Easter in Gulf Shores | What to Do

Wondering what to do for Easter in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? There is an assortment of festivities spanning our beaches, resorts, and dining spots. From the iconic skydiving Easter Bunny at the Flora-Bama to breakfast encounters with the Easter Bunny at Tacky Jacks, and the tranquil sunrise service at The Hangout, residents and tourists are invited to come enjoy the holiday. With offerings ranging from classic egg hunts and creative crafts to delicious brunches and live entertainment, the week ahead promises a harmonious blend of enjoyment and tradition to celebrate Easter.

GULF SHORES

Gulf Shores hosts its annual Breakfast with the Bunny on March 23 at the Erie Meyer Civic Center at 8 a.m. Priced at $5, the breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, and bacon, with opportunities for photos with the Easter Bunny. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will also have a selection of animals on display.

GULF STATE PARK

From March 25 to 30, Gulf State Park presents the GoldenEggstravaganza, featuring hidden golden eggs throughout the park with redeemable prizes. Guests can register online for a chance to win the grand prize and participate in an Easter egg hunt at the campground amphitheater for children aged 10 and under at 9 a.m.

LULU’S AT HOMEPORT MARINA

At LuLu’s, adorned in tropical attire, the Easter Bunny will delight children on Easter Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. An exciting Easter EggDash, featuring over 6,000 hidden eggs throughout the complex, will commence at 1 p.m., with opportunities for memorable photo ops with the Easter Bunny.

FLORA-BAMA LOUNGE

Continuing its long-standing tradition, the Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar will host Easter services on the beach and the thrilling descent of the Easter Bunny fromthe skies on March 30, commencing festivities at 11 a.m. with kids' crafts and face painting. An exhilarating Easter egg hunt will kick off at noon on the beach, followed by the opportunity for snapshots with the Easter Bunny.

TACKY JACKS ORANGE BEACH

A beloved Gulf Coast establishment, Tacky Jacks Orange Beach invites guests to indulge in Breakfast on the Bayou with the Bunny on March 23 from 8 a.m. to noon. The event includes the lively Bunny Hop Dance party, arts and crafts, and complimentary photos with the Easter Bunny. Specials feature a choice of short stack or French toast sticks priced at $6.99. Registration is available via the provided link.

GTS ON THE BAY

Overlooking the waterfront, GTS on the Bay presents an Easter Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a tempting array of dishes such as eggs Benedict, eggs Florentine, pork loin, chicken fried steak, and shrimp and grits. Priced at $26 for adults, $13 for children aged six to 12, and $6 for those five and under, the brunch includes access to the salad bar, with additional offerings including sausage links, hashbrown casserole, and delightful desserts like lemon bread pudding with blueberry sauce.

COBALT THE RESTAURANT

Easter Brunch at Cobalt The Restaurant offers an enticing Easter buffet spread featuring prime rib, pork loin, shrimp and scallop cakes, lamb, and an omelet station. Side dishes include an assortment of vegetables, mac and cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts, grits, salads, and a delectable selection of desserts.

PERDIDO BEACH RESORT

Perdido Beach Resort invites guests to savor an Easterbrunch by the seaside, commencing at 11:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday. Priced at $48 for adults, $20 for children aged six to 12, and complimentary for children five and under, the brunch experience includes a seaside service at 10 a.m., a kids' crafting room from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., live music by Lisa Zanghi in Nancy's Lobby Lounge, and opportunities for photos with the Easter Bunny.

COASTAL ORANGE BEACH

Embark on a delightful meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny on March 30-31 at Coastal Orange Beach, the Gulf Coast's newest beachfront dining destination. Additionally, on March 30, Sand Castle University will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering expert tips and tricks for crafting impressive sand sculptures.

ZEKE’S RESTAURANT AND LANDING

Festivities at Zeke's Restaurant and Landing begin at 10 a.m. on Easter Sunday with a brunch featuring live music from noon to 4 p.m. AnEaster egg hunt, with a Hangout Fest ticket as the grand prize, is scheduled for 2 p.m., alongside opportunities for photos with the Easter Bunny from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

BEAR POINT EGG HUNT

On Saturday, March 30, the Easter Bunny will make a specialappearance at the Bear Point Community Association Community Center at 1 p.m., hosting an egg hunt for children aged 0-10. Prizes will be awarded for each age group, and refreshments will be provided for participants. Please ensure arrival by 12:30 p.m. for registration.

Photo by J. Triepke

Spring Break 2024 Travel Guide

Photo by Bill Sutton

Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama stands out as a top spring break destination, drawing thousands of visitors with its extensive white sand shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico and pleasant springtime weather. Whether you seek adventure, history, culture, or relaxation, the Alabama Coast offers a diverse range of activities year-round, and spring is no exception.

