As the end of 2025 draws ever closer, you may find yourself thinking about the year to come, wondering what 2026 has in store for you, pondering the power that the next 12 months holds, and most importantly, contemplating the planning of your 2026 Gulf Shores vacation. If you have never visited before, it could be considered impossible to decide when is the best time to visit our part of Alabama, but you have Poole & Associates on your side, and we can make the decision easier. Because we care and want your Gulf Shores vacation to be the one you compare all others against, we have created this guide to when to visit the Gulf Shores area, offering a season by season description of everything that makes our hometown one of the most popular vacation destinations in the nation.
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Winter Wanderings
As the new year begins and the days stretch out before you in an array of promise and the hope for fun, you may decide that you are through with the snow, the cold, the ice, and are ready for some warmth, some sunshine, and although it will be too cold to swim in the Gulf waters, some beach time in the Gulf Shores area. This time of year may be chilly here in Alabama, but we are thinking that for our friends from the north, highs in the 60s (and 70s if you are visiting during the still winter part of March!) and more days of sunshine than not is a far better winter experience than what you get back home.
Pack to dress in layers for your vacation to Gulf Shores, and because nighttime temps will drop into the 50s and 40s, be sure to bring at least one jacket, especially if you are planning any moonlit walks the beach. And although most of December is considered fall, if you are here for Christmas, you may not get a white Christmas, but you can definitely expect a white SAND holiday that you will never forget.
Winter Events and Festivals
The winter months are relatively quiet and although there aren’t a lot of festivals going on, you can expect lower prices, shorter lines, and more availability for our Poole & Associates seasonal sanctuaries. The Fort Morgan Oyster Festival is the much-anticipated exception to the rule, taking place February 28th and March 1st and offering a two-day-long celebration of the freshest, sweetest seafood you will ever taste, and that means all types of seafood, not just oysters. Also offering live entertainment, arts and craft shows, and kids’ activities, this is a festival you will regret not attending if you are in town while it is going on.
Exploring the Gulf Shores Area in the Winter Months
With the exception of swimming, every activity is a year-round activity, and if you choose to hang out on the beach on a particularly warm and sunny day in February during your vacation to Gulf Shores, even better. The Gulf is our very own paradise, and if you spend your day relaxing with a cooler full of drinks and the sun warming your face as the roar of the surf provides a harmonic accompaniment to your activities, this will be the day you remember best. Other fun activities for the winter months may include a trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores, shopping at the Wharf in Orange Beach, or exploring the historic Fort Morgan in Fort Morgan.
Spring to Excitement
Spring is when the tourist activities start to increase, especially if you are here during Spring Break, and as the temperatures rise (mid-70s to high 80s), the waters that frame our coastal town become more inviting. There will be rain, although not as much as you might experience in the summer months, and our beaches will be more crowded on some days, less on others, and depending on when you arrive, this could be the best time of year to make your journey to Alabama. Your packing list should include sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuits, and summer weight clothing and you may want to include one weather proof light jacket. Sandals and flip flops are always the shoe of the moment, unless you are planning on hiking—if so, you might want to pack some good hiking shoes.
Spring Events and Festivals
Car shows are popular at this time of the year, with the Bama Coast Cruisin’ Festival roaring into the Wharf April 23 through April 25, and although the dates are technically winter ones, the Orange Beach Festival of Art takes place March 14th and 15th at the Orange Beach Waterfront Park, offering a fantastic selection of masterpieces that will make wonderful souvenirs of your visit. The Hangout Music Festival is made even more popular because it is held on the pristine white sand beaches we are so proud of; this event will occur May 15 through 17 in 2026.
What to Do in the Spring in Gulf Shores and the Surrounding Towns
There’s a vibrancy to spring that makes it one of our favorite times of year, and as such, there is so much to do here, we simply can’t list it all! We don’t think we need to encourage you to go to the beach, however, because warmer temperatures and warmer turquoise waters are all the enticement most travelers need, but the beautiful weather in the spring may make it the perfect time to explore our parks. Gulf Shores State Park, for example, offers hiking trails, kayaking areas, playgrounds, and even more beaches to savor. Sunset cruises, especially ones that include a dolphin tour are guaranteed to be a hit for the entire family, and Jurassic Golf, a dinosaur themed miniature golf course, offers an idyllic family experience.
Summer Days, Summer Nights
As you might expect, summer is the most popular time of the year for visitors, especially as many travelers have to wait for their kids to be out of school to travel. This is the time of year when beaches will be more crowded, restaurants will have longer wait times, and the heat and humidity might convince you that staying in at least one day and hanging out at the pool in your Poole & Associates summer retreat sounds like an excellent idea!
