The best things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in February including, Mardi Gras, Local events and fun, and so much more!
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Things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in February
February is the perfect time to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast! Locals and Visitors can enjoy tons of great classes, events, and Mardi Gras fun!
As I was putting together this list of fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in February I realized our calendar is packed.
February is filled with so many fun opportunities to get out in town and enjoy "winter" weather at the beach.
This monthly update is hand-crafted by Gulf Shores locals. Here are our favorite fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach this month.
We try to include festivals, concerts, activities for kids and adults, sports, seasonal and holiday events, and so much more!
Remember to use the search bar on this site to find LOTS of ideas for things to do, places to eat and drink, and top attractions.
February is a great time of year to enjoy outdoor fun including bike rides in Gulf State Park, Segway tours, Gulf State Park Pier, kayak adventures, the white sand beaches, and more.
We do our best to ensure that the information for each event is current. But please do your due diligence before visiting each event to ensure that it's not sold out, has not been canceled, or has had details changed. And, of course, always check current prices!
February Events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Mardi Gras
Carnival season is here, and it is so much fun! Get ready to celebrate along the Gulf Coast of Alabama!
Parades are held in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, Dauphin Island, and, of course, Mobile, where Mardi Gras started.
Make sure to swing by Gulf State Park and see the Mardi Gras decorations near Lake Shelby
Check out our Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Mardi Gras article for all of the carnival fun happening in the area.
March 1, 2025 - Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade
March 1, 2025 - Orange Beach Marshalls and Mystics of Pleasure Parade
March 3, 2025 - Moonpies on Main at The Wharf
March 4, 2025 - Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade
Bon Secour Winter Walks and Talks
Dates - TBD
Learning Campus at Gulf State Park Events
The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park has a winter showcase series in February. Local presenters talk about different aspects of life her on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
LuLu's Tropical Re-Union Vow Renewal
Location - LuLu's Gulf Shores
Date - TBD
Join the fun and renew your wedding or commitment vows! Couples can enjoy a romantic afternoon on Lulu's private sandy beach with a champagne toast, wedding cake, flowers for the brides, and a customized commemorative wedding vow renewal certificate.
Prizes will be awarded to the couples who were married the longest and the shortest and who are dressed the most festively.
Annual Fort Morgan Oyster Fest
Dates - February 28 to March 1, 2026
Location - The Beach Club Resort and Spa
Make sure to get tickets for the Annual Fort Morgan Oyster Fest, which is held at The Beach Club Resort and Spa.
This event is held annually on the last weekend of February. Come enjoy oysters any way you like them!
Navy Cove and other Fort Morgan oysters will be served in multiple ways. There will also be other food and drinks available if you are not an oyster person.
Enjoy live music, arts and crafts vendors, fun games, contests, and more! This is a great family friend event. The fun includes:
- AYCE Navy Cove and Admiral Shellfish Oysters
- AYCE Non-Seafood Fare
- Kids Zone
- Mechanical Shark Cornhole Tournament
- Live Music
- Arts & Crafts
Buy tickets here
Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show
Dates - February 22, 2025
Location - The Wharf
Enjoy a full day of great food, 100 artists from throughout the south, and live music on two stages.
This event is a massive fundraiser for the Makos Academics Arts & Athletics Club (MAAAC), which directly benefits Orange Beach schools.
Tacky Jacks Winter Activities
Enjoy weekly art classes by local and regional artists. All ages lunch & learn at Tacky Jack's Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores
- TBD
- TBD
BuzzCatz Paint Parties
Dates
- TBD
Location - BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets
Tickets include canvas, supplies, a special gift, and entry to win a door prize.
Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
The Coastal Arts Center has weekly classes along with special event classes.
- Glass Blowing - weekday mornings (Minimum age: 8)
- Pottery - various days
- Visual Arts (current class list is below with various fees)
- Flameworking Glass: Basics Appointments Fridays 9 am to Noon
Appointments are required for The Hot Shop and The Clay Studio: 251-981-ARTS (2787).
Dates - TBD
Additional February Events
TBD - Fort Morgan Tour of Homes
Join the Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for an exciting day exploring the charming homes of Fort Morgan, AL, USA.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and unique architecture of this coastal town and five beautiful homes. From quaint cottages to grand beachfront estates, this self-guided tour will showcase the diverse range of homes that make Fort Morgan so special.
