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Things to Do with a Group

Things to Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach with a Big Group (2026)

By Avara Stays · Updated October 23, 2026

Water slide at The Oasis at Orange Beach

Six outings that work for a family reunion or a big group in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, with each venue's group rules and the drive time from our homes.

The group discounts below start at 15 people at the zoo, Waterville USA and OWA. Most require you to book ahead and pay in one transaction, so pick one organizer and one card.

1. Gulf State Park Pier

The pier in Gulf State Park is 1,540 feet long, with 2,448 feet of fishing space, and it is open 24 hours a day. It has covered seating, a retail shop, rod and reel rentals, and wheelchair-accessible rail fishing.

From Dolphin View: 3.5 mi, about 9 min. From Oasis Unit 2201: 2.9 mi, about 6 min.

2. Bike the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

More than 28 miles of paved trails, 26 trails in all, wind through nine ecosystems inside Gulf State Park and connect Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The trail is open every day during daylight hours. Golf carts, Class 3 e-bikes and scooters are not allowed, the speed limit is 10 mph, and pets must be leashed. The Rosemary Dunes trailhead is at 24037 Perdido Beach Blvd in Orange Beach, close to The Oasis.

3. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

The zoo is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, with last entry at 3:30 PM. Groups of 15 or more get 15% off regular admission with a reservation at least 48 hours ahead. Giraffe feedings run 10 to 11 AM and 2 to 3 PM, and sloth and lemur encounters can be added to admission.

From Dolphin View: 7.3 mi, about 17 min. From Oasis Unit 2201: 9.0 mi, about 20 min.

4. Waterville USA

Waterville USA's waterpark has a wave pool, a lazy river, big slides, a mat racer and a FlowRider. Its group rate applies to groups buying 15 or more waterpark tickets with an advance reservation, made by 4 PM the day before your visit and paid in one transaction. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, spray sunscreen is prohibited, and children under 10 must be supervised by an adult.

From Dolphin View: 2.9 mi, about 7 min. From Oasis Unit 2201: 4.9 mi, about 11 min.

5. OWA and Tropic Falls (rainy-day pick)

Tropic Falls at OWA in Foley has an indoor water park under a convertible glass roof, with 75-foot-tall slides, plus a theme park with more than 23 rides and attractions. Groups of 15 or more get a discounted all-day ticket with free parking, and children 3 and under get in free with a ticketed adult. Group tickets must be booked at least 7 business days ahead and paid with one form of payment.

From Dolphin View: 12.6 mi, about 22 min. From Oasis Unit 2201: 14.2 mi, about 23 min.

6. The Ferris wheel at The Wharf

The Wharf in Orange Beach has a 112-foot Ferris wheel with 24 gondolas that holds up to 140 people, so a big group can ride at the same time. One gondola is wheelchair accessible. Tickets are listed at $8 per person, and children 1 and under ride free.

From Dolphin View: 8.1 mi, about 16 min. From Oasis Unit 2201: 7.7 mi, about 14 min.

7. A beach day that works for a crowd

Dolphin View A, Dolphin View B and the Beachfront Duplex open straight onto the beach, with a pool on the beach side of the house, so the group can split between sand and pool without packing the cars. Beach towels are provided. Rent chairs and umbrellas from Ike’s Beach Service, and read our beach rules guide before you set up a tent.

Drive times: Approximate driving distance and time with free-flowing traffic, from OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM), checked October 23, 2026. Summer weekends, spring break and the Highway 59 corridor can add a lot of time.

Quick answers

What can a big group do in Gulf Shores?

Popular options include Gulf State Park Pier, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Waterville USA, OWA's Tropic Falls in Foley and the Ferris wheel at The Wharf in Orange Beach.

Which Gulf Shores attractions have group discounts?

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (15% off for 15 or more with 48 hours' notice), Waterville USA (group rate for 15 or more tickets booked in advance) and OWA's Tropic Falls (group tickets for 15 or more, booked 7 business days ahead).

What is there to do in Gulf Shores when it rains?

Tropic Falls at OWA in Foley has an indoor water park under a convertible glass roof. Oasis Unit 2201's resort also has an indoor pool with hot tubs.

Stay with us

Our homes are owner-managed by Avara Stays and booked directly with the host:

Sources

Checked October 23, 2026. Rules, prices and hours change, so confirm with the venue before you go.