10 Things to do in July
In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
The weather is warm, the water is cool, and the fun is nonstop! July is jam-packed with great activities and unmissable events for the whole family. If you’re headed to Alabama’s beaches this summer, check out these 10 things to do during July.
Head to our slice of paradise for a fun-filled July! Here are ten things to do in July on Alabama's Beaches.
1. Find Family Fun at The Wharf
Visit The Wharf all summer long for nonstop fun and activities. On Mondays, enjoy magicians, camel rides, a DJ, a bubble truck, and more during Slice of Summer. Grab your cowboy hat and lasso and saddle up for Wild Wild Wharf on Tuesdays, where you’ll discover a mechanical bull, face painting, and costume contests. Channel your inner pirate for the Pepsi Treasure Hunt for Hunger every Wednesday as you use your treasure map to complete a scavenger hunt. Then, splish and splash at Wiki Wiki Wharf on Thursdays and cool off with a surf simulator, water slide, and water bounce house. Stick around after dark each night to enjoy the free SPECTRA laser light show.
2. Get Wet and Wild
A short drive to Foley will lead you to OWA’s Tropic Falls Indoor Waterpark, the Alabama Gulf Coast’s newest and largest indoor waterpark. This tropical escape houses a 300,000-square-foot wave pool, slides towering over 100 feet, a lazy river, and a surf simulator. Adults can book a cabana and relax in the shade with a cool drink as the kids play. Experience this unbelievable waterpark this summer, and grab season passes so you can visit as many times as you want.
3. Celebrate Independence Day
Enjoy Independence Day at the beach at one of the multiple celebrations happening throughout the area. Flora-Bama is hosting its annual Fourth of July Party with BBQ, live music, and fireworks. You can also visit The Wharf for their Independence Day celebration, which includes kids’ activities, fireworks, and a 5K race. The city of Gulf Shores is also hosting its own fireworks show for guests and locals to celebrate the nation’s birthday beach-style.
4. Snap a Selfie
You can’t go on a vacation without filling a camera roll with photos from your trip. Cool Shots Selfie Museum at The Wharf is the perfect place to snap a few pictures. This immersive gallery has over 50 cool and captivating backdrops and scenes for your next Instagram post or TikTok. Pets are also welcome in the museum, so bring your furry friends along for a family photo shoot.
5. Catch the Blue Angels
The highly anticipated Blue Angels Beach Air Show is back on July 10. Check out our Gulf Coast heroes as they soar above the shore. The Blue Angels are the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, stationed at Forrest Sherman Field at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Head to Pensacola for a quick day trip and catch these guys flying high.
6. Check Out the Stars of Shark Week
The Discovery Channel isn’t the only place to catch Shark Week. Gulf State Park is celebrating all week long with daily activities at The Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier. There will be a touch tank, scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, and other fun ways for guests to learn all about the extraordinary world of sharks.
Dates coming soon.
7. Cool Off in the Water
The warm weather of summer makes July the perfect time to cool off with water activities. Ride the waves with a Jet Ski, paddle the back bays on a kayak, or search for underwater creatures as you snorkel. To really make a splash, rent a pontoon or party boat and spend the day relaxing on the water.
8. Hook a Catch
Grab your fishing gear and head to the Alabama Gulf Coast for three exciting tournaments this month. First up is the Annual MBGFC Junior Angler Tournament July 5-7, where the next generations of anglers will cast their lines in Orange Beach. Next up is the Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf from July 10-14 at The Wharf. This tournament is the final one of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series. The month rounds out on July 26-28 as the Orange Beach Marina hosts the Annual MBGFC Ladies Tournament. You’re bound to spot some impressive catches at any of these tournaments.
9. Pedal Through the Water
You may have cruised the waters in a boat, but what about one shaped like a duck or flamingo? At High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas, you’ll find pedal boats in addition to delicious eats and drinks. These cute vessels fit two passengers, who pedal the boat around Little Lagoon. While exploring the waters, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the area’s natural elements up close.
10. Explore Below the Surface
Take a plunge into the Gulf with a diving excursion or snorkeling trip. Our area boasts several great dive spots for both beginner and advanced divers. Outfitters like Down Under Dive Shop will equip you all the gear you and take you out to your preferred dive coordinates. If you want to stay close the surface, try snorkeling. You can book a charter to bring you out into the Gulf or explore close to the shore by exploring the jetties.
