Plan Your Fall Vacation to Alabama Gulf Coast

Plan Your Fall Vacation to Alabama Gulf Coast

June 15, 2021

We may be biased, but fall in Gulf Shores is the best. As kids go back to school, crowds begin to dissipate and the weather starts to cool off just enough. There is plenty to do this time of the year, from celebrating Labor Day to getting out on the beautiful trails of the Alabama Coast, to the iconic Shrimp Festival. If you’re planning a vacation to Gulf Shores for fall, book your stay with us and plan your trip with the local experts. 

Labor Day 2021

Celebrate the unofficial end of summer with us in Gulf Shores. You can spend the weekend on the beaches of the Alabama Coast, visit family-friendly attractions, or experience all that The Wharf has to offer. There are so many great things to do in Gulf Shores AL in September, and it all starts with Labor Day weekend!

Spend Saturday, September 4 at OWAwhere you can experience the Legends in Concerts all day long and the Labor Day Celebration Fireworks at night. Live music gets going at 4 pm with tributes to Elvis Presley, Jimmy Buffet, Carrie Underwood, and Stevie Wonder. Fireworks start at 8:45 pm and are paired with patriotic music.

Things to do in Fall in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Things to do in Fall in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Birdwatching

Fall is a great time to go birdwatching along the Alabama Gulf Coast, as many migratory species make a pit stop in the area before heading further south for the winter. Visit the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, Gulf State Park, and Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail to see a wide variety of bird species during your stay. 

Hiking & Biking

Hiking and biking is popular this time of the year because the weather has cooled down from the summer and is perfect for being outside. Bike the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, which features 15 miles of trails through 6 distinct ecosystems for a full day out exploring the Alabama Coast. The Gulf State Park, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Wade Ward Nature Park, Graham Creek Nature Preserve, and the Bayou State Park all offer hiking trails for all skill levels. 

Shrimp Festival

The Annual National Shrimp Festival in 2021 is taking place October 7-10 in Gulf Shores. In its 49th year, the festival is celebrating in a big way with food, art, music, drinks, and tons of fun. Enjoy arts and crafts vendors, a retail marketplace, children’s activities, and more from nearly 300 vendors and local businesses.

The event will be held in Gulf Shores at the intersection of Highway 59 and East Beach Blvd, right across from the Gulf Shores Public Beach. The National Shrimp Festival has been a staple in the community since 1971. 

Cost: Free!

Dates & Times: Thursday – Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm | Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm

Winter 2022 in Gulf Shores

It’s not too early to plan ahead for Winter 2022. Secure your place in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fort Morgan for the Winter 2022 and stay awhile in one of our snowbird rentals.