Warm up this New Year’s with a vacation to a beach locale full of warmth, fun, sun, sand, and water. Make your New Year’s trip memorable with a trip to the beach and crashing waves of the Gulf of Mexico along the Alabama coast. Choose Gulf Shores as your ultimate destination and start planning all the New Year’s fun. There are plenty of things to see and do while you’re here, indoors and out. First, you’ll want to make sure to book a private vacation rental with Poole & Associates so you can enjoy time with loved ones in private. If you can’t stand a moment away from your furriest family members, ask about pet-friendly rentals to celebrate New Year’s in Gulf Shores with the whole family.
Lulu’s Noon Year’s Eve
Families with young children can ring in the new year, too. The family-friendly party includes crafts, a sandcastle building contest, “kid safe fireworks” – bubble wrap, face-painting, inflatable slide, and more. At this party though, when the clock strikes noon, the beach balls drop instead of the Times Square ball. Hundreds of colorful beach balls drop from above and cover the sand of the beachside restaurant in celebration of the new year!
Reelin’ in the New Year
Head to Fisherman’s Wharf for a New Year’s celebration like no other. Enjoy live music, a rock-climbing wall, camel rides, and much more. Stay until midnight for the New Year countdown and celebration, including a firework display, confetti drop, light show, and one-of-a-kind “marlin drop.” The fun kicks off at 5 p.m. on December 31, 2023 on Main street.
Flora-Bama’s Polar Bear Dip
Plunge into 2024! Take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico at Flora-Bama. Starting at noon, thousands of swimsuit-, wetsuit-, and costume-clad swimmers will run into the water with a splash. For those daring enough to fully submerge, you’ll get free beer and lunch at Flora-Bama!
Ice Skating at the Wharf
Now through January 15, 2024, you can try your hand at ice skating. The rink and all its wintertime and New Year’s fun is presented by Pepsi Co. Look for the large white tent near the Main Street entrance. Visit their website and check the event calendar for specific times. The rink is closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. General admission is $15 and includes skate rental. Cash and all major credit cards are accepted.
Spa Day
New year, new you! There are several spas in Gulf Shores and the surrounding area that are ready to pamper everyone in the group from head to toe. Choose from a menu of massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, body treatments, and more. Some spas even customize services, with special treatments that cater to men’s specific needs.
Fort Morgan Road Trail
The 5.6-mile asphalt trail is a great way to go sightseeing and get your steps in at the same time. The trail starts just outside the western border of Gulf State Park and stretches west through Gulf Shores, running parallel to Fort Morgan Road/Highway 180, through tree-lined areas and neighborhoods, and finally ending at the Peninsula Golf Club. The trail is mostly flat and is an easy hike or bike for most people. However, the eastern end has only a few gentle climbs, and you can add some more difficulty on that end and continue on through Gulf State Park’s Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trails.
Gulf Shores Museum
Take a trip through years past this New Year’s. Stop into the unique museum of Gulf Shores’ history starts with its unique location. The museum is located in a house that once stood as the beach house of Valerie Cole’s family from Mobile, and dates back to before World War II. The family donated the structure, originally located in West Beach. The house was moved to its current home after Hurricane Frederic in 1979. Wander through an array of permanent and temporary exhibits telling the story of local history. It also offers various programs and activities for all ages and many interests.
Celebrate New Year’s 2024 in Gulf Shores
When you and your loved ones book a New Year’s getaway to Gulf Shores with Poole & Associates, you won’t be short on year-round and New Year’s activities to fill your time. Enjoy the beach, lounge around your rental, or enjoy the myriad of other activities available to build a Gulf Shores vacation that is uniquely yours. We have everything from one-bedroom units for a solo or sweetheart trip, all the way up to four-bedroom homes that include everyone this New Year’s.
Savor the taste of home when you prepare a home-cooked meal in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy spacious living areas and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Unwind after a long day in a private bedroom or gather some snacks and enjoy your favorite movies together on a flat-screen TV with an entertainment center in the living or entertainment space.
