While most people flock to the beach during the spring and summer, there is something truly magical about visiting Gulf Shores in the (sometimes) cooler autumn months. While the water may be a bit too chilly to take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico, there are plenty of other spectacular activities to keep you occupied while on your fall beach vacation. From nature trails to dolphin sunset cruises, here are our top five favorite ways to make the most out of a beach vacation this fall.

Explore the Nature Trails.

Gulf Shores has several trails and parks you can visit, including the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Wade Ward Nature Park, and more! Explore the nine ecosystems in Gulf State Park or bike all 28 miles of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails using the free Bloom Bike Share app. Download the app and find bike pickup locations throughout the State Park.

While most people flock to the beach during the spring and summer, there is something truly magical about visiting Gulf Shores in the (sometimes) cooler autumn months. While the water may be a bit too chilly to take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico, there are plenty of other spectacular activities to keep you occupied while on your fall beach vacation. From nature trails to dolphin sunset cruises, here are our top five favorite ways to make the most out of a beach vacation this fall.

Glass Blowing at The Hot Shop at the Coastal Arts Center.

Attend one of the Coastal Arts Center’s “Make Your Own Glass” classes and observe the resident hot glass-blowing artists at work. You can even take a class to create your own glass souvenir! After creating your piece of art, head over to the fine arts gallery to browse paintings, pottery, jewelry, and glass art made by local and regional artists. All items are available for sale, too!

Shop at The Wharf.

Get a head start on your holiday shopping when you visit The Wharf in Orange Beach. The Wharf has some of the Gulf Coast’s best specialty boutiques and restaurants, as well as fun for the whole family. Keep your kids entertained with the Ferris wheel, SPECTRA Laser Light Experience, Outer Limits Virtual Reality, and more!

Live Music and S’mores at Woodside Restaurant.

Visit the Woodside Restaurant in the Gulf State Park to enjoy great food, fun backyard games, and live music, all while cozying up around the fire pit and making s’mores.

Enjoy a Dolphin Sunset Cruise.

Bring a warm jacket or a cozy blanket to enjoy the year’s best sunsets aboard Sail Wild Hearts, a 53-foot open-ocean catamaran. If you watch close enough, you may even catch a sighting of a dolphin or two!

Despite how great all these activities are, you can’t do anything until you make it to Gulf Shores, Alabama, first. But don’t worry; we got you covered. At Sea Turtle Vacation Properties, we have beach vacation rentals located in the heart of all the action and things to do during fall in Gulf Shores. Browse our rentals to find the perfect place to park your flip-flops.