Orange Beach and Gulf Shores comprise a popular tourist area on Alabama's gulf coast. This area has grown rapidly over the years, playing host to increasing numbers of visitors. The demand for more and better amusements and amenities has resulted in a diverse assortment of restaurants, parks and other places to go to have a memorable vacation. There are plenty of things to do for those who live an active lifestyle, yet who understand and appreciate the sublime art of relaxation.
Tennis
For those who love to play tennis, the George C. Meyer Tennis Center in Gulf Shores provides indoor, outdoor, hard and soft courts. This extensive facility is open daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. and operates year-round. Soft courts require reservations a couple days prior to use, while the hard courts are available when not in use by city teams or tennis classes.
Fort Morgan
Follow Hwy 180 west for a hands-on visit to historic Fort Morgan. You don't stand behind velvet ropes, listening to the spiel of a tourist guide. At Fort Morgan you explore on your own. Wander through the cool, damp underground catacombs or climb the open stairs in the fort's inner yard. Gaze out over Mobile Bay, the waterway that this fort was built to protect. Kids enjoy having history come alive when they can touch a canon that was used in England during the War of the Roses before being installed at the fort. Bring a picnic basket and a Frisbee and make a day-long adventure.
Casual Biking
Beach biking appeals to many visitors as a quick way to get around a tourist area and as a way of getting a little exercise at the same time. If you want to explore your surroundings and enjoy the outdoors and sunshine, think about renting a beach bike. Beach Bike Rentals in Gulf Shores offers a three-speed bike, a cruiser, or for added whimsy, pick out a tandem bike. At Beach Bike Rentals, helmets and locks are included with the bike. Rent for a day or for a week and discover all the things you would otherwise miss when behind the wheel of your car.
Golfing
Golf lovers have two Arnold Palmer courses from which to choose at the Craft Farms Golf Resort. You have the choice of playing either the Cotton Creek course or the Cypress Bend course, or you can practice putting and driving in other designated areas. Take advantage of their golf instruction if you want professional help in improving your game. Before, between or after rounds, spend a little time socializing at the clubhouse where you will find the club's lounge, the Cotton Creek Grill and the Palmer Dining Room.
Water Parks
The Orange Beach/Gulf Shores area has two water parks and they're not just for kids. Waterville in Gulf Shores has a wave pool, water slide, lazy river, bouncy house and arcade, plus many more in-park attractions. Concessions of fast food and beverages are available, but if you prefer to leave the park for a meal, your hand can be stamped and you will be readmitted later in the day. At Adventure Island in Orange Beach you can marvel at a volcano built five stories high as an eruption is simulated. Go-karts and bumper boats will thrill the kids, as will the laser tag and the rock wall. Get the family involved in a game of mini-golf. There are also rides especially for the very little ones in your group.
Hiking
Hike through the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Orange Beach and commune with nature at the same time. See animals in their natural habitat. Consider taking a two-hour eco-tour to learn about the natural wildlife and vegetation in this area. If you decide to explore on your own, you will have access to interpretive signs along the way. Pets are allowed on this trail but must be leashed, and owners must clean up after them. The trail enforces a nonsmoking rule for the safety of visitors and the welfare of the animals and vegetation. Enjoy spotting and identifying all kinds of birds along the way when you hike the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. These trails are divided into individual loops. If your time is limited, you can follow one or two of the trails that are close to your accommodations, or you can plan to cover a series of the loops throughout your vacation.
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