Nothing compares to the sweet feeling of summertime. If you’re searching for the best summer getaway, look no further than the Alabama Gulf Coast. With breathtaking white-sand beaches, fantastic restaurants, and a plethora of things to do, Gulf Shores is your headquarters for summertime fun, offering a vibrant town atmosphere and easy access to lively nearby towns.
Read on to find out our picks for the best summer activities in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, and other nearby towns. With our help, visiting Gulf Shores and the surrounding area makes it easier than ever to create the ultimate summer vacation bucket list.
It’s time to start getting excited about your Gulf Shores vacation this summer! Browse our collection of luxurious vacation rentals and find the perfect one for your group.
Dive Into Summer Fun in Gulf Shores
Get ready to dive into the ultimate summer adventure in Gulf Shores! This vibrant coastal city is the perfect place to soak up the sunshine, with its sugar-white sand beaches and the warm, inviting waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo escape, Gulf Shores offers endless opportunities for fun and relaxation.
Spend your days exploring the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, discovering the natural beauty of Gulf State Park, or simply unwinding on the city’s pristine public beaches. With so much to see and do, every visit to Gulf Shores promises unforgettable memories, incredible wildlife encounters, and plenty of ways to enjoy the coast’s laid-back summer vibe.
The Best Summer Activities in Gulf Shores
The fun never stops on the Gulf Coast! Discover the best summer activities in Gulf Shores, where you’ll find a wide variety of activities and tons of things to do, no matter your interests.
1. Take a ride at the OWA
OWA is an amusement park and entertainment destination with over 20 rides and an interactive splash pad for hot summer days. The area also features a variety of restaurants, shops, and fun-filled events. You can easily spend an entire day getting an adrenaline rush and feasting on good eats just north of the beach in Foley, Alabama.
2. Experience the Thrill of Waterville USA
Waterville is an amusement and waterpark consisting of 20 acres of pure fun. Whether you want to sit back and relax while floating down a lazy river or pick up speed on the Dune Racer, there’s something for all levels of adventurers here at Waterville USA. It’s the perfect splash pad for hot summer days and a great way to beat the heat during the summer. There’s also a Flowrider surf simulator, arcade, mini golf course, concessions, and more!
The waterpark is perfect for staying cool and escaping the heat of Gulf Shores in summer.
3. Go Kayaking
If you want to combine an adventure in the great outdoors with a bit of healthy exercise, why not try kayaking? Guided kayaking tours in Gulf Shores are a great way to discover the coastal ecosystem and backwaters of this gorgeous area! One of our favorite nearby kayaking outfitters is Coastal Kayak Excursions. They offer nature tours, sunset tours, dolphin tours, and more! You’ll fall in love with the natural beauty of this stunning environment.
4. Take a Lost Bay Helicopter Tour
Get an out-of-this-world bird’s eye view of the beach on a Lost Bay Helicopter Tour. These tours are perfect for seeing miles of our famous white-sand beaches and turquoise water. You can even see schools of fish from up above. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
5. Brush Up on Your History at the Holmes Medical Museum
If you’re interested in history, you need to go back in time and visit the Holmes Medical Museum. The museum was Baldwin County’s first hospital and began operating in the early 1900s. The museum is arranged as it was back in its operating hospital era, and most artifacts and machinery are original. This unique piece of history has remained virtually unchanged for the last 60 years!
6. Take Your Pup to The Dog Pond
Here at Harris Vacation Rentals, we’re proud to offer pet-friendly vacation rentals. If you want to take your pup’s vacation up a notch, head to The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby for swimming, running, and playing with other fur kids. Then, visit one of our favorite dog-friendly restaurants.
7. Have an Adventure with Cat Boat Tours
Are you ready to take things up a notch? Cat Boat Tours are like water sports, but better! You can glide over the back bays in a personal watercraft. The boats sit low and zip through the water. You choose to embark on your own expedition or take a guided tour and hear about celebrity homes on Ono Island.
