Here is our Fall Bucket List for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, with amazing events, attractions, things to do, and menu items you do not want to miss!
Fall Bucket List Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Fall is my favorite time of year at the beach! There is something magical about walking the beach in the sunshine when other areas of the country are wrapped up in sweaters and fall clothes.
Don't get me wrong-I love a good Fall drink and food item, but I also love enjoying Fall weather in a light sweatshirt. Moving to Gulf Shores from the PNW, I am still in awe of the weather on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
The Alabama Gulf Coast's Fall weather usually ranges from the 70s to the high 80s, depending on the month you visit. It starts to cool down at night, making it the perfect time to enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
We have to send a huge thank you to Visit Alabama's Beaches for sponsoring today's article and being amazing.
Whether planning your fall break trip, a couples getaway, or a family adventure, we hope you love these Fall Things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
✨What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Fall Events you don't want to miss!
Fall is the perfect time to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast! There are so many amazing events happening in town it can be hard to decide which ones to attend.
Annual events include the Shrimp Festival, Orange Beach Freedom Fest, Bama Coast Cruisin car show, Flora-Bama's Oktoberfest, trunk r treat, Halloween costume contests, Wharf Amphitheater concerts including Post Malone, and more.
Here are our favorite fun Fall events!
Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach
Dates - Sept 4-6, 2025
Location - Flora Bama
Flora Bama hosts an annual Bulls on the Beach Event with professional bull riding next to the world-famous Flora Bama Beach Bar!
This three-day event is filled with high-energy bull riding and events.
Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon
Dates - Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025
Location - Gulf Place Beach
Brett/Robinson Vacation Rentals just held its 16th annual Alabama Coastal Triathlon event at Gulf Place Beach, which was hosted by The Hangout.
Mark your calendars for the next event on Saturday after Labor Day 2025!
Alabama Coastal BirdFest
Dates - Moved to Spring 2026
Location - Baldwin and Mobile Counties
If you are a birder, fall is the perfect time to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast! We are always amazed at the number of migratory birds coming through Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach.
You can attend fantastic bird banding events, informational sessions, boat tours, and more.
Annual National Shrimp Festival
Dates - October 9-12, 2025
Location - Gulf Shores
The Shrimp Festival is the most popular event of the Fall. It features over 50 local and regional vendors, live music, epic food, and views of the beach.
Enjoy Gulf Shrimp boiled, fried, steamed, and mixed with fantastic Gulf Seafood. Come hungry because there is a LOT of food to try! There are so many food vendors to choose from I always have to walk down the entire strip to decide which booths I want to visit.
Don't miss the great live music on the main stage! The Velcro Pygmies will be playing, and they always put on a good show.
Meeting of the Minds Gulf Shores
Dates - October 22 - 26th, 2025
Location - The Hangout, LuLu's, Flora-Bama, Sunliner Diner
Enjoy a fantastic celebration of Parrot Heads and Jimmy Buffet in Gulf Shores.
Experience the Oyster
Dates - November 7-8, 2025
Location - The Hangout Gulf Shores
Experience the Oyster, presented by Murder Point Oysters, is a fantastic way to try oysters prepared in many different ways.
There will be live chef demos, opportunities to meet local chefs and Murder Point Oyster farmers, live music, and a football experience!
Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival
Dates - November 6 - 16, 2025
Locations - Multiple in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
Dates - November 8-9
Location - Gulf Place Town Green
This fun weekend festival will include multiple food trucks and craft beer vendors on the Gulf Place Town Green!
Enjoy delicious food, lawn games, and fun under the sun!
OWA Events
Location - OWA Parks & Resorts
OWA Parks & Resorts has a ton of great Fall events, from movie nights to Halloween events, great for the entire family!
Island Movie Night - TBD
Community Safety Day - TBD
First Responder & Healthcare Promo:- TBD
OWA Theater Events -
Halloween at OWA - TBD
There are so many fun events happening during the Fall! Check out September, October, November, and December Event Guides to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!
Fall Things to Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Fall is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the area! The summer heat has cooled, the humidity is down, the weather is gorgeous, and it isn't crazy hot most days.
This is the perfect time of year for water sports, kayaking, hiking, and other fun outdoor adventures! There is great live entertainment to choose from during events and at local restaurants.
Blow Glass at the Coastal Art Center
Now that the weather has cooled down, it is the perfect time to visit the Coastal Art Center in Orange Beach and experience working with glass!
You can make a souvenir from your trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast or work on a fantastic holiday gift. We are already planning the holiday gifts we want to make at the glass shop.
Gulf State Park
Fall is the perfect time to explore Gulf State Park! Enjoy a free bike rental in the park for a few hours to explore the miles of paved trails.
Check out the Gulf State Park Nature Center programs to learn more about local wildlife and history.
Walk the Gulf State Park Pier and check out what is being caught while enjoying epic views of the Alabama Gulf Coast. If you love fishing, you can get an Alabama Fishing License at the pier and fish for Redfish, Flounder, and speckled trout.
Gulf State Park offers tons of outdoor activities perfect for all ages.
Big Beach Brewing Company
Big Beach Brewing Company has excellent seasonal beers and live music events throughout Fall! Watch a football game with a great local beer, listen to a local band play, or spend time on the patio enjoying the great Fall Weather.
Animal Encounter at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Did you know you can meet a sloth, lemur, or tortoise up close and personal at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo? You can even feed a giraffe and feel how unbelievably soft they are.
The zoo offers daily animal encounters that are one of my favorite Fall things to do in Gulf Shores. The animals are a bit more active now that the weather is cooling down which makes it even more fun.