Proceeds for the event go to the Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department.
TBD - Flora-Bama 31st annual Super Chili Bowl Cookoff
The 30th Annual Super Chili Bowl Cook Off is another special event at the famous Flora-Bama Lounge! This event will be from 12pm-2pm in the Flora-Bama Tent.
Everyone is invited to come and enjoy delicious chili variations while supporting a wonderful cause from 12pm-2pm in the tent. All proceeds raised will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
TBD- Coastal Garden Festival at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen's Market.
The event will feature everything you need to help you put winter behind you. There will be plenty of plants and trees to get your outdoor space ready. The Master Gardeners will be visiting to help you plan your plantings.
February Things to Do
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Gulf Coast Zoo offers Senior Wednesdays for ages 62+ in February! Admission to the zoo is only $10 for seniors on Wednesday!
Make sure to check out their amazing animal encounters. Mild temperatures in February have the animals out and active!
Sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico
The sun is still rising directly over the Gulf of Mexico in February. This is the perfect month to enjoy sunrises and sunsets over the before the sun shifts farther north.
Check out our favorite places to see sunrise in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Fort Morgan State Historic Site
The cooler weather makes it the perfect time to explore Fort Morgan State Historic Site. The site offers great tours, the opportunity to wander through a Civil War-era star fortification, and the opportunity to learn more about history along the Gulf of Mexico.
If you are a bird watcher, you will find that the Fort has been designated a globally important bird area by the American Bird Conservancy.
Check out Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge on your way to Fort Morgan.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Dolphin Cruises
We are blessed to live in an area with an amazing Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin population. One of our favorite day dates is to book a tour to see our local dolphins.
You can also book an amazing sunset cruise. Sail through the back bays, enjoy great music, a cocktail, and, hopefully, lots of dolphins.
Here are a few of the dolphin tours we have done so you can see photos and video of what to expect.
Cruise OB - We were amazed at how many dolphin we saw leaping from the water on this dolphin tour. Book HERE
Explorer Dolphin Boat - This is a great option for families. The boat is one level with easy bench seating. Book this dolphin cruise here
Southern Rose Dolphin Tour - They guarantee you will see dolphins on your tour. Book this dolphin cruise here
Hammock Time Tiki Tours - You can talk with Captain Glenn and set up a private dolphin tour for the family.
Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise - Leaves from the Wharf making it a really easy cruise to hop on. They have a two story boat with indoor and outdoor seating. Book this dolphin cruise here
Sail Wild Hearts - Enjoy a gorgeous sailboat tour while looking for dolphins.
Check out additional dolphin cruises here.
There are also private charter boats available if you want to set up a family dolphin tour on a private boat.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Weather in February
The weather ranges from lows in the mid-40s and 50s to highs in the 60s. In February, we gain 47 minutes of daylight!!!
This means later sunsets but also earlier sunrises. The shortest day of the month is February 1, with 10 hours, 46 minutes of daylight and the longest day is February 29, with 11 hours, 32 minutes of daylight.
The latest sunrise of the month in Gulf Shores is 6:41 AM on February 1 and the earliest sunrise is 24 minutes earlier at 6:17 AM on February 29.
The earliest sunset is 5:27 PM on February 1 and the latest sunset is 22 minutes later at 5:49 PM on February 29.
Most days include sunny skies and cooler temperatures perfect for the whole family to enjoy outdoor activities.
Winter Dining Specials
Make sure to check and see if your favorite Gulf Shores Restaurant or Orange Beach Restaurants are offering winter specials.
There are fantastic snowbird specials, lunch specials, and more!
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.
Additional Gulf Coast Travel Guides
Epic Coffee Shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - These Orange Beach and Gulf Shores coffee shops offer quality cups of coffee and so much more.
Free things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Check out the local playground, public beach access points, and so much more.
Orange Beach & Gulf Shores Sports Bars - The best places to watch your favorite team play.
Things to do in Foley, AL - Don't miss all of the fun to be had in nearby Foley including the amazing Homes Medical Museum and the Railroad Museum.
Things to do in Fairhope, AL - The top things to do in Fairhope, Alabama, include attractions, dining, sunset, wildlife, nature preserves, and so much more!
Best Sunrise spots in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - All of the best places to view sunrise.
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!
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.
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!
Check out our Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.
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