Skip to main content
  • Visitors
  • Meetings
  • Sports
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Condos
    • Hotels
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Resorts
    • RV Parks & Camping
    Friends on the beaches in Alabama
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Tent camping in Gulf Shores, AL
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Vacation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Motorcycle Runs
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Gulf State Park Beach
    10 Fun Family Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    Ten Cheap & Free Things To Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    Gulf Place Gulf Shores Christmas Lights
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    The Best Restaurants for Fine Dining on Alabama Beaches
    Pouring a cup of coffee
    The Four Best Coffee Shops in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Cobalt the Restaurant Orange beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Couples Newsletter
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Maps
    • Getting Here
    • Weather
    • Welcome Centers
    • Couples Getaway
    • Family Vacations
    • Beach Safety
    Gulf Shores, Alabama
    Nine Things to Know Before Your Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Vacation
    Beach house kitchen
    5 Things I Learned From My Alabama Beach Vacation
    Dog Pond Lake Shelby
    Easy Options for a Pet-Friendly Beach Vacation
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Couple biking on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf Shores, AL
    Bike-Sharing at Gulf State Park: Share the Trails, Share the Wheels
    Teen friends on Sail Wild Hearts in Orange Beach, AL
    Six Teen-Approved Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
    Waterville USA
    5 Thrilling Amusement Parks Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Condos
    • Hotels
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Resorts
    • RV Parks & Camping
    Friends on the beaches in Alabama
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Tent camping in Gulf Shores, AL
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Vacation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Motorcycle Runs
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Gulf State Park Beach
    10 Fun Family Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    Ten Cheap & Free Things To Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    Gulf Place Gulf Shores Christmas Lights
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    The Best Restaurants for Fine Dining on Alabama Beaches
    Pouring a cup of coffee
    The Four Best Coffee Shops in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Cobalt the Restaurant Orange beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Couples Newsletter
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Maps
    • Getting Here
    • Weather
    • Welcome Centers
    • Couples Getaway
    • Family Vacations
    • Beach Safety
    Gulf Shores, Alabama
    Nine Things to Know Before Your Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Vacation
    Beach house kitchen
    5 Things I Learned From My Alabama Beach Vacation
    Dog Pond Lake Shelby
    Easy Options for a Pet-Friendly Beach Vacation
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Couple biking on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf Shores, AL
    Bike-Sharing at Gulf State Park: Share the Trails, Share the Wheels
    Teen friends on Sail Wild Hearts in Orange Beach, AL
    Six Teen-Approved Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
    Waterville USA
    5 Thrilling Amusement Parks Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Meetings
  • Home
    All Home
    • Plan Your Conference
    • How Can We Help
    • Why Our Beach
    • Services
    • FAQs
    • Getting Here
    • Restaurants
    • Things to Do
    • Calendar of Events
    All Plan Your Conference
    • All Meeting Spaces
    • Unique Meeting Spaces
    • Accommodations
    All Meeting Spaces
  • Reunions & Weddings
    All Reunions & Weddings
    • Meeting Planner Toolkit
    All Toolkit
    • Connect With Us
    • Submit RFP
    • Subscribe Today
    All Contact Us
  • Stories
    All Stories
Sports
    • All Events
    • Book>Direct
    • Perfect Game World Series
    • Gulf Shores High School
    • Beach Races
    • Orange Beach High School
    All Events & Special Rates
    • All Restaurant Sponsors
    • On-the-Go Dining
    All Restaurants
    • All Attraction Sponsors
    All Attractions
  • Business Sponsors
    All Business Sponsors
  • Facilities
    All Facilities
    • Facility Info
    • Leisure Events
    • Our Services
    • Planner Toolkit
    • Contact Us
    • Newsletter
    All Bring Your Event
  • Sponsors
    All Sponsors
  • Stories
    All Stories
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

9 Things to do in April in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

The month of April brings with it an array of outdoor activities and other things to do.

February 22, 2022

People always say, “April showers bring May flowers,” but on the Alabama Gulf Coast all April brings is a whole lotta fun! Check out all the coming fun and plan to join us this spring. Here are nine things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in April.

Mullet Toss
Get Your Flora-Bama Fix

April is a huge month for the famous Flora-Bama as the restaurant hosts three events. First up is the 24th Annual Mullet Man Triathlon on April 9. This event promises a fabulous course with a post-race party that includes food and fun The Mullet Swing Golf Classic is held a few weeks later, on Wednesday, April 20. A 4-person scramble, this tournament is a favorite among golfers. Lastly is the Interstate Mullet Toss and Beach Party. This weekend party runs from April 22 through 24 as participants compete to see who can throw a mullet furthest over the state line.

