Things to Do During Memorial Day Weekend
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Every Memorial Day, families make their annual trip to Alabama's white-sand beaches to kick off their summer. Before you make a break for the beach, check out these exciting activities to add to your fun-in-the-sun vacation agenda.
Memorial Day Vacation Ideas
Cool Off in the Water
Cool Off in the Water
Nothing screams summer like hitting the water, and Alabama's Beaches offer plenty of opportunities to make a splash with your whole family. Spend your day lounging on soft sands, kayaking or parasailing under the warm sun, or diving into the clear waters for a refreshing swim. For thrill-seekers, a variety of cool watersports await. Experience the thrill of Jet Skiing along the back bays or paddleboarding the scenic coastline.
Picnic at Bon Secour Wildlife Center
Picnic at Bon Secour Wildlife Center
Is it really Memorial Day if you don't have a picnic? Grab lunch-to-go from a local Alabama's Beaches restaurant and head to the gorgeous Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for a relaxing meal. We suggest picking up a beautifully crafted charcuterie board from Lauria’s. Once at Bon Secour, you can view endangered species in their natural habitat and indigenous plants while feeling the warm sun on your face. Pine Beach Trail leads to a sweet little white-sand beach perfect for picnicking.
Embark on a Dolphin Cruise
Embark on a Dolphin Cruise
What better way to explore Alabama's Beaches than aboard a boat searching for dolphins? You'll be able to see these friendly creatures bobbing in and out of the water and learn about their habitat and behaviors from your guide. A daytime trip is perfect for families while a scenic, sunset dolphin cruise is ideal for adults and couples.
Travel Back in Time at Historic Fort Morgan
Travel Back in Time at Historic Fort Morgan
Filled with history, this third-system masonry fort built in the early 1800s stands guard on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, where the bay meets the Gulf. Historic Fort Morgan played a role in several wars and conflicts and is now a State of Alabama Historic Site. Self-guided tours are a great way to experience the grounds, including natural areas, a boat launch, a picnic area, and beaches. It's the perfect place to kick off Memorial Day weekend.
Cast a Line Along Alabama's Beaches
Cast a Line Along Alabama's Beaches
Early summer is prime fishing time on Alabama’s Beaches! Embarking on a fishing charter is one of the best ways to fish in the area while also experiencing the pristine waters of the Gulf. Orange Beach boasts one of the largest fishing charter fleets on the Gulf Coast, so you’re bound to reel in an impressive catch. Best of all, red snapper season in Alabama opens Memorial Day weekend!
Memorial Day Weekend Concert
Memorial Day Weekend Concert
Live music in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is nothing short of epic. Kick off your holiday festivities at The Wharf Amphitheater with Hardy on Friday night and Godsmack on Saturday. On Memorial Day, spend an evening under the stars with the legendary Dave Matthews Band, the perfect way to round out the weekend.
Watch the Gulf Coast Masters
Watch the Gulf Coast Masters
Don't miss out on the excitement of the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club’s Gulf Coast Masters, where anglers compete for the biggest catches and prizes at the Orange Beach Marina. Competitors will head out on Thursday morning with a shotgun start at 9 am. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the scales open as massive fish are brought in for weigh ins. Grab dinner at Shipp's Dockside Grill Lower Deck or Upper Deck, and watch these impressive boats and catches as they arrive back at the marina!
Splash Into Fun
Splash Into Fun
Slip, slide, and splash at Waterville USA. This iconic waterpark has been a staple of Alabama’s Beaches for decades, and in May, it officially opens for the summer season. If heart-racing waterslides and lazy rivers aren’t your thing, head into Waterville’s arcade and practice your swing at the swing suites or play a round of bowling.
Party on the Line
Party on the Line
Head to the iconic Flora-Bama Oyster Bar & Lounge for a Memorial Day party on the Florida/Alabama stateline. During the holiday weekend, the beach bar will have nonstop live music, cold drinks, fresh oysters, and a bikini contest. Be sure to bring a marker, so you can sign your names on the walls!
Here are a few fun ideas to add to your Memorial Day Weekend itinerary along Alabama's Beaches!
Explore Rentals on Alabama's Beaches
Whatever your vacation style, Alabama’s Beaches have the perfect spot for you. Start planning by choosing your dates and group size, and explore the best vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, comfortable places to stay in Orange Beach, or the charming rentals of Fort Morgan. With verified listings, secure payments, and real support, there are plenty of reasons why you should book with us.
$200
VISA GIFT CARD
Book Now >Book your stay on our site (AlabamasBeaches.com) to visit during the month of May and receive a free $200 VISA gift card. Please see our disclaimer page for more details.
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Alabama's Beaches
These blogs are written by the destination experts at Alabama's Beaches. From the best restaurants and hidden gems to tips and tricks for making the most of your stay, our knowledgable team has the lowdown on our area.
