gulf shores fall

What Are the Best Things to Do in Gulf Shores in October?

Are you looking for the best things to do in Gulf Shores in October? With exciting festivals, beautiful uncrowded shorelines, and endless activities, fall is one of the best times to visit this Gulf Coast paradise. Get a taste of Alabama at Shrimp Fest, enjoy the Halloween festivities, or take a romantic sunset stroll along the beach. Here are some of the best fall events and activities to add to your itinerary!

Here are the best things to do in Gulf Shores in October!

Top Things to Do in Gulf Shores in October

1. Shrimp Festival

Autumn in Gulf Shores marks the return of the most-anticipated event of the year! For nearly half a century, the Shrimp Festival has been a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. Held right on the beach, the festival includes fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood prepared by top chefs, a sandcastle contest, live music, family activities, arts and crafts, 5k and 10k races, and the Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant. The 2019 dates are set for October 10th – 13th, so start making your plans to attend now!

2. Have A Spooktacular Halloween in Gulf Shores

Are you looking for the best thrills and chills in Gulf Shores, AL? You’re in luck! There are endless ways to celebrate spooky season along our sugar-white shores. On the weekends, visit the Town of Terror in Foley for twists, turns, and other haunted house horrors. Are you searching for Halloween family activities? Take the kids for a ride on the Pumpkin Patch Express. During the daytime, you can enjoy kid-friendly train rides, pony rides, a bounce house, pumpkin decorating, a haunted maze and more. After nightfall, however, this train ride takes a turn for the terrifying. From 7 p.m. until close, enjoy a scary ride with Halloween monsters and other things that go bump in the night!

3. Alabama Festival of Flavor 

Not to be outdone by the Shrimp Festival, the Alabama Festival of Flavor is one of the tastiest events of the year. Held in the neighboring Foley, this epicurean event features an array of mouthwatering cuisine prepared by local chefs. Offerings include everything from sandwiches and sauces to main dishes, craft beer, and wine. The event is scheduled to take place on October 5th, 2019.

4. Alabama Coastal Birdfest

Calling all nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts! October is the prime time to see migrating birds in Gulf Shores. And the best way to see them is at the Alabama Coastal Birdfest! This event offers a unique opportunity to get an up-close look at native birds, alligators, dolphins, wildflowers, and more wildlife. Mark your calendar for October 2nd – 5th, 2019! 

5. Enjoy Outdoor Activities

From hiking and biking to paddle boarding and kayaking, there are endless ways to explore Gulf Shores, Alabama in October. The mild weather is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and attractions. Get out and explore miles of scenic trails at Gulf State Park or Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge, tee off on one of the fabulous golf courses, or take the kids to the zoo. This is also a great time to visit one of the theme parks. Have a blast playing mini-golf or race go-karts at The Track. The possibilities are endless! 

6. Visit the Beach

Many of our guests ask us if it is warm enough to swim in Gulf Shores in October. The answer is it depends. The weather in Gulf Shores in October varies year to year. Typically, the temperatures range from the 60’s to low 80’s. While it may be too chilly to swim, this is one of the best times to visit the beach! Enjoy the uncrowded shoreline while you comb the beach for shells and other treasures. Or, cast a line from the pier or a charter and reel in your next trophy fish! 

Book Your Fall Getaway With Harris Vacation Rentals

When it comes to the best lodging in the area, no place can compare to Harris Vacation Rentals! We offer a wide array of accommodation options in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. From luxury beachfront rentals to intimate cottages and condos, we are sure to have the perfect property for your stay. We can also accommodate large groups, so feel free to bring your family and friends. Are you ready for an unforgettable fall getaway to beautiful Gulf Shores? Take advantage of our current deals and discounts. Then, browse our condo rentals and contact us to start planning your trip! We look forward to seeing you soon.

 

Fall in Gulf Shores Is One of the Best Times to Visit

Blue skies, gorgeous scenery, and the glittering waters of the Gulf of Mexico as far as the eye can see. Gulf Shores is truly a year-round destination. If you want to plan a beach vacation without facing the crowds and searing heat, opt to experience fall in Gulf Shores. A little slice of paradise awaits! Read on to discover why autumn is one of our favorite seasons here. Then, browse our coastal vacation rentals and start planning your trip today!

Book Your Family Vacation Today!

Why You Need to Experience Fall in Gulf Shores

Whether you’re in town to have fun with family or for a romantic fall getaway, autumn is the perfect time of the year to vacation in Gulf Shores.

Warm Temperatures

Unlike most other places in the United States, the weather in Gulf Shores stays relatively mild all year long. There’s much less humidity, more cooling breezes, and the water is still warm from the summer. It’s hard to beat the fall weather here! Here are the average temperatures for fall in Gulf Shores:

September – High of 87° / Low of 70°

October – High of 80° / Low of 59°

November – High of 71° / Low of 48°

Fewer Crowds

Rather than trying to find a spot on a beach packed with tourists, experience greater freedom when you visit after summer vacation ends. Fall is the beginning of off-season in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, so you and your loved ones will be able to eat at the area’s best restaurants and enjoy little to no wait at top attractions.

Fun Attractions & Events

There are countless ways to spend a fall day in Gulf Shores. Wake up to a view of the gulf, run on the beach, swim in the picture-perfect water, and golf on one of the area’s pristine courses.

Autumn is also a great time to attend some of Gulf Shores’s most anticipated events. The annual Shrimp Festival in October features delicious shrimp recipes, live music, and hundreds of arts and crafts vendors. Another fantastic festival is the Oyster Cook-off & Craft Beer Weekend at The Hangout. You don’t want to miss this seafood celebration that occurs every November.

Check out some more of our favorite things to do in the fall and get ready to make lasting memories!

Plan the Perfect Autumn Getaway With Harris Vacation Rentals

barefoot rental pool and beach view

Are you ready to spend the fall in Gulf Shores? Another perk of planning a beach trip in the offseason is that our best vacation rentals have more availability. Barefoot, one of our luxury beachfront homes, features everything you need for a tranquil Gulf Shores vacation. This gorgeous home sleeps 28 people, so it’s perfect for a trip with extended family. Relax by the private heated pool or soak up the sun on the white sand beach — the choice is yours! Other exquisite features of the rental home include a double fridge and oven, bedrooms with gulf views, an outdoor shower, and an elevator.

It’s time to book the getaway of a lifetime. Browse all of our rental options and start planning your trip today!

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