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New openings, standout local eats, and the must-visit spots to get on the water: here's your 2026 Orange Beach cheat sheet for planning smarter days on Alabama's Gulf Coast.
Orange Beach in 2026 feels more exciting than ever. The core remains the same: direct beach access, great seafood, and family-friendly activities. However, new spots have been popping up, making this Alabama Gulf Coast destination even more appealing.
Coming back soon or planning your first visit? You're in the right place. Below, I've put together a list of what's new in Orange Beach to include in your itinerary, along with the all-time favorites you shouldn't leave without experiencing.
But before that, a quick hi from us:
At Vacation Homes Collections, your comfort and happiness are our top priorities. With a wide variety of holiday homes in Gulf Shores and amazing vacation rentals in Orange Beach, we've been creating dream vacations for years, ensuring you and your family have the best time possible.
As experts in the area, we're always sharing insider tips on our destination blog. There, you'll find tips on cultural attractions in Gulf Shores, family-friendly activities in Orange Beach, and a complete insider guide to both towns, plus Fort Morgan and Perdido Key.
What's New in Orange Beach (2026)
Most of the recent additions are concentrated around The Wharf, which continues to expand beyond shopping into a full activity and dining district. There are also a few practical additions like breakfast spots, casual dining, and new ways to get on the water.
New Openings and Experiences Worth Knowing
Portside at The Wharf
A new central gathering area featuring over 33,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space, along with a green open space and an outdoor stage for live music, movie nights, and seasonal events. Located within The Wharf, expect a mix of local boutiques, casual dining options, and a rotating schedule of events, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
Tee Off at The Wharf
This is a new, exciting spot combining dining and entertainment. Beyond serving comfort food, salads, bowls, and fresh seafood dishes, Tee Off features golf simulation games and a variety of other virtual sports, all powered by state-of-the-art technology. If you're traveling with little ones, this will definitely be a hit for both lunch and dinner.
Bagel Boy
Are you a bagel fan? Located at 3 Market Street, this new local bagel shop is perfect for a quick bite before hitting the beach or heading to other attractions in town. But there's a catch: its fresh, in-demand bagels usually sell out before 11 AM. If you get there in time, make sure to try crowd favorites like The Classic, Eh There Bud, Spicy Boy, Bite of the Chords, and Lox & Loaded
Nami Sushi
Nami is Orange Beach's newest Japanese restaurant, serving fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes like soba, udon, and bento boxes. The prices are reasonable for what you get, the staff is incredibly friendly, and their Spicy Tuna Roll, Sexy Beach Roll, Gulf Breeze Roll, and Hibachi Chicken are all standout options.
Beachside Circle Boats
Looking for a new way to explore Orange Beach's clear waters? Beachside Circle Boats rents small, easy-to-drive, eco-friendly circle boats that require no prior experience. They offer single- and double-seater options, along with add-ons to make your time on the water more comfortable and fun, such as coolers, floating chairs, mats, fishing poles, and even a doggie deck.
Gulf Babe Wine Boutique
Gulf Babe Wine Boutique is a new, female-led, pink-themed "women's sports bar" concept, something you don't really see in Orange Beach. Located in Portside at The Wharf, it mixes a wine bar setup with game-day energy, screening sports while keeping the menu lighter and more curated, with wines, cocktails, and charcuterie. It's a more relaxed, chill alternative to the typical sports bar, as it's smaller, a bit more polished, and boasts a charming pink-driven décor.
Where to Eat & Drink
Beyond the new spots in town you should include in your itinerary, there are those long-standing staples you can't skip. Here are our all-time go-tos:
Local Staples You Shouldn't Skip
- CoastAL: One of the most beloved spots in Orange Beach for coastal-inspired dishes featuring fresh Gulf seafood, seasonal offerings, and to-die-for desserts. The setting is also a big draw, as you'll enjoy it all while facing the blue waters of the beach and catching the ocean breeze. Some must-tries include Cajun Gulf Oysters, the Signature COASTAL Burger, Grilled Gulf Grouper, and, for a sweet ending, the Bushwacker Tiramisu.
