Draft Picks: The Best Coastal Spots to Catch This Weekend's Football Kickoff
R. Peevy • August 28, 2026
Where to Tackle Game Day in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — The wait is finally over—football season officially kicks off this weekend! Whether you are a die-hard college football fan or ready to root for your favorite NFL team, there is nothing quite like matching the high energy of the game with the perfect coastal atmosphere. If you are looking for the best places in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area to catch all the touchdowns, deep passes, and game-day excitement, here is where you should be watching:
Located right on the water, this family-friendly Orange Beach favorite is a dream setup for sports fans. With an expansive open-air deck and plenty of big screens, you can easily keep your eyes on the game while enjoying scenic waterfront views. Their menu features incredible local seafood, burgers, po-boys, and desserts. Plus, if you are spending the morning on the water, you can pull your boat right up to their beach and walk up to grab a table and a cold drink.
Positioned right where Highway 59 meets the sand, this famous beachfront destination brings a massive dose of energy to game day. While the hourly foam parties and direct beach access keep the kids entertained, parents and groups can gather around their ample seating areas to watch the action. Fuel your game-day excitement with a classic Lifeguard Burger or one of their legendary Gulf Coast seafood boils, all while enjoying handcrafted cocktails and a high-energy party crew.
For a more upscale but laid-back waterfront experience, this spot sits directly on the sugar-white sands and offers beautiful beachfront views. You can start your game-day festivities early with their beachfront breakfast beginning daily at 8 AM, then transition to fresh local seafood and award-winning culinary dishes for lunch and dinner. The open-air Beach Bar features tropical cocktails and live music, making it the perfect spot to unwind and talk strategy between quarters.
As a brand-new open-air addition to Main Street at The Wharf in Orange Beach, this vibrant entertainment space is perfect for a lively game day. You can stroll through the local shops, grab a bite or a cold drink by the water at one of the Wharf's appetizing bars, and enjoy the breezy coastal atmosphere. After the game is over, stick around to celebrate your team's victory with a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel or experience the spectacular SPECTRA Laser Light Experience.
Self-described as Gulf Shores’ saltiest watering hole, this local pirate-themed dive bar is built for dedicated sports fans. They carry all of the major sports packages, ensuring you will not miss a single play, and host some of the best live music in the area. Come hungry, because their menu features homemade classics, most notably their famous Philly cheesesteak served on an authentic J.J. Cassone roll, cheesesteak egg rolls, and piled-high nachos.
For the ultimate local game-day experience, head straight to this local Orange Beach favorite, which features a massive big screen to catch all the football action. They offer fantastic game-day specials, including 20 wings for $18.50 and domestic beer buckets for $15. Pair that with their year-round, all-you-can-eat Saturday and Sunday shrimp boils from 2 PM to 7 PM, live music starting at 10 PM, and a kitchen open until 2 AM to satisfy your late-night post-game cravings.
This Orange Beach staple believes great food brings people together, making it an excellent spot for a game-day group gathering. Their menu is packed with fresh Gulf seafood and soulful Southern favorites like jambalaya mac-n-cheese and firecracker shrimp. Between the fun, relaxed atmosphere and convenient location right on Canal Road, it’s the perfect place to enjoy hospitality while catching a game. Plus, they offer a daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with specials on draft beer and appetizers to keep the game-day spirit going.
This fall, there is no need to choose between a beach getaway and cheering on your favorite team. Embracing autumn on the Gulf Coast means swapping crowded stadium parking lots for sugar-white sands, cool coastal breezes, and the laid-back rhythm of the beach. Combining the high-stakes excitement of football season with waterfront dining, fresh local seafood, and tropical drinks offers the ultimate game-day experience—where a critical fourth-down conversion is best celebrated with a scenic sunset view over the water.
Recent Posts
