things to do in fort morgan

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.

 

The Greatest Pet-Friendly Orange Beach Activities

Your most loyal and lovable four-legged family members shouldn’t be left out of the fun on your vacation in tropical Gulf Shores, Alabama! Now you can bring them along and check out the handpicked pet-friendly Orange beach activities that we’ve picked out for you and your pets to try together!

Treat Your Pet (and Yourself) to the Vacation of a Lifetime

To begin, if you’re bringing your dog, you should definitely stop by The Dog Pond. A popular local dog park with scenic views, The Dog Pond is located at Lake Shelby and is open from 8:00am until sunset. Dogs are allowed to be off-leash here.

Gulf Shores Dog Park and Orange Beach Dog Park are two other notable locales that include separate off-leash sections for small and large dogs. Water and benches are provided.

Orange Beach Waterfront Park is a great pet-friendly location, though they must remain on a leash and will require cleaning up after. This site is perfect for taking a leisurely stroll and seeing the sights of Orange Beach.

For more outdoor Orange Beach activities with your pet, there are a number of fantastic trails for walking and hiking throughout the Gulf Shores area. Gulf State Park allows pets on leashes on their trails, as well as in the campground and picnic areas. No pets are allowed in the nature center, in the swimming pool, or on the beaches, unfortunately.

Connecting with Gulf State Park is the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, a network of seven trails that span over fifteen miles and six different ecosystems. While pets must remain on a leash at all times on these trails, they’ll have plenty of space to run, play, and explore.

Finally, for that beach experience that everybody (dog or otherwise) craves, you should take your pet to Fort Morgan. Unlike most of Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan’s public beaches are open to dogs on leashes, though you won’t be able to take them to the Fort Morgan Historic Site. Let them experience the ocean and watch what happens!

Click here to see over 30 pet friendly rentals!

Harris Vacation Rentals – Your Guides to Everything Gulf Shores

Contact our reservation specialists to learn more about pet-friendly and other activities and attractions that you’ll encounter in Gulf Shores when you book your stay in one of our lovely vacation rental properties today! We offer pet-friendly vacation rentals that are clean, spacious, and comfortable without skimping on quality.

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