Exploring the Hidden Gems of Orange Beach: A Guide to Its Enchanting Islands

The Islands of Orange Beach, Alabama

Living in Orange Beach, I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by the serene beauty and rich history of our coastal islands. Each small island here holds a charm that adds to the tropical ambiance, making this place feel both timeless and alive with new stories. Having vacationed here my entire life and with family who called this area home, I am fortunate that Orange Beach is now my permanent residence.

Ono Island
The largest of these islands is Ono Island, nestled along Old River just north of Gulf Beach. Today, Ono Island is one of the most appealing destinations in Alabama, with exclusive homes, lush greenery, and a thriving community. It’s hard to believe that in the years before the 1960s, George Kee and his brother Harville raised around 5,000 goats here, living simply as bridge tenders and selling goats for milk, meat, and pasture. Sometimes, when I’m driving along Ono’s winding roads, lined with beautiful new homes, I try to imagine that earlier landscape. It’s incredible how far Ono has come from its humble beginnings, evolving into a place that truly feels like a hidden paradise. I invite you to take a drive through Ono Island with me in my video below, filmed in November 2024, to experience this transformation firsthand.

Watch my video to explore the beauty of Ono Island.

Terry Cove
Many of us who live here know the waters of Terry Cove well, a place steeped in history. It’s named for Captain George Terry, who frequently anchored his boat here in the late 1800s, eventually purchasing land in the area in 1879. Every time I pass through Terry Cove, I think about those early days when Captain Terry was here, laying the foundation for the community that would blossom around him. There’s something special about navigating these waters, knowing that generations before me have done the same, each leaving their own small mark on this beloved cove.

Rabbit Island (Gilchrist Island)
At the entrance to Cotton Bayou lies Rabbit Island, a small, mysterious island that many locals still refer to by its original name, even though it was renamed Gilchrist Island in 1980 in honor of Dr. Gilchrist of Mobile. I remember hearing it called Rabbit Island by so many who came to love its quiet beauty, and it feels nostalgic to see how that name has stuck, despite the official change. To this day, every time I pass by, I catch myself referring to it as Rabbit Island, like so many others who have come to cherish this area.

Bird Island
Just south of Robinson Island near Perdido Pass lies Bird Island, a small landmass created from dredge spoilage. Over time, Bird Island has become a favorite among boaters and picnickers, a perfect spot to anchor and spend a relaxing day by the water. I have many fond memories of quiet afternoons here, watching pelicans glide overhead and feeling like I’m in my own little sanctuary, just a short boat ride from home. It’s a small oasis that’s perfect for connecting with nature, away from the hustle and bustle.

Walker Cay
Finally, Walker Cay, a small island off Caswell near Burkart Point, has its own unique story. Named after the Walker family from nearby Caswell, Walker Cay was the setting for an amusing incident in 1920. Mr. Bill of Orange Beach and two companions drifted off course after engine trouble and ended up stranded on the island overnight. They didn’t realize that, through the fog, they were only 200 yards from the mainland. Every time I hear that story, I smile, thinking about how even the most experienced locals can sometimes find themselves a bit lost in this beautiful maze of islands.

These islands, each with its own story and character, contribute to what makes Orange Beach such a remarkable place. I’m grateful to call this coastal haven my home—a place filled with history, natural beauty, and a legacy that continues to inspire those of us who live here and those who visit.