Things to Do in October
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
The fun on Alabama's Beaches doesn't stop when summer is over, as fall brings a myriad of seasonal activities and festivals to the Gulf Coast. Check out these events and things to do in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan this October!
Best October Activities & Attractions on Alabama's Beaches
Bike Through Gulf State Park
October brings cooler weather to the Gulf Coast, making it ideal for exploring the area on bikes. Gulf State Park offers 28 miles of trails for bikers to traverse and discover native plants and wildlife. If you don't have a bike, you can take advantage of the park's free bike-sharing program! More than 50 bikes are located throughout Gulf State Park for visitors to use
Hit the Mini-Golf Course
Practice your putting skills when you hit the mini-golf course! The area offers various putt-putt attractions, each with its own unique course and amenities. It's a fun activity for the entire family and a great way to get out and enjoy the fantastic fall weather!
Look for Migratory Birds in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
During fall, thousands of birds make their annual migration south, passing through the Alabama Gulf Coast on their way to warmer weather. Their journey begins around August, but October is the best month to spot migratory birds along the coastline. The miles of trails in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge offer excellent views of birds flying overhead, as well as other coastal wildlife.
Tip: Days with cold fronts are best for birding because northern winds draw birds into the area.
Discover the Wildlife at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Say hello to some of the wild residents of Gulf Shores at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. This zoo offers visitors up-close encounters with a few of its residents, including sloths, lemurs, and giraffes. You'll also have the opportunity to see over 300 animals while here. There are plenty of unique creatures to marvel at, from reptiles and felines to primates and bears! The comfortable fall weather makes October an excellent time to leisurely stroll the wide sidewalks around the zoo, admiring the animals.
Play a Round of Golf
Alabama's Beaches is a golfer's paradise, combining award-winning courses and challenging holes with incredible coastal scenery. Fall is an ideal season to play a few rounds at the area's gorgeous golf courses, thanks to the comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Golfers can easily hit the greens in the morning, then relax on the beach in the afternoon.
Enjoy a Sunset Cruise
It's no secret that fall brings the most stunning sunsets to the Alabama Gulf Coast. One of the best places to witness the sky's vibrant transformation is aboard a sunset cruise. Riders relax in the coastal breeze while watching the sky change from golden and amber to a fiery crimson and slowly dip below the horizon. It's not uncommon to spot a dolphin or two while cruising around.
Catch Redfish
On Alabama's Beaches, October is known as "Red October" because it's the best time of year to catch redfish, one of the tastiest fish on the Gulf Coast. The cooling water temperatures bring schools of redfish into shallower, inshore waters. Fall is their spawning season, making this species hungry, aggressive, and thrilling to reel in. Anglers can cast off from the Gulf State Park Pier, the surf, or from an inshore charter to catch redfish on Alabama's Beaches.
October Events on Alabama's Beaches
A Smooth Jazz Evening Under the Stars: October 1
The Orange Beach Coastal Arts Center is hosting A Smooth Jazz Evening under the Stars on Thursday, October 1. Guests will feel the relaxing coastal breezes from the back bays as they listen to two talented musicians, Gino Rosaria and David Jones, perform by the water. General admission tickets are $25, and VIP tickets are $25.
Weird Al Concert: October 3
On Saturday, October 3, the iconic Weird Al Yankovic hits the stage at The Wharf Amphitheater. Grab a ticket to see this comedy legend perform in Orange Beach. The comfortable weather of the season makes this the perfect time for an outdoor show.
Shrimp Fest: Octover 8-11
Bring your appetite to the beach this fall and get ready for the Annual National Shrimp Festival on October 8-11. This mouthwatering event features more than 50 vendors serving delicious Gulf seafood every day. There will also be live music, over 200 artist booths, kids' activities, and a 5K and 10K run. Whether you like your shrimp boiled, steamed, or fried, you'll find irresistible eats here.
Flora-Bama's Oktoberfest: October 11
You can't let the month pass by without celebrating Oktoberfest! Flora-Bama hosts its annual celebration on Sunday, October 11, complete with complimentary German food, live polka music, and a stein-hoisting contest. Grab your lederhosen and head to this party, as it's sure to be a gute Zeit!
Haunted Hustle 5K: October 17
Lace up your shoes and grab your witches' hat for the Haunted Hustle 5K, Monster Dash, and Wicked Walk on Saturday, October 17, at Gulf Place. This race is perfect for getting in the spirit of Halloween while also getting a little exercise in. Participants are encouraged to dress up as witches, ghosts, monsters, or any other ghoulish creature they like!
Meeting of the Minds: October 21-25
If you're a Jimmy Buffett fan, you won't want to miss this year's Meeting of the Minds from October 21-25. Parrotheads from across the country flock together on our shores for a week of live music, fabulous seafood, and coastal camaraderie. Find your cheeseburger in paradise at the beach!
Halloween Celebrations: October 31
There is no shortage of ways to celebrate Halloween on Alabama's Beaches! Grab the kiddos and check out The Wharf's trunk-or-treat celebration on the evening of Halloween. Then, be sure to put together your best costume because Flora-Bama is hosting its annual costume contest on Halloween night with live music, delicious drinks, and lots of fun.
Coming to visit in October? Here are some fun things to do during your stay!
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.
Sydnie Lee
A Gulf Coast native and Travel Marketing Professional, Sydnie is Alabama's Beaches Content Specialist (AKA taste tester and destination researcher.) She spends time visiting restaurants, attractions, activities, and events in the area to get the inside scoop on all things happening in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.
Autumn
Looking for one of the best fall beach vacations in the US? Discover the beauty and peace of Alabama's Beaches, where sugar-white sand and tranquil shores create the ultimate quiet beach vacation.
In this video, we take you on a relaxing journey through Alabama’s white sand beaches, perfect for a serene autumn escape. Whether you're planning a trip in October or November, Alabama’s Beaches offers some of the best fall beach vacations in the US, without the crowds. Imagine cool breezes, warm sun, and stunning Gulf views, all part of your dream quiet beach vacation.
From the peaceful vibes to the natural beauty, Alabama's Beaches is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. If you’re seeking a unique destination with some of the best white sand beaches in the US, this is your sign to start planning.
