Spring Calls for a Little R&R in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Enjoy spring in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Warmer temperatures, lots of sunshine, turquoise blue waters and care-free days are waiting for you on Alabama’s white-sand beaches. Spring also brings a variety of renowned events for all interests and ages.

March

In the market for a new boat, tackle or electronics? Check out The Wharf’s Boat and Yacht show, March 29-31, with more than 135 in-water vessels and an additional 450-plus boats displayed on land, from luxury yachts and sports fisherman to center consoles, cruisers, pontoons, and runabouts.

April

Sink your teeth into crawfish, and tap your toes at the annual Waterway Village Zydeco and Crawfish Festival on April 20. Dance to the infectious rhythms of some of the best Zydeco bands from around the South or work up an appetite at the 5K run/1-mile fun run. There will be arts and crafts vendors as well as children’s activities offering nonstop fun for all ages.

At the Bama Coast Cruisin, April 25-27 at The Wharf, enjoy a laid-back, familyfriendly weekend full of amazing vintage, hot rod, and classic cars, fun activities, live entertainment, and Southern hospitality at its finest.

Throw a fish over the state line at the Flora-Bama Mullet Toss, April 26-28. It’s a great excuse to throw a weekend party with lots of fun activities, great music and food. You’re sure to make lots of great memories and have buckets of fun.

May

Watch your kids’ faces light up with excitement when more than 40 balloons from across the country float into the sky (weather permitting) at the 15th annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, May 2-4. See performances by the Disc Connected K-9 World-Famous Frisbee Dog Show. Toss after high toss, man’s best friend defies gravity catching their flying saucers in midair. You’ll also enjoy musical entertainment, children’s activities, arts and crafts, and local favorite foods.

For the music buff, The Hangout Music Festival, May 17-19, features many genres of music, including rock, indie, hip hop, and electronic dance. And you’ll get your beach fix, too, because it’s held on the public beaches of Gulf Shores.

New Restaurants

While in the area, check out all the new restaurants. Your family will enjoy the indoor/ outdoor Picnic Beach sporting AstroTurf, games, picnic table décor, and food that appeals to vegans and carnivores alike.

If you want a little spice in your life, try the Crazy Cajun. Devour their crawfish etouffee nachos, crawfish mac and cheese, Cajun ribeyes, crawfish bisque, and much more.

Fin & Fork serves fresh Gulf seafood, privately-farmed black Angus beef and house-made sushi. Another family favorite is COASTAL. It features all your favorite foods including seafood, burgers, steaks and an ice cream and milkshake bar.

Don’t miss the restaurants at Gulf State Park. Head to Perch at The Lodge, an upscale restaurant serving a variety of fresh and locally sourced food. Another restaurant you’ll find at The Lodge is Food Craft. It’s a family-oriented restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you’re hiking or biking in Gulf State Park and suddenly your stomach starts growling, check out Woodside Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from small plates to sandwiches and salads, and everything in between.

Want breakfast for lunch or dinner or just good old-fashioned food with a modern twist? The Sunliner Diner won’t disappoint with waitresses dressed in 1950’s attire serving everything from delicious milkshakes to melt in your mouth biscuits and lunchtime favorites such as the avocado Rueben or the Creole shrimp and grits.

Indulge your sweet-tooth at Kilwins at

The Wharf. Their sweet temptations include hand-crafted chocolates, fudge and original recipe ice cream.

New Activities

Glide from tower to tower on Alabama’s highest and longest zipline course reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. The interactive Gulf Coast Escape Room brings virtual code-cracking and adventure into the real world. You can choose from these fun rooms: The Zombie Autopsy, The Doll Room, Voodoo Cabin or Stop the Oil Spill.

Don’t miss the new educational Interpretive Center at Gulf State Park and learn how to protect the Gulf and the unique ecosystems surrounding it. You can splash around with the fish in the Gulf and explore the four new snorkeling reefs on the Alabama Gulf Coast, too. Two are located near Gulf State Park’s pavilion, one is at Alabama Point, and the other is at Romar Beach. For a little more adventure, scuba dive the New Venture a 250-foot long former research vessel sunk about 20 miles off the coast of Orange Beach. There’s no telling what you’ll see while making bubbles in the Gulf.

Plan your spring getaway today to experience everything the Gulf Coast has to offer. Visit GulfShores.com for more information.