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| Photo by LuLu's - Click to Enlarge |
The map below shows where the best viewing areas are, along
the canal, with plenty of parking. Of course you can watch the parade leave
from LuLu’s and arrive from The Wharf, where the whole place is lit up with
Christmas lights and decorations, too.
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| Lighted Boat Parade Viewing Areas |
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| Parrot Heads |
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| Credit: Gulf Shores CVB |
Seafood Galore: Indulge your taste buds in the freshest Gulf
seafood at the Annual
National Shrimp Festival. Drawing in over 300,000 visitors, this festival
is a seafood lover's paradise. From succulent shrimp to a variety of other
mouthwatering delights, the event showcases the finest culinary creations from
50 local and regional vendors. The boardwalk along the public beach transforms
into a haven of flavors, where you can savor the Gulf's bounty while enjoying
the breathtaking views.
Live Music: There will be over 100
hours of musical entertainment that will have you dancing and singing along.
With a lineup featuring national, regional, and local acts, the festival caters
to diverse musical tastes. From the soulful notes of blues and Motown to the
energetic rhythms of southern rock and zydeco, and the timeless melodies of
jazz and country, the musical variety is bound to resonate with every palate.
The tunes will fill the air from Thursday through Sunday, ensuring that each
day is infused with the magic of music.
Artistic Treasures: For those with an eye for art, the Annual National Shrimp
Festival delivers a visual feast with nearly 200 booths of fine art and
arts and crafts vendors. Stroll through the booths and discover a world of
creativity, from captivating paintings to unique handcrafted pieces. Whether
you're looking to add a special touch to your home or find the perfect gift,
the array of artistic treasures is sure to captivate your imagination.
Save the Date: Make sure to reserve your spot at this year's
Annual National Shrimp
Festival, taking place from October 12th through 15th, 2023. Gather your
friends and family, and get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate
celebration of Gulf seafood, music, art, and community. With each passing day
of the festival bringing new experiences and memories, this is an event you
won't want to miss. Embrace the fall vibes, relish in the flavors, and let the
music and art sweep you off your feet. See you there!
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| Click to enlarge photo |
While swimming or snorkeling in the Gulf can be a delightful
experience, it's important to be aware of the risks associated with jellyfish
stings. Jellyfish stings can range from mildly irritating to potentially
life-threatening, depending on the species and an individual's sensitivity. Most
jellyfish you may encounter are pretty mild as far as the level of pain experienced,
and the duration of the pain. You may never see these jellyfish, because they
are clear, snot-like creatures. You may not even feel the sting when it happens.
Instead, you may just feel like a particular part of your body feels like a bad
sunburn for several minutes to an hour or so.
On the other hand, if you see any jellyfish that is blue in
color, stay away! If you see a blue jellyfish washed up on the beach, don’t
touch it – and assume a few million more are still in the water. Blue jellyfish
in this area are most often the Portuguese Man O' War, and believe me, they will ruin your
day. The Portuguese Man O’ War causes
intense pain, swelling, redness, and can even lead to systemic symptoms like
difficulty breathing or nausea.
If you arrive for your vacation and see purple flags are flying, don't worry that you will have to pee on a family member to treat a jellyfish sting. This local recommends you find a nearby pharmacy and get Stingaway Jellyfish Treatment.
It’s an over-the-counter treatment specifically designed to alleviate the
symptoms of jellyfish stings. It comes in a “regular” jellyfish version and it also
comes in a version for blue jellyfish stings. Might as well grab them both and
keep them in your beach bag just in case.
From the Stingaway website: This topical solution contains
active ingredients that neutralize the venom, providing quick relief and
preventing further harm. The application of Stingaway helps to alleviate pain,
reduce swelling, and minimize the risk of secondary infections. It is important
to note that Stingaway should be used in conjunction with seeking medical
attention, particularly for severe or allergic reactions.
Having Stingaway with you at the beach might just save you a ruined beach day, or worse, a trip to the ER.
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With its crystal-clear waters, thousands of square miles of
bays filled with playful dolphins, and shorelines filled with great water-accessible
bars and restaurants, Orange Beach provides the ideal playground for jet
skiing. You can hop on your jet ski and feel the rush as you blast through the
waves, wind in your hair and sun on your face, or go explore
the intricate network of bays, lagoons, canals, and estuaries that cover the
area, discovering private, hidden coves and islands to make your own for the
day.
Whether you prefer to venture out on your own or to join a
guided jet ski tour, there are options to suit every preference. Here is a listing
of our recommended jet ski rental companies for your Gulf Shores/Orange Beach
vacation.
