Offering a second chance to enjoy summer, October is many travelers’ favorite time to visit. This is the start of festival season, as cooler weather is as close to perfect as you can ask for. Daytime highs sit near 80, and nighttime lows never drop far below 65. The Gulf water is still warm, and crowd levels drop as well, meaning beaches are quiet and saltwater swims are a sure thing. As you start planning a visit to Gulf Shores in October, this guide to the top things to do can help you plan your dream vacation!
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast
Everyone knows that if you are going to be in Gulf Shores in October, you will be outdoors even more than indoors, even though your cozy condo will be inviting and welcoming. You can still enjoy both, watching the sunset from your balcony overlooking the Gulf every evening and playing outside all day, every day.
Explore Gulf State Park Trails and Nature Areas
Gulf State Park could be considered a personal nirvana for nature lovers, offering over 40 miles of trails, sandy beaches, and the chance to explore 9 distinct ecosystems. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is an award-winning trail system that takes hikers along paved paths and boardwalks through beautiful natural areas. The Gulf State Park Nature Center offers a living museum of native flora and fauna, guided nature walks, and the chance to meet its animal ambassadors.
- Address: 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Go Fishing in Gulf Shores Waters
Fishing is one of the more popular things to do in Gulf Shores, AL, in October, especially as the waters are calmer and fall migrations are in full swing. Inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing expeditions often reel in redfish, flounder, speckled trout, and mackerel. For those engaged in offshore charters, amberjack, blackfin tuna, and mahi mahi rule the waters.
If you are looking for a charter company, Gulf Shores Fishing offers 15 years of charter experience and two beautiful boats: Miss Briana and the Southern Star.
- Address: 26619 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- Phone: (231) 747-3126
- Book a Charter
Fall Events and Family-Friendly Attractions in October
Families love a Gulf Shores vacation at any time of the year, and our luxury sanctuaries provide the ideal “home base” to enjoy in between events, festivals, and explorations of family-friendly attractions. Check out our favorite events in Gulf Shores in October below.
National Shrimp Festival
This festival is perhaps the yummiest and most anticipated, offering all the fresh shrimp and other seafood you can eat. Held over four days in the first full week in October (October 8-11 in 2026), admission is free, fun is rampant, and calories don’t count. Offering two stages of music, approximately 300 booths of arts, crafts, retail vendors, and more than 50 food vendors, this festival has it all.
- Location: 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542
- Event Website
The Wharf Events and Entertainment
The Wharf in Orange Beach has always been the center of food, fun, and entertainment, and during your visit to Gulf Shores in October, you will discover that our neighbor, Orange Beach, is just as fun. Some fun events happening this month include Romp the Wharf (October 15), a social event, and Trunk or Treating (October 28), an event your kiddos will love.
- Address: 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Fresh Gulf Seafood Restaurants
Seafood is king in Gulf Shores, and even travelers who have an iffy relationship with seafood will learn it hits differently along the Gulf Coast.
Tacky Jacks doesn’t just serve some of the yummiest seafood on the coast; it is also known for being wild, wacky, and fun for people of all ages. Offering 3 locations in the area, Tacky Jacks also features a small shop, wine tastings, live music, and other events.
- Address: 240 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Hours: 7:30 AM to 8 PM Sunday-Thursday
- 7:30 AM to 9 PM Friday-Saturday
- Menus
During your visit to Gulf State Park, you might want to pencil in a visit to Perch. Famous for its surf-and-turf and fine views, this is a dinner-only restaurant.
- Address: 21196 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Hours: 5 PM to 11 PM Wednesday-Sunday
- Menu
Beachfront Dining with Fall Views
Fall looks a little different in Gulf Shores, and although you won’t find many (if any) trees with colorful leaves, that color does translate into breathtaking sunsets. October sunsets will be brilliant in shades of gold, orange, and pink, appearing much more vibrant, especially as you enjoy an alligator po’ boy and peanut butter pie at Bahama Bob’s Beach Side Café. Teaching us that attitude is everything and sunsets are like dessert, this wonderful restaurant will just make you happy.
- Address: 601 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM
- Menu
From its incredible seafood menu to the actual fishing boat seat perched in front of the bar, there is so much to love about Zeke’s Restaurant, located at Zeke’s Landing Marina. Harbor views of the fall sunset will increase your appetite, and if you happen to be a skilled angler, they offer Hook & Cook services in which they’ll prepare your fresh catch for you!
- Address: 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM Sunday-Thursday
- 11 AM to 10 PM Friday-Saturday
- Menu
Book Your Gulf Shores October Vacation Rental
Every planning session for a Gulf Coast getaway should start with choosing accommodations. At Poole & Associates, we offer wonderful fall vacation rental homes in Gulf Shores to make your stay more comfortable. They provide a serene place to recharge and recuperate as you explore all the things to do in Gulf Shores, AL, in October.
Contact us today to reserve your favorite vacation rental and rethink how you fall into the season on the Gulf Coast!
