A Socially-Distanced Spring This March on Alabama’s Beaches
As the weather starts to warm up, there are many things to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Pleasantly warm weather makes our destination a haven for spring travelers. Whether you’re an art fanatic or an outdoor enthusiast, there’s plenty of things to do in March along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Things to Do in March
Coastal Alabama Back Bay Blueway
Paddle through Cypress swamps, freshwater lakes and more on the Coastal Alabama Back Bay Blueway. The Blueway offers four trails with 21 launch sites spanning from Fort Morgan to the Alabama/Florida line. You can explore the trails by canoe, kayak or paddleboard. There are several providers in the destination who offer hourly, daily and weekly kayak, paddleboard and canoe rentals. Many of these businesses will bring your rentals to your accommodations or a launch and pick them up when your time is complete.
Celebrate the Arts
The spring season is the perfect time to admire all art forms, from visual and performing arts to music and other live entertainment.
At the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, visitors can explore a variety of creations crafted by local and regional artisans. You can pop in the art gallery to browse through dozens of pieces made solely by Gulf Coast artists. Most of the pieces are available for purchase. The arts center is also home to The Hot Shop and The Clay Studio. The Hot Shop is Alabama’s premier hot glass blowing facility. Visitors have the opportunity to sit and watch the artists work or participate in a “Make Your Own Glass” class. At The Clay Studio resident ceramics artist Maya Blue-Cantrell guides guests through hand building, throwing on the wheel and pick-n-paint classes.
Then, March 13-14, the Coastal Arts Center hosts the annual Orange Beach Festival of Art. This two-day outdoor festival includes fine art in various mediums, 100+ vendors, live entertainment by local musicians and more. Entirely outdoors, the Orange Beach Festival of Art is an ideal event to practice social distancing while also experiencing the abundance of art found along the Gulf Coast.
Get Out on A Boat
If you’ve visited the Alabama Gulf Coast before, you’re sure to have seen plenty of boats out in the water. Boating is a favorite pastime for many of our locals. For those traveling to our beaches with boats, there are launches scattered all across the island. Most launches enable you to easily access both the back bays and the Gulf of Mexico. If you don’t own a boat, fear not, because there are several boat rental companies in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Whatever your boating needs are, they’ll be able to provide you the perfect vessel for your trip.
Another popular event happening in March is The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show. From March 19 to the 21st, The Wharf in Orange Beach will host its annual multi-million-dollar display of boats and yachts. Attendees will also be able to view the latest technology in marine electronics as well as fishing gear.
Alabama’s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway
Experience everything the Alabama Gulf Coast has to offer along Alabama’s Coastal Connection, a National Scenic Byway. Driving along the byway, you’ll find sugar-white sand beaches, quaint downtowns, wildlife preserves, historic spaces and delicious local dining. It’s a great way to learn about our traditions, culture and what makes coastal Alabama a truly special place. And, because many of the attractions found on the byway are less populated and outdoors, it’s ideal for social distancing. The scenic byway website offers day-trip itineraries making planning easy for you and your family.
Click here to learn about more things to do in March on Alabama’s beaches.
