Your Alabama Gulf Coast Winter Itinerary

September 22, 2025

While the rest of the world is bundled up come winter, here you’ll find nothing but soft sand, mild breezes, and plenty of sunshine to enjoy! To make your getaway effortless, we’ve created a custom Google Map Itinerary filled with everything from peaceful mornings on the beach to cozy dinners with family and friends. Pick your favorites, or follow the whole winter itinerary; it’s all about making your time here as relaxing and memorable as possible!

Your Alabama Gulf Coast Winter Itinerary Checklist

CoastAL

Address: 25722 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach

Hours of Operation: Daily from 8 am-10 pm

Beach Pavilion Public Beach Access

Address: 22250 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores

Hours of Operation: Daily sunrise to sunset

Historic Fort Morgan

Address: 51 Hwy. 180 West, Gulf Shores

Hours of Operation: Daily from 8 am-5 pm

The Yard Milkshake Bar

Address: 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores

Hours of Operation: Mon-Thur & Sun from 11 am-8 pm/Fri-Sat from 11 am-10 pm

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Address: 20499 Oak Rd. East, Gulf Shores

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

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 

The Factory

Address: 18948 Oak Road West, Gulf Shores

Hours of Operation: Vary by day

Wolf Bay Lodge

Address: 24131 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach

Hours of Operation: Daily from 11 am-9 pm

Your Alabama Gulf Coast Winter Itinerary

Start With a Cup of Joe and a Hearty Breakfast

There’s no better way to kick off the day than breakfast with a view at CoastAL. This Gulf-front restaurant serves up classics like fluffy pancakes and hearty breakfast platters alongside Southern staples, like shrimp and grits and crab cakes Benedict. Pair those panoramic views with a steaming cup of coffee, and anything’s possible!

Head to the Beach & See the Sites

Even in the winter months, the temps are mild, and a walk along the beach is an absolute must! Just a few minutes up the road, you’ll find public beach access at the Beach Pavilion, and you’ll definitely get a few Instagram-worthy shots here! Afterward, head to Historic Fort Morgan. This 19th-century fort offers fascinating stories, brick passageways to explore, and sweeping views of Mobile Bay.

Grab Ice Cream and Visit the Zoo

Continue your outing with an over-the-top treat at The Yard Milkshake Bar, where frozen concoctions piled high with toppings are made for sharing. Afterward, head to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, a family favorite that’s home to hundreds of animals and unforgettable hands-on encounters. From sloths to lemurs to kangaroos, it’s just another experience to share, adding a fun twist to your coastal getaway!

Browse the Shops and Catch a Local Event

Want to pick up something special for friends and family back home? Swing by The Wharf! It’s a great place to do some last-minute Christmas shopping or look for specialty items to remind you of your time here. Be sure to swing by  Southern Grind Coffee House while there for a little mid-day pick-me-up!

And, if your trip happens to align, you could also catch one of the area’s local events, like the Annual Seafood Festival or the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parades. Runners and walkers can join in the fun at the Sea Turtle 5K and Half Marathon or the Big Beach Marathon, awesome community events you can add to your winter itinerary.

Jump for Joy and Enjoy Dinner With a View

Let the kids burn off that last little bit of energy at The Factory, then cap off your day with dinner at Wolf Bay Lodge. The menu features savory dishes made for sharing, from savory bowls of gumbo to steaming seafood specialties. Watch the sun dip below the water as you relax with the family, sharing stories from the day’s adventures. There’s no better way to bring everyone together than over a hot meal, making memories that last long after the sun sets.

With this winter itinerary, we think you’ll get to enjoy a little bit of everything that makes the Alabama Gulf Coast so special. Looking for more fun ideas? Check out our vacation blog for even more tips and local happenings to make your stay extra special!

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