The rains will fall, but on most days, the clouds roll in around midafternoon, the skies open up for a bit, and then, the clouds roll out again. Rainy days aren’t that much of an inconvenience or obstacle to fun in the Gulf Shores area, and honestly, neither are the crowds or lines. Life just moves at a slower pace when the temperatures rise up into the 90s, and the laidback vibe will make you feel you never want to leave. Pack light, don’t forget the sunscreen, and plan on an idyllic retreat that all other vacations will pale in comparison to!
Summer Events and Festivals
The warmer weather of summer keeps festivals to a minimum, but of course, on 4th of July, we go all out. There will be barbecues, live music, and the only appropriate ending to this day of celebration, a fireworks show over the Gulf with the colorful explosions reflected in the calm waters below. For many of our guests, they may find that they can see the fireworks from their balconies perched over turquoise waters, while others prefer to rent a boat and head out into the water watching the show from the best seats in town.
What to Do in the Summer on the Gulf Coast
Just like when you were a child and summer days stretched out before you with nothing planned while remaining full of possibility, that’s how your summer vacation in Gulf Shores will play out. Maybe you will spend days shopping at the Wharf, dipping in and out of air-conditioned stores, your arms laden with treasures, or maybe you will never leave the beach except to eat and sleep.
Daredevils may want to go shark fishing, the peak season happens to fall in the middle of summer, or those seeking peace, quiet, and a one-on-one battle with the denizens of the sea, may prefer dropping their lines in the quiet waters of Lake Shelby. Summer is when the child in you comes out to play and your Gulf Shores getaway will thrill that inner babe.
Welcoming Fall
Fall, especially early in the season, may be our favorite time of year in Gulf Shores. The humidity diminishes and the heat lessens its hold on us. Many travelers find themselves reentering reality as their children go back to school, and the less crowded beaches will make you feel as if you belong here, as if the beach is your own private sanctuary. There will be less competition for the Poole & Associates vacation rental of your dreams, and that slow pace of summer eases into a quiet and tranquil vibe.
Temperatures now lie somewhere between the high 60s and barely 80, depending on what part of fall your visit occurs, and there are fewer rainy days. Your suitcase should still contain sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuits, and summer clothing and your relaxation levels will be at their peak, that’s a promise.
Fall Events and Festivals
The festivals return in the fall, including another favorite foodie event, the National Shrimp Festival, occurring on October 8 through October 11 in 2026. Offering four days of shrimp, music, arts, vendors, shrimp, beverages, fun, seafood—well, we think you get the point that there will be a LOT of shrimp and other types of seafood being celebrated at this tasty event!
As the fall holidays start to roll in, visitors can explore the Magnolia Corn Maze in nearby Summerdale or experience all manner of festive Christmas events, including holiday markets, visits with Santa (he drops in to the holidays by parachuting onto our beaches at the beginning of December), and of course, all the lights that just make the season more beautiful. The Wharf is always decorated especially well, and Santa has a temporary office there for children who may be worried he can’t find them when they are traveling over the holiday.
The Sky’s the Limit
The fall in Gulf Shores is such an idyllic time. There is nothing that you won’t be able to do! Hang out at the beach, take a class at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, or watch the Blue Angels practice from your rented boat on a warm and wonderful autumn day. Nighttime kayak tours in lighted kayaks are popular, as are picnics in any parks and go kart rides at The Track Family Fun Park. You can also stay in for a day, exploring all the luxury amenities you can find in our Poole & Associates seasonal sanctuaries. The sky’s the limit when it comes to fun and adventure during a fall visit to the Gulf Shores area, and our town is sure to be your favorite place to visit!
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Comfort and Luxury in Any Season
Now that you have a more clear idea of when might be the perfect time for you and your family to visit, let’s take a peak inside our Poole & Associates seasonal sanctuaries. Every season is the right time to choose our retreats, and whether you decide that a Gulf Shores beachfront condo with a balcony over the sea is your ideal fit or a private Gulf Shores beach house rental with a private pool in the yard makes your heart beat faster with happiness, just know that comfort will be your constant companion. Our spaces are designed to be an integral part of your Gulf Shores vacation experience, equipped with gourmet kitchens, tranquil bedrooms, and in our condos, all the community amenities that will add fun to your journey.
Reserve your favorite Alabama vacation rental today and discover all the ways we work hard to give you comfort, to make you feel spoiled, to make your travel dreams come true!
