gulf shores travel

Jun 25 2024

When Is the Best Time to Visit Gulf Shores?

Anyone who has fallen in love with the white sand beaches and glimmering waters of Gulf Shores knows there is no wrong season to visit. No matter what time of year you choose to explore the Alabama Gulf Coast, you’re sure to enjoy delicious food, fun-filled activities, stunning Alabama beaches, and spectacular views. There’s never a dull moment!

The best time to visit Gulf Shores is different for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a serene getaway, organizing a wild Spring Break adventure, or planning an exciting family-friendly beach vacation, we’ve got you covered!

Read on to discover the best time to visit Gulf Shores according to what’s most important for your vacation.

Then, reserve your stay with Harris Vacation Rentals. No matter the time of year you visit, our premium vacation rentals and luxury condos are the ideal setting for your getaway. Don’t wait; book your vacation today!

Spring in Gulf Shores

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com/Billy McDonald

Gulf Shores in March, April, and May is a great time to visit.

The weather is beautiful and the kids are still in school so there are fewer crowds on the public beaches and the amusement parks are much less crowded than in the summer. If you’re an empty nester, spring breaker, or millennial traveler, spring is the perfect time to visit the Gulf Coast!

Spring Weather

From April to May, the weather is terrific. The average temperature hovers around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and by late spring, the water temperature is high enough for swimming. It stays warm after dark, too — watch the sunset, then take a moonlit stroll on the beach, and embrace the comfortable climate.

Things to Do in the Spring

Spring in Gulf Shores is a fantastic time to experience outdoor activities before it gets too hot. A few of our top spring recommendations include:

Rent a bike or hike the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and discover six distinct ecosystems along the way.
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is another great place to spend a spring day.
If you’re more of a beach lover, you can also spend the day kayaking off the coast or relaxing on the sugar-white sand with a book in hand.

If you happen to be in town during May, don’t miss the popular Hangout Music Festival which attracts world-famous acts like SZA, Paramore, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Summer in Gulf Shores

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com/Andriy Blokhin

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach are in full swing during the summer months. This peak season is an exceptional time to bring the whole family on vacation while the kids are out of school. Keep in mind that summer is our most popular season, so you’ll want to reserve your vacation rental before the best units are booked!

Summer Weather

In the summertime, the weather in Gulf Shores heats up. High temperatures are around 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, with the low around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s an ideal time to enjoy dinner outside in the summer breeze after the heat of the day has passed.

Things to Do in the Summer

When you visit Gulf Shores in June, July, and August, you’ll need to plan activities that beat the heat! If you visit us in the summer don’t miss out on watersports and other activities like:

Boat rentals are the perfect way to spend a summer day out on the water
Thrill-seekers will love renting jet skis and exploring the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
If you’re looking for a way to get a bird’s eye view of the area, parasailing is an experience you’ll never forget.

Our city is also home to some of the best Fourth of July celebrations on the Gulf of Mexico, so timing your Gulf Shores vacation to coincide with Independence Day is a great way to make your summer trip even more memorable.

Fall in Gulf Shores

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com/Mark Winfrey

In the fall, the crowds start to dissipate throughout the Gulf Coast. The kids are back in school, but that doesn’t mean that your vacation season has to be over. Accommodation rates are lower in September, October, and November, and there is still warm weather to be enjoyed, making the Gulf Coast one of the USA’s best vacation destinations.

Fall Weather

Gulf Shores during fall enjoys average high temperatures of around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and the water is still a comfortable temperature for swimming. If you have the opportunity, save your summer vacation days for the off-season! You’ll enjoy warm weather during the day and pleasant breezes at night.

Things to Do in the Fall

Fall is one of the best times for:

Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Sailing
You can also spend a day exploring Alabama Gulf State Park’s breathtaking shoreline.
The National Shrimp Festival also takes place in the fall, so be sure to bring your appetite!

During your adventures on the water, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins swimming alongside you.

Winter in Gulf Shores

If you’re looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat from your everyday life, visit Gulf Shores during the winter months. Snowbirds love escaping the frigid temperatures to experience a much more mild climate.

Want to know the best part? You’ll have white sand beaches all to yourself. It doesn’t get better than that.

Winter Weather

Winter months bring the most unpredictable weather to Gulf Shores. Some days the skies are sunny and warm, while other days, the temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to pack a variety of outfits and layers to prepare for your trip!

Things to Do in the Winter

The ocean may be too chilly for a swim during the winter, but there’s still plenty to enjoy during your winter getaway. We recommend:

A calm beach stroll
You’ll have the opportunity to catch redfish, pompano, and sheepshead when you cast your line in colder waters.
If you’re visiting during the winter, we also recommend checking out The Wharf at Orange Beach. This entertainment hub is home to some of the Gulf’s best shopping, dining, and live music.

Find Your Spot in the Sand in Gulf Shores Alabama

Now that you’ve decided the best time to visit Gulf Shores for you, it’s time to find your ideal vacation rental. Harris Vacation Rentals offers rental homes year-round, so it’s easy to determine the right time for you and your loved ones to plan your trip.

Each of our vacation homes comes equipped with an array of amenities that will help make you feel at home. Choose from properties that feature gulf-front views, hot tubs, private pools, spacious decks, game rooms, and more! We also offer pet-friendly properties so nobody has to miss out on family vacations.

