Things to Do During Memorial Day Weekend
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
If you are heading to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach during Memorial Day Weekend, check out our list of things to do during your stay at the beach.
Every Memorial Day, families make their annual trip to Alabama's white-sand beaches to kick off their summer in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Before you make a break for the beach, check out these five activities to add to your fun-in-the-sun holiday vacation agenda.
Here are our favorite things to do during Memorial Day Weekend along Alabama's Beaches!
1. Travel Back in Time at Historic Fort Morgan
Filled with history, this third-system masonry fort built in the early 1800s stands guard on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, where the bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. Historic Fort Morgan played a role in several wars and conflicts and is now a State of Alabama Historic Site. Self-guided tours are a great way to experience the grounds, including natural areas, a boat launch, a picnic area, and beaches. It's the perfect place to kick off Memorial Day weekend.
2. Plan for Beachside Fun
Nothing screams summer like hitting the water, and Alabama's beaches offer plenty of opportunities to make a splash with your whole family. Spend your day lounging on soft sands, kayaking or parasailing under the warm sun, or diving into the clear waters for a refreshing swim. For thrill-seekers, a variety of water sports activities await. Experience the thrill of jet skiing the Gulf waves or paddleboarding the scenic coastline.
3. Picnic at Bon Secour Wildlife Center
Is it really Memorial Day if you don't have a picnic? Grab lunch-to-go from a local Alabama Beaches restaurant and head to the gorgeous Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for a relaxing meal. We suggest picking up a beautifully crafted charcuterie board from Lauria’s. Once at Bon Secour, you can view endangered species in their natural habitat and indigenous plants while feeling the warm sun on your face. Pine Beach Trail leads to a sweet little white-sand beach perfect for picnicking.
4. Embark on a Dolphin Cruise
What better way to explore the Gulf Coast than aboard a boat or kayak searching for dolphins? You'll be able to see these friendly creatures and learn about their habitat and behaviors from your guide. Dolphin cruises are great fun for couples, families, and solo travelers.
5. Cast a Line Along Alabama Beaches
Early summer is prime fishing time on Alabama’s beaches! Embarking on a fishing charter is one of the best ways to fish in the area while also experiencing the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Orange Beach boasts the largest fishing charter fleet on the Gulf Coast, so you’re bound to reel in an impressive catch. If you’re new to fishing or prefer to stay on land, graduate from Angler Academy at Gulf State Park Pier. This two-hour course will teach you everything you need to know about saltwater fishing.
And don't miss out on the excitement of the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club’s Gulf Coast Masters, where anglers compete for the biggest catches and prizes. It's an event you won't want to skip!
6. Must-Attend Memorial Day Weekend Events
Memorial Day weekend events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are nothing short of epic. On May 25, kick off your Memorial Day weekend festivities with Cole Swindell and special guests Dylan Scott and Jon Langston at The Wharf. And on Memorial Day, catch Tim Nowell for even more live music to The Wharf.
