6 Fun Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Memorial Day at the beach

It may not be officially summer yet, but Memorial Day weekend is a great time to make a break for Alabama’s beaches. In fact, families flock to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach this holiday weekend to enjoy warm weather, cool Gulf surf and a variety of weekend activities that are fun for all ages. If you’re ready to kick off your summer beach season, book your stay with Aqua Vacations and add these great ideas to your vacation itinerary for a magical Memorial Day on the Gulf Coast!

1. Hit the Beach in Gulf Shores

Of course, you can’t spend Memorial Day weekend on our shores without spending some time on our gorgeous Alabama Gulf Coast beaches. Relax on the sugar-white sand, splash in the surf, build colossal sandcastles or just soak up some sun. Try some watersports to make a splash or view the beach from above on a thrilling parasail ride. It’s always a good day for a beach day in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!

2. Head to The Wharf for the Pepsi Beach Ball Drop

The weather may be beautiful, but you can bet it’s raining at The Wharf – raining beach balls, that is! Head over at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 27 to kick-off your weekend with tons of family fun, including a surf simulator, a bouncy house, face painting, camel rides and more. Attend the beach ball drop at 4:30 to catch the unbelievable site of more than 4,000 beach balls raining from the sky (and try to catch a ball for yourself – some of them can be redeemed for prizes!) Then stick around for a free SPECTRA Laser Light Experience at 7p.m.

3. Play at OWA

OWA is a great place to spend Memorial Day weekend. Visit the amusement park to enjoy thrilling rides and fun carnival games for the whole family. Hang in the downtown district to browse the boutique shops and dine at award-winning restaurants. Then add some magic to your evening at the Brandon Styles Magic and Variety show. Don’t forget to ask about your complimentary park ticket when you book with Aqua Vacation Rentals!

4. Visit Historic Fort Morgan

We can’t think of a better way to get in the Memorial Day spirit than exploring an authentic military stronghold. Visitors to Fort Morgan can explore the Third System masonry fort and view interactive exhibits that showcase the evolution of U.S. seacoast fortifications. During Memorial Day weekend, the site also holds dramatic reenactments, weapons demonstrations, and other engaging events to give visitors a first-hand glimpse of military history.

5. Run the Paradise Island 5K

Register now to join the Paradise Island 5K for some friendly race competition! This family-friendly race begins at the Orange Beach Sportsplex and takes runners along paved nature trails and through several routes in the Backcountry Trail. After the race, enjoy the winners’ circle with free beer and refreshments, live music, and Hawaiian leis for all participants!

6. Book a dolphin cruise in Orange Beach

Celebrate the long weekend in Gulf Coast style aboard a dolphin cruise in Orange Beach! You can hunt for dolphins, explore our marine landscapes and ecosystems, take a romantic sunset sail, or just ride the waves. Cetacean Cruises offers it all in their diverse cruise packages (and our guests can enjoy a complimentary trip as part of your stay!)

Ready to make some great beach memories this Memorial Day? Book your vacation rental with Aqua Vacations to enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay on the Gulf Coast!