When the dreaded cold begins to set in across the United States, scores of people flock south in search of a more preferable climate. Winter in the Gulf Shores should be a top destination for any snowbird looking to escape from the cold.
Not only is it truly a wonderful time of the year to be in Gulf Shores, but tourism is down as well so you will have plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy yourself. From Christmas to New Year’s Eve and all the days surrounding them, there is plenty of reasons to visit Gulf Shores in the winter.
Weather
When thinking of the beach during the winter, it is often easy to picture icy, cold water, snow-covered beaches, and a myriad of other winter miseries that may befall you. When it comes to Gulf Shores, however, this could not be further from the truth! Winters are often very mild and sunny. In December, the average temperature ranges between the mid-forties and the low sixties. You will have the ability to kick back, enjoy the sun, and sculpt your very own idea of a winter wonderland.
Things to Do
Having opened its doors in 1989, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a top destination for snowbirds to visit upon their migration to the sandy beaches of Gulf Shores. Once featured on the Animal Planet documentary, The Little Zoo that Could, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has become known as a premier non-profit zoological park. Spanning approximately 25 acres, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo boasts an expansive array of wildlife, including 199 species (eight of which are considered endangered species), shaded picnic areas, free parking, and multiple rests stops. The best part is that the zoo is made for all ages and levels of mobility.
Are you hosting grandkids for a visit? Take them to Adventure Island! Hosting people of all ages, Adventure Island offers a variety of rides and experiences for the whole family. For the thrill-seeker in the family, go-karts, bumper boats, and laser tag are just a moment away from nearby rental properties. If you prefer a bit more leisurely activities, Adventure Island also offers mini-golf, serene paddleboat rides, and an extensive arcade. Remember that at the heart of all this fun is a volcano, seemingly active with fire and sound, that only adds to the ambiance that is Adventure Island.
For a true leisure activity, grab a set of your favorite clubs and take a swing from the tee box. Gulf Shores boasts an impressive number of pristine golf courses that any amateur or professional aficionado would be elated to golf at. Perhaps the most famous of Alabama’s courses is Kiva Dunes Golf Course. Located right in Gulf Shores, this incredible course offers an unforgettable experience. Having received numerous awards from Golf Digest, Golf Advisor, and a multitude of other companies, Kiva Dunes Golf Couse is a natural course with exposed sand, marsh, and coastal greenery. Its multitude of challenges are able to entice any golfer!
To round it off, no winter in the Gulf Shores can be complete without a shopping trip. Offering some of the best shopping in the area, any shopping enthusiast will be over the moon with the possibilities that are offered to them. The Wharf in Orange Beach has numerous local shops, restaurants, a theater, mini-golf, and a marina. The local shops are truly the gem of The Wharf with services ranging from health products to clothing, jewelry, and more! If more commercialized shopping is your thing, be sure to check out Pelican Place at Craft Farms. Hosting shops such as Target, Books-A-Million and Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Pelican Place at Craft Farms has everything for those looking for some recognizability while shopping.
Plan Your Vacation
We offer a variety of accommodation sizes and prices that will fit anyone’s agenda. Give us a call or visit us online to book your winter home away from home today!
Holiday Events
Christmas
Holiday events in the Gulf Shores are numerous and should never be overlooked. Chief among them is the annual Christmas tree lighting at The Wharf in Orange Beach. During this magical event, you have the opportunity to listen to numerous musical performances, participate in some riveting cookie decorating, sip on some delectable hot chocolate, help a loved one craft that perfect letter to Santa, and even get in some last-minute Christmas shopping. When all has been said and done, sit back with your family, relax, and watch as the lights on the Christmas tree are switched on, ushering in the magical holiday season.
When thinking of Santa Clause, it is easy to picture him riding in his sleigh while being pulled by his reindeer. Not in Gulf Shores! A must experience holiday event is the annual Santa drop at Flora-Bama. All ages are welcomed to this event as spectators can watch the one and only Santa Clause skydive onto the white, sandy beaches and then make his way inside the tent for pictures with everyone. Along with Santa Clause, crafts, a variety of games, live holiday music, face painting, and more will be available for children to enjoy this wonderful event. For the adults, do not forget to pop inside for a famous Bushwacker from Flora-Bama!
New Year’s Eve
There is no shortage of events when it comes to New Year’s Eve in Gulf Shores. The annual street party at The Wharf is a perfect example. Usually starting at 5 p.m., activities for children are abundant including a bouncy house, face painting, a mechanical bull, a rock wall, and a surfing simulator. While admission is free, these activities do range from $5 to $10. Apart from children-based activities, there is also live music, drinks, food, and a firework show that will help to ring in the new year!
If you’re searching for an even more kid-friendly event, why not try Noon Year’s Eve at Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s? Starting at 10 a.m., children can partake in all of the New Year’s Eve festivities including a sandcastle building contest, balloon animals, and face painting. To cap it off, there is a beach ball drop at 12 p.m. accompanied by a kid-friendly firework show so the little ones can ring in the new year at a more reasonable time.
For all of the adults, head on down to Flora-Bama’s New Year’s Eve Bash! Tickets for the event go on sale beforehand but can be purchased at the door as well. Starting at 7 p.m. for ticket holders, Flora-Bama will offer an all-you-can-eat buffet, champagne, party favors, and breakfast sandwiches after 12 a.m. Along with all this, you have the opportunity to partake in a variety of live music on any one of the three stages. When it comes to New Year’s Eve, there is absolutely no shortage of event in Gulf Shores.
Winter Vacation Rentals
With so many reasons to visit Gulf Shores in the winter, it’s easy to think that it would be impossible to find any sort of lodging. Worry not! With Fort Morgan Property Management, we can help you to find the right accommodation for you that will place you squarely in the middle of all the fun.