Alabama Extreme Watersports, located at Bear Point Marina in
Orange Beach, offers jet ski rentals and private Waverunner dolphin tours in beautiful
Perdido Bay. It is an ideal location because not only is Perdido Bay a beautiful
body of water, but Bear Point Marina is just across the bay from Pirate’s Cove,
a legendary beach dive bar popular with locals for decades. A visit to Pirate’s
Cove is a must-do while vacationing and the very best way (practically the only
way) to get there is by water. Ask your jet ski rental attendant to point it
out to you. In addition to Pirate’s Cove, Bear Point Marina itself offers a fun
outdoor bar and sit-down restaurant for you to enjoy.
Flora-Bama Marine & Watersports, located across the
street from the legendary Flora-Bama beach bar, offers rentals on new jet skis and Waverunners with Bluetooth stereos so you can
blast your favorite music while blasting through wakes and waves. Their
location on Old River, next to luxurious Ono Island, is ideal for those who
want to ride over to Robinson Island, a white-sand/turquoise water-surrounded island
that is accessible only by water and an extremely popular party spot for
locals. Ask your rental attendant for quick, easy directions. Then, after you’re
done jet skiing, you can just hop across the street to end your day partying at
the Flora-Bama.
Happy Harbor Marina, located on Cotton Bayou in Orange Beach
offers jet skis for rent that can accommodate up to three riders. Their
equipment is new and well-maintained, and their location offers easy access to
popular Robinson Island and Perdido Bay’s thousands of square miles of open
water, coves, hidden creeks, and secret islands. With plenty of water-accessible
bars and restaurants around the area, you’re sure to have a fantastic
experience.
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| Click to enlarge photo |
You can rent fishing equipment there, if you don’t have your
own, but you will need to get your Alabama Saltwater Fishing License in advance
at Walmart’s sporting goods counter or by going online here. Also, before you
go, it’s a good idea to visit one of the local bait shops in the area to get
yourself some frozen squid and mackerel and to make sure you have the right
kind of setups for your leaders, hooks, and weights. You can ask the bait shop
personnel for some advice on that and about what artificial lures might be
working well at the time you go.
Live bait is best, of course, but you’ll need a bait bucket
with motorized air pump for that – available at the bait shops. When you’re at
the pier, there is almost always a local or two there who will be happy to give
you some advice, too – especially if you offer to buy them a drink at the pier
concession ;)
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| Click to enlarge photo |
If you really want to learn something, the Gulf State Park
Pier offers a pier fishing Angler Academy for beginners that you can attend. It
costs $15 per person and lasts about 2 hours. Angler Academy is by reservation
only, so contact them in advance to set it up.
The pier is open for fishing 24/7, but if you need to rent
fishing equipment, you’ll need to go during the hours it is staffed (6AM-10PM).
There is a restaurant and concession stand available if you get hungry or
thirsty, too. Here are the basic fees to expect:
Parking: $3 for 2 hours; $5 for 4 hours; $10 all day parking
& includes fishing permit (not to be confused with a State Saltwater
Fishing License, which much be purchased separately at Walmart or the link provided
above
Fishing permit: $9 for the day; $41 for the week
Rod/Reel rental: $10 for 4 hrs; $20 all day
Sightseeing (if you don’t want to fish): $2 for all day
LEARN MORE about fishing at the Gulf State Park Pier
VISIT OUR FISHING PAGE for more local favorite guides and
fishing advice
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| Little Lagoon sunset |
Gulf Shores' beaches run east and west, meaning the sun does not set over the Gulf of Mexico. In the summer, the sun actually sets behind the high rise condos, ruining the view from the beach. By staying on the south side of Little Lagoon, across the street from the beach, you will not only enjoy incredible sunset water views, but also plenty of fun fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and paddle boarding opportunities.
Little Lagoon is connected to the Gulf via Little Lagoon Pass, so it is a body of water that rises and falls with the tide, keeping it beautiful and clean. Chock full of fish and crustaceans like speckled trout, red fish, founder, and blue crab, Little Lagoon is the locals' favorite place to relax and have fun away from the tremendous crowds on the beach. But when you want to hit the beach, it is just a short walk or bike ride away, giving you the best of both worlds.
Now, about eating like a local: When staying on Little Lagoon, one of the best things you can do on your first day in Gulf Shores is go to Walmart to get yourself a saltwater fishing license and buy yourself a crab trap, a length of rope, some cheap chicken (thighs or drumsticks) and a box of Zatarain's Crab Boil in Bag seasoning. Tie the length of rope to the crab trap, load a couple of pieces of raw chicken into it, drop the trap off your dock into the lagoon, and secure the rope to the dock. Leave it for 24 hours and then go check it. You're likely to have a few nice blue crabs in there, just waiting for you to boil yourself up a fantastic dinner. You can keep re-baiting and setting your trap each day until you have enough crabs to make your dinner (put the live crabs you collect into an ice chest with ice and they will go dormant).
