Things to do in May
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
School is out, summer is finally here, and the beach is calling! May is a perfect time to visit Alabama's white-sand beaches. You’ll find plenty of fun attractions and exciting events on the Alabama Gulf Coast. If you’re planning a trip to the beach this May, check out these fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and add them to your vacation itinerary!
1. Attend the Hot Air Balloon Fest
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s dozens of colorful hot air balloons! Don’t look down because you might miss the 40 hot air balloons coming to the Alabama Gulf Coast from May 4-5 at OWA. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival offers live local music, fabulous food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and fun children’s activities. If watching the balloons isn’t enough for you, take a trip up in the air with a tethered ride. The balloons take off each day at dawn and dusk (weather permitting). While here, be sure to take a spin on the thrilling rides at Tropic Falls!
2. Watch the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament
Grab your sunglasses, sunscreen, and game face, and head to Gulf Shores this May for the 2023 NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship. This three-day tournament is nothing but pure adrenaline. From May 5-7, the country’s best collegiate volleyball teams will battle it out in the sand at Gulf Place. Cheer on your favorite team and see who will be crowned the 2023 championship on May 7!
3. Take a Segway Tour
Gulf State Park is the ultimate spot for nature lovers who visit our white-sand beaches. Visitors can run, bike, hike, and even take a Segway tour through the miles of trails throughout the park. Coastal Segway Tours offers a two-hour guided tour through the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail at Gulf State Park. You’ll get a quick crash course on operating a Segway before heading off on the trails. This unique tour is a cool way to explore the park and check out the area’s wildlife.
4. Hit the Water
You came to the beach to get in the water, and we’ve got all the water activities you need to stay busy during your trip. Dive in and explore the area’s sea life by snorkeling and diving or let the pros guide you on a cruise. If you’re looking for excitement, feel the wind on your face as you whip a Jet Ski around or fly high as you go parasailing over the Gulf of Mexico. Those who just want to take it easy will enjoy paddle boarding and kayaking while experiencing the area's beauty.
5. Catch a Concert
What better way to spend these long summer nights under the stars than at a concert on the coast? The Wharf Amphitheater has a packed lineup of some of the biggest names in country coming to Orange Beach this summer. As part of the C Spire Concert Series, you can catch Whiskey Myers, Hank Williams Jr and Old Crow Medicine Show, and Kenny Chesney and Kelsea Ballerini this May at the Wharf. Grab your tickets now and see who else is performing on Alabama’s beaches this summer!
6. Putt, Drive & Swing on the Golf Course
Spring and early summer are the perfect times to hit the links, and there’s no better place to play a few rounds than Alabama’s beaches. You have your choice of 15 golf courses in and around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, allowing you to soak up the sun and feel the coastal breeze as you make your way through the fairways. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or new to the sport, you’ll love playing on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
7. Cast Your Line in a Fishing Tournament
If you love to fish, you won’t want to miss the Billfish Classic and The Invitational fishing tournaments at The Wharf Marina this May. You’ll find big fish and even bigger prizes at these two annual tournaments. First up is The Invitational on May 11, which offers the highest payout of all Gulf Coast tournaments, with the winners taking home $1 million. The following weekend, May 16-21, is the Billfish Classic. This high-profile tournament is a part of the Triple Crown Series and includes tuna, wahoo, dolphin (Mahi), and blue marlin categories. Even if you don’t participate in either of these tournaments, you’ll still want to head to The Wharf to check out what’s reeled in
8. Rock Out at Hangout Music Fest
It’s not every day you get to watch your favorite musicians perform on the beach, but at Hangout Music Fest, you can dig your toes in the sand as you sing along. This year’s Hangout Fest is May 19-21 and features Red Hot Chili Peppers, Paramore, SZA, Lil Nas X, Calvin Harris, Flume, and more incredible artists. A ticket to the fest includes plenty of other perks and good times, including a disco roller rink, hammock beach, amazing eats and drinks, and partner booths from some of your favorite brands.
9. Find Family Fun at Tropic Falls
Pay Tropic Falls at OWA in Foley a visit this summer if you’re searching for nonstop excitement. Tropic Falls offers an exciting 23-ride theme park and the region’s largest indoor waterpark. Throw your hands up as you make loops on the Rollin’ Thunder rollercoaster or make a splash down one of the waterpark’s slides. If you prefer to take it slow, take a float on the lazy river or play a round of hoops or ring toss at Midway Games. Whether you prefer chills or thrills, Tropic Falls is the spot for you!
10. Meet & Greet Gators
Say “see you later, alligator” to your condo or beach house for a few hours and “hello” to the scaly residents at Alligator Alley. A quick trip to Summerdale lets you see hundreds of alligators eating, nesting, and soaking up rays. Visitors can walk through the farm and see gators ranging from tiny hatchlings to full-grown adults. The best time to visit is during feeding hours, which are 11 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm. True reptile lovers will want to head to the gator station after exploring the grounds for a chance to hold a baby alligator!
Ready to hit the beach this May? Start planning your next trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
