Whenever there’s a sporting event taking place in beautiful Orange Beach, Alabama, a city just an hour south of Mobile, it’s likely being held at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. That’s because this state-of-the-art sports complex is capable of accommodating a wide variety of sports, including baseball, softball, soccer, and football, as well as track and field.
In addition to its multitude of facilities, the Orange Beach Sportsplex further accommodates teams and their families by offering ample parking, onsite concessions, public restrooms, covered pavilions, and free Wi-Fi access.
By now you’re probably thinking that this sports complex couldn’t possibly get any better. Well, it does. Not only is the Orange Beach Sportsplex incredibly well-equipped, it’s also located right near many of the area’s most popular shopping, dining, and entertainment options. That means that within minutes, you and your team can go from being on the field at the Orange Beach Sportsplex to enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the city from the top of the Ferris Wheel at the Wharf, racing down the go-kart track at Adventure Island, or grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many great restaurants located nearby.
Be sure to take full advantage of the Orange Beach Sportsplex’s central location by venturing out and visiting as many of these fantastic attractions and eateries as you can during your stay.
Things to Do
The Wharf
There’s no shortage of things for you and your team to do at The Wharf, one of the Gulf Coast’s most lively entertainment destinations. There you’ll find dozens of locally-owned boutiques and one of a kind shops; restaurants ranging from fine dining establishments to casual eateries; a 15-screen, state-of-the-art movie theater; and more.
If you’re there during the evening, be sure to not miss SPECTRA, a sound and light spectacular that takes place multiple times throughout the night on The Wharf’s beautiful palm-lined Main Street. Other can’t miss experiences at The Wharf include an 18-hole miniature golf course and the iconic Ferris Wheel at the Wharf, which offers riders unforgettable views any time of day. 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Pepper Palace
Spice up your team’s trip to Orange Beach with a visit to Pepper Palace. Located at The Wharf, Pepper Palace is a gourmet food store that specializes in all things spicy, including hot sauce, salsa, barbecue sauces, seasonings, and more.
If you’re a heat junkie who likes to try before they buy, Pepper Palace features a sample bar containing over 200 samples, making it easy to find your favorite. Friendly, knowledgeable staff and their signature Wall of Flame challenge make Pepper Palace more than just a store; it’s an experience! 4725 Main St, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
If you and your team are looking to immerse yourselves in the abundant natural beauty of the Orange Beach area, you’ll definitely enjoy spending some time on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. Seven different trails comprise this sprawling, 15-mile trail complex.
These trails run through six distinct ecosystems, making it a great place for you and your team to get acquainted with the wildlife native to the area. Bobcats, white-tailed deer, and even alligators are just a few of the amazing creatures you’ll have a chance of seeing while you’re there, so be sure to pack your camera!
Guided eco-tours of the Backcountry Trail are available by reservation only. These tours last for approximately two hours and provide an informative overview of the trail complex’s ecosystems from the comfort of a covered electric cart. Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Orange Beach Waterfront Park
If you’re visiting the Orange Beach Sportsplex with a team of young children, bring them to Orange Beach Waterfront Park for an afternoon of outdoor fun. Featuring a lighted kids park complete with slides, swings, and climbing areas, your team is sure to feel right at home at this beautiful public park.
In addition to these kid-friendly amenities, Waterfront Park also features a fishing pier that extends out 400 feet over beautiful Wolf Bay, covered pavilions with seating, picnic shelters with grills, a paved walking path, and more. Before you go, don’t forget to take a souvenir photo of your team with Wolf Bay as the picture-perfect backdrop. 26425 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Adventure Island
After your team is done competing at the Orange Beach Sportsplex for the day, set a course for Adventure Island. There you’ll find something fun for everyone! During your visit to Adventure Island, you and your team can zoom around in go-karts, bash into one another in bumper boats, and get their game on in the laser tag arena.
For even more competitive fun, putt around on one of Adventure Island’s two 18-hole miniature golf courses or step into the Alligator Arcade, which features over 100 video and redemption games that are sure to put your team’s skills to the test. The arcade also features a rock wall and roller coaster simulator, perfect for the thrill-seekers in your group.
Adventure Island also features plenty of kiddie rides for those too young to enjoy some of their more thrilling attractions. These include paddle boats, a teacup ride, the Frog Hopper, and even a miniature go-kart track! 24559 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
As one of the area’s most popular attractions, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a must-see during your team’s trip to the Orange Beach Sportsplex.
Founded in 1989 as the humble Zooland Animal Park, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has steadily expanded over the past few decades and now features over 500 exotic animals. Just some of the astounding creatures you’ll come across at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo include lions, leopards, tigers, wolves, bears, monkeys, and macaws.
