10 Things to do in July
In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
The weather is warm, the water is cool, and the fun is nonstop! July is jam-packed with great activities and unmissable events for the whole family. If you’re headed to Alabama’s beaches this summer, check out these 10 things to do during July.
1. Listen to Tunes Under the Stars
Calling all concertgoers. You won’t want to miss Parker McCollum, Sam Hunt, Dave Matthews Band, and Jelly Roll at The Wharf Amphitheater in July. You’ll enjoy fun summer nights of fabulous live music under the stars. Grab tickets to these shows and warm up your vocals to sing along.
2. Get Wet and Wild
A short drive to Foley will lead you to OWA’s Tropic Falls Indoor Waterpark, the Alabama Gulf Coast’s newest and largest indoor waterpark. This tropical escape houses a 300,000-square-foot wave pool, slides towering over 100 feet, a lazy river, and a surf simulator. Experience this unbelievable waterpark this summer, and grab season passes so you can visit as many times as you want.
3. Celebrate Independence Day
Enjoy Independence Day at the beach at one of the multiple celebrations happening throughout the area. Flora-Bama is hosting its annual Fourth of July Party with barbecue, live music, and fireworks. You can also visit The Wharf for their Independence Day celebration, which includes kids’ activities, fireworks, and a 5K race. The city of Gulf Shores is also hosting its own fireworks show for guests and locals to celebrate the nation’s birthday beach-style.
4. Snap a Selfie
You can’t go on a vacation without filling a camera roll with photos from your trip. Cool Shots Selfie Museum at The Wharf is the perfect place to snap a few pictures. This immersive gallery has over 50 cool and captivating backdrops and scenes for your next Instagram post or TikTok. Pets are also welcome in the museum, so bring your furry friends along for a family photo shoot.
5. Catch the Blue Angels
The highly anticipated Blue Angels Beach Air Show is back on July 8. Check out our Gulf Coast heroes as they soar above the shore. The Blue Angels are the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, stationed at Forrest Sherman Field at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Head to Pensacola for a quick day trip and catch these guys flying high.
6. Check Out the Stars of Shark Week
The Discovery Channel isn’t the only place to catch Shark Week. Gulf State Park is celebrating all week long from July 10-14 with daily activities at The Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier. There will be a touch tank, scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, and other fun ways for guests to learn all about the extraordinary world of sharks.
7. Cool Off in the Water
The warm weather of summer makes July the perfect time to cool off with water activities. Ride the waves with a Jet Ski, paddle the back bays on a kayak, or search for underwater creatures as you snorkel. To really make a splash, rent a pontoon or party boat and spend the day relaxing on the water.
8. Hook a Catch
Grab your fishing gear and head to the Alabama Gulf Coast for three exciting tournaments this month. First up is the Annual MBGFC Junior Angler Tournament July 7-8, where the next generations of anglers will cast their lines in Orange Beach. Next up is the Blue Marlin Grand Championship from July 12-16. This tournament is the final one of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series. The month rounds out on July 28-30 as the Orange Beach Marina hosts the MBGFC Billfish Limited Tournament. You’re bound to spot some impressive catches at any of these tournaments.
9. Find Family Fun at The Wharf
During the summer, The Wharf is filled with exciting events all season long. Every night, you can catch the spectacular SPECTRA laser light show as it illuminates the shops and restaurants with brilliant colors. On Monday evenings, you’ll find lots of fun and fireworks for Sparks After Dark. Tuesday nights are kids’ nights and feature lots of entertainment and games for the whole family to enjoy. Check out The Wharf’s calendar to see all the fabulous events happening this summer.
10. Pedal Through the Water
You may have cruised the waters in a boat, but what about one shaped like a duck or flamingo? At High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas, you’ll find pedal boats in addition to delicious eats and drinks. These cute vessels fit two passengers, who pedal the boat around Little Lagoon. While exploring the waters, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the area’s natural elements up close.
Get ready for a summer vacation unlike any other on Alabama’s beaches. Check out all the exciting events and fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!
