Your Alabama Gulf Coast Fall Itinerary

September 26, 2025

We’re excited to welcome you to the Alabama Gulf Coast! The way we see it, after you check into your vacation home, the only thing you need to concentrate on is relaxing and soaking it all in. That’s why we’ve created a custom Google Map Itinerary to guide you from sunrise strolls to fresh Gulf seafood to family-friendly attractions, so you can just enjoy making family memories. So kick back, let the waves set the pace, and enjoy every moment of your coastal getaway!

Your Alabama Gulf Coast Fall Itinerary Checklist

Beach Pavilion Public Beach Access

Address: 22250 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores

Hours of Operation: Daily sunrise to sunset

The Ruby Slipper

Address: 24151 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri from  7 am-2 pm/Sat-Sun from 7 am-3 pm

Gulf State Park

Address: 20155 State Park Rd., Gulf Shores

Hours of Operation: Gulf State Park Pier: daily with staff from 6 am-9 pm/ Trails and picnic areas: daily from sunrise to sunset.

The Wharf

Address: 23101 Canal Rd., Orange Beach

Hours of Operation: Shops open Mon-Fri from 10 am-6 pm/Sat from noon-6 pm 

Restaurant hours vary.

Southern Grind Coffee House

Address: 4751 Main St., Ste. 116, Orange Beach

Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat from 10 am-6 pm/Sun from noon-6 pm 

Cetacean Cruises

Address: 4673 Wharf Parkway West, Orange Beach

Hours of Operation: Vary by cruise

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Address: 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores

Hours of Operation:  Thur, Fri & Sat from 10 am-10 pm/ Sun from 10 am-5 pm

Historic Fort Morgan

Address: 51 Hwy. 180 West, Gulf Shores

Hours of Operation: Daily from 8 am-5 pm

CoastAL

Address: 25722 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach

Hours of Operation: Daily from 8 am-10 pm

Island Ice Cream & Treats

Address: 11154 West Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores

Hours of Operation: Daily 11 am-10 pm

Your Alabama Gulf Coast Fall Itinerary

Go For a Beach Walk and Fuel Up

Start the day with a morning stroll! You’ll find plenty of parking and well-kept bathroom facilities at the Beach Pavilion. It’s a great place to enjoy the views before heading out for the day. When you’re ready for breakfast, grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy vanilla spiced latte at The Ruby Slipper, a local favorite serving delicious and hearty breakfasts. Try something completely unexpected, like the white chocolate bread pudding pancakes or the shrimp benedict, and be sure to order the pig candy bites and seasonal beignets for the table (you can thank us later)

Check Out Gulf State Park 

Next up, head to Gulf State Park, where miles of pristine beaches and scenic trails could keep you busy for hours, but that’s up to you! Bike through shaded paths, take a segway tour, or rent a kayak and explore the local waterways. While there, grab lunch at The Woodside Restaurant, or just hang out and play fun backyard games, including horseshoes, ping pong, and volleyball. Afterward, hit a few backcountry trails, like the Eagle Nest or the Lakeview Trailhead. While you’re in the area, swing by the Gulf Coast Eco Center to learn more about how to protect our beautiful environment!

Grab Lunch and Browse the Shops 

If you missed lunch at Gulf State Park, no worries, there are plenty of places for an afternoon pick-me-up! While you’ll have lots of lunch options at The Wharf, we suggest the Southern Grind Coffee House for a refreshing mid-day meal. Enjoy a smooth and creamy frappe alongside a smash burger or a ranch chicken and bacon panini. Then spend the afternoon browsing through the shops for special gifts and keepsakes.

Set Sail on a Dolphin Cruise and Hit a Local Event

Glide past playful dolphins and enjoy the beautiful scenery on a Cetacean Cruise, conveniently located at The Wharf. We can’t think of a better way to unwind and soak up the incredible fall weather!

Should you arrive in October, the Annual Shrimp Festival is a must-see celebration, with fresh seafood, live music, and lots of family fun. The Elberta German Sausage Festival is worth the 30-minute drive to sample the flavorful eats, browse the booths, and let the kids play in the bounce house throughout the day.

Vacationing in November? Check out the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show to see incredible aerial performances by the U.S. Navy’s premier flight demonstration squadron, which has been entertaining audiences for over 75 years..

Explore Year-Round Attractions

Missed one of our fall events? No worries! One of the best things about the Alabama Gulf Coast is that there’s always something happening nearby! 

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a family favorite, home to hundreds of animals and hands-on encounters that bring visitors closer to wildlife. And for all you history buffs, a trip to Historic Fort Morgan offers a step back in time, with stories from the Civil War era and sweeping views of Mobile Bay.

Enjoy a Delicious Dinner and Grab a Sweet Treat

Settle in for a sunset at CoastAL, where fresh, locally sourced seafood takes center stage. This Gulf-front restaurant delivers ALL the flavors that capture the spirit of the Alabama Gulf Coast, including Gulf shrimp, oysters, and perfectly seared fish of the day. (If you time it right, you can sample your way through variations of one of our favorite Southern staples as imagined by chefs from across the country at the Annual Gumbo Festival)! 

And no trip would be complete without a sweet treat, and Island Ice Cream & Treats hits the spot every time. This local favorite dishes up hand-dipped ice cream, milkshakes, and more! End the day off with a waffle cone piled high or share a mason jar sundae with the kids. It’s a fun way to wrap up the perfect fall day at the beach!
With sunny days, mild temps, and plenty of ways to play outdoors, fall is one of the best times to experience Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. This fall itinerary is just the beginning—check out other fall events and activities to make your trip unforgettable!

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