Gulf Shores and Orange Beach celebrate the 4th of July with vibrant events including the Flora-Bama Freedom Run, fireworks on the beach, a full day of festivities at The Wharf, and a spectacular Gulf State Park fireworks show. Here are some ideas to make the most of the holiday.
As Independence Day approaches, Gulf Shores, Alabama, and its neighboring towns transform into lively hubs of patriotism and festive fun.
Known for beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, this region offers a Fourth of July experience that perfectly blends big celebration with small-town charm. It's a vibe I’ve only seen in a few other special places across the country, like Steamboat Springs and Ocracoke Island.
If you're looking to enjoy this special day, you’ll find no shortage of activities and events to dive into. Here, I’ll walk you through some of the top things to do in Gulf Shores, AL, on Independence Day, with a focus on events, fireworks, and more.
Here’s the lowdown:
| Activity | Highlights |
| 1. Flora-Bama Freedom Run / 4 Mile Run/Walk | Patriotic 4-mile or 1-mile fun run; themed costumes encouraged; finisher medals; post-race food, drinks, and awards. |
| 2. Flora-Bama All-American 4th of July Party | Full-day beach party; fireworks at 9 PM; live entertainment; beach cocktails; lively crowds and ocean backdrop. |
| 3. Fourth of July at The Wharf in Orange Beach | SPECTRA Laser Light Show; shopping and dining; Ferris wheel rides; live entertainment; festive atmosphere for families. |
| 4. Gulf Shores Fireworks Display at Gulf State Park Pier | Major fireworks show at 9 PM; best viewed from the beach; arrive early with chairs and blankets for best spots. |
| 5. Relaxing Beach Day & Barbecue | Family beach games, kite flying, sandbarbecues; sunset relaxation; fireworks viewed from the sand; tips for prepping and setup. |
| 6. Enjoy a Vacation Homes Collection Stay | Celebrate the Fourth of July your way—with a vacation rental that brings family, fun, and fireworks together in a relaxed, intimate setting. |
At Vacation Home Collection, we offer a variety of properties in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.
We're experts in the area, if I can say so myself, so be sure to check out our blog for tips on making the most of your trip. Whether you're looking for a guide to a great weekend or a bucket list of activities, we've got all in there.
Now, let’s dive into some of the best Fourth of July events in Gulf Shores and around.
1. Flora-Bama Freedom Run / 4 Mile Run/Walk
Patriotic 4-mile or 1-mile fun run; themed costumes encouraged; finisher medals; post-race food, drinks, and awards.
Gear up for the Annual Freedom Run at the famous Flora-Bama! This patriotic extravaganza isn't just any race; it's a celebration of all things red, white, and blue, inviting runners and walkers to don their stars and stripes.
With two distinct courses to choose from, participants can take on the challenge of the 4-Mile Run/Walk Course or opt for the shorter yet equally festive 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. Regardless of the distance, the event is about more than endurance; it’s an opportunity to exhibit your American spirit. Imagine a sea of participants decked out in vibrant flags, eclectic socks, and beaming t-shirts that shout Uncle Sam’s name.
Those in for the longer haul, the 4-Mile route, will vie for the top three spots in each age division, along with recognition for the overall male and female winners in both running and walking categories. All who complete the fun run are honored with a finisher medal, a tangible reminder of the day’s achievements.
👍 Pro Tip: The reward for all the exertion is a post-race party where food and drinks will be served, allowing everyone to reenergize and share their race stories.
2. Flora-Bama All American 4th of July Party
Full-day beach party; fireworks at 9 PM; live entertainment; beach cocktails; lively crowds and ocean backdrop.
If you're looking for an Independence Day filled with fun, sunsets, and fireworks, Flora-Bama is the place to be.
Located right on the Florida-Alabama line, this iconic beach bar offers stunning ocean views and an atmosphere that's electric from morning to night. The festivities kick off early with a full-day beach party featuring live entertainment, beach cocktails, and plenty of opportunities to meet both locals and visitors soaking up the celebration.
Let’s take a look at the highlights:
a) Watch the Fireworks Light Up the Sky 🎆
Flora-Bama’s annual fireworks show is one of the signature moments of their 4th of July celebration. Scheduled to start at 9 PM, the display transforms the night sky into a brilliant canvas, best enjoyed from the sandy beach with the soothing backdrop of ocean waves. It’s a vivid, unforgettable way to capture the spirit of Independence Day.
b) The Ultimate Beach Party Experience 🎉
Spend the day immersed in celebration at Flora-Bama, where non-stop entertainment and a lively beachside atmosphere set the stage for a memorable Fourth of July. From early festivities to sunset cocktails at the bar, every moment builds toward the fireworks spectacular after dark.
3. Fourth of July at The Wharf in Orange Beach
As the premier Entertainment District along the Gulf Coast, The Wharf offers an all-encompassing experience for families and fun-seekers alike—whether it’s riding one of the Southeast’s grandest Ferris wheels or diving into cinematic adventures at the on-site movie theater.
As dusk settles on the Fourth of July, the excitement builds with The Wharf’s SPECTRA Laser Light Experience. This dazzling, choreographed show blends sophisticated lighting with popular music, creating a multisensory spectacle that feels tailor-made for the holiday. Music fills the air, lasers dance across the sky, and the entire district buzzes with celebration.
4. Gulf Shores Fireworks Display at Gulf State Park Pier
As you can already tell, every year on July 4th, Gulf Shores becomes a beacon of festivity with its awe-inspiring Independence Day fireworks display. Starting at 9 p.m., the dazzling show lights up the night sky from the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier and can be seen from various points across town.
The pier, essential to the day’s events, closes temporarily in the morning for preparations and reopens by noon—except for the immediate launch area. It closes again at 8:30 p.m. to ensure everyone's safety just before the fireworks begin and reopens the following morning.
This spectacular display not only draws the local community but also visitors from near and far. It's a truly unforgettable experience of communal joy and American pride.
👍 Pro tip: For the best experience, it’s recommended to arrive early, find a good spot, and bring beach chairs and blankets.
5. Relaxing Beach Day & Barbecue
The 4th of July is the perfect chance to celebrate and unwind on the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores. Spend the day with family and friends playing beach games like frisbee, volleyball, or flying a kite in the afternoon breeze.
👍 Pro tip: prep your food at home to make grilling at the beach a breeze.
6. Enjoy a Vacation Homes Collection Stay
With a Vacation Homes Collection property, for instance, you can savor the day at your own pace — grilling up a backyard barbecue, taking a quick dip in the nearby beach, and still catching the fireworks sparkling across the night sky.
It’s the perfect setup for families and close friends to gather, laugh, and create new traditions together, all without the crowds. Celebrating at "home" brings a special kind of warmth and connection to Independence Day in Gulf Shores.
Stay Like a Local in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
With years of experience in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we at Vacation Homes Collections don’t just know about the best tours and activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach — we’re also experts in crafting unforgettable experiences.
Our vacation rentals, ranging from beachfront homes to high-rise condos, provide the perfect home base for your next Alabama Gulf Coast getaway.
When you stay with us, all you need to do is soak in the coastal beauty and let it whisk you away — because it surely will! ✨✨
