The Beautiful Gulf Coast: Things You Do Not Want to Miss In 2026
If you’re planning a trip to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores in 2026, you’re in for a year packed with sunshine, coastal charm, and experiences you truly don’t want to miss. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or flying solo, these spots will help you make the most of your time on the Gulf Coast.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Shipwreck Island Waterpark in Panama City Beach is a must for families! This 20-acre park features a massive wave pool, thrilling water slides, a relaxing lazy river, and a splash area for the little ones. Some of our favorite attractions include the Ocean Motion Wave Pool, White Knuckle River, Tree Top Drop, Pirates’ Plunge Racing Slide, and Raging Rapids.
WonderWorks
If you're looking for an amusement park for the mind then a visit to WonderWorks in Panama City Beach is a must! The upside-down building combines education and entertainment with more than 100 hands on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination. It's educated fun or the whole family!
GULF COAST ZOO
Start your adventure with a visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, a favorite for animal lovers of all ages. Known for its hands-on encounters and more than 500 animals, it’s a place where you can get up close with kangaroos, lemurs, and other fascinating creatures. It’s a perfect morning or afternoon stop, especially if you’re looking for something beyond the beach.
Next up is Adventure Island, a lively amusement center that brings out everyone’s playful side. From go-karts and bumper boats to glow-in-the-dark mini golf, it’s a great way to add a little adrenaline to your beach vacation. Kids love it, but honestly, adults have just as much fun.
If you’re craving even more thrills, The Track - Gulf Shores is another must-visit. With roller coasters, multiple go-kart tracks, and a huge arcade, it’s a classic vacation stop where you can let loose and enjoy some friendly competition.
No trip to the area is complete without a stroll through The Wharf. This open-air entertainment district has everything: shopping, dining, a marina, rides, and even an amphitheater that hosts major concerts. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an entire evening wandering, eating, and soaking in the atmosphere.
Of course, you can’t visit without spending time at the Beach. With its wide stretch of soft sand and clear water, it’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking a long walk along the shoreline. Sunrises and sunsets are especially magical on the Gulf Coast!
The Gulf Coast offers vacation fun in 2026 that you don’t want to miss. So, what are you waiting for? Book your vacation to the Gulf Coast and start your New Year off right!
Published on Friday, December 5, 2025