The biggest week in
Gulf Shores,
Orange Beach, and
Fort
Morgan, AL is
Fourth of July Week. Incredibly popular for its
Independence Day
celebrations, in 2024 the region is offering a ton of fantastic activities,
live music, patriotic decorations, and awe-inspiring
fireworks shows, including
Gulf Shores’ incredible
beach fireworks show that attracts hundreds of
thousands of proud Americans.
So, grab a cup of coffee and keep reading for
details and important local advice to make your 4th of July go smoothly.
Here is just a sample of what goes on here for Independence Day.
The City of Gulf Shores is set to celebrate the Fourth of
July with a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. on July 4. The display will
take place at the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier.
Here's the public access schedule for the Gulf State Park
Pier:
Thursday, July 4:
7 a.m. – The pier will close for fireworks setup.
12 p.m. – The pier will partially reopen, with access
allowed up to 100 feet north of the launch site.
8:30 p.m. – The Fire Marshal will close the entire pier and
the on-site restaurant.
9 p.m. – Fireworks show starts.
Friday, July 5:
6 a.m. – The pier will fully reopen to the public.
**LOCAL ADVICE: If you are not staying on the beach or near
enough to walk, you will NOT find parking for the fireworks show if you wait until after 10am
or so to get down there. This local advises those who need to drive and park
for the fireworks show to GET DOWN THERE EARLY IN THE DAY, pay for your parking
at a self-serve kiosk, and just leave your car there if you leave the beach.
You can call for an Uber, Lyft, or local cab to take you back to your hotel and
arrange with the driver to take you back to the beach for the show. Bear in
mind that the driver may not be able to return you all the way to the beach –
but they can get you within walking distance. Think ahead about getting
yourself an ice chest with wheels. DON'T plan to leave the show by cab, Uber or
Lyft. There just won't be enough of them. You will be left walking however far
it is back to your car or hotel. Regarding alcohol, technically it isn't
allowed on the beach, but if you are discreet and don't behave like you're at a
frat party, you'll be left alone by the beach police. DON'T smoke weed. It
isn't legal here, and it won't be ignored by the beach police. After the show,
be prepared for a lengthy traffic jam (ladies, you should definitely hit a
beachside public restroom before you depart).
If the fireworks show on the beach sounds like a bit too
much trouble for you, you can go to The Wharf in Orange Beach on JULY 3rd for
its annual Independence Day Street Party. You’ll enjoy a full slate of fun
activities, live music, great food, shopping, a really nice fireworks show, and
FAR LESS TRAFFIC!**
Independence Day Street Party Hosted by Beachball Properties (The Wharf)
Celebrate America’s birthday early with us on July 3rd in a
fun-filled event featuring red, white, blue, and plenty of excitement! The
Entertainment District will be brimming with family-friendly activities,
including a bubble truck, bounce houses, and face painting for $10. Enjoy camel
rides for $10, capture memories at the Photo 360 Booth, and be amazed by stilt
walkers, a balloon artist, a juggler, and the Reptile Bus. DJ Matt will keep
the party lively with dance tunes, and special guests like Lady Liberty and
Uncle Sam will make appearances. The evening will conclude with palm trees
illuminated in patriotic colors and a spectacular fireworks display. This event
is proudly brought to you by Beachball Properties. Don’t miss out!
Schedule:
Kids’ Activities: 5-9 pm
National Anthem & Fireworks: 8:45 pm
SPECTRA Laser Light Experience: Following the fireworks show
And for the adults, there is always the Flora-Bama's annual Independence Day party!
Celebrate the 4th of July at Flora-Bama
Join us at Flora-Bama for an unforgettable celebration of
our Nation's Birthday! Spend the day enjoying the beach, grooving to live
music, and capping off the night with a stunning fireworks display starting at
9 pm.
Whether you come with family or friends, you’re in for a
fun-filled day on the beach at Flora-Bama!
Admission:
Cover charge begins at 6 pm
Finally, in addition to all the planned events, both Gulf Shores and
Orange Beach will offer guests a ton of other entertainment opportunities for
the holiday.
Live Entertainment: Local bands will take the stage, at most
of the bars, restaurants, and other venues, filling the air with the sounds of
toe-tapping music. Dance along to lively tunes and immerse yourself in the
infectious energy of the crowd.
Family-Friendly Activities: These coastal towns are renowned
for their family-friendly atmosphere, and the Fourth of July celebrations are
no exception. From face painting to sandcastle contests, there will be a myriad
of activities around the area to keep the little ones entertained. Engage in
beach volleyball tournaments, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, or simply
relax and savor the tranquil coastal ambiance.
Delectable Dining: The culinary scene in Gulf Shores and
Orange Beach is second to none. Indulge in a wide array of mouthwatering
options as local restaurants and food vendors dish up their specialties. From
fresh seafood platters to Southern comfort favorites, there will be something
to satisfy every palate.
As we conclude our exploration of the best things in Gulf
Shores, consider these additional "Honorable Mention" points of interest such as Fort Morgan for Civil War history
buffs, the USS Alabama battleship in Mobile and the Pensacola Naval Air Station museum for Naval warfare enthusiasts.
Check out these additional helpful links to plan your stay:
Where locals like to eat and drink
Things locals like to do
Places to shop
Great fishing charters
Local favorite golf courses
Take a moment also to review
local advice about what to do, and NOT do, at Gulf Shores' public beaches.