From failed orange groves to goat-filled islands and record-breaking veggies, you're about to discover some fun tidbits about two of Alabama's most beloved destinations.
Ready to dive into some seriously cool fun facts about Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama?
Quick story: not too long ago, while planning a trip to the Smokies, I stumbled across a bunch of fun facts about the area—and it totally changed how I saw everything once I got there. It made the whole trip feel way more exciting.
So, I thought—why not do the same for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? Beyond stunning beaches, these sister cities are packed with quirky history, hidden gems, and some downright wild stories that'll make you say, "No way!
Below, I’ve rounded up some fun (and a little quirky) facts to help you see these two Alabama treasures with fresh eyes—and maybe a little extra appreciation too. 😉
Here's a little preview for you:
| Fun Fact | Highlight | Extra Info |
| Orange Beach's Name Origin | Early settlers tried to grow citrus trees—hence the name 'Orange Beach.' | Imagine citrus groves by the beach! |
| Goats and Pumas on Ono Island | Ono Island was once filled with goats and rumored pumas; now a luxury community. | Locals protested Florida’s claim—hence 'Ono Island.' |
| The 1906 Hurricane's Surprise | Hurricane enriched soil, leading to giant cabbages and sweet potatoes. | Storm minerals boosted crop growth big-time. |
| Fort Morgan Bought for a Bargain | Fort Morgan was purchased by the state in 1927 for just $8,000. | Now a historic Civil War site to explore. |
| Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Achievements | First brand-new U.S. zoo in 20+ years to earn ZAA accreditation. | Visitors can meet giraffes, sloths, and lemurs up close. |
| Walking on Quartz Crystal Beaches | The beaches' dazzling white sand comes from ancient Appalachian quartz crystals. | Walking on the sand feels like stepping on clouds! |
At Vacation Home Collection, your comfort and happiness are our top priorities. With a wide variety of properties, we've been creating dream vacations for years, ensuring you and your family have the best time ever. We're experts in the Gulf Coast, so be sure to check out our blog for tips on making the most of your trip. Whether you're looking for a guide to a great weekend or a bucket list of activities, we've got all in there.
Ready to get to the fun part? Let’s roll! ✌
Fun Facts About Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
1. Orange Beach's Name Origin
Orange Beach got its quirky name from an unusual source - citrus fruit! 🍊
Back in the day, locals decided to try their hand at growing oranges, satsumas, and grapefruit right along the sandy shores. They figured the warm, sunny climate would be perfect for cultivating these tangy treats.
Unfortunately, their agricultural experiment was short-lived. Turns out, the salty sea air and sandy soil weren't quite as hospitable to citrus trees as they'd hoped. Despite their best efforts, the groves didn't thrive and the citrus industry in Orange Beach never really took off.
But even though the orange trees didn't stick around, the name sure did! The town has been known as Orange Beach ever since, a nod to the early settlers' failed attempt at beachside farming.
Fun tip: The next time you visit Orange Beach, take a moment to imagine the landscape dotted with fruit trees while soaking up the sun on the pristine white sands. And maybe pack some OJ to sip on while you're at it - just don't expect it to be locally grown! 🤣
2. goats and Pumas once roamed Ono Island
Ono Island, the exclusive community off the coast of Orange Beach, has a fascinating history.
Back in the day, this 5.5-mile-long island was known as "Goat Island" because locals used to let their goats roam free there. In fact, at one point there were an estimated 2,000 to 5,000 goats grazing on the island! 🐐
During World War II, the Navy used the surrounding waters for target practice, so it was also called "Puma Island" due to rumors of pumas roaming around.
As for the name "Ono Island"? Legend has it that when Florida tried to claim the island, Alabama residents protested, saying "Oh no, this island belongs to us!" 🙅♂️ And thus, the name “Ono Island” was born.
Today, Ono Island is home to over 1,100 luxury properties, with some lots alone fetching $2 million or more. Not bad for a former goat hangout!
