Thanksgiving
11 Things to Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Considering spending Thanksgiving at the beach? After kids return to school and boast mild temperatures during the fall, our gorgeous beaches are a little less crowded. It’s the perfect combination for a memorable holiday. If you decide to give thanks on the Alabama Gulf Coast this year, here are 10 things to do during Thanksgiving weekend in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
1. 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..
2. Run a Half Marathon or 5K
Participate in the 2023 Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Run on Saturday, November 25. 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.
3. Follow One of Our Food Trails
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.
4. Get Some “Me Time”
Practice self-care. 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. Perhaps you already practice yoga and just need a place to keep it up during your vacation. If so, this is your haven.
5. Check Out the History of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
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.”
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Get in a Round of Golf
Play on some of Alabama’s top-rated golf courses, such as Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club or Kiva Dunes on the Fort Morgan peninsula. The fall temperatures are comfortable enough to work through 18 holes of challenging golf set against beautiful beach backdrops with gentle Gulf of Mexico breezes blowing.
9. Create Your Own Holiday Event
Don’t miss the chance to have your Thanksgiving feast in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. Most condos 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. Want to turn it up a notch? Consider allowing a personal chef like Chef David Pan of Orange Beach Concierge to take over your meal prep for Thanksgiving Day.
10. Jump-Start Your Holiday Preparations
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.
