
Things to Do During
Memorial Day Weekend in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
If you are heading to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach during Memorial Day Weekend, check out our list of things to do during your stay at the beach.
Every Memorial Day, families make their annual trip to Alabama's white-sand beaches to kick off their summer in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Before you make a break for the beach, check out these 5 activities to add to your fun-in-the-sun holiday vacation agenda.

Travel Back in Time at Historic Fort Morgan
Filled with history, this third system masonry fort built in the early 1800s stands guard where the bay meets the Gulf of Mexico on the Fort Morgan peninsula. Fort Morgan was utilized in a handful of wars and conflicts, and today is a State of Alabama Historic Site. Self-guided tours are a great way to experience the grounds, including nature areas, a boat launch, picnic area, and beaches. It's the perfect place to kick off Memorial Day weekend.
Make a Splash
Nothing screams summer like hitting the water, and Alabama's Gulf Shores beaches offer plenty of opportunities to make a splash with your whole family. After all, you came to the beach to get wet! Choose from paddleboards, jet skis, parasailing adventures, kayaking, snorkeling, and more fun water activities to start summer.
Picnic at Bon Secour Wildlife Center
Is it really Memorial Day if you don't have a picnic? Grab lunch-to-go from your favorite restaurant and head over to the gorgeous Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for a relaxing meal. While there, you can view endangered species in their natural habitat and indigenous plants while feeling the warm sun on your face. Pine Beach Trail will lead to a sweet little white-sand beach perfect for picnicking.

Embark on a Dolphin Cruise
What better way to explore the Gulf Coast waters and celebrate the long Memorial Day weekend aboard a boat or kayak searching for dolphins? You'll be able to see these friendly creatures and learn about their habitat and behaviors from your guide. Dolphin cruises are great fun for couples, families and solo travelers.
Go for a Run in Gulf State Park
May is the ideal time of year to experience the natural beauty of the Alabama Gulf Coast, and the Paradise Island 5K is the perfect way to do just that. This annual race takes place Sunday, May 29 in Gulf State Park and allows runners to explore the area while getting a workout in.
Ready to start planning your Memorial Day weekend at the beach? Book your holiday weekend trip early for the best lodging options.