3. The 1906 Hurricane Left a Gift
The Hurricane of 1906 was a wild ride for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
This massive storm didn't just bring destruction - it also left behind a surprising gift. When the hurricane hit, it stirred up a bunch of minerals from the depths and scattered them all over the soil.
Farmers in the area couldn't believe their eyes when they saw what sprouted up afterwards. The cabbages grew to a whopping 15-20 pounds each! And the sweet potatoes? They got as big as buckets. 😮 🥔
It turns out all those extra minerals acted like a giant dose of fertilizer. The soil became insanely rich and fertile after the storm passed through. Suddenly, crops were growing like crazy in the hurricane's aftermath.
Fort Morgan, a historic gem on Alabama's Gulf Coast, was quite the bargain back in 1927 when the state snagged it for a mere $8,000. 💰
That's about $130,000 in today's dollars - still a steal for a fort that played a key role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War. It was here that Admiral David Farragut famously declared, "Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead!" as he led his fleet to victory against the Confederates.
5. The Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores is making history as the first brand-new zoo in the U.S. to earn accreditation from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) in over two decades. 🦒
This 25-acre animal paradise opened its doors in 2020, welcoming visitors to check out a diverse collection of more than 300 critters, including giraffes, baboons, lions, tigers, lemurs, sloths, alligators, and more. With a petting zoo, reptile house, aviary, and summer animal shows, there's no shortage of wild encounters for animal lovers of all ages.
But the coolest part? You can get up close and personal with some of the zoo's most fascinating residents through special Animal Adventures. Feed a giraffe, hang with a sloth, or let lemurs climb all over you.
6. Walking on quartz crystals
Ever wondered why the beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are so dazzlingly white? Well, buckle up for a sandy adventure through time as we explain this fun fact about Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
These pristine shores owe their brilliance to an unlikely source: the ancient Appalachian Mountains. Thousands of years ago, those majestic peaks were chock-full of quartz crystals. As nature worked its magic, these tiny gems embarked on an epic journey.
Rivers and streams became their highways, carrying the quartz bits all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. But the adventure didn't stop there. Once in the Gulf, these little rock stars got the ultimate makeover. The constant churn of water pulverized them into the superfine, powdery sand we see today. 😍
The result? Some of the whitest sand you'll find anywhere on Earth. It's so bright, you might need shades just to look at it! And let's talk about the texture - it's out of this world.
Walking on this stuff is like treading on clouds – it's that soft and smooth.
What is the Difference Between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores?
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are like beach besties, just 10 miles apart, but they've got their own vibes.
Gulf Shores is the livelier one, with more action and easier beach access for walkers. It's got a family-friendly feel and more coastline to explore.
Orange Beach is the chill cousin, quieter and a bit more upscale. It's perfect for a laid-back escape, but you might need to drive to hit the sand.
Gulf Shores takes the cake for kids! It's got a more lively vibe with tons of family-friendly attractions like mini-golf courses, arcades, and The Hangout.
The beaches are easier to access, even if you're not staying right on the water. Plus, there's more coastline to explore.
Orange Beach is quieter and more upscale, which might not be as exciting for the little ones. So if you're traveling with kids, Gulf Shores is probably your best bet.
Sure, you can definitely hit Orange Beach at night!
It's totally cool to take a moonlit stroll along the shore or just chill on the sand. Some folks even bring blankets for stargazing. 🤩
Just be aware of any local rules or beach closures. And don't forget a flashlight - it can get pretty dark out there!
Gulf Shores isn't a man-made beach - it's all natural. 😁
This Alabama gem boasts pristine white sand and emerald waters courtesy of Mother Nature herself. The beach is part of a barrier island system that's been shaped by wind and waves over thousands of years.
Wondering Where to Stay During Your Trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL?
With years of experience in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we at Vacation Homes Collections are experts in crafting unforgettable experiences.
Our, vacation rentals, ranging from beachfront homes to high-rise condos, provide the perfect home base for your next Alabama Gulf Coast getaway. When you stay with us, all you need to do is soak in the coastal beauty and let it whisk you away — because it surely will! ✨