While someone is out picking up your prepared low country shrimp boil, start boiling a pot of water on your stove and follow the directions on your Zatarain's box to prepare your seasoned water.
When your already-prepared low country shrimp boil meal arrives at the house, toss your fresh crabs into the prepared and seasoned water. They'll be done in just a few minutes (when they turn bright red).
Now, just toss your finished crabs on top of your already-prepared low country shrimp boil meal and you'll have a feast fit for a King - made with your self-caught fresh crabs!
Here's a YouTube video detailing the crab boiling process, to help you understand how it works. And another video that teaches you how to eat your crabs.
You can find vacation rentals on the south side of Little Lagoon by visiting the websites of local vacation rental agencies you find on Google, or better yet you can visit the VRBO website (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Here are the streets you want to be on, so you can look these up when you start searching those sites:
Windmill Ridge Road, Gulf Shores
West 8th Avenue, Gulf Shores
West 8th Street, Gulf Shores
West Lagoon Avenue, Gulf Shores
West Beach Boulevard (WEST OF LITTLE LAGOON PASS), Gulf Shores
Seahorse Circle, Gulf Shores
Staying on the north side of Little Lagoon is great, too. But you won't be facing the sunsets. If you stick to rentals on the streets listed above, you can't go wrong. Just check all the photos to be sure the view isn't obstructed by anything before booking.
VISIT OUR WHERE TO STAY and WHAT TO DO PAGES for more local tips and advice
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| Click to enlarge photos |
Gulf Shores Public Beach, located at the foot of AL Highway
59 South, is the hub of activity and entertainment in Gulf Shores. With its
soft, sugar-sand shores and gentle waves, it provides the perfect setting for
families and beachgoers of all ages. The main public beach offers a range of
amenities to enhance your beach experience. From shaded picnic areas and
pavilions to clean restrooms and outdoor showers, to a variety of restaurants
and bars just steps away, everything you need for a fun and active day at the
beach is readily available. The new boardwalk, a product of the city’s ongoing
beautification program, is a spectacular addition offering easy beach walks and
a place to ride bikes and scooters. The beach also provides the most convenient
parking options, making it more easily accessible for visitors.
Gulf State Park Beach, located just a few minutes east of the
main public beach in Gulf Shores, is a true paradise for beach enthusiasts seeking
a more laid-back experience. Spanning over two miles along the Gulf of Mexico,
this expansive public beach features soft, powder-white sands and
crystal-clear, emerald waters. It's the perfect place to indulge in water
activities like swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Gulf State Park Beach
also offers amenities such as picnic areas with grills, clean restrooms,
outdoor showers, and convenient beach access points. Nature lovers will
appreciate the park's less hands-on approach. The beach isn’t groomed obsessively
like the main public beach in Gulf Shores, giving it a more natural look. Plus,
you’ll have the opportunity to find more shells, driftwood, and other natural
wonders that wash up. Don’t miss your
opportunity to explore the park’s trails through untouched coastal dunes and coastal
hardwood swamps, too. You’ll see wildlife including cranes, pelicans,
crustaceans, alligators, and coastal hawks.
Whether you seek serenity or excitement, Gulf Shores has the
perfect public beach to suit your preferences and create lasting memories. Take a moment also to review local advice about what to do, and NOT do, at Gulf Shores' public beaches.
LEARN MORE about Gulf Shores Public Beach
LEARN MORE about Gulf State Park Beach
VISIT OUR WHAT TO DO PAGE for more local favorite activities
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Beach Bum Outdoors in Gulf Shores offers guided beach fishing trips that include rods & reels, the correct baits, and lessons on how to catch a variety of fish species from the shore! Cast your line and anticipate encounters with Pompano, Whiting, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, Bluefish, Jacks, and even sharks. These thrilling catches provide a diverse and exciting fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels. With the help of Beach Bum Outdoors, you’ll be digging your feet into the beach fighting a saltwater catch you’ll never forget!
LEARN MORE about Beach Bum Outdoors
VISIT OUR FISHING PAGE for a list of more local favorites
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Where to find it: Located at the dead end of Gulf Shores
Parkway (Hwy 59 South), the public beach offers parking for a fee of $15 per
day (7am – 2am), paid at self-service kiosks you’ll see scattered around the
lots. To find the parking lots, you can go straight through the stoplight at
Gulf Shores Parkway and Beach Blvd or turn right onto West Beach Blvd. There
are more parking lot entrances on your left and your right within the first
block or so you travel.
