Aerial view of water vessels on display at The Wharf's Annual Boat & Yacht Show in Orange Beach

Things to Do in March

in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

March on the Alabama Gulf Coast is full of fun! Mark your calendar because the beginning of spring brings warm weather back to Alabama's Beaches. Whether you’re coming for spring break, a family vacation, or just a weekend getaway, there are plenty of activities and events to keep you entertained during your stay. Check out these things to do in March in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.

March Events & Activities on Alabama's Beaches

Poarch Creek Indians performance at Ballyhoo cultural festival in Gulf Shores
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Discover Art, Music, & Culture at Ballyhoo

Discover Art, Music, & Culture at Ballyhoo

The month begins with the Annual Ballyhoo Festival at Lake Shelby on March 8-9. This two-day cultural event features fine art, live music, competitions and demonstrations, and local heritage. The highlight of the festival is the Poarch Creek Indians' impressive performances of their original tribal dances.

woman holding a large redfish caught while inshore fishing in gulf shores
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Cast Your Line

Cast Your Line

It’s no secret that the Gulf Coast is a prime location for fishing, and with the largest charter fleet in the area, Alabama’s Beaches are the best place to drop a line. During March, anglers can catch black drum, cobia, sheepshead, redfish, and many more species that are prominent during the spring season. Whether you prefer inshore, nearshore, or deep sea fishing, you’re bound to reel a fish tale you'll share for years to come. Take your haul to one of the area's many restaurants that will cook your catch for you. 

glass-blown art pieces at The Hot Shop at The Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach
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Celebrate Arts with the Whole Family

Celebrate Arts with the Whole Family

This year marks the 52nd Annual Orange Beach Festival of Art from March 14-15. At this popular event, you’ll find over 100 vendors showcasing incredible art, local food trucks, live performances and art demonstrations, and a kid’s art gallery. To top it all off, the festival takes place at Waterfront Park, giving attendees beautiful bayfront views and a comfortable breeze.

View of the battleground from the tunnels in Historic Fort Morgan
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Step Back in Time

Step Back in Time

Add a little history lesson to your trip and discover the unique role Historic Fort Morgan played during the civil war. This third masonry fort has guarded our coastal waters for almost two centuries and stood tall through several wars, including the famous Battle of Mobile of Bay. Visitors can explore the tunnels, battery bowyer, magazines, and more iconic spots in and around the fort. It’s the perfect way to learn about the history of the area!

Flora-Bama's Beach Run for America’s Warriors race in Orange Beach
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Race on the Beach

Race on the Beach

Flora-Bama hosts its Annual Beach Run for America’s Warriors on Saturday, March 14. The race includes a 5K and half marathon, and racers will run/walk along the scenic beach road, beginning at the oyster bar. All proceeds benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. This race is a perfect way to enjoy our beautiful white-sand beaches while supporting a great cause.

Family exploring Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores
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Explore Gulf State Park

Explore Gulf State Park

You can enjoy outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and kayaking all year round on the Alabama Gulf Coast. However, the comfortable weather spring brings to our beaches makes March a perfect time to experience the natural beauty of the area, and with 6,150 acres and nine distinct ecosystems, the beautiful Gulf State Park is a great place to get out and explore.

People walking along the marina lined with boats at the Wharf Boat & Yacht Show in Orange Beach
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Admire Extravagant Boats & Yachts

Admire Extravagant Boats & Yachts

Whether you’re looking to buy a boat or just like marveling at lavish yachts, you’ll have a blast at The Wharf’s Annual Boat and Yacht Show on March 20-22. This event is known for bringing the best pricing of the year for boat buyers, as well as showcasing the latest technology in world-class marine electronics, fishing gear, and more. In addition to the impressive yachts, you'll find many other types of boats on display--skiffs, pontoons, and cruises, to name a few.

pod of dolphins swimming alongside a cruise in orange beach
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Go Searching for Dolphins

Go Searching for Dolphins

While plenty of charters and guided tours are available on Alabama's Beaches, some of the most exciting are dolphin cruises. If you’ve ever wanted to see dolphins up close in their natural habitat, this is your chance. You’ll have the opportunity to watch these friendly creatures swim around the coastal waters and pop out to say hello. The guides know where the dolphins hang out and will share their knowledge of dolphin life with those on board.

Family playing mini golf at Adventure Island putt putt course in Orange Beach
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Hit the Mini-Golf Course

Hit the Mini-Golf Course

Mini golf is the perfect spring break and family vacation activity, and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have plenty of spots to play, like Shrimpy’s, which offers 18 holes and a great ice cream shop. Over at Beachside Mini Golf, you’ll discover an 18-hole, handicap-accessible course, while Tiki’s Mini Golf offers $5 games and bike rentals. Watch out for the erupting volcano as you putt through the course at Adventure Island, or follow in the footsteps of renowned pirates like Blackbeard at Pirate’s Island. If you’re looking for a truly unique mini-golf experience, check out Jurassic Golf and play a glow-in-the-dark game among dinosaurs!

The Wharf
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Catch a Concert

Catch a Concert

Country singer Bailey Zimmerman is returning to The Wharf Amphitheater on March 27 with special guests Hudson Westbrook and Blake Whiten. The comfortable weather of spring is perfect for an outdoor concert, and this show under stars promises a rocking good time. Get your tickets here!

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Ready for a spring getaway? Here are our favorite things to do in March on 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.

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Sydnie Lee

Visit Alabama's Beaches Content Specialist

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.

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