Things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in December

Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit

The Foley Railroad Museum and Model Trail Exhibit are a great family-friendly attraction in Foley, Alabama.

The "O"-gauge model railroad set model train exhibit covers 1,200 square feet of a tabletop with a replica city and trains.

It is hard to believe there is a quarter mile of track on the display table.

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Weather in December

The weather in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach cools down in December.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach enjoy cooler weather with temperatures ranging from 46 degrees to 67 degrees.

Daylight hours continue are pretty consistent in December with the shortest day of the month is December 21, with 10 hours, 12 minutes of daylight and the longest day is December 1, with 10 hours, 20 minutes of daylight.

The earliest sunrise of the month in Gulf Shores is 6:30 AM on December 1 and the latest sunrise is 17 minutes later at 6:47 AM on December 31.

The earliest sunset is 4:49 PM on December 2 and the latest sunset is 11 minutes later at 5:01 PM on December 31.

Water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico starts to fall in November from 69°F to 65°F, over the course of the month.

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.

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 Gulf Coast Travel Guides

Best Sunrise spots in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - All of the best places to view sunrise.

Gulf Shores Restaurants with a Water View - Check out these great restaurants that offer a water or beach view.

Donut Shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Start your morning with a sweet treat!

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - They offer amazing animal encounters (Lemurs, Kangaroos, Giraffe Feeding, and Sloths)! This little zoo is packed with fun. They have a great petting zoo area with goats, donkeys, and more.

Best Bars in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores - Check out the best bars to enjoy a great drink, live music, and fun atmosphere.

Unique Things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores - There are so many amazing and unique things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!

Looking ahead make sure to check out our January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December Guides to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!

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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