Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Football season returns this weekend, bringing college and NFL games back to televisions across the country. In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, restaurants and sports bars are preparing for fans looking for a place to watch their favorite teams. From college football Saturdays to NFL Sundays, several local venues offer big screens, food, and game-day gatherings. Here are some places to catch the action this season:

Flora-Bama Ole River Grill

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.

The Hangout

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.

Coastal Orange Beach

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.

Portside at The Wharf

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.

The Sloop

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.

The Undertow

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.

Luna's Eat & Drink

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.