Beyond the laid-back coastal vibe, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are home to vibrant hotspots for those who want to let loose and enjoy an energetic night out.
Are you one of those night owls? Then you're in the right place. In this blog, I've curated a list of the best nightlife spots in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, where you can expect nothing less than great music, friendly people, and superb drinks.
Take a quick look at what’s coming:
| Venue Name | Highlights |
| Flora-Bama | Iconic beach bar, all-day live music, Bushwackers, multiple stages |
| The Hangout Gulf Shores | Family-friendly by day, DJ sets and live music at night, beachfront vibe |
| Big Beach Brewing Company | Craft beers, laid-back setting, trivia nights, great for solo travelers |
| Island Time Daiquiris | Frozen daiquiris, big screens, live performances, casual vibe |
| Sandshaker at The Wharf | Bushwackers, karaoke, DJ nights, lively atmosphere |
| Lauria’s By the Beach | Creative cocktails, Mediterranean bites, relaxed evening spot |
| Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores | Multiple decks, waterfront views, coastal eats, live entertainment |
At Vacation Homes Collections, we offer a variety of holiday homes in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We're experts in the area, if I can say so myself, 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 dip your toes into some Southern night fun?
Nightlife Scene in Orange Beach, AL
1. The Wharf
The Wharf is a vibrant waterfront entertainment complex offering a mix of dining, shopping, recreational activities, and lively nightlife. Along this beloved destination, you’ll find a bustling marina and an amphitheater that hosts great live concerts—a perfect way to kick off your night out.
Top spots at The Wharf:
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Sandshaker: Try the original Bushwacker while singing your heart out during karaoke or dancing the night away to live music and DJ sets.
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Island Time Daiquiris: If you’re a daiquiri fan, this one’s for you! Enjoy refreshing drinks while taking in fantastic live performances or watching your favorite game on one of their big screens.
2. The Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar
Flora-Bama is an Orange Beach institution. Known for its lively atmosphere, all-day live music, diverse seafood menu, and relaxed, fun environment that captures the essence of coastal life, it’s a great spot for a night out. However, keep in mind that the bar doesn’t stay open very late, making it perfect for sunset drinks and early evening fun.
- Highlights: With multiple stages, each offering a different vibe, you can enjoy everything from country and Southern rock to blues and folk. Their bar menu is simply unbeatable—make sure to try their signature Bushwacker, margaritas, or piña coladas. They also offer a wide variety of beers and spirits.
3. Tiki & Raw Bar by Barometer
This is a trendy waterfront nightlife spot known for its laid-back, tropical vibe. Here, you can have dinner and indulge in a creative menu of fresh seafood, then enjoy the bar's tropical cocktails and refreshing drinks alongside excellent live entertainment.
Things get more lively toward the end of the day, with the combination of tiki-style decor and upbeat music offering a great setting to unwind with friends.
- Highlights: To fully enjoy their waterfront lounge, be sure to try their stellar drinks, including the Pain Killer, Tiki Rita, and Daiquiri.
4. 8 Reale
Here’s a hidden gem—literally! This elegant speakeasy, concealed behind a vault door, offers a unique night-out experience in Orange Beach. Beyond the superb cocktails, the bar’s atmosphere transports you to the days of Prohibition, but with a modern twist.
- Highlights: The relaxed and intimate setting is unbeatable—comfy couches, live piano music, stylish décor, and delicious classics like Espresso Martinis, Moscow Mules, and Cosmopolitans. If you enjoy surprises, go freestyle by telling the friendly bartenders your preferred base spirit and letting them work their magic.
- Heads Up: To enter the bar, you'll need a secret code. Keep an eye on their daily social media posts, where the code is usually hidden in the text, followed by a hashtag.
Want to make premium cigars part of your night out? Shore Thing Cigars is an easygoing cigar lounge and retail shop located at The Wharf, offering a unique and inviting atmosphere for cigar enthusiasts. Co-owned by country music star Luke Bryan, the venue exudes a cozy, coastal vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating, featuring filtered fresh air and a distinct lifestyle lounge.
- Highlights: The shop offers a well-curated selection of premium cigars, including well-known brands as well as boutique labels, ensuring a variety of options to suit your taste. You can enjoy your cigars alongside a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails.
Nightlife Scene in Gulf Shores, AL
6. The Hangout
The Hangout is a lively beachfront restaurant and entertainment venue known for its fun, family-friendly atmosphere during the day and vibrant nightlife scene after dark. With a great lineup of live music and DJs, it’s one of the best spots in town to infuse your night with coastal vibes.
- Highlights: The venue offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating, fire pits, and games like foosball and ping-pong, providing plenty of ways to enjoy a fun night out. Their drink menu features refreshing creations like the Blueberry Mojito, Peachy Beachy, Whiskey Mule, Frozen Margarita, and Alabama's classic Bushwacker.
Located in the heart of Gulf Shores, Big Beach Brewing Company is a beloved local gem known for its wide selection of craft beers—including IPAs, stouts, and seasonal brews—all served in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with a beachside vibe and occasional live music.
- Highlights: Be sure to try some of the menu standouts, such as the Hundred Daze IPA, Bahama Mama Tiki Sour, Hot Pink Lemonade Sour, Amy Honey Basil Wheat, and Rod's Reel Cream Ale. Keep an eye on their schedule for special events like trivia nights to add even more fun to your evening.
- Note: Even if you’re traveling solo, this community-focused brewery is an ideal spot to meet locals and possibly make new friends.
8. Cohiba Dunes Cigar Bar
Like Shore Thing Cigars in Orange Beach, Cohiba Dunes Cigar Bar is a must-visit spot for cigar enthusiasts traveling along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. This upscale venue offers a well-curated selection of premium cigars and a variety of drinks, including top-shelf spirits and craft cocktails, making your night out truly memorable.
- Highlights: With comfortable indoor seating featuring leather chairs and loveseats, the bar provides a more intimate experience, perfect for those seeking a break from noisy bars.
MudBugs Pub is a casual and lively spot that embodies Southern hospitality. Beyond a wide selection of beers, cocktails, and local bites, this local pub offers a friendly atmosphere and a fun-filled night with live music, karaoke, pool tables, and other competitive games.
- Highlights: MudBugs Pub features nine large TVs, allowing you to cheer on your team with the locals.
10. Icehouse Tap Room
Locally owned and operated in the heart of Gulf Shores, Icehouse Tap Room is a beer lover’s paradise. With 24 beers on tap, your night out will be filled with sours, stouts, porters, local brews, and a few everyday options.
- Highlights: After sunset, their deck overlooking the water transforms into a hotspot for those seeking superb drinks, beautiful vistas, and great live music. If you want to start early, make sure to catch the sunset—happy hour specials add to the experience. And if you need to fuel up before or during your night out, check out their menu featuring mouthwatering bites.
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 don’t just know where to find the best nightlife and local gems — we’re also 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!
