Memorial Day Weekend in The Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is truly an Alabama paradise. With its gorgeous year-round weather, sparkling turquoise waters, miles of pristine white sand, and plenty of family-friendly activities dotted along the coastline, thousands of families flock to Gulf Shores every year. If you’re planning a trip to the area for Memorial Day Weekend, you’ll find loads of exciting activities and events lined up for you and your family to enjoy. This guide to Memorial Day Weekend in Gulf Shores will tell you everything you need to know to plan the perfect family trip. Whether you’re looking for a fun family event, an exciting Memorial Day adventure, or a comfy restaurant where you can relax in the sunshine, this guide has you covered!

What To Do in Gulf Shores on Memorial Day

Because Memorial Day falls in May, the weather in Gulf Shores is sure to be amazing during your visit. The temperatures will hover around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, so you’ll be able to enjoy the Gulf Shore beaches and pools to your heart’s delight. Here are a few more activities and events to try out for Memorial Day.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Gulf Shores, we’ve got you covered!

Gulf State Park Beach

Gulf State Park Beach is one of the most famous in the area. No trip to the Gulf Coast is complete without a long, lazy day spent on the beach! The Gulf State Park is known for its two miles of sublime sands, a large campground, and its lodge and conference center. You’ll find everything you could want from an idyllic beach at Gulf State Park. 

Spend a few hours in the afternoon surfing on the waves, hiking along the coast, or sun-tanning under the unbroken blue sky. Or, if you’re after a bit more adventure, head inland to the Nature Center or to the park’s trails to discover more about the wildlife and plant life native to Alabama.

Jet Skiing at the Orange Beach Marina

If you’ve never had a go on jet skis, you are in for a treat. Nothing beats zipping across the waves on one of these powerful machines. You and your family will have a blast at the Orange Beach Marina taking part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. At the Marina, you can rent by the hour, the half-day, or the full day. We recommend pairing a half-day rental with a boat rental so you can get the most out of your day on the ocean.

Inshore Fishing Trip with Gulf Shores Charters

If you’re a fan of fishing, you will love heading out with one of the fabulous Gulf Shores charters to spend a quiet afternoon with a rod. You’ll leave with an experienced fisherman, so whatever your skill level, you’re sure to learn a thing or two about the art of fishing. 

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

If you’re looking for a fun activity for the whole family, why not head to the exciting Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Here, you’ll spot a wide range of exotic animals. Or, with the Animal Encounters experience, get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s most exciting and interesting animals. If you’re lucky, you’ll meet kangaroos, sloths, and lemurs and get some adorable pictures to take home with you.

Memorial Day Weekend brings a few exciting events to Gulf Shores. Be sure not to miss these annual events during your stay!

Mobile Big Game Fishing Club’s Memorial Day Tournament

For fishing fans, this tournament is not to be missed. You can even enter your own boat and take part in this unique fishing tournament yourself. Or, if you prefer to stay on the sidelines, you and your family will have a blast watching some of the world’s most experienced, skilled fishermen at work. If you’re lucky, you may spot the catch of the day!

Hangout Music Festival

Every May, the world-famous Hangout Music Festival arrives at our shores. The three-day event always has a fantastic lineup of world-renowned artists. Spend three days lounging on the beach during the day and partying long into the night, all to the soundtrack of today’s most famous music.

Shrimp Festival

The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival occurs a little later in the year, but if you’re in Gulf Shores in the fall, make sure you head to this foodie’s dream come true. The Gulf Coast is famous for its delectable seafood, and at The Shrimp Festival, you’ll sample some of the very best and freshest shrimp of your life. Along with fresh seafood, you’ll be treated to music, art, and family-friendly activities.

Bulls on the Beach

Bulls on the Beach is without a doubt one of the most exciting events in Gulf Shores. Every year, Flora-Bama hosts two nights of adrenaline-filled bull riding. Here, you’ll witness a few of the country’s most experienced professional cowboys and cowgirls doing what they do best. This family-friendly event even included a drawing contest for kids.

The Gulf Shores is filled with restaurants and bars, so it can be tricky deciding where to go. Here are a few of our favorite options for family vacations. 

Lulu’s Gulf Shores

This festive waterfront eatery is known for its casual atmosphere, its live music, and its range of kid-friendly beach activities. Fill up your plate from the sprawling buffet, then relax and enjoy your meal as your kids enjoy the arcade, the ropes course, or the air hockey table.

The Hangout

As the name suggests, this spot is perfect if you want to hang out. With a large outdoor seating area, delicious family-friendly food, and vibrant, colorful design, your whole family will be happy to spend a few hours hanging out at this restaurant.

The Diner

The Diner has the feel of a retro, old-school restaurant. Complete with video games and diner-style decoration, your family will love this unique restaurant. Be sure to try the delicious pasta dishes or salads at this eatery. 

Live Bait Food and Spirits

If you simply want to enjoy a quiet drink with a stunning view, this is one of the best places to head in Gulf Shores. If you don’t have the kids, try this spot for a change of pace and delicious cocktail during happy hour.  

Where To Stay in Gulf Shores

Here at Fort Morgan Property Management, we want to make your trip to Gulf Shores this Memorial Day Weekend as magical as possible. We have a wide range of stunning vacation homes for families of all sizes. Whether you’re after a cozy beachside cabin where you can bring your kids and your dog, or you’re looking for an elegant villa on the ocean with a private pool, we’ve got just the thing for you in our collection of Gulf Shores rentals. 

Watters Edge

This 4-bed, 2-bath family home is a classic Gulf Shores waterfront property. The charming interior is complete with a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living area, and classic beach-themed decor. Spend your afternoon lounging on the sunny deck or padding in your private pool.

Sweet Magnolia

This expansive 6-bedroom property is perfect for large families or group holidays. With your own private heated pool, a huge kitchen, several TVs, and a large covered deck, you and your guests will be more than comfortable in this oceanfront paradise. Filled with modern amenities like a Blu-ray player, a 75-inch flat-screen, and two washer/dryer units, Sweet Magnolia has everything you could need while in Gulf Shores.

Banana Split East

This huge home has 7 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms. This our newest luxury home in Fort Morgan. Banana Split can accommodate up to 19 guests. Each bedroom has its own flat-screen TV. In the massive kitchen, you’ll find two fridges, two ovens, two sinks, and so on. You can rest assured that none of your guests will go hungry! Enquire about Banana Split if you’re planning a family reunion or a group trip this Memorial Day Weekend.