Key, Florida.
Today, Orange Beach is a thriving community with a population of only 8,000 inhabitants, who enjoy entertaining the many visitors (up to 6.1M annually) who vacation in Alabama’s short shoreline of coastal towns.
Orange Beach might be best known as a popular vacation destination, but this coastal community has a long and interesting history. From its early days as a Native American fishing village to its role in the Civil War and beyond, Orange Beach has come a long way since its humble beginnings. The next time you’re enjoying a sunny day on the beach, take a moment to think about all the people who have called this place home over the centuries.
Located on the Portage Creek Intracoastal Waterway that connects Mobile Bay to Peridido Bay, this shopping and dining area features a wide variety of shops, a nightly laser light show, and a towering Ferris wheel with incredible views to take in. Visitors can enjoy live music at one of the many outdoor concert venues, throw axes at The Axe Hole, take in an escape room at Breakout Orange Beach, zip line, or stroll along the boardwalk. There is also a marina with slips available for rent, as well as a movie theater, and an amusement park. In addition, The Wharf hosts special events throughout the year such as concerts, festivals, and carnivals.
There are numerous lodging options available at The Wharf, including hotels, condos, and vacation rentals. Visitors can also take advantage of the many activities offered in the area, such as fishing, dolphin-watching cruises, and parasailing.
This state park is a nature lover’s paradise, and there’s plenty to see and do for everyone in the family. One of the best things about Gulf State Park Nature Center is that it gives you the chance to get up close and personal with some of Alabama’s native wildlife. The nature center is home to all sorts of animals, including owls, bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. You can even feed the ducks!
Gulf State Park Nature Center isn’t just a great place to commune with nature; it’s also a great place to learn about the history of the area. The nature center has exhibits on both the natural history of the gulf coast and the human history of the region. There are also interactive displays where you can learn about the park’s plants and animals.
One of the best ways to experience Gulf State Park Nature Center is by hiking one of its many trails. There are trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you want a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Gulf State Park Nature Center. Be sure to bring your camera; you never know when you’ll spot an animal or a breathtaking view!
This Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Gulf Coast. The museum chronicles the history of the Native American tribes that inhabited the area, as well as the European settlers who arrived later. Additionally, the museum showcases the unique cultures that developed as a result of the interaction between these two groups.
The museum is located in a converted church building dating back to 1892. The building was originally constructed by the United States government as a school for Native American children.
One of the most impressive aspects of the museum is its collection of more than 500 tribal masks from all over North America. These masks are used in ceremonial dances and have been passed down from generation to generation. The museum also has a large collection of baskets woven by Native American women from various tribes.
In addition to its collections, the Indian and Sea Museum also hosts regular events and programs. These include storytelling sessions, educational lectures, and musical performances.
Are you looking for a family-friendly activity that will get everyone out of the house? If so, look no further than Adventure Island in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Adventure Island is home to more than a dozen water slides, meaning there are plenty of thrills to be had. For those who are really looking to get their adrenaline pumping, try slides like the Raging Rapids or the Tantrum, which drops riders at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Don’t worry, there are also two kiddie slides for the little ones in your group.
In addition to its selection of water slides, Adventure Island also has a lazy river where you can float around and relax. There’s also a splash pad with dozens of spraying fountains perfect for cooling off on a hot day. And if you need a break from all the excitement, you can always take a stroll through the park’s serene butterfly garden.
No matter what your age or adventurousness level, you’re sure to have a great time at Adventure Island in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Travelers to Orange Beach, Alabama, have a wide variety of activities to choose from. One of the most popular tourist activities is taking a dolphin cruise or sunset sailboat cruise. These cruises offer visitors the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural habitat and enjoy the gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico as the sun sets.
Dolphin cruises are typically three hours long and depart from The Wharf in Orange Beach. The cruises take place on a large catamaran and include snacks and drinks. Visitors will have the opportunity to see dolphins up close and learn about them from the knowledgeable crew.
Sunset sailboat cruises depart from Perdido Pass Marina and are two hours long. Visitors will enjoy breathtaking views of the sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico while sipping on champagne or wine. The crew is very informative and will point out interesting sights along the way.
Both dolphin cruises and sunset sailboat cruises are great ways to spend an afternoon in Orange Beach, Alabama.
For centuries, people have been coming to Orange Beach, Alabama to fish. The abundant seafood and beautiful scenery make it a perfect place to cast a line. But it wasn’t always this way. In the early days of European settlement, the area was largely uninhabited due to the risk of disease from mosquitoes. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that people began to settle in Orange Beach, attracted by the possibilities of fishing and homesteading.
The first settlers in Orange Beach were mostly fishermen from Pensacola, Florida. They came in search of oysters, which were plentiful in the area. The first recorded commercial oyster harvest occurred in 1884 when 40,000 pounds of oysters were harvested. In 1886, 400 pounds of shrimp were caught and sold for $4 per gallon. This was just the beginning of the seafood industry in Orange Beach.
The seafood industry really took off in the early 1900s with the construction of a cannery on Fish River. This made it possible to preserve and ship seafood products all over the country. The cannery operated for several years before closing its doors in 1932 during the Great Depression.
After the cannery closed, many fishermen turned to shrimping as a way to make a living. During World War II, shrimping became even more important as a food source for troops stationed in nearby Mobile. After the war ended, tourism began to increase in Orange Beach. Fishing continued to be an important part of life for residents and a draw for visitors.
Today, Orange Beach is known for its abundant seafood and beautiful beaches. It is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts from all over the world.
No matter what type of vacation you’re looking for—relaxing on the beach, adrenalin-pumping adventure activities, fishing, or simply good food and shopping—you’ll find it in Orange Beach! So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
