A Local's Guide to Orange Beach: Charter Fishing, Dolphin Cruises, and The Wharf

Orange Beach is the more resort-polished half of Alabama's Gulf Coast -- the deep-sea fishing capital of the region, a hub for dolphin cruises and on-the-water everything, and home to The Wharf, the area's big entertainment-and-dining complex. If Gulf Shores is the classic beach town, Orange Beach is where you go to get out on the water.

What is Orange Beach known for?

Charter fishing and the water. Orange Beach calls itself the Red Snapper Capital, and its marinas launch one of the largest charter fleets on the Gulf -- half-day bay trips to full-day deep-sea runs. It's also the home of The Wharf, a waterfront complex with shops, restaurants, a marina, and a big amphitheater, plus a busy calendar of dolphin and sunset cruises out on Perdido Pass and the back bays.

Things to do in Orange Beach

Book a fishing charter or a dolphin cruise -- that's the signature Orange Beach experience, and Zeke's Landing is one of the main marinas to launch from. Spend an evening at The Wharf, test your team at Breakout Games, or take the kids to Adventure Island for go-karts and rides. The beaches and back bays are the constant -- this is a get-on-the-water town.

Where to eat in Orange Beach

The seafood runs deep. Zeke's Restaurant and Cobalt the Restaurant at Perdido Pass are the waterfront favorites, The Gulf is the shipping-container beach bar everyone photographs, and the two Doc's Seafood spots are the local catch-of-the-day standbys. GTs On The Bay and Wolf Bay put you on the water, Big Mike's Steakhouse and Cosmo's cover dinner, and Brick & Spoon is the brunch pick.

When to go

Summer is peak beach-and-charter season -- book fishing and cruises well ahead. Spring and fall offer warm water with fewer crowds and excellent fishing, and the Blue Marlin Grand Championship in July is the marquee fishing event. Winter is quiet snowbird season.

Planning your visit

Orange Beach sits just east of Gulf Shores along the Alabama coast, with Perdido Key and the Florida line right next door. Charters and popular cruises sell out in summer, so reserve early. The Wharf is the easy rainy-day or evening anchor when you're off the sand.

The bottom line

Orange Beach is the Gulf Coast with its boat shoes on -- charter fishing, dolphin cruises, and a waterfront complex to land at when you're done. We surface what's worth the trip; you choose the boat. See what's on this week at the Lineup.