Things to Do in July
In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
The weather is warm, the water is cool, and the fun is nonstop! July on Alabama's Beaches is jam-packed with great family activities and unmissable summer events for the whole family. If you’re headed to the beach this summer, check out these things to do in July in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.
Find Family Fun at The Wharf
Find Family Fun at The Wharf
Visit The Wharf all summer long for nonstop fun and activities. Catch a family-favorite flick under the stars at Portside every Monday at 6:30 pm. Enjoy live music by the water and yard games during Sunset Sounds at Portside every Tuesday evening. Channel your inner Indiana Jones for the Pepsi Summer Adventure every Wednesday as you use your treasure map to complete a scavenger hunt. Then, splish and splash at Bubble + Beats on Thursdays, where a bubble truck will be on-site as well as camel rides, face painting, cornhole, and more kid-friendly fun. Stick around after dark each night to enjoy the free SPECTRA laser light show at 8:00, 8:30, and 9:00 pm.
Get Wet & Wild
Get Wet & Wild
A short drive to Foley will lead you to OWA’s Tropic Falls Indoor Waterpark, the Alabama Gulf Coast’s 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. Adults can book a cabana and relax in the shade with a cool drink as the kids play. Experience this unbelievable waterpark during your July family vacation!
Tip: Grab season passes, so you can visit this Gulf Coast waterpark as often as you want.
Celebrate Independence Day
Celebrate Independence Day
Spend Fourth of July in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan at one of the multiple Independence Day celebrations happening throughout the area. Flora-Bama is hosting its annual Fourth of July Party with BBQ, live music, and fireworks. You can also check out The Wharf's Independence Day event, which includes kids’ activities, fireworks, and a 5K race. There's also a free fireworks show in Gulf Shores for guests and locals to celebrate the nation’s birthday beach-style.
Tip: The Gulf State Park Pavilion and Lake Shelby are the best places to watch the City of Gulf Shores' Fourth of July fireworks show.
Cool Off in the Water
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 relax in the coastal breeze on a cruise. To really make a splash, rent a pontoon or party boat and spend the day relaxing on the water. Hitting the water is one of the best summer activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!
See the Blue Angels
See the Blue Angels
The highly anticipated Blue Angels Beach Air Show is back on July 15-18. 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 during this highly anticipated summer event.
Witness Massive Catches
Witness Massive Catches
Grab your gear and head to the Alabama Gulf Coast for three exciting fishing tournaments in July. First up is the Annual MBGFC Junior Angler Tournament, July 3-5, where the next generations of anglers will cast their lines in Orange Beach. Next up is the Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf from July 14-19 at The Wharf. This Orange Beach tournament is the final one of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series. The month rounds out July 17-19 with the Annual Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, the largest fishing tournament in the world. You can catch the Mobile Bay Ferry from Fort Morgan and head towards Dauphin Island to check out this angling event. You’re bound to spot some impressive catches at any of these Alabama Gulf Coast tournaments.
Catch a Show
Catch a Show
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch a show under the stars at The Wharf Amphitheater this summer. July brings rising country artist Gavin Adcock, pop-rock band Train, country singer-songwriter Parker McCollum, Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, country band Turnpike Troubadours, rock group Creed, and country star Luke Bryan to Orange Beach.
Tip: Arrive at The Wharf early and grab a bite to eat at one of the many fantastic restaurants around the entertainment district.
Explore Below the Surface
Explore Below the Surface
Take a plunge into the Gulf with a diving excursion or snorkeling trip. Our area boasts several great dive spots for both beginner and advanced divers. Outfitters like Down Under Dive Shop will equip you with all the gear you need and take you out to your preferred dive coordinates. If you want to stay close to the surface, try snorkeling. You can book a charter to bring you out into the Gulf or explore close to the shore by exploring the jetties. The warm weather in July in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach makes this a great month for a diving trip.
Tip: Get scuba certified with Down Under Dive Shop, so you can explore the advanced dive sites in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores!
Sip, Sip, Hooray
Sip, Sip, Hooray
Still looking for things to do during your July beach vacation? Nothing says summer at the beach like a coastal cocktail, and the restaurants and bars along our shores have just the libations you need to unwind. Whether you like them frozen, sweet, or tangy, there’s a cocktail for you. Keep cool with these delicious, locally-crafted drinks and insta-worthy cocktails.
Head to our slice of paradise for a fun-filled July! Here are ten things to do in July 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.
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.
Spark the
Spend your Fourth of July in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach this year! Aside from 32 miles of sugar-sand beaches and emerald-green waters, there are plenty of things to do and events to attend to keep you and your family entertained.
