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Explore the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

At the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, nestled in Gulf Shores, Alabama, you can explore some of the last unspoiled coastal barrier habitats in Alabama. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this stretch of around 7000 acres of coastal lands featuring world-class birding opportunities, pine-oak woodlands, and constantly evolving beach dunes. Book your adventure today with Young’s Suncoast. Whether your heart desires condos on the beach or pet-friendly vacation home rentals, we have your perfect home away from home in Gulf Shores, Alabama! 

Top 5 Activities at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

  1. Venture Through the Hiking and Nature Trails

Embark on hiking adventures along the well-marked hiking trails in Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge. These trails offer varying difficulty levels and showcase the diverse ecosystems of maritime forests, dunes, wetlands, swales, and scrub habitats within the refuge. They offer guided bird walks, night prowls, and dune hikes led by staff, volunteers, and partners. 

  1. Birding at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 370 species of birds recorded in the area. The fall and spring seasons are a popular time for birdwatchers to visit the area when there is an abundance of neotropical migrants. Take a gander at several species of herons, ospreys, seven species of hummingbirds, and more!

  1. Unique Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Aside from birds, the refuge is home to a rich array of wildlife. Keep an eye out for delightful sights of green sea turtles, Kemp’s ridley turtles, loggerhead turtles, and the Alabama beach mouse, which only lives in coastal sand dune areas in Alabama and Florida.

  1. Fishing at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Anglers can try their luck at surf fishing along the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge shoreline. You could also follow Jeff Friend Trail to enjoy fishing at Little Lagoon. If you head down Gator Lake Trail or Pine Beach Trail, you can enjoy fishing at the forty-acre Gator Lake.

  1. Enjoy Boating Fun 

Have a blast canoeing or kayaking in the Little Lagoon. There’s a kayak launch site and parking in Little Lagoon at the Jeff Friend Trail. Gator Lake is also a fun place to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or boating with electric trolling motors.

Immerse yourself in an undisturbed coastal paradise by booking your stay with Young’s Suncoast!

Experience the Alabama Coast in the Fall

Experiencing the Alabama Gulf Coast in the fall is a captivating and unique experience. The transition from the bustling summer months to the more subdued autumn creates an idyllic setting for visitors seeking a more relaxed coastal escape. Book your fall getaway on the Alabama Coast with Young’s Suncoast. We have a lovely selection of condos and beach house rentals in the Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach area on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Being local experts, we put together this guide for the best fall vacations in the US South. 

4 Ways To Immerse Yourself in the Alabama Coast Fall

  1. Enjoy the Fall Weather in Gulf Shores, Alabama 

A refreshing breeze sweeps through the coastline as the hot summer heat subsides, making outdoor activities truly enjoyable. The temperature during fall is typically mild and pleasant, with plenty of sunny days in the 70s and 80s. The daily temperature highs during the fall in Gulf Shores, Alabama, average between 71 and 78 degrees and lows hover around 60 degrees. 

  1. Have the Ultimate Beach Trip

The Coastal Alabama beaches, adorned with sugar-white sands, remain inviting and picturesque in the fall. The emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico are still delightfully warm in the fall and are great for swimming, kayaking, or simply lounging by the shore with a good book. The beaches are less crowded than the peak summer season, allowing for a more intimate and peaceful experience with nature.

  1. Go Bird Watching This Fall on the Alabama Coast

Fall is also an excellent time for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The coastal region is teeming with migratory birds and other wildlife, presenting ample opportunities for watching these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Explore all the birding locations in the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area!

  1. Explore the Coastal Fall Festivals in Alabama

There are plenty of vibrant festivals in the Gulf Shores, Alabama, area during the fall. The Alabama Coastal BirdFest, Freedom Fest, Annual National Shrimp Festival, Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival, Experience the Oyster, and Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival are just a few of the fall festivals you can look forward to during your fall vacation! 

Book your fall getaway today in the alluring Gulf Shores, Alabama, area with Young’s Suncoast!

Indulge in an Alabama Gulf Coast Fall Food Festival

Imagine the salty breeze gently caressing your face as you stroll along the vibrant coastline of Alabama, where the tantalizing aroma of various cuisines fills the air. This is the scene at any Alabama Coast fall food festival, a lively gathering of culinary delights right by the Gulf of Mexico. The very essence of the Alabama Coast is a captivating mix of relaxation, adventure, and a dash of southern flavor.

Young’s Suncoast has a delightful selection of Alabama Coast vacation rentals in the Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach area. The Alabama Gulf Coast has something for everyone from rich Civil War history, water sports on its sparkling emerald waters, relaxation on its pristine sugar-white beaches, and a delicious array of cuisines that will satisfy both foodies and anyone with a hungry stomach. Keep reading our guide below on food festivals you can enjoy during your stay!

