Trade Boots for Sandals
While other communities prepare for ice and snow, Alabama's Beaches welcomes mild weather, open shorelines, and plenty of festive events. Temperatures average in the mid-50s, making it ideal for outdoor exploration. The heavy crowds have thinned out, offering quiet, empty beaches to enjoy a slower-paced vacation in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.
Things To Do in Winter on Alabama's Beaches
Because there are fewer crowds, winter offers guests a flexible and relaxed vacation to experience the destination at their own pace. Taking long walks on the beach, searching for shells, shopping at local boutiques, visiting museums, and enjoying scenic outings are a few fabulous activities that work well on cooler days. Additionally, the mild weather makes it comfortable to play a round of golf at a nearby course, bike through the Gulf State Park, go on a birding hike, or cast a line from the surf or pier. Take advantage of the shorter waits and easygoing rhythm of winter to discover the hidden gems of Alabama's Beaches.
Family Fun Without the Rush
Summer is the most common season for families to vacation on Alabama's Beaches, but winter offers just as much fun, but without the long lines. Visit popular Gulf Shores and Orange Beach attractions like the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, arcades, mini golf courses, and The Track and take the time to enjoy them to the fullest. Best of all, the cooler temperatures mean no sweat or humidity, so you can play without worrying about the summer heat.
Don't Forget to
Your pups can enjoy a beach vacation too, as our area has plenty of pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants. They can play to their heart's content at a local dog park or explore the trails in Gulf State Park. There are also several outdoor areas and attractions, like The Wharf and Historic Fort Morgan, where dogs are welcome. Bring your furry friends to Alabama’s Beaches this winter!
Best Winter Activities
Each month of the season offers travelers a different vibe and a unique winter vacation. December brings festive family events, holiday shopping, and Christmas cheer to the beach, while January offers a quiet, serene retreat for couples and snowbirds. Things start to heat up again as February lets the good times roll with Mardi Gras parades and celebrations and romantic Valentine's Day escapes.
Winter Events & Holiday Happenings on Alabama's Beaches
The beach becomes a white-sand wonderland in winter with so many seasonal festivals and holiday celebrations. A few can't-miss events include the Annual Lighted Boat Parade, New Year's Eve parties, the Big Beach Marathon, the Orange Beach Seafood Fest & Car Show, the Winter Showcase Series, and the Fort Morgan Oyster Fest.
Fly South for Winter
Just like birds, many people like to fly south during winter to warm up. When you’re ready to escape the cold, hop on a nonstop flight to Gulf Shores International Airport to reach the beach within just a few hours. These convenient and affordable flights make it a breeze to visit family and friends staying for the season, attend winter festivals and events, and celebrate the holidays coastal style. It’s the ideal way to defrost and reconnect by the shore!
Find the Perfect Place to Stay This Winter
Instead of hunkering down for the season, migrate south and find the perfect place to stay for a beach retreat. This time of year, lodging with indoor and heated pools, romantic resorts and rentals, and accommodations near Gulf State Park are ideal for a warm winter getaway. If you're celebrating the holidays with family, consider booking a large group rental or a beach house with an elevator. No matter who you're traveling with or what month you visit, you'll love the flexibility and seasonal deals that come with booking a winter vacation on Alabama's Beaches.
Choose 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.
Book Your Stay
Cozy Up with Coastal Flavors
The cool winter weather brings a collection of cozy, coastal eats and drinks to Alabama's Beaches. Warm up with a bowl of seafood gumbo, a cup of specialty coffee, or a flight of craft brew. And while parades may be the highlight of Mardi Gras, the festive flavors of this carnival tradition are worth the calories. King cakes, moon pies, and themed cocktails keep parade goers full and happy as they celebrate.
Did You Know?
Nearby Mobile is home of the original Mardi Gras. The first organized Mardi Gras in America was celebrated in this vibrant, port city in 1703. A few years later, Mobile established the nation’s first mystic societies (AKA krewes). Beach goers can take a short trip across the bay and learn more about Mardi Gras at the Mobile Carnival Museum.
Winter Holidays & Trip Ideas
Winter is a season of celebrations, and on Alabama's Beaches, the relaxed atmosphere and mild weather put a coastal twist on the holidays. Start a new family tradition with a white-sand Christmas, then ring in the New Year by the shoreline. Keep the energy going and experience the excitement of Mardi Gras, or spend a long, romantic weekend celebrating Valentine's on the beach.
Ready to Trade Cold Weather for Coastal Calm?
Imagine savoring fresh Gulf seafood, taking long nature hikes, and digging your toes into soft white sand, rather than shoveling snow and bundling up in layers. Drive or fly nonstop to Alabama's Beaches for a memorable winter beach vacation filled with holiday happenings, one-of-a-kind attractions, and outdoor adventures.
Stick Around for the Season
Fly south this winter and cozy up in a long-term rental in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or Fort Morgan. Alabama’s Beaches is an excellent snowbird destination for those looking to escape the cold on the coast. Winter visitors enjoy a season packed with snowbird activities, such as the Winter Showcase Series, outdoor adventures, birding, and golfing. The Gulf Shores International Airport offers nonstop flights from several cities throughout the winter, making it easy for family to visit Alabama’s Beaches during your winter getaway.
Winter Is
Lighted palm trees, boat parades, skydiving Santas, and holiday bushwackers – Christmastime looks a little different on Alabama's Beaches. Still, these coastal traditions are a unique way to celebrate this festive season. The chances of spotting snow are slim, but you're guaranteed to see our white, fluffy sand.
SHOP OUR MERCH
