10 Best Things to Do in Gulf Shores After Dinner

A Gulf Shores sunset cruise can be a great way to complete your beach day by sailing the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly cruise or romantic dinner, you’ll find several companies offering scenic tours. While watching the golden sunset, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other marine life swimming beside your vessel. Don’t be surprised to see seagulls, ospreys, bald eagles, and other bird species flying alongside your boat, too.

For couples, a dinner cruise helps you unwind on the coastal waterways while the sun slowly fades away. Escaping the crowds on a private charter and sharing beautiful views of the white-sand beaches with your partner promises great memories.

The Wharf on Portage Creek offers nonstop entertainment to kick off your evening in Gulf Shores. Stroll around the waterfront area to shop at national brands and local businesses. Check the concert schedule at The Wharf Amphitheatre to see which touring bands are visiting the Gulf Coast. For a calmer vibe, chill at The Wharf Marina to watch the sunset and yachts cruising in the canal.

The Wharf’s Ferris wheel is among the tallest in the Southeast and illuminates beneath the night sky. To entertain the kids, play putt-putt at The Wharf Mini Golf or laser tag inside Arena The Next Level. Conclude your evening by witnessing the lights, lasers, and music of the nightly SPECTRA Laser Light Experience shows.

Flora-Bama gives you the unique opportunity to party in 2 states at once. Just a 20-minute drive from Gulf Shores, the beloved lounge has served refreshing bushwhackers and fried oysters for over 50 years. The honky-tonk entertains patrons with 5 stages for live music 365 days a year. Thousands of country, rock, and beach music artists perform each year at rowdy concerts on the beach.

Find a barstool at one of the beach-front bars at the lounge and watch boats sailing offshore. The marina lets you rent jet skis, pontoon boats, kayaks, and parasails for a pleasant evening on the water. If you’re still hungry, sail to the Flora-Bama Yacht Club to taste local seafood bites.

The Club at Live Bait is among the hottest nightclubs on the Alabama Gulf Coast and has regular wild events on its calendar. Connected to Live Bait Restaurant, the entertainment venue hosts energetic DJs, touring artists, and dance parties. After spending the day on the beach, Live Bait cools you off by blasting the air conditioning and serving refreshing drinks.

Grab seafood nachos or po' boys next door for energy before busting a move on the dance floor. You can sip your cocktail on the Tiki deck or find a souvenir in the gift shop. Live Bait also makes arrangements for private parties.

The Hangout Gulf Shores invites families with music, games, and shopping right on the beach. Just off Hwy 59, the restaurant offers full-service dining to satisfy your hunger before joining the fun outdoors. Let the kids burn off energy on the playground or tag along at the hourly foam parties. The courtyard includes a variety of games for all ages, like ping pong and Connect Four.

For something more physically active, soar on the bungee trampoline or let the kids jump in the sandpit. Live bands perform on stage outdoors, and a DJ entertains patrons indoors with interactive games. The establishment also includes a gift shop to find souvenirs and a fire pit to relax on the beach.

Lost Bay Helicopters lets you feel like a pilot and soar high above the Gulf Coast. The veteran-owned helicopter company offers scenic tours, flight training, and custom events that give riders heart-racing views of the white-sand beaches and turquoise waters below. Each pilot is experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable to provide an incredible ride for everyone in your group.

There are 8 flight options to choose from to ensure you get the most of your flying experience. Book the Sunset Tour for a romantic occasion or spot marine creatures on the Sea & Wildlife Tour. The Battle of Mobile Bay Tour is made for history buffs, and the Island View Tour flies above Gulf State Park.

The Gulf State Park Pier offers a relaxing change of pace for those searching for a quiet evening by the water. Stroll along the 1,540-ft pier for dramatic views of the coastline as you wait for the sunset. Before nightfall, search for sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and other incredible marine creatures swimming below.

As the largest pier on the Gulf of Mexico, there's lots of space to cast your reel. Night fishing is popular here, and there’s a nearby shop that sells bait and tackle. The pier provides fishing licenses on-site, wheelchair accessible rail fishing, picnic tables, and public bathrooms to accommodate visitors.  

Make reservations at the Sunset Cork Room for fine dining or superb wines and to spend a romantic evening with your partner. If you prefer a private, upscale dinner, the Cork Room staff offers a fancier atmosphere for your group. Whether you’re throwing a small party or hosting a wedding reception, this hidden gem gives you an alternative to the beach scene.

After winning over a dozen awards, the Cork Room’s wine list has built a notable reputation. The menu includes red wines, white wines, sparkling wines, and champagnes from celebrated regions across the globe. You’ll often find wines from California, Oregon, Italy, Spain, France, Australia, and Argentina.

The South Baldwin Community Theatre brings people of various backgrounds together to produce magical live productions. Operating for nearly 50 years, the non-profit organisation entertains locals with spirited plays throughout the year. The cosy venue gives everyone a comfortable seat to view the facial expressions of the performers.

The cast and crew rely on support from the entire Alabama Gulf Coast community to showcase their talents on stage. Audiences speak highly of the staff, and performers often treat guests to refreshments during intermission. The volunteer theatre gives many aspiring actors and actresses the chance to gain exposure in front of their friends, family, and visitors who love theatre.