If you’re seeking a unique kind of holiday magic, then spend your Christmas in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. The beach and palm trees get a holiday glow up with twinkle lights and fun traditions happening by the coast. Incorporate your own traditions during your holiday getaway to Gulf Shores and be sure to add these top Christmas activities and attractions in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! Create holiday moments that will last forever with a vacation rental from Alabama Beach Vacation Rentals.
Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Seeing the area come aglow with good cheer is one of the best parts of spending the holidays in Gulf Shores. Your eyes will illuminate everywhere you look at the Magic Christmas in Lights holiday display at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. This beautifully landscaped garden lights up with over three million lights and over 1,110 radiant light displays spread across the 65-acre property. Walk with your family through the lit paths, noticing holiday scenes, through glowing arches, and enjoying the wonder of the holidays. Take pictures during your tour of the historic home that gets decorated in its holiday finest.
Visit Some Holiday Markets
You can’t take a Christmas trip without visiting a holiday market. Come pick out gifts for loved ones (or yourself) from a variety of vendors local to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Here you’ll find traditional Christmas treats, handmade crafts, ornaments, and apparel. Walk from booth to booth, admiring the festive vibe mixed with the sights and sounds of the ocean. Support the community while fostering the holiday spirit.
Flora-Bama Santa Drop
Want to see Santa make his grand entrance into town without his trusty reindeer sidekicks? Check out the Flora-Bama Santa Drop, where Santa arrives via parachute onto the beach! Yes, you read that correctly. On the shores of the Flora-Bama Lounge, gather with your family and look up the skies to see the jolly man in red cascade down to the shore, bringing treats and goodies to all the good people of Gulf Shores. This is one Christmas activity you won’t ever forget!
Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
The Christmas lights shimmer on the water during our next top Christmas attraction. It’s the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, where the waters of Gulf Shores shine with various colors and lights during this annual parade. Residents of Gulf Shores decorate their boats in a variety of holiday light displays where you can watch them glide along the dark waters. Bring some cozy snacks and watch this beautiful display on the coast!
Flora-Bama Christmas Day Potluck
Could it really be the holidays without an amazing feast? Treat yourself to a welcoming and delicious gathering at the Flora-Bama Christmas Potluck happening on Christmas Day. Everyone is welcome to share a holiday meal. Bring your favorite side dish, your family, and holiday spirit to this free and yummy event.
Stay with Alabama Beach Vacation Rentals This Holiday Season
Don’t leave your holiday accommodations up to chance. Choose the perfect Christmas stay in a rental from Alabama Beach Vacation Rentals. Here, you can celebrate Christmas your way with the right amount of space and the comforts of home you need. Gather in the living room for holiday movie marathons. These places are perfect for setting up your own holiday decorations as you would at home. Exchange gifts indoors or outside on your private balcony. When it’s time to have a holiday meal like Christmas dinner, prepare it easily in the full kitchen that has all the important cookware and appliances.
You’ll love having direct beach access at your holiday rental. You can spend Christmas morning walking by the beach or sitting on the shore with a grateful heart as you take in the view. And be sure to take advantage of the other resort-style amenities like pools, hot tubs, sports courts and more, which add to your overall vacation experience.
Keep Your Holiday Traditions Going
Alabama Beach Vacation Rentals has the perfect home for your holiday celebration. When you decide to stay in our holiday rentals, you can keep these traditions going even if you’re away from home. Bake your Christmas cookies, hang stockings, and decorate to help yourself feel the holiday cheer in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Make This Christmas in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach One to Remember
Get ready for shimmering light displaces, holiday markets, lit-up boats, potlucks and Santa on the seaside when you spend your Christmas vacation in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
With the holiday’s fast approaching, you don’t want to miss your chance to visit these top Christmas activities and attractions. Book your vacation rental with Alabama Beach Vacation Rentals today. Check out the selection, narrow down your dates, and make it yours in just a few clicks!