- Another Broken Egg Cafe: Another well-loved spot for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, known for its diverse menu packed with Southern-inspired dishes and refreshing mimosas for brunch. The Cajun Shrimp & Crawfish Omelette, Crab Cake Benedict, Southern Breakfast Bowl, and Shrimp Benedict are some of the most popular items on the menu. For a sweet indulgence, try the Cinnamon Roll French Toast or the Bourbon Street Pancakes.
- Moe's Original BBQ: Serving authentic Alabama-style BBQ, slow-smoked meats, and classic Southern sides, Moe's is definitely a place you'll come back to if you're vacationing in Orange Beach. Why? The BBQ is simply perfection. You can't leave town without trying the pulled pork, smoked chicken, St. Louis-style ribs, and smoked wings. The standout food is paired with live music and a lively atmosphere where you can chat with locals and the friendly staff.
- Big Fish Restaurant & Bar: A go-to option for those looking for Asian-inspired seafood dishes, fresh sushi, and well-crafted cocktails. They also have lovely décor and a setting that works well for a cozy, more intimate dinner.
- Tiki & Raw Bar by Barometer: A visit to Tiki & Raw is always fun, whether you come for the super-fresh oysters and tuna or just for their tropical drinks served right on the water, with stunning views of Terry Cove.
Where to Play
The Wharf (Main Entertainment Hub)
When you think about entertainment in Orange Beach, there's no other answer than The Wharf. This is the place to go for anyone visiting town who wants to combine multiple activities in one place and experience OB's vibrant side at its best.
What you'll find:
- Local boutiques and specialty shops with unique souvenirs.
- Wide range of restaurants and bars for lunch, dinner, and nightlife.
- Mini-golf and movie theater for family fun.
- Arena the Next Level Arcade, featuring laser tag and interactive games.
- The tallest Ferris Wheel on the Gulf Coast.
- Marina departures for dolphin and sunset cruises.
Fat Daddy's Arcade
Fat Daddy's is a hit among families visiting OB, especially when the weather doesn't allow you to be outside. Here, you can forget about the inconvenience of rainy days and have a blast with a mix of classic and modern games like skee-ball, racing simulators, and many others. The best part? They have a prize redemption system, so you'll most likely leave with something fun.
Experiences With a Bit More Substance
Do you like to add a cultural and historical perspective to your trip? Make sure to include these two amazing places in your Orange Beach bucket list:
Orange Beach History Museum
The Orange Beach History Museum is compact, so you can fit it in as a quick visit, yet you'll leave with a fresh perspective on the city's history. Housed in a historic schoolhouse, the museum focuses on the area's fishing roots, local history, and development. You'll see items like a 500-year-old dugout canoe, WWII memorabilia, antique tools and documents, and more. Admission is free, and the staff is always happy to share extra information if you're a curious type.
Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
This is a fun place for checking out rotating exhibitions from local artists and engaging in hands-on experiences. Some of their most popular activities include glass-blowing demonstrations and pottery workshops. The waterfront setting overlooking Wolf Bay is also a great addition to any visit.
Nature & Outdoor Activities
This is where Orange Beach shines: the nature, crystal-clear waters, and soft sand that continue to attract and captivate visitors from all around, year after year.
The Essentials (Don't Skip These)
- Orange Beach Waterfront Park: Set along Wolf Bay, OB Beach Waterfront Park is home to walking paths, a fishing pier, and picnic shelters with grills. There's also a playground for kids, pet-friendly areas, and stunning sunset views. It's conveniently located next to the Coastal Arts Center, so you can pair both in one visit.
- Alabama Point East Beach: One of the best beach access points in Orange Beach, offering over 6,000 feet of wide shoreline, with boardwalks that take you through the dunes straight to the water. It's a great place for swimming, beachcombing, and picnics, and even on busier days, there's usually plenty of space to spread out, relax, and enjoy clear views of Perdido Pass Bridge and its surroundings.
- Shell Beach: This is one of the best alternatives for a quiet beach experience in Orange Beach. Shell Beach is a smaller, quieter stretch near Perdido Pass, known for great shelling opportunities and calm water. Visitors typically come here to walk along the shoreline, collect shells, watch boats passing through Perdido Pass, or spot marine life in the shallows.
Time to Make Your Way to Orange Beach!
If you're chasing sunshine, stunning views, and nonstop fun, the Gulf Coast will provide you with unforgettable experiences.
With years of experience in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we at Vacation Homes Collections are experts in crafting unforgettable experiences. 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!