What it has: The public beach has a lot to offer. Not only
is it our largest beach, but it also has a beautiful new boardwalk, volleyball
courts, grassy areas, shady pavilions, picnic tables, clean new restrooms and
shower stations, and some nice beachfront restaurants/bars you can easily walk
to.
About alcohol and other intoxicants: According to the posted rules at
the public beach, alcohol is not permitted. However, it is this writer’s opinion
(and experience) that the no alcohol rule is in place so that the beach police
can break up large, obnoxious parties and prevent situations like kegs being brought
down onto the sand. If you pack yourself a few beers or whatever you like in an
ice chest you can carry down from your car, and you don’t behave like you’re at
a frat party, you’ll be left alone by the beach patrols. As far as other
intoxicants go, DON’T do it. Weed, for example, is NOT legal in Alabama and whenever
the beach patrol gets wind of it, they WILL follow their noses to you, and you’ll
get to spend a lovely night in the City Jail and spend a ton of money trying to
extricate yourself from the situation.
When to go: During the busiest months (June/July/August), it
is strongly recommended that you get yourself down there by 10am to give
yourself the best chance of finding a parking spot. By Noon you are guaranteed
to be completely out of luck. Locals’ favorite time to go to the beach is late
afternoon, around 4pm-5pm. Not only is the evening a great time to be on the
beach as the heat of the day dissipates, but it is also the time of day that the
day-trippers and tourists who have been there all day start to leave in droves.
You’ll find parking much more easily and you’ll have a more enjoyable time as
the sun goes down.
What to do: While visiting our beaches, just be smart and
courteous to others and you’ll have a great time. Bring and wear plenty of sunscreen,
pick up all your trash, obey the flag system warnings (Red Flag means dangerous
surf), and don’t leave your chairs and umbrellas unattended after sunset. The city
will remove them if you do – and they will be gone forever. During the day, don’t
leave valuables unattended. Like any public gathering place, thieves go there.
Cell phones, speakers, paddleboards, expensive sunglasses, purses, and even
your ice chests are targets for criminals.
LEARN MORE about the public beach in Gulf Shores, AL
VISIT OUR PAGES about Where to Stay, What to Do, Food, Golf, Fishing, and Shopping
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| Gulf Shores |
Whether you're seeking the convenience of public amenities
or the exclusivity of private resorts, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fort
Morgan have beach options to suit every preference. These Gulf Coast
destinations provide a range of experiences, from bustling public beaches with
ample amenities to secluded stretches of pristine shoreline. So pack your
sunscreen, grab your beach towel, and get ready to create unforgettable
memories along the magnificent shores of Alabama's Gulf Coast.
VISIT OUR WHAT TO DO PAGE for more local favorite activities
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| Mobile Bay Ferry |
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| Dauphin Island Sea Lab |
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is a renowned research and education facility dedicated to marine science. For Marine Biology students, it is a research facility. For the public, it offers visitors a chance to learn about the diverse marine ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico through interactive exhibits, touch tanks filled with fascinating sea creatures, and informative guided tours. Take a stroll on the Estuarium boardwalk, where you can see coastal habitats up close and marvel at the rich biodiversity thriving in the area.
If time permits after the Sea Lab, explore the island further by
visiting historic Fort Gaines, a Civil War site, or exploring some of the island's locally owned specialty shops. As the day winds down, you can catch a unique view of the sunset over the bay as you cross back to Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores on the ferry.
NOTE: Pick a nice calm day for this, with a clear forecast. The ferry will be closed if a storm blows up while you are on Dauphin Island, making for a long drive back around Mobile Bay and back to Gulf Shores.
LEARN MORE about the Mobile Bay Ferry
LEARN MORE about the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
LEARN MORE about Dauphin Island and Fort Gaines
VISIT OUR WHAT TO DO PAGE for a list of more local favorite activities
GULF STATE PARK
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Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a haven for nature lovers. Explore the park's extensive trail system, perfect for hiking and biking, offering breathtaking views of diverse landscapes. Paddle through serene lakes and waterways, or cast your line at the Gulf State Park Pier, one of the Gulf Coast's longest piers. Enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the park's natural beauty, or unwind on the white sandy beaches. With its diverse ecosystems and stunning scenery, Gulf State Park offers endless outdoor adventures for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in nature's wonders.
