Snowbird Vacations in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Snowbirds Are Always Welcome

Looking to trade snow and ice for sunshine and blue skies? Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan offer the perfect winter escape for snowbirds. With mild temperatures, a welcoming community, and plenty of long-term rental options, it’s no wonder this stretch of Alabama’s coast is considered one of the best snowbird destinations. Alabama's Beaches feel like a second home, whether you're here for a month or the whole snowbird season.

Snowbird Rentals on Alabama's Beaches

Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan offer a wide variety of snowbird rentals and vacation packages perfect for extended getaways. Choose from monthly condo rentals, beachfront homes, hotels, and resorts – many with discounted rates for winter visitors. If you are a camper you’ll find many beautiful campgrounds and RV parks offering full-service amenities. Alabama's Beaches have plenty of pet-friendly lodging options if you are a pet owner! Just check your accommodation requirements and make the necessary arrangements to have your trusted companion join you on your winter getaway.

Snowbirds playing tennis on Alabama's Beaches

Snowbird enjoying the Gulf Shores Museum and learning about the history on Alabama's Beaches

Fun Winter Activities for Snowbirds

You won’t find snowbanks here – just sunshine, sea breezes, and plenty to do all season long. Winter on Alabama’s Beaches means mild days perfect for getting outside, trying something new, or simply enjoying the moment. Here are just a few ways snowbirds like to spend their sunny winter days along our shores:

Snowbirds enjoying themselves at a snowbird event on Alabama's Beaches

Events & Festivals

Our Alabama Gulf Coast Calendar of Events is packed year-round. Enjoy live music, culinary festivals, arts and crafts shows, sporting events, nature excursions, history tours, and more.

Snowbirds showing off their catches on Alabama's Beaches

Fishing

Considered one of the premier fishing destinations in the world, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers superb coastal and blue water fishing of all types.

Golf

Several magnificent golf courses (including some designed by Arnold Palmer, Jerry Pate and Earl Stone) make the Alabama Gulf Coast a golfer's paradise.

Wide view of pine beach trail on Alabama's Beaches

Hiking

Surrounded by abundant natural beauty, you may be drawn to explore the many local parks and wildlife preserves during your winter trip.

Snowbird couple enjoying their time at the Gulf Shores Museum and soaking up our rich history

History & Museums

Discover the region’s history, which includes not only Civil War and colonial history but also earlier Native American periods as well.

Men laughing and enjoying themselves on Alabama's Beaches

Voluntourism

If the Alabama Gulf Coast's beauty, warmth, and friendship of the Alabama Gulf Coast inspire you to make the area even better, the Voluntourism program will be happy to welcome you into its ranks.

Snowbird Clubs & Meetups

Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan feel like a true winter home for thousands of snowbirds who return year after year. It’s not just the weather that brings people back – it’s the friendships, the laughter, and the shared sense of community.

Many snowbirds join clubs organized by visitors from their home states, making it easy to meet new people from back home. From game nights and potlucks to hobby groups and beachside socials, there’s no shortage of ways to stay connected and involved.

Whether you’re looking for a lively social calendar or just a few friendly faces to enjoy coffee with, you’ll find your fellow snowbirds here on Alabama’s Beaches.

Seasonal Events for Snowbirds

Snowbirds relaxing in lawn chairs and enjoying their time at a festival during snowbird season on Alabama's Beaches

During the winter, snowbirds can enjoy various local events and festivals. Those here for the holidays can experience a Coastal Christmas filled with Santa sightings, holiday markets, and even a lighted boat parade. After the new year begins, the Gulf Coast lets the good times roll with Mardi Gras festivities, including lots of parades and parties. Bring your appetite to the Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Fort Morgan Oyster Fest in February, where you'll enjoy lots of delicious seafood. Then, experience the area's flourishing art and music scenes at Ballyhoo Festival and the Orange Beach Festival of Art. No matter what time you visit, something is always happening during the snowbird season to keep guests entertained.

Join the Winter Showcase Series

Snowbirds learning and listening to a speaker at a Winter Showcase Series presentation on Alabama's Beaches

One of the most popular activities for snowbirds on Alabama's Beaches is the Winter Showcase Series. This free educational series is offered during January and February and is designed specifically for our winter guests. On Mondays through Fridays, local experts present on a variety of topics such as history, nature, art, and culture, allowing visitors to learn more about the area. It's a fantastic way to connect with other snowbirds and gather ideas for places to visit during your time in the area.

Alabama's Beaches: A Winter Haven for Snowbirds

Snowbirds flock to our 32 miles of gorgeous beaches every winter to enjoy a comfortable, coastal winter retreat. The laid-back atmosphere, fantastic dining, variety of rentals, and coastal community are what draw so many visitors to Alabama's Beaches. Many long-term visitors regard our area as the best snowbird destination, which is why they return year after year to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan for their annual snowbird vacation.

Snowbirds FAQs: Planning Your Winter Stay

Have a few questions before you plan your winter stay? Here are some helpful answers to things snowbirds often want to know before arriving on Alabama's Beaches.

When is snowbird season in Alabama's Beaches?

Snowbird season lasts from November to March on Alabama's Beaches. Some winter guests arrive around the holidays, while the peak of travelers arrives in January and stays until early March.

Is it easy to meet other snowbirds if I'm coming for the first time?

Yes! Connecting with other snowbirds is easy thanks to snowbird clubs, volunteer opportunities, the Winter Showcase Series, and other snowbird events along Alabama's Beaches.

How early should I book my snowbird rental for the winter season?

Many guests re-book their snowbird stays as soon as they depart in the spring. To ensure you find a rental that accommodates your needs and desired dates, it's best to book at least six to eight months in advance.

What's the best way to get to Alabama's Beaches for the winter?

Most snowbird travelers drive to our destination, so they can easily get around the area with a car. Our beaches are near two major interstates: I-10 and I-65. If you prefer to fly, you'll find nonstop flights directly into the destination as well as other nearby airports that offer winter flights from various cities.

Are there discounts for golf, fitness, or attractions during the winter?

Yes! Check out our deals page for discounts on attractions, dining, and activities.