Tired of scraping ice off the windshield and counting the days until the cold gives way to spring? Pack your bags and head south for your next vacation.
While summer gets all the glory along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, winter is secretly one of the best times to visit Gulf Shores. You’ll meet milder temperatures, quieter Alabama beaches, shorter lines, and a calendar still chock-full of seasonal fun.
Ready to see what the off-season has to offer? Book a Gulf Shores vacation rental to get your trip started, then read on to discover the best things to do in Gulf Shores in winter.
1. Go Fishing in the Gulf
Winter might be too chilly for swimming, but the fishing is still fantastic. Cast a line from a pier or a dock, or book a local fishing charter for a deep-sea adventure.
Winter waters in Gulf Shores are teeming with redfish, pompano, and sheepshead. Think you can reel in all three?
2. Tee Off on a Championship Golf Course
Gulf Shores winters are mild, which makes them ideal for a round (or three) of golf. Cool winter temperatures mean it’s comfortable to play in the sun all day, and winter tee times are far easier to come by.
You’ll find an impressive lineup of award-winning golf courses within just a short drive of your vacation rental. Spend a day on the 36 holes of Arnold Palmer-designed fairways at Craft Farms Golf Club, or test your skills on the links-style layout at Kiva Dunes in nearby Fort Morgan.
3. Hike the Coastal Trails
Calling all nature lovers. Winter is a spectacular time to explore the coast on foot, thanks to cooler air and far fewer bugs to bother you. Lace up your boots and head on over to the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for miles of scenic trails through dunes, forests, and marshlands.
Gulf State Park is another great hiking option, with miles of trails and boardwalks winding through diverse coastal habitats. Make sure to bring your binoculars; you’ll see plenty of migratory birds on your winter hike.
4. Glide Across the Ice at The Wharf
Ice skating on the Gulf Coast? Yes, really! During the holiday season, The Wharf in Orange Beach usually sets up an ice skating rink, complete with twinkling lights and festive music. It’s a fun way to get the whole family into the winter spirit, even when it’s only sweater weather, not snowy.
The Wharf also offers shopping, dining, and entertainment year-round, so you can make a full day of your skating trip. The rink is seasonal (around mid-November to mid-January), so check The Wharf’s website for this year’s updated dates and hours.
5. Celebrate the Christmas Holidays in Local Style
Visiting Gulf Shores in November or December? You’re in for a treat! The holiday season brings a lineup of cheerful events and outdoor activities.
Festivities begin with the Christmas Tree Lighting at The Wharf, complete with live performances, hot cocoa, and visits with Santa. You also won’t want to miss the Lighted Christmas Boat Parade that takes place on the water every year.
Spending the winter holidays in Gulf Shores? Check out our guide to Christmas in Gulf Shores for more festive ideas.
6. Go for a Peaceful Stroll on the Beach
One of the best things about Gulf Shores in winter is having the sugar-white sand practically all to yourself. Spending time on a quiet Alabama beach is the perfect way to slow down and recharge.
Bundle up in a light jacket, then head to the shore. Wander the tide line at sunrise, hunt for seashells, or simply watch the waves roll in. Sunsets are especially stunning in the winter months, and you won’t have to fight for a clear spot to watch them.
Check out our guide to Gulf Shores’ best beaches to decide which stretch of sand to explore.
7. Say Hi to the Animals at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Need a family-friendly outing? The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a great winter pick. The cooler weather makes it comfortable to explore outdoors and see a whole host of exotic animals, some of which you can meet up close.
Keep an eye out for special seasonal experiences and animal encounters offered during the cooler months. Check out the zoo’s website for current hours and special events before visiting.
8. Feast at a Seafood Festival
Winter is a delicious time to be on the Gulf Coast. Late February brings the Orange Beach Seafood Festival at The Wharf. In the same month, Fort Morgan hosts its annual Oyster Festival. Both are packed with fresh local flavors.
Even if you miss the festivals, you can enjoy waterfront restaurants serving up fresh-caught Gulf shrimp, oysters, and other catches of the day all season long. Make sure to come hungry.
9. Get Creative at the Coastal Arts Center
Need a cozy indoor activity for a cooler or rainy day? There are plenty of things to do in Gulf Shores besides going to the beach.
The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach is one of our favorite indoor spots, with art exhibits, live glassblowing, and regular pottery demonstrations. It’s a fun, hands-on way to explore the creative side of the Alabama Gulf Coast, and a great rainy-day backup plan.
10. Cruise With Dolphins
Bottlenose dolphins live along the Alabama coast all year, and winter can be a great time to spot them. The crowds are thinner, the water is often calm, and you’ll have plenty of room at the rail.
Hop aboard a dolphin-watching cruise out of Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, and keep your eyes peeled for fins, splashes, and playful pods riding the wake. Bring a jacket as it’s several degrees cooler on the water, and don’t forget your camera.
Some operators have updated schedules for the winter months, so make sure to check hours and availability with them before planning a day around it.
Plan Your Winter Getaway to Gulf Shores
Now you know of all the fun things to do in Gulf Shores in winter, it’s time to start planning your trip.
For the ultimate winter escape, book a vacation rental instead of a hotel. Why settle for a standard hotel room when you can stretch out in a rental with a full kitchen, spacious common area, and all the comforts of home?
Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront condo, a pet-friendly haven, or a home big enough for the whole family, we’re sure to have a place that will perfectly suit your winter getaway.