Warm up with a vacation to a beach locale full of summer fun, sun, sand, warmth, and water this Halloween. Make this trip memorable with a trip to the beach and crashing waves of the Gulf of Mexico and the Alabama shores. Choose Gulf Shores and the surrounding area as your ultimate destination and start planning the fun to come. There are plenty of things to see and do while you’re here, indoors and out, Halloween-themed and year-round excitement. First, you’ll want to make sure to book a private vacation rental with Poole & Associates to spend Halloween in Gulf Shores, AL so you can enjoy time with loved ones in private. If you can’t stand a moment away from your furriest family members, ask about pet-friendly rentals and bring them along!
Flora-Bama
Have some adults-only Halloween fun. Come in your Halloween best and get in FREE, then celebrate with a costume contest. Register for the contest on-site by 8:30 p.m. Contestants will lineup at 8:45 p.m., and the contest starts at 9 p.m. in the big tent. Get $600 for first place, $500 for second, and $400 for third. Festivities take place October 31, and Flora-Bama is located in Perdido Key, Florida at 17401 Perdido Key Drive.
Beach Time
You and your loved ones chose a beach destination for your Halloween escape for a reason: the warmth and sun of the beach. Take part in any of the area’s lazy beach activities. Lay out and sunbathe, plant a beach umbrella and spread out a blanket for a picnic, take a swim in the Gulf, or whatever other beach fun you can think of. Turn up the adrenaline with activities like parasailing, SCUBA diving, or snorkeling. Wind down with a sunset cruise or wildlife-watching cruise at the end of the day.
Gulf Shores Dog Park
For families or groups bringing along their pets this Halloween, Gulf Shores has plenty of fun for them, too. The park has a large fenced-in green area where both large and small dogs can get their zoomies out and meet new furry friends. Humans can sit and socialize too, but make sure to keep an eye on your pup and clean up after them with the provided waste bag stations. You can bring water for yourself, but the park conveniently provides water for the pups!
Gulf State Park
Wander two miles of Gulf beachfront, swim, surf, build sandcastles, and enjoy a myriad of other beach activities with loved ones this Halloween. Have a beach picnic or move it to the pavilion for a bit of shade while you eat. If there are anglers in the group, bring along some gear for some time at the pier. For those looking for an adventure, try kayaking or soaring above the waves parasailing.
Fort Morgan Road Trail
The 5.6-mile asphalt trail starts just outside the western border of Gulf State Park and offers a fun way to exercise and see the sights at the same time. The trail runs parallel to Fort Morgan Road/Highway 180 and stretches west through Gulf Shores through tree-lined areas and neighborhoods, and finally ending at the Peninsula Golf Club. The mostly flat trail is an easy hike or bike for most. The eastern end has only a few gentle climbs, but you can add some difficulty on that end and continue on through Gulf State Park’s Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trails.
Gulf Shores Museum
Take a trip through local history this Halloween. The unique museum of Gulf Shores’ history starts with its unique location. The museum, located in a house that stood as the beach house of Valerie Cole’s family from Mobile, dates back to before World War II. The family donated the structure, originally located in West Beach. The house has stood in its current locale since Hurricane Frederic in 1979. The museum houses a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits telling the story of local history. It also offers various programs and activities for all ages and many interests, year-round.
Souvenir City
Part of your Halloween activities in Gulf Shores may include shopping. While you’ll collect souvenirs and mementos from your many beach adventures and other activities, the aptly named shop reportedly has “thousands of gifts for everyone on your list” so you’re bound to find something to remember your time here. It may even have a spooky theme to it! The shop has been a Gulf Shores staple since 1956 and is open daily.
Celebrate Halloween in Gulf Shores
When you and your loved ones book a Halloween getaway to Gulf Shores with Poole & Associates, you won’t be short on amazing activities to fill your time. Enjoy the water, lounge around your rental, or enjoy the myriad of other activities available to help build a one-of-a-kind Gulf Shores vacation. We have everything from one-bedroom units for a solo spooky excursion up to four-bedroom homes to include all your loved ones in the spooky fun. Savor the taste of home when you prepare a home-cooked meal in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy spacious living areas and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Unwind in a private bedroom or gather some snacks and enjoy your favorite Halloween movies together on a flatscreen TV with an entertainment center in the living or entertainment space.
