Things to Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach in March

1. Celebrate the Arts With the Whole Family

March on Alabama’s beaches brings not one but two exciting local art events. The first weekend of the month kicks off with the Ballyhoo festival from March 5-6, an arts festival focusing on fine arts and the charm of the Gulf Coast. Located in Gulf State Park, this event has free admission and includes local seafood, live music, and of course, wonderful art. The following weekend marks the Festival of Arts at the Orange Beach Art Center, located in the historic downtown, on March 12-13. Here you’ll find over 100 vendors, lots of local food vendors, a songwriter’s stage, and a kid’s art gallery.

2. Cast Your Line

It’s no secret that the Gulf Coast is a prime location to fish, and spring is a great time to go. During March,you can catch bluefish, cobia, pompano, and lots more species that are prominent during this season. Whether you prefer inshore, nearshore, or offshore fishing, you’re bound to reel in something here. After you’re finished fishing, take your haul to one of the many restaurants in the area that will cook your catch for you.

3. 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. Each location has its special appeal that makes it unique. Beachside Mini Golf boasts an 18-hole, handicap accessible course while Tiki’s Mini Golf offers $5 games and bike rentals. After a match at Shrimpy’s, you can enjoy ice cream and milkshakes at their ice cream bar.

4. Go Searching for Dolphins

While plenty of boat charters and guided tours are available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, some of the most exciting is the dolphin cruises. If you’ve ever wanted to see dolphins up close in their natural habitat, this is your chance. During these tours, 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.

5. 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 18-20. 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 boating. Whether you like skiffs, pontoons, cruisers, or any other boats or accessories, you’ll find them here.

6. Get Your Game On

If you’re looking for non-stop fun and entertainment, Fat Daddy’s Arcade in Orange Beach is the place for you! This family-friendly arcade features more than 80 classic and new arcade games plus interactive games like Jurassic Park, Fruit Ninja, Fast Track and more. After you’re finished playing, you can trade in your winnings at the redemption counter for prizes. You won’t run out of games to play here!

7. Exploring Gulf State Park

You can enjoy outdoor activities like biking, hiking and kayaking all year round in Gulf State Park. However, the comfortable weather spring brings to the coast makes March a perfect time to experience the natural beauty of the area, and with 6,150 acres, Gulf State Park is a great place to explore.