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Things To Do In November
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Sugar-white sand beaches, a wonderfully warm coastal climate, and a harvest of happenings – there's much to be thankful for during a fall vacation on Alabama's Beaches. From fall festivals and live music to outdoor explorations, there is plenty to do and see this November in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.

Best November Activites & Attractions on Alabama's Beaches

Alligator jumping out of the water at Alligator Alley in Summerdale
1

Visit Alligator Alley

If you've got a heart for animals, even the scaly ones, visit Alligator Alley in nearby Summerdale. You'll see more than 450 gators of all sizes as you walk along the boardwalk. After you've made it through the farm, you'll have the opportunity to interact with a baby alligator. Be sure to visit during feeding times, which are 11 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm.

Kid building a sandcastle on the beach in Gulf Shores
2

Take a Class with Sand Castle University

There's no better time to book a class with Sand Castle University than during the fall. The beach's cooler temperatures and smaller crowds create the best environment for this fun, hands-on experience. The experts at Sand Castle University will meet you at your desired spot and bring all the necessary tools. During your class, you'll learn the best techniques for making sturdy sandcastles.

People skydiving over Orange Beach with Skydive the Gulf
3

Skydive the Gulf

While Gulf temperatures may not be warm enough to swim comfortably, you can still experience the beauty of the beach from above. A dive with Skydive the Gulf promises the best views of the water. You can even land on the beach with the Famous Flora-Bama Beach Jump or Sunset Beach Skydive. Will you make the jump?

Grassy lawn area at Portside at The Wharf
4

Watch Football on the Lawn

Game days hit different on the beach. The area is home to plenty of bars and restaurants that are ideal for watching your favorite college teams compete. For a unique and communal football-watching experience, check out Portside's Game Day on the Green every Saturday this fall. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab food and drinks from a Wharf restaurant, and feel the coastal breeze as you enjoy games on the big screen.

Kids riding The Ferris Wheel at The Wharf in Orange Beach
5

Ride the Ferris Wheel & Train at The Wharf

Head to The Wharf and ride on one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the Southeast. You can watch this Ferris wheel vibrantly light up the sky at night. The little ones will love taking a ride on The Wharf Express. This charming train runs up and down Main Street, making it the perfect attraction for toddlers and young kids. 

Tip: Time your Ferris Wheel ride for the evening to witness the vibrant fall sunsets.

Historic Fort Morgan history attraction in Gulf Shores
6

Spend a Day in Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan is an excellent area of the island for outdoor exploration, especially during the cooler months. Take a scenic hike in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and experience miles of undisturbed coastal ecosystems, including maritime forests, wetlands, and beaches. Then, explore winding tunnels, admire centuries-old barracks, and climb the iconic steps at Historic Fort Morgan to take in unobstructed views of the coastline.

November Events on Alabama's Beaches

Outdoor beach area with couches and live music stage at Flora-Bama Yacht Club waterfront restaurant
7

Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival: November 5-15

For music mavens, there's nothing quite like the Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival, November 5-15. Venues along the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast welcome nearly 200 nationally acclaimed songwriters for this event. Festival attendees enjoy an up-close-and-personal concert experience and often hear the stories behind the songs as told by the original author.

Experience the oyster fall food festival in Gulf Shores
8

Experience the Oyster: November 6-7

If you love oysters, head to The Hangout on Saturday, November 7, for the third annual Experience the Oyster. This oyster-tasting event features numerous oyster farms and chefs who create unique seafood dishes for attendees to sample. You'll also get an inside look at the oyster industry along the Alabama Gulf Coast. VIP ticket holders have the opportunity to sample more oysters and fresh seafood on Friday, November 6 at Zeke's during an exclusive pre-event party.

Couple watching Blue Angels soar over the Gulf in Orange Beach
9

Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show: November 6-7

The same weekend of November 6-7, the Pensacola Blue Angels will close out their flying season. On both days, you can catch their free Homecoming Air Show on nearby Pensacola Beach at 9:30 am. Come by car or boat and see why people look up at the sky in awe every time these guys fly.

Attendees with Alabama craft beer at the Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival in Gulf Shores
10

Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival: November 7-8

Get ready for a weekend filled with fantastic food, lawn games, live music, and a whole lot of family fun at the Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival. On November 7-8, more than a dozen food trucks will park at Gulf Place in Gulf Shores and offer the best cuisine. On top of all the great eats, over 30 craft beers from around the nation and region will also be available.

Golfer swinging a club in a sand pit on the golf course at Craft Farms
11

Tee Up for the Troops Golf Tournament: November 11

Calling all golfers! Bring your clubs, and get ready to hit the links for a cause this fall during the Tee Up for the Troops Annual Golf Tournament. Participants will play along Craft Farm's stunning Cotton Creek course, one of the only Arnold Palmer-designed golf courses in Alabama. Golfing enthusiasts won't want to miss out on this event on Wednesday, November 11!

Runner racing along the trails in Gulf State Park in Orange Beach
12

Coastal Half Marathon, 5K and One-Mile Fun Run: November 28

After you indulge in Thanksgiving dinner, burn those holiday calories in the Coastal Half Marathon, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. Happening the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 28, this is a fantastic way to run off all the turkey and sweet potato pie you consumed throughout the week! The race takes you through the scenic, peaceful, and beautiful trails in Gulf State Park.

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.

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Sydnie Lee

Visit Alabama's Beaches Content Specialist

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.

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Autumn

Tides

Looking for one of the best fall beach vacations in the US? Discover the beauty and peace of Alabama's Beaches, where sugar-white sand and tranquil shores create the ultimate quiet beach vacation.

In this video, we take you on a relaxing journey through Alabama’s white sand beaches, perfect for a serene autumn escape. Whether you're planning a trip in October or November, Alabama’s Beaches offers some of the best fall beach vacations in the US, without the crowds. Imagine cool breezes, warm sun, and stunning Gulf views, all part of your dream quiet beach vacation.

From the peaceful vibes to the natural beauty, Alabama's Beaches is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. If you’re seeking a unique destination with some of the best white sand beaches in the US, this is your sign to start planning.

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