In addition to their wide range of animal inhabitants, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo also features a petting zoo, animal encounters, and interactive animal shows that can all help to make your team’s visit to this charming local zoo even more special. 1204 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Gulf State Park
Offering two miles of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Gulf State Park is where Orange Beach locals go for a day of fun in the sun. Since it’s located just over a 20-minute drive from the Orange Beach Sportsplex, you’ll definitely want to do as the locals do and check out this popular state park for yourselves during your stay.
Pristine beaches aren’t all that Gulf State Park has to offer however. While you’re there, you and your team can also enjoy a championship golf course, tennis courts, hiking trails, a zip-line course, two playgrounds, and a fishing pier that extends over 1,500 feet into the Gulf. 20115 State Hwy 135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
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Places to Eat
Duck’s Diner
While at the Orange Beach Sportsplex, you and your team will be less than a mile away from Duck’s Diner, a quaint eatery beloved by Orange Beach locals. At Duck’s Diner, you and your team can enjoy down-home country cooking for breakfast, lunch, or if you’re visiting Duck’s Diner on the weekend, brunch.
For breakfast, Duck’s Diner serves all of the staples. Whether you’re looking to start your day with a hearty meal that could certainly hold you over until dinnertime, like country ham steak, corned beef hash, or a stack of three fluffy pancakes; or something on the lighter side, like old fashioned oatmeal topped with cinnamon and raisins, Duck’s Diner has got just what you’re looking for.
The lunch menu at Duck’s Diner also has a variety of options for you to choose from. On it you’ll find burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. In true southern fashion, the lunch menu at Duck’s Diner includes a meat and three section as well, with options like country fried steak, pork chops, turnip greens, and fried okra. 4560 Easy St, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar
After a big win at the Orange Beach Sportsplex, treat your team to a delicious meal at Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar. Located just a short, five-minute drive from the complex, Cosmo’s is the place to go if you’re in the mood for food that’s anything but ordinary.
The menu at Cosmo’s features a variety of modern interpretations on popular local staples and other classic southern dishes. For lunch, enjoy a crab cake sandwich served on a toasted sourdough bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and remoulade sauce or the Fish “Taco” Burrito, brimming with fried fresh Gulf fish, Jack and Cheddar cheese, red onion, tomato, lettuce, shredded cabbage, and cilantro lime aioli.
The dinner menu at Cosmo’s also includes many of their lunch menu offerings, along with other dishes like pork tenderloin and banana leaf-wrapped fish.
For any picky eaters that you might be dining with, Cosmo’s offers a kids’ menu with familiar favorites such as noodles with marinara sauce, hamburgers, and a choice of grilled or fried shrimp. 25753 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Rotolo’s Pizzeria
If there’s one kind of food that practically every kid enjoys, it’s pizza. That’s why Rotolo’s Pizzeria is such a fantastic place to dine at with your team during your visit to the Orange Beach Sportsplex.
At Rotolo’s, they serve a variety of specialty pies, ranging from more traditional offerings like the Meat Feast, topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, and Canadian bacon; to unconventional creations like the Bayou BBQ Chicken, which is topped with barbecue sauce, chicken, red onions, and Cheddar cheese. You can even have any of their pizzas made into a calzone, or if you’re feeling creative you can make your own by choosing from some of their many delicious toppings.
In addition to pizzas and calzones, Rotolo’s serves soups, salads, wings, wraps, sandwiches, and pasta dishes, as well as plenty of delicious appetizers and desserts. 25755 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Moe’s Original Bar B Que
Even before you walk through the door at Moe’s Original Bar B Que, you’ll be greeted by the aroma of meats smoking low and slow on homemade barrel pits in their smokehouse. That’s a sign that you’re in store for some real deal, authentic barbecue.
The meats they’re smoking at Moe’s include all of the classics: pulled pork, sausage, chicken, turkey, ribs, and even wings! Barbecue isn’t all they know how to do at Moe’s however. Their menu also features seafood dishes like fried catfish and shrimp, tasty appetizers, and quintessential southern side dishes like baked beans and potato salad. If you saved room for dessert, don’t leave without trying their decadent banana pudding! 25603 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
When the competition wraps up for the day at the Orange Beach Sportsplex, the real fun is just getting started since you’ll be just minutes from fun, kid-friendly attractions, pristine beaches, beautiful parks, great restaurants, and more. This makes it easy for you and your team to spend your downtime doing things that everyone will enjoy.
There’s really just one downside when it comes to traveling to Orange Beach; eventually your trip will have to come to an end. At least when it does, you and your team will return home with memories that you’ll all cherish for years to come.