Although the area is generously sprinkled with high-rise condos overlooking the beaches, there are still some small-town touches that survive — not the least of which are weddings still held within sight of the inlet. Orange Beach calls itself a “city,” but only sports a year ‘round population of about 10,000.

Encompassing villages like Cotton Bayou and Terry Cove, Orange Beach lays claim to being home to the largest charter-fishing fleet on the northern Gulf Coast. If you want to get in on the action, the Alabama Charter Fishing Association (4223 Orange Beach Blvd.; 251-981-2300) can set you up with a boat, captain and anything else you might need to make it a day (or two!) on the briny deep or in nearby back coves and bays. Many marinas are directly connected with the association.

If you’d rather eat seafood than catch it, make a beeline to the annual National Shrimp Festival, held for nearly 50 years in mid-October and centered on (but not limited to) the Gulf Shores Public Beach boardwalk. This four-day event showcases more than 200 artists and features musicians, shrimp feasts and recipes of every kind. Contact the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber (3150 Gulf Shores Parkway; 251-968-7200) in Gulf Shores for more details. The friendly folks here are generous with up-to-date local info on all sorts of events and subjects as well.

For a look at mariners of years past, visit the Gulf Shores Museum (244 W. 19th Ave.; 251-968-1473), across the street from the library in Gulf Shores. In addition to a video series depicting the maritime history of Mobile Bay, you’ll get an inside look at villages such as Pilot Town, located near the end of Fort Morgan Peninsula. Here lived bay pilots with their families, including sons who often followed in the footsteps of their fathers, assisting cargo vessels from the Mobile Bay entrance to ports farther up the bay.

We also recommend you drop in at the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum (25850 John M. Snook Drive; 251-981-8545), set in a former schoolhouse and focused on the area’s Native American and maritime heritage. If you have some extra time, check out the Coastal Arts Center (26389 Canal Road; 251-981-2787). Although a hike from the marinas, you can make your own pottery and blown glass  amid viewing what local artists have created.

There is a giant entertainment and dockage facility along Portage Creek near Statute Mile 158 called The Wharf (251-224-1000), where its scores of slips abut nonstop, resort-style entertainment. Kids of all ages can put down the smartphone and partake in miniature golf, movies, laser tag, food and wine festivals, live music and more. It also features national retailers, specialty stores and a bait and tackle shop. And there are accommodations here for your visitors, including a general pet-friendly policy.