The Wharf

Tourist attraction · Orange Beach

The Wharf

Tourist attraction · Orange Beach

1

23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

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The Wharf by Infatuation - Reviews
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Highlights

A lively waterfront area bursting with shops, a marina, restaurants, rides, and vibrant events, perfect for families and friends looking for fun.  

Featured in The Infatuation
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23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 Get directions

alwharf.com
@thewharfob

$$

Information

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23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 Get directions

+1 251 224 1000
alwharf.com
@thewharfob
𝕏
@TheWharfOB

$$

Features

restroom
parking free street
wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom
parking bike

Last updated

Mar 6, 2025

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@infatuation

"The Wharf is an outdoor bar on the Miami River that's just about always crowded. It feels closer to a day club than a chill happy hour spot, but it can be a good option if you're with a big, lively group who wants to drink. There are also food trucks here and stone crab claws from Garcia's during season. The Wharf does have a waterfront view, though it's certainly not the prettiest waterfront view in the city." - Ryan Pfeffer

The Wharf Review - Downtown - Miami - The Infatuation
View Postcard for The Wharf

Michael James

Google
We came to The Wharf to check out the Christmas lights and laser music show in the evening. Our family had such a great time. We rode the Ferris wheel, walked through many of the shops, ate dinner, and had ice cream while there. The laser light show was our favorite. What a cool show to witness. We would highly recommend to anyone looking for something fun to do away from the beach while on vacation.

mike hudak

Google
Freedom Festival was great! Lots of classic cars and jeeps. As well as Harley's! Vendors of all sorts. Games and fun for the kids as well.

Don Harris

Google
We just went on the dolphin cruise and it was beyond my expectations. I figured that we would see a couple of dolphins while out, but we saw dozens. It was a great experience and my wife and I will be going again. The screen shot of the video was the best one I could get. Highly recommend doing videos then you can pull pictures from that.

sonny S

Google
Nice little shopping area with a few restaurants to dine in. Fun for groups, families, or couples. There's a kids train that goes around the area. Unfortunately, it wasn't there after we had dinner. I recommend checking shop hours since a few of them close early in the night (6pm).

Lexi Hodges

Google
one of our favorite places to go in orange beach, great places to shop, great movie theater and amphitheater. fun for the whole family.

Faythe2Faythe

Google
Always a fun time! Love the light shows! Our favorite shop is the Southern Grind. Beautiful gifts, great food and the best coffee.

Clinton Sanchez

Google
It was really fun. We got there kinda late and things ended just as we were getting excited. But that's our fault.. The faris wheel was great, the little train was great. The short light show we saw before it stopped was great. We will definitely go earlier next time

koko& leah

Google
We went for New Year's Eve. They had a confetti drop at noon for the kids. Lots of photo ops, Lots of stores & boutiques. Some are pricey.

Kimberlee C.

Yelp
Beautiful area of Orange Beach with outdoor mall shopping, restaurants, a ferris wheel/movie theater and more! Gorgeous place.

Bart J.

Yelp
A pretty much all inclusive entertainment facility with shopping, eats, drinks, movies and concerts. Not to mention things for the kids like a Ferris wheel, train and arcade. We have pretty much taken advantage of all they offer and enjoyed many visits there. We love Island Daiquiri, southern Grind, Villagio, Red or White and have seen a few good shows at the Amphitheater too. It's a must visit when you are in the area.

Beth L.

Yelp
Lots of great shops. Everyone is super nice. I enjoyed the shopping. Easy going Monday!

Casey G.

Yelp
We had a great time at the Wharf! We were pleasantly surprised with the amount of parking. While here we grabbed some coffee at southern grind and saw a movie! Everyone was very kind when going into their shops. Everything seemed clean. We would definitely come back. All around good vibe with live music by the water.

Erica J.

Yelp
This downtown area was super cute and so many things to do. You can definitely tell this is a pretty new area with how clean and updated it is. There is also plenty parking so don't worry. We started off with a daiquiri and did some walking around and admired all the restaurants and shopping that's available. We did quite a bit of shopping while we were there. Some of the stores were very reasonable, and some of them had me choking on my daiquiri. If you're done with shopping, there's also a nice Marina with boats that you can take a nice stroll too. The downtown seemed to be very Dog friendly. If you are unsure about bringing your dog, I'm telling you right now that it won't be an issue. After spending quite a few hours shopping and just having a great time, we ended up at the Italian restaurant. Atmosphere was fantastic and we had such an amazing time. Overall, I would definitely make a stop here and take a long afternoon to enjoy this small downtown area.

LaFoy F.

Yelp
This is a great little mall. Lots of stores to choose. Great variety. Service depends on stores. Good value.

Charles P.

Yelp
Great food and customer service. Felt like the money I spent was well worth it. So much so, that I can't wait to visit again soon!

Preston

Yelp
Decent shopping center with an okay variety. Plenty of parking and never felt too crowded.

Keith P.

Yelp
The area is cool with lots of shops that are cool, but we came for the Ferris wheel. I was thoroughly disappointed. 8 bucks for 4 rotations per rider, and that included the loading part... what a ripoff! I wish the Ferris wheel had the own yelp, would have given 1 star. The stores is what saved the review for them.

Michelle K.

Yelp
I absolutely love the Wharf! So many good restaurants to choose from. Great shops and boutiques, live music in multiple bars. Since it's the only entertainment district in Orange Beach you can walk out with your drink of choice. A Ferris wheel, laser light shows nightly, concerts at the Amphitheater, a speak easy located inside a jewelry store, and I could keep going. I love watching the yachts go by and wondering what these people do for a living! My favorite place to stay in all of Orange Beach

Denise W.

Yelp
Excellent dinner as always. Excellent service as always. A very pleasant evening Visiting with friends from Chicago. Very cool light show with music. A lot of fun!

Larry J.

Yelp
No places with reasonable price on the strip. Absolutely piss poor selection of stores. No Nike, Under Armor, or Adidas. The only place we enjoyed was the self serve bar that's right at an entrance. The service there was great, that's about it. Will not be back unless I need to get away from my pain of a wife!

K G.

Yelp
The atmosphere is awesome. Lots of cool seating areas. Everything is go up and order and then go sit down. Watching all the boats was cool for the kids. Plenty of kid areas too to keep them entertained. Food tasted fresh. Bloody Mary was spicy but good!

Lillian C.

Yelp
All the stores were very nice and every person we met was very sweet. We enjoyed our visit and would definitely stop by again on another trip

Maria T.

Yelp
Still building. Very pretty establishment though. Plenty of parking. Lots of eateries are 21 over.

Bradey M.

Yelp
Cute area. It was clean. We came without wanting to shop so we walked around, found a coffee shop, and settled in for some people watching. We eventually stopped to eat @ the taco place (would not recommend). It was spring break- would've loved for the Ferris wheel to be open. I saw another review that they have kids night.. we'll definitely be back to take part in that if they host them this summer. It was a nice change of pace from the normal "beach life" around Gulf Shores. We'll be back for coffee & gelato. (:

Capi S.

Yelp
Nice high end shopping plaza with lots of restaurants. Covered parking and walk way makes for a nice day during rain. Was nice to be able to carry our open drinks as we looked in the windows.

Andrea D.

Yelp
My family and our friends went to this year's trunk or treat. They had some free things for the kids like the mechanical shark, jumping houses, and a cupcake walk. The Cupcakes were amazing. They were from Deep South Cake Company. I got the Caramel topping with vanilla cake and wow was it good. My friends and daughters also really enjoyed their cupcakes. I definitely recommend going to Deep South Cake Company and getting some of their treats. We then went to Vinnys Pizzaria for dinner as we waited for the line to go down. That worked out well.The pizza was really good. Finally, an establishment that is a good fit right there. The pizza slices are huge. It is decently priced. The Trank or Treat was different but the girls really enjoyed it. It was put on by The Island Church so it was very heavily religious themed. No big deal, just wasn't expecting that and had to register with them to do the trunk or treat. The Wharf had their lights going and christain music was playing. It had a fun atmosphere. The trunks were decorated well and the people were very friendly. We ended the night on the ferris wheel of course. It was fun looking g at everything going on.

Matt O.

Yelp
Shop Dine & Play at Orange Beach's premier attraction offering food, family & fun for locals, tourists or residents living at The Wharf. Experience enjoyments shopping at local or nationwide stores selling their best in goods & quality services. Hungry for more? Experience & enjoy 18 available dining options from Ginny Lane to Yoho Rum & Tacos serving up prime dishes, drinks & hospitality. Entertainment awaits fun seekers of all ages offering interactive entertainment at Breakout Orange Beach escape room Outer Limits VR & Arena The Next Level offering the latest arcade & tickets games. Enjoy spectator entertainment at The Wharf's 10,000 seat amphitheater featuring regional & national acts past to present year round or kenjoy a flick at AMC theater. Featuring the latest movies with state of the art sound & picture on 15 different screens. For info regarding Entertainment Shopping Dining & events. Go to http://www.alwharf.com/ Coming here on many occasions regardless of the time of day has been enjoyable. The shops light shows & dining has been my favorite experiences every time I have visited The Wharf. Shopping specialty shops like Pepper Palace or Gulf Coast House of Jerky is my highlight visiting here next to sampling moonshine at Kentucky Mist Distillery & Southern Grind Coffee House. Layouts landscaping & architecture is beautiful featuring a row of palm trees adorned with light for nightly lights show displays synched to music. Offering a range of dining experiences, there's something for everyone like Ginny Lane & Yo-Ho Rum Tacos which features patio dining areas offering waterfront views. I have not experienced the recessional activity of 18 hole mini golf or live acts from the Amphitheatre. One day I would love to enjoy both outdoor activities enjoying the wonderful weather Orange Beach offers. Enjoying SPECTRA's multiple laser light shows offered nightly at 8:30, 9:00 & 9:30. Seasonal times differ from current summer hours. Me & my family enjoyed the flashing light display that flashes syncing with music played & lights silhouettes projected on shops above while laser lights moving below & projecting themselves all over. My visits have been brief in the evening. There will be other visits. Me & my family will experience an all day outing posting additional reviews of other shops and amenities offered. The Amphitheater I hear is nice & would love enjoying a live performance. I am hoping you will enjoy shops and amenities offered & that you will enjoy your experience as much as I've enjoyed mine. Click links below for my past reviews of Ginny Lane & Pepper Palace. My Yelp Reviews Ginny Lane: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ginny-lane-bar-and-grill-orange-beach?hrid=URJUQAuYdSlZ7vgjq8dRvg&utm_source=ashare&ref=yelp-android Pepper Palace: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pepper-palace-orange-beach?hrid=f2ikqB5-Dg38hQHnB2u-dQ&utm_source=ashare&ref=yelp-android Be Sure to like on FB & Tell a Friend https://www.facebook.com/TheWharfOBA/

Kristy S.

Yelp
Not much stores or restaurants compared to most wharfs or boardwalks we've been to. Stores were pretty boring. None of the rides were running both days & nights we were there. Place is clean. Plenty of parking. Clean bathrooms. At night there's music and lights. It's nice but not much to do.

Emma W.

Yelp
Great place for families to hang out! Several places to shop and a mini amusement park for the little ones. At night, it's all lit up!

Seb A.

Yelp
This was a really nice area full of shopping stores, restaurants, lights, music, Ferris wheel and AMC theater. We went to Kilwins for ice cream and had a great time. It wasn't very busy at all and by 8-9pm the shopping area was dead. We went for spring break, maybe its busier and livelier in the summer time.

Darrell K.

Yelp
Awsome place!! The laser show, music, shops,and resturants made this stop a great one! We had a group that ranged from 4 years old to 50, everybody loved the Warf!

Robin M.

Yelp
Great place to visit. Plenty of shops, resturants, an AMC theatre and a Ferris wheel. There's also a dentist and an optometrist on location as well.

Dave O.

Yelp
This is definitely one of the stops we planned when we were looking at visiting the area and I must say it was a little disappointing, we visited late afternoon and we found the entire complex pretty much dead with very few people anywhere. This did make finding a parking space incredibly easy which was much appreciated since the Alabama sun was practically melting the asphalt. We started out riding the giant Ferris Wheel with no line we stepped right on the little glass enclosed gondola after purchasing our ticket for the three revolutions of fun - well maybe not so thrilling being the location lacks a view. I'm sorry to say we didn't experience the festive atmosphere we were expecting honestly it was about exciting as walking an indoor mall without air conditioning. The shops and restaurants were empty, but since we had already eaten there was no need to experience the fine dining offered here and we weren't shopping for a yacht so those brokerage firms offered nothing more than an interesting peek at what,was available via some photos and descriptions posted on their glass store fronts. It did appear the space is also used for some concerts, on this day they were setting up for a Thomas Rhett concert appearance but we only saw the event crew setting up with no sign of the country star. By the time we made the loop on foot I had seen enough so now I know what all the hype is about and I say that while yawning...

Jane G.

Yelp
The Wharf is a fun place to go for shopping, great restaurants, concerts or see a movie. My husband and I walked around the sidewalks for exercise and ended up with a ride on the Ferris wheel. Wow- what a view!! Be sure to take a ride and enjoy the sunset as we did on this visit.

Nicki K.

Yelp
The main reason for me to come to The Wharf is the ferris wheel!! It is a nice shopping area. Just a place for casual walk. You will see lots of restaurants and residential area at the end. There's a place for zip lining too. The ice skating rink is on the other side which we didn't look at. There's a cute little train for kids. Ferris Wheel is cheap, only $5/person. We went 5 times around. There's an AMC movie theater too! It is two stories but we didn't go on the second floor. Overall, had fun. 282/2019

Shashawn W.

Yelp
I was not really impressed with the Wharf. The line for the Ferris wheel was really long. Most of the shops did not allow drinks inside so we couldn't go in because we stopped at the coffee shop first. The arcade was old and didn't have too any games for fun. They were mostly ticket games. The mini golf was closed. This place was busy and I thought there'd be more things to do. They had laser tag and a selfie museum. Limited food choices but it's worth a short visit. Also there is a marina so you can check out the boats. The area lacks diversity so be mindful. Overall, I'm glad I saw it but not a place to revisit.

Barrett O.

Yelp
I am a disappointed that the really nice cigar bar didn't make it and I don't even smoke. But I had some very enjoyable cocktails there while enjoying some fantastic piano or relaxed jazz, but that's how it goes. There's some other pretty decent choices for grabbing a drink so there's that. Well as forThe Wharf it's a pretty nice place to go rain or shine with lots of reasons to make it a destination day and night. There's restaurants, an electic assortment of places to shop, an arcade, ferris wheel, marina and more plus be sure to check out the laser light show, fireworks and street party too, just check the Mullet or their website for times. Speaking of the ferris wheel, it's kinda sporadic for times of operation and it's shut down way too much but it's pretty cool when it's up and running. I've been here for shows like the Jimmy Buffet concert and it's nicely arranged with decent acoustics. Only down sides are the hike is a little bit much and I think a shuttle would be a nice touch when you're stuck in the boonies. Also big loss of a star because they don't have signs or any kind of numbering or section markers for your exit when leaving shows. My example is this, after one show it had started to put rain, that's a 50/50 proposition here, and when leaving in the dark everything looks the same. It's poorly lit, everything looks the same even if you are going out the wrong way and there is NOBODY around to even answer a question or possibly give some guidance, that's not cool and should be fixed. I hear the movie theater is quite nice and the convention center is well done. Plus check put the marina for dolphin cruises and water stuff. The parking situation is pretty darn good because you can do street parking, garage and lot parking which is pretty convenient. The shopping and dining can be a little expensive but the real estate here is gotta be super expensive but I really love the Pepper Place and House of Jerky and always leave with too much stuff. As for dining there's okay choices from the finer dining to just grabbing a burger or treating yourself to ice cream or the more decadent candy shop experience. I am not convinced that the owner/management is doing the best they can do with all the vacancies, turn over, ferris wheel down time and situation with the concert attendees/signage because it's a really great concept with a great location that needs some attention before it goes the way of the malls. They can do better and until then I am stuck on three stars. But I will still be coming for shows and shopping and you know, hanging out and digging the sunset on the deck.

Bob B.

Yelp
Lot of stores to pick from and new restraints starting up. Plenty of parking and friendly people.

Stephen J.

Yelp
We are at the beach on vacation and decide to drive out for something a little deferent. The award is a nice little shopping area with shops a theatre a Ferris wheel, restaurants and 2 churches ( go figure) The shops are nice but high end. The restaurants look good but we did not eat there. I only rate this as a three star because of high prices ( you can find things reasonably priced as well.) and for vacationers probably not the kind of shopping you may be looking for while at the beach. I would go back and try the restaurants if I were here longer. There is also a marina and hotel or condos. (I'm not sure which)

Miguel R.

Yelp
Wow what an amazing cute warf! I can't Believe I had t stopped by here before. They have cute shops and restaurants. You can walk along the harbor and see all the amazing yachts. The best part for me was the light show at 7pm that was patriotic! Gave me chills. America!! Just absolutely amazing light show. Definitely recommend this place. The entire light show was approximately 12 min. Just wow

Jana B.

Yelp
We love going to the wharf..we have eaten at Ginny Lanes looking out at the boats..the food was delicious..we have also gotten candy at the candy shoppe there just cant recall the name right now..They have a lot of stores ,huge ferris wheel and a theater..it is fun to walk around ..oh also had breakfast at the southern grind..

Brooke H.

Yelp
We enjoyed the Ferris wheel and the light show was pretty cute. However, we went on a Sunday late afternoon and almost everything was closed.

Lori W.

Yelp
The girl working the Ferris wheel was so unpleasant! I had 3 young children with me and she had NO personality! Will not be back!!!

Christina L.

Yelp
Such a fun escape. We did some great shopping. On a hot and humid summer night popping into the fun air-conditioned shops was a blessing. Shocked at how few store clerks did not wear masks or required shoppers to wear them.

Grace K.

Yelp
Fun little place to explore on a rainy day as there are a lot of shops/restaurants to look at. Kind of a let down for our family though, as a lot of people RAVED about how cool the place is. Maybe if we went when there was activities or a concert going on we would have been more impressed.

Michele S.

Yelp
Great atmosphere. Lots of neat one-of-a-kind shops. Villagio Grille was a lovely restaurant. Loved High Cotton Bath Company and The Southern Grind Coffee House. Neat light show also.

Tammy T.

Yelp
Great time by all Tuesday night is kids night Lots of free activities Stay for the light show The VR games are the best Everything is cleaned and sanitized between people Staff is very nice and explain everything

Nikki F.

Yelp
Visited for NYE 2018! Great atmosphere, family friendly, shopping, food, and entertainment! The whether was rainy so the kid activities were canceled but there is an indoor arcade that the kids enjoyed. Live band with great music. Nice fireworks show to bring the new year.

Kavindra W.

Yelp
We waited until sundown to take our visit because it was quite hot/humid today. Not as exciting as I thought it would be. There are several stores and food places to visit. Tuesday night is kids night so they have extra activities for kids like a bungee jump, bounce/slide, water slide, and face painting. The Ferris wheel ride ($8/person) was not bad. We waited about 30 minutes in line to ride. Salesperson and employees working the ride were really nice. The laser light show is probably exciting for kids 4 years old and younger. Neat but not an "ooohhhh ahhh" effect for me or the kids (6 year old & 10 year old). I did also intentionally go for the jerky store (separate review). Overall, it is likely more interesting when there are other events (concerts) at the amphitheater or marina.

Ashton G.

Yelp
I enjoy the Wharf for all its many food, shopping and entertainment options. Parking is great and easily accessible. There are many great restaurants and bars. They have great store fronts.

Ashley H.

Yelp
The Wharf could be a one stop vacation, or a great weekend destination! It sits on the intracoastal canal, and boasts a marina, several restaurants, clothing and gift shops, condominiums, an amphitheater, a movie theater, a pool or two, and the one of the tallest ferris wheels in the United States, standing at 112 feet tall. The ferris wheel is only $5 per person to ride. Parking is plentiful, with parking lots and a parking garage. If you go during the summer, be sure to catch the light show, which I believe begins around 8 pm. They play music and light the palm trees and ferris wheel in sync with the music. It's hard to name a favorite gift shop there, but I would say Fish On A Dish is my favorite. They sell a lot of cute, local art that would make the perfect souvenir to take home or to decorate your home at the beach. They carry really cute jewelry too! When it comes to the restaurants, it's a little harder to pick my favorite. I'd have to go with Southern Grind Coffee House. I don't drink coffee, but they have amazing ice cream! The place is also super cute! If you're going to be in Orange Beach, definitely stop by the Wharf. If you're a local, you might even consider going for a weekend getaway.

Bonnie C.

Yelp
My favorite shopping center by far. Best womens fashion and eclectic. Unique local art I've ever seen Especially the local are in the Shop downstairs called FISH ON A DISH! YOU MUST GO IN IF YOUR FROM OUT OF TOWN PURCHASE A ONE OF A KIND DRIFTWOOD PIECE MADE BY MYSELF Bonnie Collins!! Many other fabulous art finds there as well. The owner Sharon is always helpful if your having a hard time deciding.

Farah M.

Yelp
I may have been expecting more. This may be a good place to walk around when we're not in a pandemic, but the large crowds of maskless people was a bit jarring in March 2021. Most staff were not wearing masks either or enforcing them for customers indoors or outdoors. Pretty crowded as well. I would probably try to come back after the pandemic. For now, I would not recommend.

Michelle M.

Yelp
The Wharf is an excellent addition to Orange Beach, Alabama! (It's too bad it was built after I had already moved away from Pensacola!) This shopping plaza and marina features a selection of unique luxury boutiques, dining, and entertainment. There is fun for all ages at The Wharf including: a 15-screen movie theater, 112 foot tall ferris wheel, live music and The Wharf's 9,600 seat Amphitheater. Check out the event calendar for concert schedules and summer family events!

Kim R.

Yelp
This is a town center with two floors and it has an enormously wonderful ferris wheel at the center of attention. The ferris wheel looks more amazing at night. There is ample parking and a customed wrapped shuttle bus for lifts to and from remote parking. There is an amphitheater, shops, restaurants throughout and a circular bar tavern with a guitar hanging from the ceiling that's pretty cool. There is a hotel or condos adjacented and a very large AMC theater there also. More development is underway but the good times are still rolling. My rating is to be continued but for now a solid four stars is where I've landed.

Sonya V.

Yelp
The Warf always makes me happy! My memories are concerts, food events, beer tastings and shopping. I am spoiled with access to living quarters there so this is a bit biased. The addition of Red or Whine is a bane! The shops are diverse and each one worthy of a visit. If I go to the Wharf and don't leave with something then it must mean I am broke or depressed! From clothing to serving dishes you will find it. Many of the stores are dog friendly. I don't have one but sure do enjoy the shop dogs and those visiting. It is a nice touch. The lazy river at Ferris wheel are loads of fun. There are a few good restaurants and even a kinda cool cigar bar. Hope The Wharf makes you as happy as it does me.

Brian R.

Yelp
We were here for the Christmas Craft Show. It was ok but nothing to write home about. Somewhat small. We did purchase a couple of things and met some great people. I will say that the Christmas Bazar at St Lawrence Catholic Church as blown away all the shows we have been so since moving south. The Elberta Sausage Festival ranks up at the top as well. These two are my most favorite. Like I said in the past, the Wharf is what it is. Overpriced tourist trap. I hardly ever go here since there are so many other better options.