8. Have a Pint at Big Beach Brewing Company
Quench your thirst and order a flight of the bartender’s favorite craft brews at some of the best bars in Gulf Shores, like the Hundred Daze IPA at Big Beach Brewing Company in Gulf Shores. This fun spot is kid and dog-friendly—another reason we love it!
9. Learn a New Craft at Sand Castle University
If your sand castle skills aren’t what they used to be, give Sand Castle University a try! Unleash your creativity and learn the secrets of building epic sandcastles at Sand Castle University, one of Gulf Shores’ most unique attractions. Perfect for families, kids, and anyone who loves the beach, this hands-on experience lets you master the art of sand sculpting right on the beautiful Gulf Coast. Expert instructors provide all the tools and tips you need to craft your own sandy masterpiece, making it a fun and memorable way to spend time together.
If you’re traveling with kids after your sandcastle session, why not head over to The Wharf for some shopping and a bite to eat, or visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo to meet some of the area’s fascinating wildlife? Sand Castle University is a must-try for visitors looking to add a creative twist to their beach day in Gulf Shores.
10. Lounge on the Gulf Shores Beaches
There’s nothing quite like spending a summer day on the iconic beaches of Gulf Shores. With their sugar-white sand and crystal-clear Gulf of Mexico waters, these public beaches are the perfect spot to relax, play, and soak up the sunshine.
No beach vacation during the summer is complete without spending some days in the water and sand. Remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, a beach towel, and snacks to ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the shore. The Alabama Gulf Coast public beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and once you visit, we know you’ll agree!
11. Rent Some Gear at the Flora-Bama Marina
What better way to experience Gulf Shores than on the water? Live the life of a local for a day and rent a boat from the Flora-Bama Marina. They offer luxury pontoon boats, as well as pontoons with slides. You can also rent jet skis. Be sure to bring your fishing gear so you can cast a line and try to catch some local fish while out on the water. After your day on the water, hit up the Flora-Bama Yacht Club for ice–cold Bushwackers and fire-grilled oysters.
12. Stoll on The Wharf
With its plethora of delicious restaurants and exciting activities, it’s easy to spend an entire day at The Wharf in Orange Beach.
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Wharf, Gulf Shores’ premier destination for family fun, shopping, and entertainment. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, browse unique shops, and savor mouthwatering meals at a variety of restaurants and bars. The Wharf Amphitheater hosts exciting concerts and events throughout the summer, making it a hotspot for live entertainment.
Treat the family to miniature golf, a Ferris wheel ride, or even a concert in the 10,000-seat arena—don’t miss the exciting live performances and events happening at The Wharf. Satisfy your hunger with yummy eats at some of our favorite Orange Beach restaurants, including Ginny Lane Bar & Grill and Villaggio Grille.
13. Charter a Fishing Trip
Orange Beach is the fishing mecca of the Southeast. Head out to sea, drop a line, and try your best to reel in red snapper, Spanish mackerel, redfish, grouper, and more. July and August are popular months for fishing tournaments in Gulf Shores, but visitors should be prepared for occasional rain during these summer months. Some of our favorite fishing charters include Orange Beach Fishing Charters and Red Eye Charters.
14. Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo With the Whole Family
No trip to the Gulf Shores would be complete without a trip to the infamous Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The zoo is home to over 100 animal species, including 22 critically endangered species. During your visit, you can have the unbelievable opportunity to hold a baby sloth, kangaroo, or lemur!
15. Go Shopping at Tanger Outlet Centre
Who doesn’t love a good discount? If you’re looking for a rainy-day activity, head to Tanger Outlet Centre in Foley and shop until you drop! The outlets feature over 120 stores and a merry–go–round and splash pad to keep the kids happy.
Reserve Your Summer Vacation Rental Now!
It’s time to plan the best summer vacation you’ve ever had! Harris Vacation Rentals offers the best rental properties in the area—hands down! No matter what size property you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. All our rentals feature superior amenities, including oceanfront views, fully equipped kitchens, game rooms, private and community pools, hot tubs, and more.
Browse our availability and pick the perfect home for you! We can’t wait to host you this summer.
