When it comes to travel weather, I'm always looking for the best middle ground possible. Eyeing seasonal activities in Gulf Shores, Alabama, I decided to make my way there in March, and I'm sure glad I did. Between the tamer weather and avoiding the big crowds during peak seasons, I got the mix of relaxation and adventure I was looking for.

There's a noticeable sense of southern hospitality in the air, and the added coastal culture and spring energy is unique to say the least. I quickly discovered that March has plenty of seasonal activity in Gulf Shores, and my itinerary stacked up pretty quickly.

In this article, you're getting a brief look into some of my personal favorite things to do in March around Gulf Shoes during the Spring season.

Why I Decided to Visit Gulf Shores in March

I'm pretty big on comfortable weather. For the most part, the Gulf Shores during March offer cool mornings and evenings with moderate temperatures throughout the day. It didn't take long to realize that the general surrounding area is pretty big on outdoor activities.

From things like hiking, biking, and fishing, these are great choices considering you won't have to face sweltering heat. Since I wasn't visiting during peak travel seasons, it wasn't too difficult to find better lodging rates and availability for most of what I wanted to do.

The area brings in a diverse crowd during this time of year. Whether it's spring breakers looking to chill or families looking for group activities, there's a decent blend of fun for everyone. Of course, I found some favorite to-dos along the way. A lot of which led me to activities that are more seasonally available during this particular time of year.

8 Best Seasonal Activities in Gulf Shores

Mardi Gras parades, tribal culture, or a sea of vendors for the arts festival are all a part of the March fun here. There's clearly no shortage of things to do, and it honestly made it challenging to know which I wanted to prioritize.

Thanks to a lot of searching online and speaking to the locals, I was able to make my trip as diverse as possible. With yacht shows, arts festivals, and lots of outdoor fun, the table below highlights some of the best seasonal activities in Gulf Shores.

While this isn't all you have to choose from, these activities definitely made me feel like I got the most out of my trip. Keep reading below to see more highlights of my personal experiences traveling around the Gulf Shores.

1. Ballyhoo Festival - A Two-Day Spring Celebration

While the Ballyhoo festival has a lot to experience, it was the tribal dances from the Poarch Creek Indians that were a highlight for me. Offering the arts, culture, and local community, this is a popular and family-friendly event with a scenic outdoor setting. I spent quite a bit of time checking out some regional artists, as well as a surprising amount of hands-on demonstrations.

Passively listening to local musicians, the festival offered a perfect setup for perusing without feeling rushed by a crowd of people. It's one of the first events I could check out during the month of March, on the 1st and the 2nd at Lake Shelby.

Qualities That Stood Out:

• Highlights local talent and creativity with a mix of longstanding heritage
• Plenty of open space from Lake Shelby, on top of food vendors and interactive activities
• Culturally authentic performances from Alabama's federally recognized tribe

2. Mardi Gras on the Beach - Parades, Beads, and Coastal Flair

Another event hosted in early March, I have to say, the Gulf Shores Parade sold the show. Ongoing since 1978. Moreover, their Mardi Gras parades span from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach. You get what you expect here, such as floats, vibrant costumes, and live music. At the same time, I was surprised at how much effort they truly put into it all.

Although Mardi Gras comes with a certain reputation, take it from me that the Gulf Shores variety is more than family-friendly. With over 30,000 spectators, it's a lively event that clearly has no trouble bringing community and travelers together.

Qualities That Stood Out:

• More than enough fun for kids and adults alike
• Unique attractions like LuLu's Boat Parade on the water and
• Local heritage and community krewes are showcased in the Mystic Order of Shiners parade

3. The Wharf Boat and Yacht Showcase - Sailing With Luxury

Featuring over a hundred boats and yachts that are bound to impress, the Wharf Boat and Yacht Show is a sight to see. It was pretty interesting to check out the amazing yachts, but those aren't the only seafarers I found.

There were also many pontoons, skiffs, and sport boats, all impressive in their own right. Held between the 21st and 23rd of March, it's closer to the end of the month, but well worth the visit. I also spent some time checking out advanced boating electronics, innovations in design, and there was a ton of impressive fishing gear.

Qualities That Stood Out:

• Generally has over 800 different boats on display
• Other fun activities include live music, food vendors, and even art classes
• Hop into one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the southeast
• Hosts instructional seminars, exhibitor demonstrations, and hands-on displays as well

4. Fort Morgan - A Journey Through Time

I'm a bit of a history buff, which made my visit to Fort Morgan tons of fun, specifically due to the approach as an educational experience. For starters, Fort Morgan has been a part of Alabama's coast for nearly 200 years.

Aside from that, I was also able to partake in well-guided tours, and there's even a boat launch you can check. I was a bit surprised to see a public fishing pier, but it definitely matches the vibe of the whole place. Overall, the historical significance, easy bay access, and exploratory nature of the visit were ones I had to share.

Qualities That Stood Out:

• Rich historical significance with the Civil War, such as the Battle of Mobile Bay
• Amazing military architecture that's impressively well preserved
• Guided tours, informational plaques, and a hands-on approach to history education
• Boat launches, bay access for kayaks, and pier fishing

5. March Fishing Adventures - Great Time to Cast a Line

Seen as a prime fishing destination, the Gulf Shores in March are known for a variety of seasonal catches. More specifically, this includes the likes of bluefish, cobia, and pompano, to name a few.

