Gulf Shores Vacation Guide | Gulf Shores Trip Planning | Gulf Shores Places to Stay | Condo to Rent in Gulf Shores AL | Gulf Shores AL Hotels on the Beach | Gulf Shores AL for Rent | Best Gulf Shores Restaurants | Best Gulf Shores Golf Courses | Gulf Shores AL Resorts | Best Gulf Shores Shopping | Gulf Shores Activities for Kids | Gulf Shores Live Cam | Gulf Shores Fishing Charters | Condo to Rent in Orange Beach AL | Condo to Rent in Fort Morgan AL | Gulf Shores Beach Weddings
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.
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores is a terrific experience for you while visiting the beautiful Gulf Coast. This extraordinary
zoo offers a wild experience, boasting a diverse array of animal species
and an array of amenities to ensure a memorable visit for guests of all ages.
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.
If you’re searching Hangout at Gulf Shores on the web, you’re
either looking for The Hangout restaurant or the Hangout Music Festival. Either
way, we’ve got your answers here.
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.
Hangout Music Festival
The Hangout Music Festival, hosted by the restaurant, is an
annual event each May that transforms Gulf Shores into a mecca for music
lovers. This three-day extravaganza brings together dozens of top-tier artists from multiple popular genres, setting the stage for unforgettable performances against a
breathtaking beach backdrop. Each night ends with a ridiculously over-the-top fireworks show right on the white sand beach. This festival not only celebrates music but also
showcases local art, mouthwatering food vendors, and exciting activities.
Having been to this music festival many times, this writer can vouch for its
awesomeness. It has to be one of the best – if not THE best – beach music festivals
in the country.
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.
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.
Gulf Shores Beach Fireworks
**LOCAL ADVICE: If you
are not staying on the beach or near enough to walk, you will NOT find parking
for the fireworks show if you wait until after 10am or so to get down there.
This local advises those who need to drive and park for the fireworks show to
GET DOWN THERE EARLY IN THE DAY, pay for your parking at a self-serve kiosk,
and just leave your car there if you leave the beach. You can call for an Uber,
Lyft, or local cab to take you back to your hotel and arrange with the driver
to take you back to the beach for the show. Bear in mind that the driver may
not be able to return you all the way to the beach – but they can get you
within walking distance. Think ahead about getting yourself an ice chest with
wheels. DON'T plan to leave the show by cab, Uber or Lyft. There just won't be enough of them. You will be left walking however far it is back to your car or hotel. Regarding alcohol, technically it isn't allowed on the beach, but if you are discrete and don't behave like you're at a frat party, you'll be left alone by the beach police. DON'T smoke weed. It isn't legal here, and it won't be ignored by the beach police. After the show, be prepared for a lengthy traffic jam (ladies, you
should definitely hit a beachside public restroom before you depart).
The Wharf Fireworks
If the fireworks
show on the beach sounds like a bit too much trouble for you, you can go to The
Wharf in Orange Beach onJULY 3rdfor its annual Independence Day Street Party. You’ll enjoy a full slate of fun activities, live music, great food, shopping, a really
nice fireworks show, and FAR LESS TRAFFIC!**
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.
Start St. Patrick’s Day off right in Gulf Shores with the Papa
Rocco's St. Paddy's Day Party and Pub Crawl! Always a big hit, the party kicks
off at (cough!) 9:30 a.m. on St. Patrick's Day at Papa Rocco's Pizza in Gulf
Shores, located just a short distance from the beach on Gulf Shores Parkway.
From
there, the wildly dressed crowd takes a leisurely stroll to various area watering
holes, accompanied by the Grand Marshal, Bill McGinnes, and the Champion
Windsor Canadian Police Pipe Band. Open to the public, this annual
event is always a blast, and you'll create memories to last you a lifetime.
The
crawl will end around 2 p.m. at which time you will need a ride and a nap!
