Orange Beach, Alabama

Inns, Lodges, Resorts

December 2024

By Polly Dean

Photos by Jimmy Jacobs

When you head to the Alabama Gulf Coast there is plenty of fly-fishing action for seatrout and redfish in particular. The stretch of shoreline from Gulf Shores over to Orange Beach lies at the center of this angling. And there’s no better site to headquarter your trip than The Wharf in Orange Beach.

While this resort offers luxury condos, and an assortment of amenities for the entire family, it also has an angling pedigree. Their 200-slip, full-service marina and The Wharf Store can handle any boating need. In May each year it hosts Orange Beach Billfish Classic, along with the Blue Marlin Grand Championship in July. Along with events in Biloxi, Mississippi and San Destin, Florida, those two tournaments are part of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship series that benefits St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

But you don’t have to be a blue water angler to enjoy The Wharf and its surrounding waters. There’s plenty of inshore action nearby as well. While you are pursuing that sport, the entertainment complex at The Wharf can keep the non-angling family members busy too.

The Wharf is a vacation destination in itself! They even have a ferris wheel. The Oasis Pool at the Wharf provides guests a taste of paradise featuring three pools including a zero-entry wave pool, a lagoon pool and a children’s pool. The Oasis also offers a lagoon pool, lazy river, waterfalls, whirlpool spa, sandy beaches, a hammock island with palm trees and a tiki bar with snacks, meals and cold beverages.

The Wharf entertainment complex.

More than 10 restaurants are in the The Wharf complex offering seafood, fine dining, ice cream, coffee and plenty more for satisfying any craving guests may have. Several feature large screen TVs where guests can view their favorite sports team and more. Of course, guests can have their condo stocked or supply their own favorite foods to prepare a fabulous meal in the comfort of their kitchen or on the grill of their private balcony.

A view to the marina from a private balcony.

Guests of The Wharf are convenient to the 10,000 seat Wharf Amphitheatre. It is an open-air venue that hosts top acts in a variety of music genres. Dwight Yoakam and Tyler Childers are just a sampling of the artists scheduled for 2025.

The large assortment of condos available will accommodate your family or group of any size. They vary from one to three bedrooms and specials are offered regularly. The rental management company is a family-owned, family-run business and has been the original condo management company for over 11 years. They offer onsite maintenance and housekeeping staff to maximize satisfaction and competency for owners and rental guests. . Detailed descriptions along with multiple photos of the units can be viewed on The Wharf’s website.

In addition to a place to stay, The Wharf is truly a destination to be enjoyed for days on end.