If you’re looking to take a break with loved ones this summer, Alabama and its many beach towns offer a breath of fresh Gulf air and a unique locale. This includes the beach towns of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, just to name a few. You’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Gulf Shores and exciting summertime events and celebrations to create a one-of-a-kind summer vacation for you and your loved ones!
Sparks After Dark
Every year, May-July, Orange Beach puts on a weekly fireworks display that’s a must-do for your summer vacation To Do List during your visit. The Wharf shopping center boasts dozens of local and national brand retailers, dining, and entertainment where you can spend the day. The day’s festivities include magicians, stilt walkers, jugglers, camel rides, and a DJ spinning tunes perfect for dancing all night long. When the sun finally sinks below the water of the Gulf, the sky lights up to cap off the night with the fireworks show as well as a SPECTRA Laser Light Experience. The weekly event takes place 6-9 p.m. Mondays, May 29-July 31. Fireworks begin at 8:45 p.m., and the laser light show can be seen at 8:30, 9, and 9:30 p.m. Parking and admission are free, and camel rides are $10/person.
Blue Marlin Grand Championship
If you love fishing and fireworks, combine your Sparks After Dark visit with entering what’s considered the Greatest Show in Sportfishing! It’s the final tournament of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship, which also include the Orange Beach Billfish Classic, Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, and the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic. This year’s tournament takes place July 12-16 at the waters of The Wharf in Orange Beach.
Music at Meyer Park
Gulf Shores knows how to party when the heat of summer cranks up with music, food, and fun. The concerts are free and open to the public and go on “rain or shine.” This summer’s remaining dates are July 20 and August 17, so make sure to add them to your itinerary should your visit include those dates. Shows begin at 6 p.m. Meyer Park is located at 400 E. 22nd Ave in Gulf Shores, and the backup indoor location is Big Beach Brewery, 300 E 24th Ave in Gulf Shores.
Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate independence this summer during your trip to the area. Gulf Shores knows how to celebrate the patriotic holiday with a bang. The show begins at 9 p.m. on July 4th at the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier.
S’mores on the Shore
When you picture a fun beach summer day or night, you may picture the waves crashing on the shore, soft sand in your toes, and a beach bonfire lighting up the night and offering a place to gather with loved ones. Gulf Shores knows exactly what you’re imagining and provides it along with plenty of other summer fun. The official celebration includes campfires, live music, and all the makings for delicious s’mores treats. The family-friendly event is hosted at the west end of Gulf Shores Public Beach. Bring your beach blanket, chairs, and whatever else you may need for all the summer beach fun you can handle. The event starts at 3 p.m. on August 3.
Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach
As summer draws to a close, the rodeo comes to nearby Perdido Key in Pensacola, FL – only 30 minutes from Gulf Shores. The annual competition is full of adrenaline-pumping bull riding – so much it’ll get your own blood pounding while you watch! The three-night event features professional bull riders from across the country. There will also be a Junior Riders tournament on Miniature Bulls, a coloring contest for kids 12 and under, and a bike giveaway (2 winners). The three-day event runs September 7-9 and includes music, food, and fun, with the kids’ bull riding event taking place September 7. Tickets go on sale July 4. Gates open nightly at 6 p.m. and the rodeo begins at 8 p.m. Find the coloring page for the coloring contest on the official event website. The venue is located at 17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507.
Make Summer Memories
When you book a summertime getaway with Alabama Beach Vacation Rentals, you won’t be short on amazing activities to fill your time. Enjoy the water, lounge around your rental, or experience the myriad of summer events and other celebrations. For an intimate stay, choose a studio-style unit, or bring a larger group and spoil everyone this summer when you book a five-bedroom unit. Savor the taste of home when you prepare a home-cooked meal, from daily meals to a fun summer cookout, in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Spread out in spacious living areas and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Unwind in your own private bedroom or gather some snacks and enjoy your favorite movie or TV show together on a flat-screen TV.
Contact us today to book a summer trip to remember for a lifetime!
