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Gulf shores USED FOR CRYE LEIKE April — The Wharf in Orange Beach (Bham Now)

I love everything about Birmingham—the city, the restaurants, the people, you name it.

I also love how it’s four hours away from beautiful, sandy-white beaches that stretch across miles of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

If you’re itching for a vacation and need local recommendations, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for some family-friendly events in Gulf Shores and must-see beach condos with Crye Leike Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals.

Family-friendly events on the Gulf Coast

Flora-Bama Mullet Toss — Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss (Michelle O’Neil)

The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area is no stranger to having a good time. Before you know it, the Gulf Coast will be full of families and friend groups eager to experience these events, and you should be there, too!

Here are a few family-friendly events to check off your bucket list.

City of Gulf Shores Doggy Fest, April 20

Gulf Shores Doggy Fest (USED FOR CRYE LEIKE APRIL)

Bring your furry friend along for a fun morning in Gulf Shores’ Meyer Park.

During this free event, you can listen to live music, scope out local vendors and participate in a community mural—all while your four-legged BFF plays in the doggy obstacle course.

When: Saturday, April 20 | 10AM-Noon
Where: Meyer Park, 400 East 22nd Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Cost: FREE to attend

Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss, April 26-28

Maybe you’re like me and have no idea what a mullet toss is. Allow me to enlighten you.

At the Flora-Bama Mullet Toss, you stand on the beach in Florida and from a 10-foot circle, throw a mullet across the state line into Alabama.

According to Flora-Bama, proceeds from every mullet tossed go to local youth charities, including local schools’ programs from the Community Drug & Alcohol Council, Inc. (CDAC) which offers programs and support to address drug and alcohol abuse, tobacco, mental health issues and violence.

Each year, the mullet toss has contributed more than $40,000 to local charities and youth organizations in Alabama and Florida.

Plus, there will be fun activities, great music and good food.

When: Friday, April 26-Sunday, April 28
- Kids toss: Daily, 10AM-Noon
- Adults toss: Daily, Noon-4PM
Where: 17401 Perdido Key Dr. Perdido Key, FL. 32507
Cost: FREE to attend | $20 to toss a mullet (includes a t-shirt)

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, May 2-4

May 2-4, watch in awe as 40 hot air balloons soar over Foley at dusk and dawn every day of the event. I’ve always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon, so I might have to join y’all at this mesmerizing festival.

Psst, find the Crye Leike Gulf Coast table while you’re there and say hello!

When: Thursday, May 2-Saturday, May 4
Where: OWA Parks & Resort, 101 S Owa Blvd, Foley, AL 36535
Cost: FREE to attend | Select activities available for additional charge

2nd Annual Sandcastle Shindig, May 10

Where can you watch teams go head-to-head in a sandcastle-building competition, enjoy music performances and enter to win raffles? The answer: Sandcastle Shindig.

Grab the fam and get ready for a fun afternoon benefitting the local charity Clothe the Children.

When: Friday, May 10 | Noon-3:30PM
Where: Flora-Bama Lounge, 17395 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507-9352
Cost: FREE to attend | $250 to register your team

Make it official—book your beach vacay now with Crye Leike Gulf Coast.

Grab a bite at these restaurants across Gulf Shores + Orange Beach

In between all those events, you’re going to want to grab a bite to eat, and rightfully so—Alabama’s Gulf Coast is home to more delicious restaurants than I can count.

Here are a few of our recs:

The Hangout
- Location: 101 E. Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10:30AM-10PM | Friday-Saturday 10:30AM-11PM
- Menu
The Gulf
- Location: 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- Hours: Daily 11AM-9PM
- Menu
The Tiki
- Location: 27844 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11AM-9PM | Closed Sunday-Monday
- Menu