Weather

Springtime along the Alabama Coast generally boasts near-perfect weather, with temperatures ranging from 75-80 degrees. Mornings and evenings can be cool, so it is advisable to bring clothing you can layer. Plus, springtime is not generally a rainy season for the area.

Essentials to Pack:

Layered clothing

Flip flops

Comfortable shoes

Light rain jacket

Beach necessities (sunglasses, sunscreen, swimsuits, etc.)

Outdoor Enjoyment

For active families or groups, spring is an optimal time to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. With lower temperatures compared to summer and vibrant foliage, spring provides an excellent backdrop for exploration.

Parks and Trails to Explore:

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Gulf State Park

Wade Ward Nature Park

Alabama's Coastal Connection Scenic Byway

Eastern Shore Trail

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Spring Events & Festivals

Experience several notable annual events during spring:

Orange Beach Festival of Art: March 9-10, 2024

Annual Outdoor Art Show at the Eastern Shore Art Center: March 15-16, 2024

National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship: May 3-5, 2024

Orange Beach Billfish Classic: May 14-19, 2024

Photo Credit: Bill Sutton

Valentines Day Planning

Gulf Shores Beach Sunset

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach provide an idyllic setting for a romantic retreat, surrounded by pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters that create an ambiance of tranquil serenity. The mild temperatures, exceptional dining choices, and the natural beauty of the Alabama Gulf Coast come together to offer a Valentine's Day experience unlike any other. Here is your guide to planning a getaway you'll never forget.

Select a Room with Scenic Views

Indulge in a room with a view for you and your valentine during your romantic beach escape. Fortunately, February marks the off-season, bringing fantastic deals on accommodations. Seize the opportunity to pamper yourselves with the room you've always desired for your couples' getaway, ranging from beachside cottages and luxurious hotels to resorts and spacious condos. Check out these local favorite places to stay.

Delight in Beachfront Fine Dining

Valentine's Day calls for a delectable meal, and what could be better than a memorable dining experience at one of the finest beachfront restaurants? Enjoy fresh Gulf seafood, mouthwatering steaks, or handcrafted cocktails while relishing waterfront views, live music, and breathtaking sunsets. Explore the array of upscale dining establishments along the beach, and prepare for an extraordinary culinary experience. Check out these local favorite restaurants.

Book a Relaxing Couples Massage

Indulge in a bit of self-care during your couples' vacation with a rejuvenating massage at one of the outstanding spas in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. Select from a comprehensive menu and relish a morning, afternoon, or a full day of pampering, including spa and beauty salon services for you and your valentine. Check out this local favorite spa.

Embark on Unique Experiences

While the beach may be a familiar destination, your vacation doesn't have to be ordinary. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer a plethora of distinctive activities and attractions to make your visit unforgettable. Explore the waters on a guided dolphin and wildlife kayak tour, interact with the furry residents at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, or indulge in an intimate, upscale dining experience with a meticulously crafted menu. Discover the signature experiences available and craft an unforgettable Valentine's Day trip. Check these local favorite things to do.

See the Sunset

Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come at no cost, and the sunsets on the beach are genuinely mesmerizing. Experience the romance of holding hands while strolling the beach in anticipation of a gorgeous sunset, or savoring a cocktail at dinner as the sky lights up in pinks and oranges over the water. Cherish these simple yet enduring moments that will become fond memories—moments that will always hold a special place in your heart. The best sunset viewing spot for Valentine's Day is Jesse's on the Bay (the downstairs bar is an ideal after dinner sunset spot) but here is a list of all the best local favorite fine dining restaurants. Make RESERVATIONS early if you want to get in!

State Record Caught from Shore

Photo by Chris Vecsey

A local resident has caught the apparent new state record bluefish from the shore near Alabama Point/Perdido Pass. Rustin Musgrove, a resident of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, fishes regularly – and successfully - from the shore for pompano, bluefish, and redfish just after dusk. 

Caught on the evening of January 26th, Musgrove’s massive bluefish measures over 37 inches and, pending formal certification, will surpass the existing Alabama state record by 4 ounces. Perhaps more impressively, the fish was not weighed until 60 hours after being caught while Musgrove sought a certified scale.

When finally weighed, the bluefish came in at 17 pounds, 8 ounces at the Alabama Marine Resources Office in Gulf Shores. Research indicates that a bluefish of this size is likely 12 to 14 years old and nearly doubles the typical mature Alabama bluefish length of 18 inches.

Fishing with a frozen finger mullet on the bottom using a "Carolina rig" with a monofilament leader to target redfish, Musgrove unexpectedly hooked the colossal bluefish. Musgrove said the battle with the fish took him nearly 1,000 feet along the east jetty, with the fish making two spectacular jumps clear of the water. Fortunately, the circle hook secured the fish in the corner of the mouth, preventing the monofilament leader from encountering its razor-sharp teeth.

LEARN MORE about fishing in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach