Things to Do at Night in Gulf Shores – Best Bars and Nightlife for a Chill Evening Out

Nightlife in Gulf Shores is something you might have seen portrayed on reality TV shows. But in real reality, Gulf Shores is a place where you can enjoy low-key hangout locations and sip some fantastic brews before returning to the comfort and tranquility of beachfront Gulf Shores rentals.

You do not have to be a spunky twenty-something to indulge, either. In fact, a lot of folks in their thirties and older love partaking in the nightlife! It is all part and parcel to a stay in Gulf Shores.

Check out all the cool hangout spots, where you can grab a great beer, and the best places to hear live music.

Is Gulf Shores a party beach?

Gulf Shores is so much more than just a party beach. MTV might have you thinking people just come here to get their drink on and behave wildly, but the majority of people who come here are looking for a relaxing coastal getaway, something that affords them a much-needed break from their lives back home. They also bring their children along because there are so many fantastic things for families to do in Gulf Shores!

The Gulf Shores beach rentals here are not party houses either. They are gorgeous homes that provide guests the peace and comfort they deserve. You can have fun at the bars and come home to mellow out in blissful peace. Have a dip in a soothing hot tub then crawl up to your king- or queen-size bed and enjoy a night of sound sleep.

Chill Hangout Spots

You can find a lot of laid-back spots to hang out and chat with friends over an adult beverage. Big Beach Brewing Company is open every day from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Their taproom is open-air and even has its own fireplace! Whether you are conducting a business meeting or just hanging with pals, this place has a relaxed atmosphere and 12 awesome taps available. Their specialty is their craft beer, and hey, if you want something non-alcoholic, you can delight in a Big Jerk Soda. Oh, and even though there is not a kitchen here, they are cool with you bringing in outside food or having it delivered there.

Fancy yourself to be a country guy or gal? Then head on over to Cowgirls Orange Beach, located on Main Street in Orange Beach (of course). Cowgirls has a huge party room that you can rent if you are hosting your own party, or you can just slip on your daisy dukes and join your gal pals (or guy pals) for a tasty drink and quick bite to eat.

Orange Beach’s Pleasure Island Tiki Bar is a super chill 1,600 square foot open-air bar that overlooks beautiful Terry Cove. It opens daily at 11:00 a.m., serving up drinks and food while boasting live entertainment. So, yes, you can enjoy the nightlife during the day if you are not a night owl!

Best Drinks

Getting wasted just seems like a waste sometimes, right? How can you truly enjoy a delicious drink when you’re just trying to party? That is not what Gulf Shores is all about anyway. If you are going to spend your hard-earned money on a drink, you want to delight in it. And you can definitely do that here.

Pleasure Island Tiki Bar has a drink called Sex in a Tiki! that totally puts any Sex on a Beach to shame. This drink is made from Absolute Vodka, Peach Schnapps, and Melon and Raspberry Liqueur. It gets topped with pineapple juice for that extra fruity flavor. It is hard to look at the menu and not want to try this drink that patrons love. Of course, they love all the drinks that Pleasure Island Tiki Bar has to offer. It is the perfect place to stop after going out for seafood.

The Shark Attack might sound like a scary drink, but it is actually kind of cute! The Hangout in Gulf Shores serves it up, and it is their signature drink. For $10, you can try this mixture of pineapple juice, Malibu Coconut Rum, and some grenadine for the coloring effect. The taste? Sweet. The experience? Sweeter. The Hangout is totally chill and serves up an array of other amazing drinks.

The Hurricane Grill in Orange Beach is a must-stop for those who love beer and wings. Although the Hurricane drink itself comes from New Orleans, this cocktail is renowned all over the south. The Tropical Hurricane you get here is mixed with orange juice, mango rum, and guava rum and adorned with fruit garnishes. For $10, you get one heck of a strong drink, so be sure to order some wings to fill your belly first!

Live Music

Gulf Shores nightlife is not complete without live music. And live music is what Mudbugs does best! Well, aside from its excellent customer service. Their bartenders are friendly and downright hilarious. They will make you feel welcome there regardless of your age. You are not just a patron there – you are family! You can play pool while listening to local musicians and bands jam out on the main stage. Have a few drinks, laugh, and enjoy your time at Mudbugs. Its “hole-in-the-wall” vibe is what draws people in and keeps them coming back for more. We are willing to bet you will return if you just give Mudbugs a chance.

There are other places where you can check out live music too. The Cove Bar and Grill has a relaxing atmosphere, and they typically open at 2:00 p.m. for early birds. Come in the evening to grab a drink and relax to the tunes provided by local musicians. It is a fun atmosphere where everyone can come enjoy the Gulf Shores nightlife. The music ranges in genres, and it is never so loud that it ruins your conversation.

Hot Spot Music and Grub on Wharf Parkway in Orange Beach is another favorite for live music. Happy Hour is actually Happy 7 Hours, and there are po’ boys to go around! Get a drink from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – there is no better way to get ready for a night out than to get a drink and listen to live local musicians at Hot Spot Music and Grub. After all, there is a reason why this place is called Hot Spot. Everyone ends up going there, whether it is for drinks, food, or to relax to some local music.