LEARN MORE about Gulf State Park
VISIT OUR WHAT TO DO PAGE for a list of local favorite activities
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The brand new zoo is a gold mine for wildlife enthusiasts
and nature lovers alike. With over 300 species and more than 900 animals from
around the world including majestic big cats, playful primates, exotic birds, and slithering reptiles, visitors are treated to up-close encounters with
magnificent wildlife.
Aside from the incredible animal exhibits, the zoo offers a range of amenities to enhance the visitor experience. When
hunger strikes, guests have various options to satisfy their cravings. The zoo
features a new full-service restaurant that offers a diverse menu, including savory sandwiches,
salads, and hearty entrees. Enjoy a delicious meal while taking in picturesque
views of the zoo's surroundings.
For those seeking quick bites or lighter fare, snack kiosks
are conveniently located throughout the zoo. Indulge in ice cream, popcorn, or
grab a refreshing beverage to keep you energized as you explore the animal
exhibits.
As you navigate the zoo's pathways, you'll find
well-maintained facilities, including picnic areas. Guests are welcome to bring
their own packed lunch and relish a leisurely picnic amidst the natural beauty
of the surroundings.
So, plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the wonders of this remarkable zoo. With captivating animal exhibits, engaging educational programs, and an array of dining options, your day at the zoo promises an unforgettable journey into the animal kingdom. Enjoy the wildlife, indulge in delicious meals, and create cherished memories with family and friends at this extraordinary destination.
LEARN MORE about the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
VISIT OUR WHAT TO DO PAGE for a list of local favorite activities
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| Hangout Restaurant |
The Hangout Restaurant is a very popular destination
restaurant for tourists, offering a delightful fusion good food, live music, a
cool beachy vibe, and a casual atmosphere. It sits right at the Gulf Shores
public beach, in the middle of all the action. Best of all, it has an open air
feel and great views of the beach and boardwalk, making it a perfect spot to
catch some shade, a cool drink (or 3) and people-watch.
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| Hangout Music Festival |
Whether you're indulging in coastal delicacies at The
Hangout Restaurant or dancing barefoot in your bikini to the beat of your favorite
artists at the Hangout Music Festival, Gulf Shores promises an extraordinary
experience that combines great food, live music, and the beauty of Alabama's
Gulf Coast.
LEARN MORE about The Hangout restaurant
LEARN MORE about the Hangout Music Festival
VISIT OUR WHAT TO DO PAGE for more local favorite activities
The biggest week in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, AL is Fourth of July Week. Incredibly popular for its Independence Day celebrations, in 2023 the region is offering a ton of fantastic activities, live music, patriotic decorations, and awe-inspiring fireworks shows, including Gulf Shores’ incredible beach fireworks show that attracts hundreds of thousands of proud Americans. So grab a cup of coffee and keep reading for details and important local advice to make your Fourth of July go smoothly. Here is just a sample of what goes on here for Independence Day.
Fireworks Extravaganza: Prepare to be mesmerized as the night sky comes alive with a breathtaking display of fireworks. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will host synchronized firework shows on the beach that will paint the sky with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Find a cozy spot on the beach, bring a blanket or chairs, an ice chest with your favorite beverages, and settle in for an awe-inspiring spectacle that will leave you in speechless.
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| Gulf Shores Beach Fireworks |
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| The Wharf Fireworks |
Live Entertainment: In addition to the fireworks, Gulf
Shores and Orange Beach will treat attendees to a range of live music.
Local bands will take the stage, at most of the bars,restaurants, and other venues, filling the air with the sounds of toe-tapping
music. Dance along to lively tunes and immerse yourself in the infectious
energy of the crowd.
Family-Friendly Activities: These coastal towns are renowned
for their family-friendly atmosphere, and the Fourth of July celebrations are
no exception. From face painting to sandcastle contests, there will be a myriad
of activities around the area to keep the little ones entertained. Engage in
beach volleyball tournaments, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, or simply
relax and savor the tranquil coastal ambiance.
Delectable Dining: The culinary scene in Gulf Shores and
Orange Beach is second to none. Indulge in a wide array of mouthwatering
options as local restaurants and food vendors dish up their specialties. From
fresh seafood platters to Southern comfort favorites, there will be something
to satisfy every palate.
Plan Your Visit: To make the most of the Fourth of July
festivities, plan your visit in advance. Book accommodations early, whether you
prefer a beachfront hotel, a high end beach resort, RV park, or a nearby campground.
Remember to check the local event schedules and make reservations at popular
restaurants to secure a spot.
VISIT OUR LOCAL ADVICE PAGES for more about Where to Stay, What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Golf, the Best Fishing Opportunities, and Shopping Spots