Escape into Nature at Bon Secour

Encompassing some of the state’s last remaining undisturbed coastal habitat, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (BSNWR) is the perfect place for nature enthusiasts vacationing along our shores. The refuge has four distinct trails of varying lengths and terrains. On the trails, you’re likely to come across a variety of flora and fauna, some of which are endangered species. One of the most popular trails is the Jeff Friend Trail, an ADA-compliant, one-mile loop offering gorgeous views and plenty of rest areas. 

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Go Wild at The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Have you ever wanted to hold a sloth or feed a giraffe? At the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores, you can! This newly relocated 25-acre zoo is home to over 300 animals. Spending a day here includes interactive shows, on-site dining, theme-park rides, and the chance for an up-close meet and greet with some of the animals. You’ll definitely want to take advantage of the zoo’s animal encounters while you’re here for an unforgettable experience.

Celebrate National Beer Day

Did you know April 7 is National Beer Day? There's no better way to celebrate than by having a cold craft beer at a local brewery, and at Big Beach Brewing Company in Gulf Shores, you can do just that. This open-air taproom serves up a dozen beers on any given day, including sours, cream ales, IPAs and more. On the weekends, the brewery also hosts locally owned food trucks and live music.

Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Fest
Enjoy Fresh Boiled Crawfish

It’s not spring in the South without a crawfish festival! The 12th Annual Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival in Gulf Shores is the perfect event to get out and enjoy the warm weather April brings. Here, you’ll find crawfish boiling all day along with live music, children’s activities, art vendors, food and the Little Miss Zydeco Pageant. The festival kicks off at 8 a.m. with a 5K Run & 1 Mile Fun Run benefiting Furrever Homes.

Cast Your Line on a Fishing Charter

Deep-sea, inshore, pier and surf fishing…we’ve got it all. From the Gulf of Mexico to the back bays, lagoons and freshwater lakes, there are countless waterways to cast your line when fishing on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Throughout the destination, you’ll find various charter fishing businesses. Whether you want to go on a shorter four- or six-hour excursion or an all-nighter, there’s something for everyone and every skill level.

The Track in Gulf Shores
Fulfill Your Need for Speed

Just as its name suggests, The Track Family Fun Park in Gulf Shores offers fun for the entire family. Here, you’ll find exhilarating rides such as the Skycoaster and Spinning Coaster, as well as exciting activities like mini-golf, bumper boats and kid’s rides. However, its signature attraction is its multi-level Wild Woody go-kart track. Drivers will race each other up and down over three stories around the park before embarking on a thrilling drop back to the bottom.

Cruise Over to The Wharf for Classic Cars

If you love cars, head over to the Wharf from April 28 through 30 for the 13th Annual Bama Coast Cruisin’. This family-friendly event includes incredible cars, lots of entertainment and Southern hospitality. At the event, unique and spectacular classic cars line Main Street at The Wharf as spectators admire them from up close. The weekend also includes live music, door prizes, vendor booths, cash giveaways and a parade cruise. You can enjoy a bite to eat or enjoy a drink at any of the restaurants located at The Wharf. This event is free to the public and includes free convenient parking.

Dolphin Cruise in Orange Beach
Embark on a Dolphin Cruise

There’s only one thing that can top cruising around the beautiful coastal waters of Alabama and that’s spotting dolphins during your excursion. Multiple dolphin tours are available that take guests out into the waters where these friendly creatures hang out. You’ll not only see dolphins during these cruises, but the knowledgeable tour guides will tell you all about their lives and habitat. If you want to make your tour extra special, opt for a cruise at sunset.

Check out more events happening this spring!

Icon of a hotel
Find Your Perfect Place to Stay
Places to Stay Search Lodging Options
icon of a guide
Where Your Journey Begins
Order a Free Vacation Guide Order a Free Vacation Guide
Email icon
News from the Coast
Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter Subscribe to Our Enewsletter

Share This

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sales
The Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sales Team (33 Posts)
The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach sales team welcomes hundreds of meetings and event attendees every year. Our team works with planners to facilitate these events by offering various complimentary…
  • https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresOrangeBeachMeetings
  • https://twitter.com/gsob_meetings
  • https://www.instagram.com/gulfshoresorangebeachmeetings/

You May Also Like

Mullet Tos

Fish Will Fly at the Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party & Mullet Toss

Easter at LuLu's

Six Reasons You Should Spend Easter on Alabama's Beaches

Chef's Table Orange Beach Concierge

Signature Experiences: Hands-On Adventures Only on Alabama’s Beaches

Order a Vacation Guide Subscribe to our Enewsletter
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Logo
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Trip Ideas
  • Press
  • Partners
  • Responsible Tourism
  • 1-800-745-SAND
  • [email protected]
  • Privacy Policy
  • Linking Policy
  • Employment Opportunities
Copyright 2022 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. All rights reserved.
  • Subscribe to Enews
  • Vacation Guide
  • Chat With Us