The best things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in July! Summer weather is here, and it is the perfect time to explore the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in July
July is a great time to be on the Alabama Gulf Coast! The summer weather has kicked in, the Gulf waters are warm, and there are so many things to do and see in town.
The beautiful white-sand beaches are the perfect place for a summer vacation. There are plenty of attractions, festivals, and entertainment options to choose from.
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July Events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Summer events are a great time to get out and enjoy the area! There are so many fun things to do along the Gulf Coast of Alabama.
We continually update this list of events as we hear about them.
July 1-4 Events, Festivals and Things to Do
- Friday July 4 - Gavin Adcock, The Wharf Amphitheater
- 4th of July Events
- Saturday July 4th - Flora Bama Freedom Run
- Saturday July 4th - Shark Run 5k, The Wharf
July 5 - 11 Events, Festivals and Things to Do
- Monday July 6, 630pm - Movie Monday, Portside on Main, The Wharf
July 12 - 18 Events, Festivals and Things to Do
- Sunday July 12, Train in Concert, The Wharf Amphitheater
- Monday July 13, 630pm - Movie Monday, Portside on Main, The Wharf
- Friday, July 17 - Parker McCollum, The Wharf Amphitheater
July 19 - 25 Events, Festivals and Things to Do
- Sunday, July 19 - Jimmy Buffet's Coral Reefer Band, The Wharf Amphitheater
- Monday July 20, 630pm - Movie Monday, Portside on Main, The Wharf
- Thursday, July 23 - The Turnpike Troubadours and Muscadine Bloodline, The Wharf Amphitheater
- Friday, July 24 - Creed, The Wharf Amphitheater
- Saturday, July 25 - Luke Bryan, The Wharf Amphitheater
July 26 - 31 Events, Festivals and Things to Do
- Monday July 27, 630pm - Movie Monday, Portside on Main, The Wharf
Additional July Events along the Gulf Coast
Blue Angels Practice
Dates -July 1, 21, 22*, 28
Location - Pensacola Naval Air Station
Gates open at 9:30 am
The Blue Angels are scheduled to take off at 10:30 am
The dates with a * includes an autograph day in the museum following the Blue Angels Practice.
Practices last approximately 55 minutes. There are open bleacher seats for 500 people. You can also rent a chair for $6 (there are limited quantities of chairs).
Please note that backpacks, daypacks, luggage, or similar items are NOT allowed on the flight line during Blue Angel practice air shows.
You will need to have your ID to enter onto the Naval Air Station. Public access to NAS Pensacola is available only from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through the West Gate on Blue Angel Parkway.
Make sure to plan time to explore the National Naval Aviation Museum after practice. It is one of the best museums we have visited.
Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
Dates - TBD
Location - Dauphin Island
The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, a Project of the Mobile Jaycees, is the largest fishing tournament in the world.
Over 3,500 people participate with over 75,000 spectators.
July Things to Do
July is the perfect time to be out on the water! There are a ton of great deep sea fishing tours, kayak tours, jet ski tours and rentals, and so much more.
It is always a good idea to plan a dolphin cruise to see the amazing Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins found in the waters surrounding Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
The gorgeous weather is perfect for taking a Segway tour, biking, taking a sunset cruise, enjoying the amazing animal encounters at the zoo, and visiting one of the local water parks.
Take a ride on the Wharf Ferris Wheel, meet alligators at Alligator Alley, or plan a unique adventure perfect for the entire family.
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.
Sunset Dolphin Sail
May is the perfect time to enjoy a sunset dolphin sail on the back bays of Orange Beach. This sailing tour leaves from the Wharf making it really easy to get to.
You can relax with a cold drink while watching dolphins frolicking nearby. As the sun goes down you can savor the warm weather and epic views from the sailboat.
This is one of our favorite date night activities on the water. It is so relaxing and the views are amazing.
Book your sunset sail here
Rent a Polaris Slingshot
Drive around town in style with a sleek three wheeled Slingshot! The perfect way to cruise the beach and enjoy the gorgeous weather!
Manual or automatic transmission vehicles are available. Rent for a day or the week.
Check out the Slingshot Rentals
Parasailing
See the beach and Gulf Coast from a new perspective! Why not try Parasailing while on your Gulf Coast Vacation.
You can Parasail in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! Check out these great Parasailing Options.
Rent a Pontoon Boat
Captain your own pontoon boat and enjoy the waters of Orange Beach! Grab your friends and family and plan a day out on the water.
Some of the pontoon boats have slides so you can slide right into the cool waters of the Gulf. Cruise the scenic Orange Beach islands of Bird Island, Robinson Island, and Rabbit Island.
Check out great Pontoon Boat Rentals
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Weather in July
The weather in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach continues to warm up in July.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach enjoy summer weather in July with temperatures ranging from 75 degrees to 94 degrees.
Daylight hours start to decrease in July with the shortest day of the month is July 31, with 13 hours, 36 minutes of daylight and the longest day is July 1, with 14 hours, 4 minutes of daylight.
The earliest sunrise of the month in Gulf Shores is 5:52 AM on July 1 and the latest sunrise is 16 minutes later at 6:09 AM on July 31.
The latest sunset is 7:56 PM on July 1 and the earliest sunset is 12 minutes earlier at 7:44 PM on July 31.
Water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico stays pretty consistent in July at 84°F.
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
Moving to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - What we learned moving to the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Free things to do in Gulf Shores, AL - Fun places to visit in town that don't cost a ton.
Best Burgers in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach - Check out the best burgers you can enjoy along the Gulf Coast of Alabama
Best Ice cream Shops in Orange Beach, AL - The Best Ice Cream Orange Beach, Alabama, has to offer! From ice cream cones to banana splits, these are the best ice cream shops to visit.
Kid Friendly Restaurants in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach - Our favorite places to bring kids that the entire family will love.
Things to do in Fort Morgan, AL - All of the fun adventures to do while visiting Fort Morgan including beaches, spa, history, and more.
Dauphin Island Ferry - Take a quick ferry ride from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island on the Mobile Bay Ferry. Explore a great southern island of 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!
Check out our Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.
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