Contact us today to book your Gulf Shores Halloween adventure!
While Gulf Shores is an endlessly appealing vacation destination year-round, making time to unwind under the sun in the winter is always a delight. When you can’t wait to swap that snow and cold for mild temperatures and options for outdoor adventure, this is most definitely the place to be. Booking your 2022 winter getaway to Gulf Shores is sure to be an amazing choice and the following are just a few of the many things to do that will make it an unforgettable trip from start to finish.
Find Time to Cast a Line
The beauty of a great Gulf Shores getaway in the winter is that while others across the country are shivering indoors, travelers here can still make the most of their time out on the water casting a line! In fact, the average temperature in this area throughout winter typically hovers around the mid 60’s, making for a mild and welcoming way to spend a day on the waves. Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying something new for the first time, winter fishing in Gulf Shores is sure to delight you. Many travelers choose to cast right from one of the many docks that line the shore, but the option to book a charter is also inviting. Many of the companies that offer charter fishing tours or deep-sea adventures include all of the gear you’ll need in the cost of the booking making the experience that much more convenient. This time of year, anglers can expect to reel in everything from sheepshead and pompano to redfish as well.
Hit the Hiking Trails
The mild temperatures and sunny skies enjoyed throughout winter in Gulf Shores mean that travelers with a passion for lacing up their hiking boots and hitting the trails are also in luck! Gulf Shores is an oasis of opportunity for visitors who double as outdoor enthusiasts and there are plenty of places to explore on foot while you’re here. The Bon Secour Nature Preserve is a particularly appealing destination when you’re looking for an immersive hiking experience. Those who are hoping to pair hiking options with other forms of recreation as well will find that a day at Gulf State Park checks every box on the list. Hikers that can’t wait to pack their binoculars and keep their eye on the skies will love that a trek along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a prime birding spot year-round!
Get Out on the Golf Course
It’s not uncommon for travelers to set their winter adventure sights on Gulf Shores, knowing full well they intend to spend some significant time on the golf course. And this happens with good reason! Gulf Shores, Alabama is home to a variety of world-class courses that promise an experience that’s equal parts scenic, fun, and challenging. Craft Farms Golf Club is a great place to set a tee time when you’re looking forward to testing your skills on a 36-hole course designed by Arnold Palmer. Nearby Fort Morgan hosts Kiva Dunes which is equally intriguing—particularly for those who value time on courses that have earned numerous state awards for their excellence!
Make the Most of Family-Friendly Fun
When your family isn’t the type to stick around and watch the snow pile up outside, making the most of a Gulf Shores winter getaway is sure to be inspiring at every turn. This area is packed with options for fun that appeal to travelers of all ages and interests alike. An added benefit of traveling this way in the winter is that families who do so can easily avoid the crowds at some of these iconic stops that tend to be a staple of a summer visit. One such destination to enjoy without lines or crowds to contend with in the winter is the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo! This stop is a wonderful place to enjoy animal encounters of all kinds and learn more about wildlife conservation along the way. A more tranquil winter setting offers up additional opportunities for guests to ask questions of staff and get a closer look at some amazing creatures from across the globe. Hoping to enjoy some more adrenaline-pumping fun while you’re in town this winter? Take the family to The Track and hit the go-kart loop in style! If you’re looking for some friendly competition, this is the place to find it. The Wharf in nearby Orange Beach is also a great option for versatile winter getaway fun. This area hosts a variety of places to enjoy shopping and delectable dining as well as zip lining and even ice skating in the winter months.
Book Today and Enjoy Your 2022 winter getaway to Gulf Shores
Your Gulf Shores adventure is waiting for you, so what are you waiting for? Reach out to Poole & Associates today and let us handle your luxurious accommodations so you can focus on the fun the next time you’re here!
