Spend Thanksgiving

in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

September 26, 2025

Considering spending Thanksgiving at the beach? After kids return to school, our gorgeous beaches are a little less crowded and boast mild temperatures during the fall.It’s the perfect combination for a memorable holiday. If you decide to give thanks on the Alabama Gulf Coast this year, here are 11 things to do during Thanksgiving weekend on Alabama's Beaches.

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Join us on Alabama's Beaches for a memorable, family-friendly Thanksgiving weekend.

How to Spend Thanksgiving on Alabama's Beaches

Shopping

Start your holiday shopping! Known as the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season, Thanksgiving weekend brings sales and deals to the Gulf Coast and beyond. It’s an excellent time to mark those items off your gift-giving list. Don’t miss the unique shops at OWA and The Tanger Outlet Center in nearby Foley, boutiques and specialty stores at The Wharf in Orange Beach, and SanRoc Cay’s selection of local shops.

Family dining outdoors at Villaggio Grille Italian Restaurant at The Wharf

Dine Out

Gather your family and friends around the table, sit down, make a toast, and enjoy. Many local restaurants will be open and prepared to make your holiday feast a meal to remember. Contact the restaurant for details, such as hours of operation, menu, and if reservations are required.

Couple admiring the coastal exhibits inside the Gulf Shores Museum

Learn Local History

Visit a museum and learn a little about Alabama’s history, as our area is home to many heritage and cultural tours and exhibits. Spend time exploring Historic Fort Morgan and learning about its critical role during the 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay. The Orange Beach History Museum showcases the area’s Native American and fishing heritage, and the Gulf Shores Museum boasts a technology-based interactive display of “Hurricane Hunters.”

scenic view of a boardwalk trail in Gulf State Park

Take a Hike

Take a hike. Corral the family and head to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail to explore more than 28 miles of walking/hiking trails. You can trek through different ecosystems within Gulf State Park and maybe even see a gator. If you prefer to ride, utilize the park’s free bike-sharing program to explore the trails on two wheels.

royal red shrimp at king Neptune's seafood restaurant in Gulf Shores

Follow a Food Trail

Follow a Food Trail! The holidays are all about enjoying good meals with your loved ones. Eat your way across the Alabama Gulf Coast by following suggestions included in the burger trail, gumbo trail, shrimp trail, bushwacker trail, and many more.

Women doing yoga on the beach in Gulf Shores

Get Some “Me Time”

Practice self-care before the busy holiday season begins. Check out area spas and treat yourself to a pampering or therapeutic massage, a facial, or other salon services. Relax with Glow Yoga and find balance and strength while enhancing your flexibility. If you find solace on the water, rent kayaks or paddleboards from a local outfitter and explore the scenic waterways throughout the area.

Flora-Bama beachfront bar in Orange Beach

Attend a Thanksgiving Potluck

Eat, drink, and be thankful at Flora-Bama this year! Share your favorite side dish this Turkey Day at Flora-Bama’s Annual Thanksgiving Potluck. Flora-Bama provides the turkey and ham for a midday meal and encourages all guests to bring a covered side to share. All ages are welcome to this beachside celebration.

Play a Round of Golf

Pack your clubs and play on some of Alabama’s top-rated golf courses in Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan. The fall temperatures are comfortable enough to work through 18 holes of challenging golf set against beautiful beach backdrops with gentle Gulf breezes blowing. The fewer crowds of November make it easy to book your favorite tee time.

Family dining on their beach house balcony in Orange Beach

Create Your Own Holiday Event

Don’t miss the chance to have your Thanksgiving feast on Alabama's Beaches. Most condos and vacation rentals have plenty of room for dining, and you can pre-order a turkey dinner from area grocery stores like Publix or Rouses. You can even find coastal traditions like oyster dressing at Rouses!

Participants of the Coastal Half Marathon running along the trail in Gulf State Park

Run a Half Marathon or 5K

Participate in the Coastal Half Marathon, 5K, & 1 Mile Run on Saturday, November 29. There’s no better way to shed those extra turkey pounds than running along scenic paths throughout Gulf State Park. The comfortable weather of November makes this the ideal time to lace up your running shoes.

Dad and son walking around The Wharf in Orange Beach at Christmas

Jump-Start Your Holiday Fun

Start getting in the holiday spirit at one of our many upcoming events. Winter is filled with exciting activities for the whole family, so you won’t want to miss out on spending the holiday season on the Gulf Coast.