There are a ton of great things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in March! Spring break, festivals, the Blue Angels, and so much more!
Things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in March
The weather is warming up and it is finally Spring! The month of March is filled with great events and things to do!
Spring is the perfect time of year to plan a beach vacation trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Fewer crowds, warm weather, and beautiful beaches all make this the perfect place to visit.
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🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
✨What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
March Events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
March is a fantastic time to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast! There are a ton of great things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, epic events, and Spring Break!
A few things to remember in March include that no alcohol is allowed on Gulf Shores or Orange Beach beaches from March 1st to April 28th, and this is highly enforced!
Beach Parking Fees Resume
Date - Starting March 1st through November 30th
𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴:
- Gulf Place (main public beach area)
- West Gulf Place
- West 5th Street
- West 6th Street
- West 10th Street
- West 13th Street
- Lagoon Pass
There is a new parking fee app that allows you to pay for parking on your phone and monitor how much time you have available.
𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
- East 1st Avenue
- East 1st Street
- East 2nd Street
- West 1st Avenue
- West 2nd Avenue
- West 1st Street
- West 2nd Street
- West 5th Street North of Beach Boulevard
- West 12th Street
March 7 - 14, 2026 Events and Things to Do
- Saturday March 7 -8 - Ballyhoo Festival, Lake Shelby, Gulf State Park
- Saturday March 7 - Perdio Beach Resort ½ Marathon
- Saturday March 7 - Gulf Coast Diabetes Walk
- Saturday March 7, 11 am - AYCE Crawfish & Karaoke, Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores
- Saturday March 7 - Waterville USA Amusement Park reopens
- Sunday March 8 - Daylight Savings Time Starts
- Sunday March 8 - Boozy Bee Spelling Bee, Flora Bama
- Wednesday March 11, 11 am to 2 pm - Foley Midday Melodies, Heritage Park
- Wednesday March 11-12 - Velcro Pygmies, The Hangout
- Saturday March 14, 9am - Market Day, Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market, Foley
- Saturday March 14 - Foley 18th Annual BBQ & Blues Cook Off, Heritage Park
- Saturday March 14 - Flora Bama Run/Walk for America's Warriors
- Saturday March 14 -15 - Orange Beach Festival of Arts, Coastal Art Center
- Saturday March 14, 10 am - St. Pawtty's Day, OWA
March 15 - 21, 2026 Events, Festivals and Things to Do
- Tuesday March 17 - St. Patrick's Day!
- Tuesday March 17, Papa Rocco's St. Patrick's Day Walk
- Thursday March 19, 6-8 pm - Live at the Waterfront Concert, Orange Beach Waterfront Park
- Friday March 20 - 22, The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show
- Friday March 20 - Chamber Golf Classic, Craft Farms Golf Club
- Saturday March 21 - Breakfast with the Bunny, Coastal
- Saturday March 21, 9 am - Market Day, Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market, Foley
March 22-28 Events, Festivals and Things to Do
- Sunday March 22 - Easter Egg Hunt, Orange Beach Store
- Thursday March 26, 6-8 pm, Live at Waterfront Concert, Orange Beach Waterfront Park
- Friday March 27 - Bailey Zimmerman, Wharf Amphitheater
- Friday March 27-29 - Orange Beach Invasion, The Wharf
- Saturday March 28 - Elberta Sausage Festival
- Saturday March 28 - Wild Side Wine & Whiskey Event, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
- Saturday March 28 - Eco-Clean Marine Clean Up, Gulf Shores
- Saturday March 28, 9 am - Market Day, Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market, Foley
- Saturday March 28 - Flora Bama Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny Drop
- Saturday March 28 - Gulf Shores Junior Council Spring Market, Waterway Village
March 29-31 Events, Festivals and Things to Do
- Sunday March 29, 10am - Malbis Spring Market, Historic Malbis Nursery
- Sunday March 29, 11 am - 2pm, Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores Easter Egg Hunt and Bunny Brunch
- Monday March 30 - April 4 - Gulf State Park Golden Eggstravagnza
- Monday March 30, 10 am - Radical Raptors, Gulf State Park Nature Center
- Monday March 30, 1 pm - Guided Nature Hike at Rosemary Dunes, Gulf State Park
- Tuesday March 31, 1st Blue Angels Practice, NAS Pensacola
- Tuesday March 31, 1 pm - Constellations Talk at the Gulf State Park Nature Center
- Tuesday March 31, 7:30 pm - Stargazing at Gulf State Park Pier.
March Things to Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
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.
Sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico
The sun is quickly moving to the north. The first of March is a great time to see the sunrise over the Gulf before it moves out of view from the public beaches.
Check out our favorite places to see sunrise in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Slingshot Rental
Cruise the streets in style in a Polaris Slingshot! Drive around Orange Beach and Gulf Shores in a three wheeled showstopper that is sure to grab attention.
I know we always comment when we see them cruising down the road. Let the wind flow through your hair as you cruise.
The weather is warming up which make it the perfect time to cruise in style.
Book a Polaris Slingshot Rental HERE
Pontoon Boat Rental
Renting a pontoon boat with a waterslide is on our must do list now that we live in Gulf Shores.
I can't wait to take friends and family out on a pontoon boat with a slide on a warm day. You will definitely hear me squeal with joy as I slide into the Gulf waters.
Book your Pontoon Boat Rental HERE
Bushwacker Restaurant Tour
This tour is unique to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and offers you the opportunity to learn more about the World Famous Bushwacker cocktail and of course try them.
A tour guide will take you to multiple locations to try this signature drink and local food specials.
Book your Bushwacker Tour HERE
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Weather in March
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach enjoy amazing Spring weather in March, with temperatures ranging from 56 degrees to 78 degrees.
Daylight hours increase in March with the shortest day of the month on March 1, with 11 hours, 34 minutes of daylight and the longest day of daylight on March 31, with 12 hours, 29 minutes of daylight.
The earliest sunset is 5:50 PM on March 1 and the latest sunset is 1 hour, 19 minutes later at 7:09 PM on March 31.
Daylight saving time (DST) ends at 3:00 AM on March 10, 2024.
Average water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico continue to rise by 4 degrees. Going from 63°F to 67°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.
Additional Gulf Coast Travel Guides
Gulf Shores Public Beach - Check out the world-famous white sands of Gulf Shores at our favorite public beach.
Donut Shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Start your morning with a sweet treat!
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!
Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access - provides easy access to one of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast of Alabama.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach restaurants with a view - Check out all of the great restaurants that have epic water views.
Looking ahead, make sure to check out our January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and 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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