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When planning a beach getaway to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, you’re undoubtedly anticipating sun-soaked days along the stunning shoreline. However, occasionally the weather doesn’t cooperate, and the beach flag system will tell you it’s time to rethink your plans. Here’s everything you need to know about the Red Flag Day system and some fantastic indoor and weather-friendly activities to enjoy when the red flag is up.
Understanding the Beach Flag System
The beach flag system is a crucial tool for ensuring safety along the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach coastlines. Each flag color provides specific information about ocean conditions:
Yellow Flag: Medium hazard, moderate surf and/or currents
Purple Flag: Marine pests are present, exercise caution
Red Flag: High hazard, rough surf, and/or strong currents. Swimming is strongly discouraged.
Double Red Flag: Water closed to public, it is illegal to enter the Gulf of Mexico within city limits when double red flags are present
Stay up to date on on the daily beach conditions by signing up for text notifications by texting ALBEACHES to 888777
When a red flag is flying, it’s a sign to stay out of the water for your safety. But don’t let that ruin your vacation, there’s still plenty to do in the area.
Fun Activities for Red Flag Days
Gulf Coast Zoo
A short drive from the beach will take you to the Gulf Coast Zoo, where you can spend a delightful day exploring animal exhibits and interactive experiences. From exotic animals to educational talks, it’s a perfect way to stay entertained when the surf isn’t inviting. This zoo includes many different ways to get up close and personal with the animals. This 25-acre zoo is home to over 199 different species and offers free parking. Giraffe feedings are available a couple of times a day as well as animal encounters with sloths or lemurs that allow you to get up close and personal each day. Grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant, Savanna, or come for an evening of live music or their monthly wine pairing nights.
Bamahenge & Dinosaurs in the Woods
For a quirky and memorable experience, visit Bamahenge and Dinosaurs in the Woods. Bamahenge, a full-size replica of England’s famous Stonehenge, offers a unique photo opportunity and walk through experience. Nearby, you’ll find a collection of dinosaur sculptures scattered through the woods—an adventure that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Orange Beach Coastal Arts Center
Immerse yourself in local culture and creativity at the Orange Beach Coastal Arts Center. With its array of art galleries, workshops, and events, it’s a great spot to appreciate regional artists and perhaps even try your hand at a new craft. The Hot Shop offers “make your own glass” classes Monday – Friday at 9 am where you can make a globe, starfish, flower, or paperweight. Next door, The Clay Studio offers pottery classes on their pottery wheel with ceramics artist, Maya Blume-Cantrell, for $95 an hour. The instructors do a fantastic job of giving step-by-step instructions before you begin and work with you to make your custom piece the entire time. Once you’ve finished, your piece needs to set and finishe and are available for pickup at a later date or can be shipped home to you as well. If you’re not interested in a class, you can always come and just watch the artists at work making other unique pieces in the studio. This is a great activity year round but especially on a red flag day!
Historic Fort Morgan
Step back in time with a visit to Historic Fort Morgan. This well-preserved Civil War-era fort offers tours and historical exhibits. Fort Morgan is located west of Gulf Shores on Mobile Point but is definitely worth the drive time to get there. This site has guarded Mobile Bay since 1834 and has seen numerous wars during its time. You’ll even be able to view Dauphin Island from the beach or when you climb up the structures. The fort and grounds are open daily from 8 am – 5 pm with the museum closing at 4 pm each day. It’s an engaging way to learn about the area’s history while staying out of the weather.
The Wharf
For a lively shopping and entertainment experience, head to The Wharf. This bustling area features an array of shops, dining options, and even a movie theater. You can enjoy a meal, catch a film, or just stroll through the shops while you wait for the weather to clear. Experience Orange Beach’s first speakeasy, 8 Reale OBAL, located just through the jewelry store and you’ll find the password on their Facebook page each day.
Spa Day at The Beach Club
Indulge in a day of relaxation at The Beach Club’s spa. A luxurious treatment can be the perfect antidote to a rainy day. Whether you’re in the mood for a massage, facial, or a full day of pampering, the spa is a serene escape. This newly renovated spa offers a large variety of services to help you pamper and treat yourself during your vacation. Start with a mimosa and a dip in the hot tub in the relaxation room before your appointment begins. No matter what relaxing service you are looking for, they have it to help create the best experience for your trip.
Flora-Bama
A staple in the Gulf Coast area, Flora-Bama is an iconic beach bar known for its live music, delicious food, and unique atmosphere. Flora-Bama has been an icon in the area since the 1960s and is open 365 days a year. Find one of the many bars and order yourself a local favorite Bushwacker before exploring the many different areas this bar has to offer. Something is always happening at Flora-Bama from live music, bingo, open mic nights, ladie’s nights, and even Sunday church services making this a popular place every day of the week.
Lulu’s
Owned by the renowned Lucy Buffett, Lulu’s is a family-friendly restaurant that combines great food with fun activities. With its lively atmosphere, arcade games, and ample space, it’s an ideal spot for keeping the whole family entertained on a red flag day. You’ll find attractions for kids such as the Moutain of Youth and Munchkin Mountain, a caricature artist, hair wraps & henna, and more depending on the day and season. Lulu’s also offers allergy friendly menu options with separate menus for allergens such as dairy, gluten, eggs, shellfish, soy, seafood, seasame, and nuts making it the most allergen friendly restaurant in the area.
When the red flag is up, there’s no need to let inclement weather ruin your Gulf Shores and Orange Beach experience. From exploring local attractions to indulging in a bit of pampering, these activities ensure that your vacation remains full of fun and excitement, rain or shine. So, the next time you encounter a red flag, embrace the opportunity to discover new adventures beyond the beach!
Looking for adult activities to pass your red flag day? Check out my blog about Top 7 Bushwackers in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and check out some local restaurants along the way.
