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