Spend time exploring Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan is just down the road from Gulf Shores, and it offers fun things to do, great restaurants, and stunning beaches.
Fort Morgan Historic Site is perfect for history fans! You can wander through a Civil War era star fortification and marvel at how many bricks were used to build the fort. Make sure to check out the views from the top!
Enjoy lunch at a great Fort Morgan Restaurant! There are multiple to choose from ranging from casual to a little dressier.
Walk along the Fort Morgan Pier looking for dolphins and migratory birds. This is one of our favorite places to relax on a bench and watch the boats go by.
Explore The Wharf
Spend time exploring The Wharf in Orange Beach! This entertainment, shopping, and dining district is filled with places to visit for the entire family.
Book tickets to one of the great Fall concerts at The Wharf Amphitheater, including Post Malone and Jon Pardi.
Hop on a Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise or the Explorer Boat to explore our local Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin population and marine life.
Take a ride on The Wharf Ferris Wheel to enjoy great views of the local area. Don't miss the Spectra Laser Light show nightly.
Walk down Main Street and check out the local shops and restaurants that line the street. There are tons of exciting events during the Fall at The Wharf.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Birdwatchers will love the bird-watching opportunities in Bon Secour NWR. The reserve has multiple types of ecosystems, making it a great place to look for birds.
You can walk along the Jeff Friend Trail, kayak, or canoe from Little Lagoon to the refuge or the beach. The refuge is perfect for nature enthusiasts to learn more about the Alabama Gulf Coast.
It is a great stop along the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail.
Enjoy one of our local waterfront restaurants
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have fantastic waterfront restaurants on the Gulf of Mexico, Intracoastal Waterway, and back bays.
Sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico
One of my favorite things about Fall in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the sunrise back over the Gulf of Mexico!
Starting in September, we can watch the sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico; it is truly the best way to start the day.
Enjoy a morning walk along the beach, looking for shells, enjoying the sugar-white sands, and savoring the sun rising.
Take a cruise with Sail Wild Hearts
I recently had the opportunity to enjoy the Sail Wild Hearts Kayak Adventure Sail, and it was so much fun. Now, I want to book the Dolphin & Blue Angels Sailing Adventure.
During the Kayak Adventure Sail, we had the opportunity to enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking next to Robinson Island.
There are fewer crowds in the fall, which makes it the perfect time to get out on the water.
Book your Sail Wild Hearts Cruise HERE
Fall Food Specials and Menu Items
As a local, one of my favorite things about Fall is the dining specials at our favorite Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Restaurants.
Many restaurants will roll out fun menu items and specials during the quiet season.
Here are some of the fun Fall Food Specials and Menu Items we have found in town! Please check with the restaurants to ensure they are still running the food specials. Menu items change frequently in town!
Foodies prepare to enjoy fresh seafood, gumbo, and more during Fall!
Happy Pappy Coffee Shop - Happy Harvest Latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Pie Frappe, Iced Chai w. Pumpkin Cold Foam
Foam Coffee - Cookie Butter Latte
Beach Girl Coffee - The Boo Latte, The Warm Hug, Pumpkin Pie, Wicked Apple
The Beach House Kitchen - Tailgate Specials, Monday $10.99 Burger Night, $2.50 Taco Tuesday & Thursday, Wine Down Wednesday pasta night, $13.99 Friday Steak Night, $10 Loaded Nachos on Saturdays.
Sassy Chophouse (Fort Morgan) - Early Bird Special from 4-6 pm.
Ristorante Carmelo - $16 Lasagna special on Mondays
Carver's Steakhouse - $19.99 Prime Rib Wednesday Special
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasailing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Additional Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Articles
Unique Things to do in Gulf Shores - There are so many amazing and unique things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!
Things to do in Fort Morgan, AL - All of the fun adventures to do while visiting Fort Morgan including beaches, spa, history, and more.
Best Burgers in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach - Check out the best burgers you can enjoy along the Gulf Coast of Alabama
What's New in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores - Check out all of the new restaurants, attractions, hotels, and things to do in town.
Orange Beach & Gulf Shores Beach Flags - Check the beach flags daily to be aware of any surf conditions and hazards.
Family Friendly Orange Beach & Gulf Shores Restaurants - Our recommendations for the most family friendly restaurants in the area.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have personally stayed at each of these lodging options (except Margaritaville, coming 2027!):
Use code GULFJOURNEY at checkout with Spectrum Resorts and Beachball Properties for an exclusive discount!
🏖️ Beachball Properties - Vacation houses and condos throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount. Book with Beachball Properties
🏖️ The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - Beachfront condos with amazing amenities, a spa, and the incredible Coast Restaurant on-site. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book The Beach Club
🏖️ Turquoise Place (Orange Beach) - Our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic Gulf-front views, and stunning condos. Truly unforgettable. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book Turquoise Place
🏨 The Tides Hotel (Orange Beach) - Gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and top-notch customer service. Book The Tides
🏨 Island House Hotel (Orange Beach) - Right on the beach with epic views from every room. Book Island House
⛺ Timberline Glamping (Orange Beach) - Stay in an amazing glamping tent with a private bathroom, right next to Gulf State Park. Book Timberline
🏨 The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Beachfront Hilton hotel in Gulf State Park offering epic views, sustainable practices, and great on-site restaurants. Book The Lodge
🏨 Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf with a gorgeous pool. Perfect location for shopping and dining. Book Springhill Suites
🔜 Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach (Coming 2027) - The highly anticipated Margaritaville resort is coming to Orange Beach! The first phase opens in 2027 and will include beachfront cottages, bungalows, condos, pickleball courts, and an entertainment district.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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