I was happy to find charter options available, which made it easy to make my way to several fishing spots. Whether it was deep sea, inshore, or nearshore, I was able to find myself some easy access.

Another big selling point of fishing in the area is that there are many restaurants that offer a cook-your-catch service. They'll not only cook it, but prepare it for you as well, making the time on the water all the more rewarding.

Qualities That Stood Out:

• Prime catches available for both sport and leisure fishing
• Expert-led charters that offer the knowledge, resources, and safety I needed
• Multiple fishing experiences, depending on the type of catch
• It isn't hard to find a restaurant that will whip up a nice meal with your catch

6. Gulf State Park Adventures - The Real Deal in Nature Immersion

I was on the hunt for some decent nature trekking, and Gulf State Park met that craving with a lot of hiking and biking. Although that's not all there is to do here, with Segway tours, nature spotting, and nature centers being available as well.

As I explored the area, I also decided to check out a bit of kayaking at Lake Shelby, and I'd say the Learning Campus is worth a visit as well. For those hoping to stay a bit in the area, there's plenty of on-site accommodations and restaurants.

It's a great place to kick it in a lodge during spring, making outdoor adventures easily accessible. Better yet, it's a decent choice for the entire family, as the grounds aren't really overbearing for a bit of fun in nature.

Qualities That Stood Out:

• Spans over 6,150 acres and includes 28 miles of trails to explore
• Find nine unique ecosystems within the park, from forests to freshwater lakes
• Having Lake Shelby close by is great for water activities like boating and fishing
• Family-friendly programs with nature centers, exhibits, and hands-on eco programs

7. Dolphin Tours - Encounters in the Wild

It isn't just about hiking and fishing in Gulf Shores, as the dolphin tours ended up being one of my favorite places to be. Not only that, but there is a sizable selection of tours to choose from. Along the way, I learned more than I ever have about dolphins, especially with their playful nature, as they weren't shy at all.

I was able to snag many photo opportunities in clear daylight, and I would advise anyone to opt for a sunset cruise. The beauty of the dolphins matched with the surrounding golden hues and lapping waves made it so much more fun and memorable. Visitors can also expect to learn interesting details about dolphins, like coastal ecology, behavior, life cycle, and more.

Qualities That Stood Out:

• Dolphin sightings are essentially guaranteed, so don't worry about missing out
• Sunset cruises are the best with Gulf Shores views, the most ideal time for stellar photography
• I was able to get surprisingly close to dolphins in their habitat and observe social behaviors
• Tour guides are more than friendly and are chock full of wildlife education and unique insights

8. Mini Golf Courses - Putt Your Way Through Some Fun

Aside from the family fun aspect, the mini golf in Gulf Shores became a quick interest for me, considering how many themed courses they have. I sat between visiting Shrimpy's due to the 18 challenging holes to choose from and Pirate's Island due ot the theme alone.

Yes, I visited more than one, as these aren't simple-minded courses by any means. Between the challenging putts, affordability, and vibrant themes, it was a great way to mix up the trip. Another fan favorite was Tiki's Mini Golf, as they offer $5 games and bike rentals for a full-day experience.

Qualities That Stood Out:

• Wide variety of themed courses
• The perfect mix of family-friendly fun and affordability
• More than enough to do for solo play or group activities
• On-site attractions like bike rentals, ice cream shops, and more

Tips for Enjoying Your March in Gulf Shores

I would advise anyone to visit Gulf Shores in March primarily for the weather and milder crowds. It can get pretty busy out there depending on when you go, but I had all of the flexibility I needed in the spring.

Both early mornings and late afternoons are perfect for outdoor adventures. Even if it feels a little warmer mid-day, it's not like it's hard to find some indoor fun.

As always, I can't stress enough that booking tickets, reservations, and guided tours is important to streamline things as much as possible. Part of why my trip was so stress-free was due to planning ahead. More than anything else, I couldn't head home until I had my fill of local cuisines and culture.

The Bottom Line

Between the seasonal festivals, outdoor adventures, and impromptu activities along the way, my itinerary was full from beginning to end. I couldn't get enough of the local heritage and food options, in addition to things like kayaking and hiking trails.

Of course, I wouldn't have had the same level of comfort if I hadn't planned for a decent place to stay in the area. For me, it was the Vacation Homes Collection that set me up in a nice spot, within my budget, and took a lot of stress out of the planning. There are plenty of places to stay in Gulf Shores, and they were able to help me narrow in what worked best for my trip as a whole.

FAQ

What makes March a good time to visit Gulf Shores?

March in Gulf Shores is known for its milder weather and smaller crowds. This makes it more than ideal for finding time for exploring plenty the Gulf Shores has to offer without feeling too pressed for time.

What seasonal activities are available in Gulf Shores during March?

Some of the most popular seasonal activities in Gulf Shores include festivals, Mardi Gras parades, fishing charters, and nature adventures.

How can I make the most of my trip to Gulf Shores in March?

From personal experience, making the most out of your trip in Gulf Shores relies on planning ahead. Book accommodations early and set the schedule to focus on specific tours, events, or festivals that are happening during March.