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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
