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It’s time to shake off those winter blues and get in the springtime spirit. Our suggestion? Take a sunny trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. From relaxing panoramic views of the Gulf to thrilling adventures on the water, the perfect beach trip is an easy drive from Birmingham. Read on for our tips to make your spring excursion one you’ll never forget.

1. Activities worthy of your beach trip bucket list

The best thing about a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the never-ending list of things to do, whether you love long walks along the Gulf’s sugar sand beaches or prefer a heart-thumping activity like parasailing. As you and the fam get pumped for fun-filled beach days ahead, here are some suggestions of things you can do during your trip:

Hit the beach

Dig your toes in the sand + relax to the sound of Gulf waves.
Gather with a group of friends for a game of beach volleyball.
Visit these spots for cool seashell finds—many only found in the Gulf.
Spend the day creating sandcastles with the kids.
Find more to do.

Try exhilarating water activities

Parasail for picturesque views of the Gulf below.
Rent a Jet Ski for a speedy race across the water.
Strap on snorkeling gear for under-the-sea discoveries.
Fish—pier, surf, nearshore, off-shore + charter—for great spring catches of local species like cobia, pompano, sheepshead, flounder + mackerel.
Hop aboard a cruise along the Gulf’s emerald waters to take in the sunset, see dolphins play or to enjoy flavorful, coastal-inspired drinks.
Find more to do.

Get out in nature

Visit Gulf State Park to venture along 28 miles of biking, hiking + running trails and discover nine distinct ecosystems and encounter an abundance of wildlife.
Observe a portion of Alabama’s last remaining undisturbed coastal habitats at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Here you’ll find four trails of various terrains, seasonal birds like gulls and terns and unique wildlife + plant life.
Find more to do.

BONUS:

USA Today recently named the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail the top trail in the nation! Learn more about it.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach also just received shoutouts from Trip Savvy as one of the best beaches in the US and a top under-the-radar beach destination by Travel + Leisure.

Ready to plan your beach getaway? Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism has you covered.

2. Enjoy countless dining options

A trip to the beach works up an appetite, and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have many restaurants, eateries and bars to enjoy a tasty meal or drinks.

Visit waterfront and open-air dining options featuring everything from fresh Gulf seafood and scrumptious pizza to yummy coastal cocktails. You’ll also find live music at many local dives, so get ready to groove.

3. Attend these 4 spring events

Want to experience something new and exciting? Look no further than the following list of events gearing up in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach this spring.

Here’s what’s ahead:

1. Orange Beach Festival of Art

What: An extraordinary amount of art awaits you at this must-attend festival in March. Discover 100+ vendors displaying a variety of media from visual and performing to musical and culinary. You’ll also find a kids’ art alley, a culinary arts court featuring local fare + a music and songwriter’s stage. More info.
When: Saturday, March 11, 10AM-5PM | Sunday, March 12, 10AM-4PM
Where: Orange Beach Waterfront Park
Cost: Free admission

2. The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show

What: Grab your fam + friends for three days of fun. You’ll find something for everyone including $100 million in boats + marine products from more than 120 exhibiting companies, live music, kids’ art classes + instructional seminars. More info.
When: Friday, March 17-Sunday, March 19 | Event begins at 10AM
Where: The Wharf in Orange Beach
Cost:
- Pre-Purchase (Now-March 5) – $15
- At Gate – $20
- 3-Day Pass – $25
- Kids 12 + under – Free
Tickets

3. 7th annual Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival

Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival. (Gulf Shores & Orange Beach)

What: Don’t miss this two-day celebration, kicking off with the Rebirth Brass Band concert. This festival highlights a variety of food trucks, local food vendors, Zydeco music from some of the best bands in the South, kids’ activities, arts and craft vendors + an abundance of crawfish. More info.
When: Friday, April 21, 6-9PM | Saturday, April 22, 10AM-6PM
Where: Waterway Village in Gulf Shores (along East 24^thAvenue)
Cost: Friday night’s ticketed concert – $29 each | Saturday’s festivities – FREE ADMISSION

4. Bama Coast Cruisin’

What: This annual family-friendly event showcases beautiful cars, shopping at local boutiques + dining at The Wharf’s many appetizing restaurants. More info.
When: Friday, April 28-Saturday, April 29 | 9AM-Sundown
Where: The Wharf in Orange Beach
Cost: Free admission

Don’t wait another minute—book your beach trip now with Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism.

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