With a coastal city like Gulf Shores, the main attraction many come to town for is naturally the beach. But Gulf Shores has so much more to it than water sports and seafood. There are an abundance of unique activities and attractions in Gulf Shore that you may not have considered trying. This blog will explain what they are. The results might surprise you since they range from animal attractions to live music. One thing’s for sure, visiting Gulf Shores is never boring! Choosing to stay at a vacation rental from Alabama Beach Vacation Rentals will keep you close to these unique attractions and so much more. Let’s get into some of the best hidden gems of Gulf Shores.
Walk on the Wild Side at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Did you know Alabama even had a zoo? It’s affectionately called the “Little Zoo That Could.” This zoo is home to over 500 animals from various species, including big cats, giraffes, lemurs and capybaras! One of the highlights of the zoo are the premium experiences, where you can get up close and personal with your favorite animals, feed them, pet them and even train them. You can have a hands-on course on what it’s like to be a zookeeper for a day! The zoo is one of those unique attractions that you don’t mind spending an afternoon at. Don’t miss it!
Visit Alligator Alley
The wilderness walk continues with our next unique attraction you didn’t think to try. Would you ever get up close and personal with an alligator? Our guess is probably not. But at Alligator Alley it’s just the thing to do! You can take a guided tour to safely admire these amazing reptiles. While alligators are the star of the show there are other animals that call this refuge home. The knowledgeable staff at Alligator Alley will teach you all about the ecology of the area and what special role alligators play in the ecosystem of Gulf Shores. Alligator Alley is a must-see when visiting Gulf Shores.
Hike the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Are you sensing a theme here? There are so many unique activities you didn’t think to try in Gulf Shores that are outside! If you love hiking, then you’ll appreciate our next activity: hiking the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. This trail system consists of 26 trails that make up 28 miles of pathways. As you walk along the trail, you’ll find that this trail weaves through pine forests, wetlands, and coastal sands. The Backcountry Trail is also bike-friendly, perfect for exploring on two wheels if you prefer.
Enjoy the Show at The Hangout
Our next unique attraction to see a live show at The Hangout. Many come here to enjoy live music, eat great food, and enjoy the vibes. The best part is that the concerts are free and also include beach games and other fun events throughout the year. Eat your share of yummy seafood, sip cocktails and dance the night away. It’s always a party at the Hangout! If you’re lucky enough to be in town during one of their special events, you’re sure to have a great time.
Staying with Alabama Beach Vacation Rentals
Now that you know which unique activities and attractions to add to your Gulf Shores itinerary, you need a home base to keep you central to the action. Alabama Beach Vacation rentals can help with that! Their selection of rentals is conveniently located near the best Gulf Shores adventures including these unique activities and attractions.
Comfortable and Inviting Interiors
Each vacation rental from Alabama Beach Vacation Rentals is designed for maximum comfort. It’s supposed to feel like home, but better. Come lounge in the living room after a day full of sightseeing. The couches are perfect for kicking back and relaxing with a movie and your family by your side. When you’re not eating the delicious food served up at a variety of Gulf Shores restaurants, you’ll appreciate being able to cook food in your own full kitchen. Many properties also feature balconies or decks. These spots are perfect for relaxing outside in the sunshine.
Luxury Amenities
Vacation rentals from Alabama Beach Vacation Rentals come with all the amenities that make your vacation easier. Do you like sticking to your fitness routine while on vacation? Then be sure to reserve a rental with a fitness room and sauna! If you being active outside is more your speed, some properties are nearby golf courses or tennis courts, offering additional ways to enjoy your stay in Gulf Shores. And who wouldn’t appreciate having beach access, where you can walk to the shore right outside your rental without having to drive anywhere. That’s real luxury!
Book Your Gulf Shores Getaway Today
Gulf Shores has so many unique attractions and activities to explore, offering something unique for every traveler. Whatever you’re into, you can find something to enjoy here in Gulf Shores. But don’t just take our word for it. Come see these attractions and much more by booking a vacation rental with Alabama Beach Vacation Rentals today!