Enjoy a Culinary Journey at an AL Coast Fall Food Festival

Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival 

Enjoy the ultimate food truck festival in Gulf Shores for its second year, November 11 and 12, 2023. This festival has free entry and features some of the best food trucks on the Alabama Coast. From ice cream to grilled cheese and lobster rolls, there will be a tasty treat to satisfy every craving.

The Annual National Shrimp Festival 

This is a mouthwatering food festival on the Alabama Coast for seafood lovers. This four-day event attracts more than 300,000 people year after year. There will be a yummy selection of over 50 food vendors with delicious food to devour. There will also be plenty of live entertainment from local, regional, and national talents. Mark your calendars for October 12–15, 2023, to get in on the action.

Experience the Oyster 

This is another excellent food festival on the Alabama Coast for seafood lovers. Indulge in a two-day event filled with some of the best and tastiest seafood on the Gulf Coast. Don’t miss out, and mark your calendar for November 3 and 4, 2023.

7 of Our Other Must-Read Blogs for Foodies

  1. The Best Breakfast Spots in Gulf Shores 
  2. Your Guide to a Dreamy Beach Picnic in Gulf Shores
  3. Where To Find the Best Ice Cream in Gulf Shores 
  4. The Best Grocery Stores in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL 
  5. Discover the Delicious Gulf Coast Food Scene
  6. 5 Summer Recipes to Cook in Your Gulf Shores Condo Rental
  7. 3 Eggs-cellent Local Brunch Spots in Orange Beach, Alabama

Guide to the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival

The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival is the largest gathering of both local and national songwriters on the Gulf Coast. Every year, nationally acclaimed songwriters perform in venues across the Florida/Alabama Gulf Coast. As you step into the festival grounds, you will be enveloped by an atmosphere of creativity and coastal paradise. Book your stay with Young’s Suncoast for the 39th annual Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. 

Young’s Suncoast offers a wide range of vacation rentals, from beachfront condos to spacious luxury homes in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area. Many rentals offer stunning beach views of the Gulf Coast, allowing guests to wake up to breathtaking sunrises. We also have options that feature private pools, lazy rivers, and pool slides! From the moment you arrive at your chosen rental, you’re greeted with warm Southern hospitality, breathtaking beauty, and the finest modern comforts. 

Visit the 2023 Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival

When: November 9th – 19th, 2023

Named after the legendary night watchman of the Flora-Bama Lounge on the Florida/Alabama border, the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival celebrates the art of songwriting and the stories that melodies can tell. This immersive and captivating event transports attendees into the heart of the music creation process. There will be over 195 artists and 210 performances on 31 stages.

Get Lost in the Music at the 2023 Festival Venues

The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival will take place on the stunning Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast beaches. Spanning for 11 days, enjoy live music in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Pensacola, and Perdido Key. Accomplished songwriters take the stage to perform their original compositions, often sharing the inspiration behind each song before diving into its soulful melodies. These sessions offer a unique glimpse into the creative process, revealing the stories, emotions, and experiences that shape each song. 

Check out the full list of venues for the 2023 Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival.

Don’t miss the 2023 Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival by booking your stay with Young’s Suncoast!

Don’t Miss the Orange Beach Freedom Fest

Whether you’re seeking relaxation on the beach, thrilling water adventures, or a mix of both, Orange Beach offers a vacation experience that leaves you with cherished memories and a longing to return to its shores time and time again. Orange Beach Freedom Fest is a family-friendly festival and is a great time to travel to the area. Book your stay in time with Young’s Suncoast!

Young’s Suncoast offers an exceptional selection of vacation rentals in the beautiful Alabama coastal destinations of Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach, Alabama. From cozy beachfront condos for a romantic getaway to spacious beach houses that can accommodate large families or groups of friends, the options for vacation rentals are plentiful. Choose from accommodations with fitness centers, lazy rivers, private pools, and boat parking. 

All About the 2023 Orange Beach Freedom Fest

When: Friday – Saturday, October 6-7, 2023

The Orange Beach Freedom Fest is a patriotic celebration filled with car shows, concerts, hands-on activities, kid’s activities, delicious food vendors, and all-around American-style fun! This is a family-friendly event with FREE admission and parking for the public. Below are some of the activities in store for the 2023 Orange Beach Freedom Fest:

  • Fun Kids’ Zone by the Ferris wheel 
  • The Orange Beach Performing Arts Center.will feature live entertainment
  • Arts and crafts 
  • An incredible selection of food vendors 
  • Jeep rally organized by Island Time Jeepers 
  • Motorcycle rally organized by The Marshals
  • Fall edition of Bama Coast Cruisin, sponsored by Young’s Suncoast, on Main Street

Explore the One-of-a-Kind Festival Venue

The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, is set against the backdrop of the Intercoastal Waterway and Canal Bridge. The Wharf is more than just an ordinary venue and is a hub of fun. Walk down Main Street to explore the local restaurants and shops. Watch a show at the Wharf Amphitheater which hosts some of the hottest performers. There is so much to explore!

Book your stay with Young’s Suncoast to join in the Orange Beach Freedom Fest fun!