Unique Fall Adventures
In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Everyone has a good idea of what they want to do during a summer beach vacation—beach, pool, repeat. However, fall on the Alabama Gulf Coast is the ideal season to explore different avenues of fun and adventure, and we’ve rounded up a great list of options to get you started.
Watch the Blue Angels on a Sailboat
Sail Wild Hearts offers a variety of sailing adventures, from dolphin cruises and sunset sails to the ever-popular Dolphin and Blue Angels Sailing Adventure. The latter boasts an exciting opportunity to see practice flights of the nation’s most elite fighter pilots, the Blue Angels. You’ll drop anchor in Pensacola and have a front-row seat to the fantastic feats just overhead. Don’t forget to look down during your excursion, too, as you’ll also have the opportunity to spot dolphins bobbing in and out of the waves.
Explore Gulf State Park by Segway
Explore the natural beauty of Gulf State Park on a Segway tour through the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. Certified operators with Coastal Segway Adventures begin each tour with a safety lesson and practice ride. Riders must be at least 12 years old, and a signed waiver is required. It’s an exciting way to look for native wildlife, including eagles, tortoises and even alligators and explore the wonders of the park. Take in the peaceful lakes and lush greenery on a Segway for a new kind of adventure.
Reel ‘Em in on a Fishing Charter
The Alabama Gulf Coast is home to one of the largest charter fishing fleets in the Southeast. Trips range from half to full days and overnight stays. Charter boats allow large parties, small groups, and even individual bookings, so you can bring your whole gang along. In-shore and nearshore trips are great for beginner fishers and children and typically last four hours, while seasoned anglers will want to opt for a deep-sea charter. Most charters allow you to bring food and drinks on board and provide guests with rods, reels and bait. After your trip, one of our many cook-your-catch restaurants can prepare your catches for one of the most memorable (and freshest!) seafood dinners you've ever experienced.
Get Wild at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores is the first ZAA-accredited zoo in the country and is home to dozens of unique, wild animals. If you’ve ever wanted to pet a sloth or hang out with a lemur, you can fulfill your dreams here as this fabulous zoo offers up-close animal encounters. The zoo also boasts a giraffe feeding station, a large playground, a zipline, and lots more fun. Don’t miss dining at the trendy Safari Club, the state’s first full-service, green-certified restaurant with delicious salads, exquisite plates, wood-fired pizzas, seafood, and a full bar.
Cruise Our Waterways on a Pontoon Boat
Cruise through the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico at your pace with a pontoon boat. With a pontoon, you’re the captain, which means you’ll have the opportunity to explore the area's back bays, coves, islands and more hidden gems. Most boats can fit 10 people, so you can bring your whole crew along. Be sure to bring drinks and snacks or pull up to any of the waterfront restaurants along the shores to grab a bite. Whether you want to spend the day swimming, fishing, or just soaking up some rays, you’ll have a blast renting a pontoon.
If you’re looking for even more new adventures and thrilling activities for your beach trip, check out all of the fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
