Trip Time
Spring ahead to a relaxing getaway at Alabama's welcoming beaches
Already over the holidays and looking forward to warmer weather and less stressful trips? It's not too early to begin planning your spring vacation to Alabama's Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
These hidden gems are full of natural beauty, from the jaw-dropping sunsets over turquoise waters to 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches made almost entirely of quartz grains washed down thousands of years ago from the Appalachian Mountains. And by going in the spring, you can enjoy smaller crowds and lower rates than in the summer (and you won't have to wait as long, either).
Naturally, outdoor adventure awaits in this paradise. From biking along the miles of trails to kayaking the plethora of waterways to fishing for snapper and sailfish, there's no shortage of fresh-air excitement. Looking for even more thrills? Then check out the Hummingbird Zipline Course at The Wharf, Alabama's longest zipline course at more than 6,000 feet. The two-hour guided tour soars up to 115 feet above the pristine coastal wetlands setting.
When you've worked up an appetite, check out the delectable local cuisine. From dive bars to fine dining, you'll find meals from around the world and seafood fresh off the boat.
Another great reason to visit in the spring is the jam-packed calendar of events. The 46th annual Festival of Art draws potters, painters, sculptors, watercolorists, and textile, wood, and glass artists to Orange Beach Waterfront Park in March, while hundreds travel to participate in the legendary Mullet Toss (the fish, not the haircut) in April.
Come May, you have your pick of the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship; the Orange Beach Billfish Classic; and Hangout Music Festival, which has featured such musicians as Vampire Weekend, Hozier, Walk the Moon, The Killers, and Kendrick Lamar in years past.
Start planning your spring vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach now by ordering your 2020 vacation guide here.