Mar 11 2020

What Are the Benefits of Purchasing Travel Insurance?

Sometimes, our travel plans don’t go as expected. Perhaps an emergency happens and you have to cancel your trip at the last minute. Maybe you’re already on vacation but need to cut it short and fly back home early. In these cases, it’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance. After all, the last thing you want is to see thousands of nonrefundable dollars go down the drain because of an unforeseen event! Read on to discover the benefits of purchasing travel insurance for your next Gulf Shores getaway!

Top 3 of Benefits of Purchasing Travel Insurance

1. It Can Save You Money in The Long Run

While 9 times out of 10, everything will go as planned, having to pay for a nonrefundable vacation is a very expensive mistake. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a medical emergency, sudden loss of a loved one, or a flight cancellation, unpredictable things do happen! Why take the risk? Because it can save you big money in the long-run, the benefits of travel insurance outweigh the disadvantages. Plus, if your trip gets cut short, you can always file a claim.

Many of our guests wonder when is it too late to buy travel insurance? To qualify for full coverage, you must purchase within the first 21 days from the day that the booking was made. Don’t wait until the natural disaster strikes and it’s too late. Plan ahead and get covered well in advance.

2. It Will Put Your Mind at Ease

Another benefit of travel insurance is that you’ll enjoy peace of mind. It is good to know that you are covered in case something does come up. Instead of worrying about the possibility of what could go wrong, you can enjoy a stress-free getaway relaxing on the beach!

3. Replace Lost or Stolen Luggage

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for visitors to lose their luggage while traveling. Perhaps you set your purse down while you were out sightseeing and then later realized it was missing. Maybe your luggage was lost on a flight or, even worse, stolen at the airport. Whether your items were lost or stolen, having travel insurance can help reimburse you in the worst-case scenario.

Book Your Gulf Shores, Alabama, Getaway With Harris Vacation Rentals

Now that you know about the benefits of purchasing travel insurance, it’s time to plan a worry-free vacation along the Alabama Coast! When it comes to the best accommodations in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, look no further than Harris Vacation Rentals. Whether you prefer to stay in a large Gulf-front home, an intimate condo with a private pool, or a pet-friendly accommodation, we are sure to have the ideal property for your stay! Check our current travel deals and discounts and contact us to book your stay today. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Nov 07 2019

Hotel vs. Vacation Rental: What’s the Difference?

With so many available options, choosing a place to stay for your next vacation can seem overwhelming. Some travelers end up spending way too much on a mediocre hotel, while others book the cheapest room they can find and then regret it. If you’d like to avoid these common travel mistakes, consider a vacation rental instead. Offering fabulous amenities, plenty of space, and privacy, you’re guaranteed a stress-free and memorable getaway. When trying to decide between hotel vs. vacation rental, the answer is clear. Vacation rentals are the best option for visitors!

If you’re planning a Gulf Shores getaway and are having trouble deciding between hotel vs. vacation rental, Harris Vacation Rentals can help! Head over to our website to see what sets our accommodations apart from all the rest. Or, feel free to contact us to inquire about your next Gulf Shores getaway. We’d love to assist you!

The Difference Between Hotel Vs. Vacation Rental

When it comes to choosing a place to stay on vacation, you want to find an accommodation that’s affordable, clean, comfortable, in a great location, and comes with top-notch amenities. 10 times out of 10, a vacation rental will offer all of these things PLUS beautiful views, dog-friendly options, and a unique travel experience. Sometimes the vacation rental company will even offer extra incentives such as special offers or discounted activities to enjoy during your vacation.

These are just some reasons why you should consider a vacation home vs. a hotel room. Think of it like this: why stay in a small, generic hotel room when you could escape to a spacious retreat with all the comforts of home? Rather than getting a room that is randomly assigned to you at the hotel, you’ll be able to select the condo or home you want. In fact, vacation rentals are often more affordable than hotel rooms. This is especially true if you book directly on the company’s website and not on sites that charge hidden fees like Airbnb and Vrbo.

Choose Your Location

When you book a vacation rental from Harris Vacation Rentals, you’ll be able to select the exact location you desire. We offer an extensive selection of rentals in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Would you like to stay at a beachfront rental? This is a wonderful option for visitors who plan to spend most of their days soaking up the sun and surf. Perhaps you prefer a luxury rental, a pet-friendly option, or a home with a private pool? No matter what you decide, you’ll be glad you chose to stay in a Harris Property. All of our accommodations are just minutes from the best local attractions, dining, beaches, and more!

Select Your Activities

Vacation rentals often offer extra incentives for travelers, which you can use to your advantage. For example, when you book a Harris Vacation Rentals family vacation rental, you’ll receive up to $100 off local tours and activities through TripShock. This makes planning your vacation easy, fun, and more affordable. Save that extra cash, or use it for more activities or dining out with the family. The possibilities are endless!

Book Your Stay With Harris Vacation Rentals

When it comes to choosing between rental homes vs. hotels, the answer is obvious. Vacation rentals offer much better value and an experience you simply won’t find at other lodging options. So, what are you waiting for? Experience your Gulf Shores getaway to the fullest when you book your stay with Harris Vacation Rentals! Browse all of our accommodations and contact us to book your stay today. We can’t wait to welcome you!

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