Covering 32 miles of the fabled Panhandle’s Emerald Coast, Gulf Shores’ sugary white sands and Turquoise waters make the city one of Alabama’s top getaway destinations. Together with Orange Beach, Gulf Shores offers you an activity-filled vacation ranging from birdwatching the numerous migratory birds that flock to the area’s forests and waterways to exploring the military heritage plastered on most monuments in the metropolis. These activities are available all year round, with the Halloween period experiencing an influx of activities. The spooky season brings the streets and hubs of Gulf Shores to life, engaging locals and tourists in various Gulf Coast Halloween activities. Here’s how this city promises to wow you and give you chills simultaneously.
Take A Ghost Cruise
Nothing is more enchanting than taking a nighttime boat ride through calm waters, an experience available in Gulf Shores. This moonlit cruise takes place at Caribe Marina and Watersports in Orange Beach in October. The ride features the chilling narration of different ghost tales that have been part of the area’s deep history. The cruise is family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. Therefore, bring your family and get to cruise down Alabama’s waterways around Perdido Bay while listening to chilling ghost stories as ghouls haunt you. The 45-minute boat ride leaves twice a night at 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Visit The Town of Terror
Hosted by the famous OWA, an entertainment destination in nearby Foley, Town of Terror takes place on weekend nights throughout October. The event consists of numerous Halloween acts, including insane asylum escapees, a haunted house, bloodthirsty butchers, and many more spooky components. Town of Terror also has a unique feature, Flashlight Nights, where you can scour the park guided by the light of a flashlight, making the experience more challenging and scary. Flashlight Nights take place on Thursdays and Sundays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. On the other hand, the regular shows happen on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 PM to midnight.
Pumpkin Patch Express
Another exciting activity worth exploring while in Alabama’s southernmost tip is taking the fall-themed steam train ride that morphs into a haunted ride at night. This experience is only available on the fabled Wales West Light Railway Pumpkin Patch Express that runs in Silverhill from the end of September through October 31st. The train rides are exhilarating during the day and get spooky and scary during the night from 7:00 PM. You can also explore the other activities on-site, including a pumpkin cannon, a haunted barn, a petting zoo, and more. The attraction is open for all ages, with children under two being admitted for free.
Trunk R Treat
An alternative to trick-or-treating, Trunk R Treat takes place at The Wharf from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM on October 31st. The activity is family-friendly and open to everyone, including toddlers. Bring your family and let the kids enjoy fun Gulf Coast Halloween activities like exploring Main Street, an area often filled with candy in cars and trucks, riding camels, and face painting. As the event goes on, a live music performance takes place. There are also numerous merchants selling treats, a costume event, crafts, and a grand prize to be won. Ensure you check out the event for a thrilling night full of fun that ends with a spooky display of fireworks; besides, you might end the day as the lucky grand prize winner.
Flora-Bama Annual Costume Event
One of the biggest Halloween parties in the Gulf Shores is in Alabama’s Flora-Bama bar. This thrilling event features a fun-filled costume contest with cash and prizes to be won. Visit with your Halloween costume and register for the contest for free; you never know, you may leave with tons of cash or numerous other prizes. Tag your friends with you, prepare to socialize with other revelers, and enjoy the food and drinks the establishment serves while being wowed by the creativity on display. Registration ends at 8:30 PM on the night of the contest, so register early.
A Haunted Lighthouse Tour
The famous centuries-old Pensacola Lighthouse is about 16 stories high and has 177 steps. This magnificent historical structure lies at the entrance of Pensacola Bay. The historical monument has been part of America’s history and was once touted as the country’s scariest attraction. Due to its accolades and being ingrained in America’s history, thousands of travelers visit the structure all year round, with Halloween being the most exciting period to visit the monument. Take the haunting tour of the lighthouse to learn more about the six poltergeist residents living in it, as claimed by paranormal experts. You can also interact with the ghosts through your guide’s various ghost-hunting materials.
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Alabama’s Gulf Coast hosts numerous attractions that offer you a day full of outdoor Gulf Coast Halloween activities. Visiting this region, mainly during Halloween, guarantees you a fun-packed vacation. Start your day with a hike through the area and end it with a haunting tour of one of the spooky monuments in the area, capping it off with a deserved rest in one of our vacation rentals. Talk to our team at Poole & Associates to book one of these properties. Experience the excitement of the coast with our handpicked Bama Coast Cruisin’ rentals in Orange Beach, stay close to the action with Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show vacation rentals, or elevate your getaway during the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival in Gulf Shores.