This Fall, Peep These Leaf Alternatives Along Alabama’s Beaches

Media Contact:

Kay Maghan • Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
[email protected] • AlabamasBeaches.com/Media
1-800-745-SAND • 251-974-4625 (direct) • 251-752-8448 (cell)

GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, AL 

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama (September 2, 2026) – Just because summer is coming to an end doesn’t mean that sun- and sand-filled days will stop … at least not along Alabama’s Beaches in the towns of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. 

When the summer crowds have left (right around now), and everything feels just a little more relaxed, the air and water temperatures keep things warm and welcoming into November. If you’re looking to swap leaf-peeping destinations for a second summer – that season that other destinations call “fall” – here’s a look at what’s waiting for you along Alabama’s coast:

Experiences in Nature 

• Watching the Fall Bird Migration: Thanks to the beaches’ prime location along the Mississippi Flyway migration route, fall colors here come in the form of incredible birdwatching opportunities. Over the years, more than 370 bird species have been spotted at various locations along Alabama’s Gulf Coast in such diverse habitats as Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Gulf State Park. Banding Coalition of the Americas is hosting a public bird banding event at Fort Morgan October 3-10. 
• Spending Time on the Beach: With 32 miles of pristine white quartz sand washed by blue-green Gulf waters, these iconic beaches are perfect for relaxing, strolling, shelling, sand-castle building and more.  
• Biking the Trails at Gulf State Park: Take a ride on the award-winning Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, located at the heart of the island within Gulf State Park. From peaceful lake views to more than 32 miles of trails through the park and beyond, it’s the perfect place to pedal through the outdoors. Note: Some of the trails are brand new, with 4.4 miles of a new trail extension opening just last week.

Experiences on the Water 

• Sailing on a Sunset Cruise: Fall is the ideal time to catch a coastal sunset … on the water! Pictures don’t do the sunset justice, so put the phone down, sit back, relax and take in a gorgeous sunset as you glide across the crystal-clear turquoise waters on an evening cruise. 
• Reeling in a Fish: The Alabama Gulf Coast is home to one of the largest charter fishing fleets in the Southeast. It’s a great time for anglers to reel in bull redfish (this species is responsible for coining the phrase “Red October” in the fishing world) and Spanish and king mackerel as they flock to the area on their migration routes. One of the destination’s many cook-your-catch restaurants can prepare your fish for a memorable – and fresh – seafood dinner. 
• Paddling on the Water: Whether you’re kayaking day or night, there’s a unique experience for everyone on the water. Sea View Tours offers a nighttime “Crab Grab” tour during which participants paddle to Bird Island on a clear, neon-lighted kayak to hunt for ghost crabs in the sand. Those who prefer to explore on their own can paddle the area’s tranquil back bays while on the lookout for such native wildlife as turtles, birds and dolphins.

Seasonal and Annual Events

• Feasting on Food: The annual food festivals in these beach towns are worth the trip. Savor fresh Gulf seafood – like Gulf shrimp, crab cakes, conch fritters, lobster and Cajun pistols – at the 52nd annual National Shrimp Festival, held October 8-11. The 5th Annual Experience the Oyster on November 6 and 7 will showcase the freshest oysters from farms across the Gulf and Atlantic coasts at The Hangout. 
• Listening to Jams: The 42nd Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival brings some of the nation’s best singer-songwriters to venues across the Gulf Coast for 11 days of live music November 5-15. For birds of a different feather, hundreds of Parrotheads (aka Jimmy Buffett fans) are “phlocking” to Alabama’s Beaches for the annual Meeting of the Minds gathering for music, friendship and fun October 21-25. 
• Welcoming the Blue Angels Home: The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is held every November and offers an opportunity to see practice flights of the nation’s most elite fighter pilots at their home base. This year’s end-of-season show at nearby Pensacola’s Naval Air Station is scheduled for November 6-7. Tip: The best way to experience this air show is on a boat!

Whether you’re visiting, in September, October or November, Alabama’s Beaches have you covered with sample “Things to Do” itineraries for each month. To start planning a trip to Alabama’s Beaches, visit AlabamasBeaches.com. 
 

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About Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism:

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism serves as the official destination marketing organization for the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and the unincorporated area of Fort Morgan. To learn more about Alabama’s 32 miles of white-sand beaches, visit AlabamasBeaches.com. This convention and visitors bureau is an accredited Destination Marketing Organization (DMO).