Gulf Shores, Alabama is an incredible vacation destination year-round. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to stay in Gulf Shores this Memorial Day, there’s plenty of fun waiting for you! The following are just a few of the many activities to be sure to add to your itinerary this year.
Run the Paradise Island 5K
For many travelers, Memorial Day adventures are a time to reflect, relax, and simply take in new surroundings. For others, it’s the perfect time of year to take on a new athletic challenge! If you find yourself visiting Gulf Shores over Memorial Day this year, and you have a passion for running, registering to participate in the Paradise Island 5K is a must! Returning in 2022, this well-loved and exciting event is sure to inspire those with a heart for lacing up their running shoes and hitting the road in style. The Paradise Island 5K will be held on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. The event is sponsored by Ginny Lane Bar & Grill at The Wharf and kicks off at 7:00 am with an after-party to follow. The Orange Beach Sportsplex is located at 4385 William Silvers Parkway, but participant packet pickup will be available both Friday and Saturday prior to the race.
Enjoy a Self-Guided Tour of Historic Fort Morgan
If history has a special place in your interest catalog, a self-guided tour of Historic Fort Morgan should definitely be on your Memorial Day must-do list this year. Fort Morgan is found at 110 Highway 180 West in Gulf Shores and is a mesmerizing stop for those interested in pursuing the past. Completed in 1834, Fort Morgan played a significant role in the American Civil War and more specifically in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Fort Morgan was a pivotal and strategic point in WWI and WWII battles as well. These days, Fort Morgan enjoys its place as a State of Alabama Historic Site and self-guided tours are a wonderful chance for visitors to explore and learn at their own pace. During a visit, guests are encouraged to discover the grounds, check out the surrounding beaches, and make the most of lush nature areas and the boat launch as well. Admission hours run from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. Adults can enjoy a visit to Fort Morgan for $8 a piece while children and seniors can tour for $5. Don’t forget to check out the on-site gift shop before you go!
Get into Nature at the Scenic Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge
The weather around Memorial Day across Gulf Shores is typically mild and delightful, making this a great time of year to focus on getting into nature. A wonderful place to do exactly that during your Memorial Day travels is the Bon Secour Wildlife Center and Refuge. Established in 1980 to protect migratory songbirds, this refuge continues to be a place where multiple species of creatures thrive year-round. It’s an important stopover for neotropical songbirds as well as a crucial habitat for everything from the Alabama beach mouse to the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. While the refuge aims to protect these amazing creatures, it’s also designed to inspire visitors to do the same! Memorial Day weekend is a wonderful chance to stop by and view wildlife in a lush habitat while making the most of outdoor recreation. A hike along Pine Beach Trail is always a nice addition to a Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge visit while packing a picnic lunch could prove just as appealing. The refuge is located at 12295 AL-180 in Gulf Shores.
Make it a Musical Memorial Day Weekend
When you’re looking to incorporate some musical fun into your Memorial Day plans, heading over to The Wharf Amphitheater is a good place to start. On Friday, May 27, 2022, through Sunday, May 29, 2022, the amphitheater will host PHISH as part of the C Spire Concert Series. This performance will be held between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm with tickets available to be purchased online in advance or at The Wharf Box office. The Wharf Amphitheater is located at 23101 Canal Road in Orange Beach and is a lively and welcoming venue to enjoy this holiday.
Hit the Links in Style
A fan-favorite activity amongst Memorial Day Gulf Shores travelers is taking time to unwind on one of the many scenic golf courses this area provides. Whether you’re looking to work on your long or short game, there’s no better time of year to hit the links in style. Between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, golfers have upwards of fifteen courses to choose from that accommodate skill level and style. The vast majority feature fantastic scenery and landscapes while providing a fun challenge all the way around.
Book You Stay in Gulf Shores this Memorial Day
Taking time to unwind with a visit to Gulf Shores is always a good idea. When you need inspiring accommodations to match, the professionals at Poole & Associates have you covered. Reach out today to learn more about our incredible vacation rental selections and how we can help you get your next trip underway.