5 Hidden Gems In Gulf Shores To Explore Over Spring Break -

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School’s out of session for a week, and spring break is an excellent time for the family to exchange books for beaches. Recoup and recharge on a refreshing trip to the family-friendly shores of Alabama beaches.

While the sugary sands of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach may demand the majority of your attention, we have highlighted a few hidden gems worth exploring during your visit.

We want to thank Visit Alabama Beaches for sponsoring this post to help inspire your next beach vacation.

Orange Beach Waterfront Park

If you are traveling with younger children, head to the Orange Beach Waterfront Park for one of the best playgrounds in the area. Located on scenic Wolf Bay, this beautiful park offers a fenced-in, mulch-free playground with multiple play structures.

The newly built Waterfront Pier is now open after being severely damaged by Hurricane Sally. Catch the breeze on one of the swings overlooking the bay, stroll along the walking path, or pack a picnic to catch the sunset over the bay.

Fort Morgan

Roughly a half-hour drive from Gulf Shores, guests can visit historic Fort Morgan.

The Fort Morgan Historical Site is a hidden gem that has stood guard over Mobile Bay for over a century. The fort played a vital room in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August of 1864 and was used by the armed forces up until the end of World War II. German U-boats were operating in the Gulf during World War II, with constant sighting and debris washing ashore.

Step into Fort Morgan for a self-guided tour.

The garrison was active in patrols and debris removal. In 1944, the garrison was removed, and the fort was turned over to the state of Alabama and deemed a historical site. A self-guided tour takes guests through the fort’s history and the grounds. Text panels are located throughout the park and are packed with interesting tidbits.

Visitors can now spend hours exploring the fort, beaches, a wooded natural area, and marshes around it. Birding is a popular activity, as many species migrate through the area. Stop by the museum to see relics and artifacts that bring the fort’s stories to life and get a glimpse into what life there was like.

Pirate Island Adventure Golf

Set sail on the most thrilling mini-golf adventure in Gulf Shores! Pirate Island Adventure Golf is packed with swashbuckling fun.

Tip: Take the Captain Kidd Course to putt your way through the pirate ship and the cave! I felt this course included more pirate scenes and was more interactive.

Do An Animal Adventure At The Gulf Coast Zoo

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is one of the best things to do in Gulf Shores. However, many guests are unaware that it offers incredible animal experiences. Guests can go behind the scenes with sloths, spend time with a family of lemurs, or feed a giraffe an afternoon snack.

Booking An Animal Adventure

Each animal adventure ticket (Lemur and Sloth) is $24.95 per person (as of 2026), in addition to regular paid zoo admission. Tickets can be purchased in the park on the day of your visit. No reservations are made, and adventures are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Giraffe Feeding at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

Giraffe Feeding is appropriate for all ages. Each encounter ticket is $5 per person, in addition to regular paid zoo admission. Tickets can be purchased in the park during feeding times. Parents may enter the feeding station with their children to assist and take photos for free. Regardless of age, a ticket is required to participate in the feeding. No reservations are needed.

Tip: The Lemur Adventure has a minimum age of 5 years, and children under 10 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Enroll in Sand Castle University

One of the best hidden gems in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a unique sandcastle-building class that offers families a hands-on, fun, educational experience that takes their sandcastle-building skills to the next level.

Discover hidden gems in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Sand Castle University offers a variety of classes for all skill levels. Beginners can start with Sand Castle 101 and then move to the more advanced class, Sand Castle 202. They also offer a sea creature creation course where you can make an Octopus, Crab, or Turtle.

One of the highlights of this experience is that Sand Castle University comes to you! When scheduling your class, you can pick the beach location. Whether at your beach condo, beach house, or public beach access within Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or Fort Morgan.

TIP: Classes are offered year-round and fill quickly during peak tourist season. I recommend booking your class before arriving. All weather decisions are made on the day of your booking. There is no fee if your instructor cancels your class due to the weather.

Need a few more hidden gems in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? We have identified a few additional unique activities you won’t want to miss.