Top Winter Activities on the Alabama Gulf Coast
Believe it or not, the Alabama Gulf Coast is a true winter wonderland – but not for the reasons you may think. Instead of snowy slopes we have sugar-white sand, which is useless for skiing but perfect for building a festive holiday sandman. We know that Santa really loves seafood, and we warm our winter bones with bowls of fresh gumbo. Even our winter activities get a cool coastal twist as we enjoy the perks of sunny skies and pleasant weather all season long.
Ready to trade your snow boots and scarves for flip-flops and shades? Check out these fun winter activities to fill your season with Gulf Coast style.
Gulf Shores Golf
Our award-winning golf courses don’t close during winter - they just get less crowded. And with blue skies full of weak sunshine and cool-but-comfortable temps, you can play all day and never break a sweat. Take advantage of the off-season to play our most popular courses at your preferred speed. As a guest of Aqua Vacations, you can even play for free at one of our partnership courses as part of our complimentary attractions package!
Orange Beach Fishing
The water may be too cold for us, but it feels just right for Orange Beach fishing in winter. Sheepshead, Black Drum, Redfish, and Pompano are all active in the colder months, and less anglers on the water makes it easier to land a lucky catch. Book a fishing tour with one of our local charters (Zeke’s Lady can be complimentary for our guests) or cast a line off the pier at Gulf State Park.
Explore Local Attractions
Winter is an ideal time to visit our top attractions. The crowds are low, so lines are short, and you won’t have to weather the sticky heat of summer as you enjoy free reign of our most popular spots. Visit OWA to chase some thrills at Tropic Falls Theme Park and the new Indoor Waterpark, or explore the exhibits at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and sign up for an animal encounter to kiss a kangaroo or snuggle a sloth.
Visit The Wharf at Orange Beach
Orange Beach’s premiere entertainment district is the place to go for winter fun. In addition to the normal line of shopping, shows, and family fun, winter brings a host of seasonal activities for all ages to enjoy. You can take a turn on the ice-skating rink, enjoy a holiday horse and carriage ride, get photos with Santa, or catch a ride on the North Pole Express.
Mardi Gras
We always end the winter season with a bang – and bags and bags of plastic beads. Mardi Gras is a local tradition that rolls around each February with city-wide parades, formal balls, and boxes of fresh king cake. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach host their own family-friendly parades that draw large crowds and fill the streets with floats, local bands, festive throws, and those famous moon-pies.
Winter temps do get chilly at night, so you’ll need a warm place to rest and recharge. Aqua Vacations has a wide variety of vacation properties across the area to keep you cozy and comfortable as you spend the winter season on our shores. With a 2-bedroom condo at the luxurious Beach Club Resort, you can enjoy heart-warming amenities like heated indoor pools and an on-site sauna.