Best 2024 Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parades & Celebrations

It only happens once a year, but people from all over flock to Gulf Shores to celebrate Mardi Gras. There are beads, masks, costumes, and parades galore. Many people think of New Orleans as the birthplace of Mardi Gras but French settlers organized the first Mardi Gras celebration in Mobile, and there have been Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parades and celebrations for all ages to carry on the festivities for dozens of years.

Ready to celebrate? We’ve compiled a list of the best Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parades and events happening in 2024!

Mystics of Pleasure and The Marshals Parade

When: 5:30 pm,

When: 6:00 pm, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024

This fun parade began in 2001 to become Pleasure Island’s first nighttime Mardi Gras parading society. Watch as the Mystics of Pleasure and The Marshals roll down Perdido Beach Boulevard on motorcycles, floats, and more for this year’s one-of-a-kind Mystics of Pleasure Mardi Gras Parade.

Fort Morgan Mardi Gras Parade

When: 1:00 pm, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024

You’ve never seen Mardi Gras like this before! This unique parade finds revelers rolling down the picturesque Fort Morgan peninsula on golf carts, jeeps, boats, cars, and trailers as they toss beads and treasures up and down the coast. The route will run along Ponce De Leon Court from Triple Tale Lane to Bernard Ct. E. Space is limited, so get there early!

Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade

When: 10:00 am, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024

For the 45th year, the City of Gulf Shores will be celebrating Mardi Gras with their famous Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade! The first parade made its way through Gulf Shores in 1978 and continues to wow and excite all ages with craftily detailed floats, colorful cars, and exuberant passer-bys tossing beads into the crowd. The Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade will begin at 10 am on Fat Tuesday (Feb. 13).

LuLu’s Mardi Gras Anniversary Celebration & Boat Parade

When: 10:00 am, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024

A Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parade on the water? Check. Live music? Check. Complimentary cake? Check! This Fat Tuesday, you’ll want to be at Lulu’s for a complete day of bead-tossing, king cake eating fun. The boat parade will depart from The Wharf towards Lulu’s and Homeport Marina. The music starts at 11 am with guests dressed in costumes and good ole’ green, gold, and purple. The fun continues after the 3 pm boat parade at Lulu’s with live music, delicious food, and much more!

Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade

When: 2:00 pm, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024

Head east to Orange Beach on Fat Tuesday for the Annual Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade! Nearly 30,000 people have stood along Perdido Beach Boulevard in years past to watch dozens of vibrant floats, costumed participants, flag twirlers, and more march down the two-mile stretch to enjoy this centuries-old celebration! The parade begins at 2 pm, starting east of Phoenix West and ending at Highway 161 in Orange Beach.

MoonPies on Main at The Wharf

When: 4:00 pm, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024

If you’re looking for some family-friendly fun, head over to The Wharf on Lundi Gras (that’s the Monday before Fat Tuesday) at 4pm. The festivities will kick off with a kid and pet parade that everyone can join, followed by fun family activities and an evening float parade at 6pm. After the parade, stick around for the SPECTRA Laser Light Experience and night full of music, kids activities and more.

As we like to say, Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

Check out our blog for travel tips, news, and things to do in Gulf Shores and along the Alabama Gulf Coast!

3 Reasons to Book your Gulf Shores Vacation Early

Perhaps you’re thinking it’s still a little early to book a summer beach vacation, but really the time is now! Booking early has great perks, so skip the procrastination and start planning. The sense of relief will be amazing, and it gives you something to look forward to when your reservation is secured.

Our 3 Favorite Reasons to Book Your Vacation Early

Book with $0 Deposit

One of our favorite reasons to book a vacation early at The Beach Club by Spectrum Resorts is paying $0 deposit on reservations booked more than 30 days in advance! We want our guests to enjoy a worry-free booking experience. We eliminate risks by offering the only 100% Satisfaction Guarantee in Gulf Shores so you can have a no-hassle, no-worry experience that offers peace of mind. As a Spectrum Resorts guest at The Beach Club, you’ll have the security of knowing that if your Gulf Shores condo is not as represented, we will relocate you to a rental with similar accommodations. Nothing is left to chance!

The Beach Club Condo

Reserve the Best Condo at the Best Rate

Got your eye on a particular cottage or Gulf Shores condo? Maybe you like to reserve the same unit every year so you know what to expect. Don’t let it slip away and be singing those vacation blues—book it early so you’ll be worry-free on packing day. Booking early also means you have the best opportunity to get the best rates.

The Beach Club chair rental

Priority Reservations

Another reason to book early when planning your Gulf Shores vacation is to gain advance access to perks and specials. As the onsite rental management company, Spectrum Resorts offers added benefits like priority beach chair reservations, spa appointments (now there’s a PERK!), dinner reservations and priority cabana rentals! You can plan for these perks before you even leave home and free up valuable vacation time when you arrive.

Let’s face it, our lives are hectic enough. Let’s do all we can to make vacation time special and enjoyable. Booking early at The Beach Club Resort & Spa with Spectrum Resorts makes all the difference in your travel. Book your stay early so you and your family can concentrate on one thing—creating happy memories.

3 Hot Reasons to Book a Poolside Cabana at The Beach Club

Are you ready to upgrade your vacation at The Beach Club Resort & Spa in Gulf Shores? We’ve got the perfect option to add even more hassle-free fun and convenience to your getaway – a poolside cabana at The Clubhouse.

Located just steps from the main outdoor pool at The Clubhouse, the cabanas feature a table with chairs, personal mini-refrigerator stocked with waters and fresh fruit, three padded loungers, TV and a ceiling fan. 

Want to know more about upgrading your vacation at The Beach Club Gulf Shores? Read on to learn three fun reasons to schedule the exclusive use of a cabana.

Easy Place to Gather

Rather than venturing back upstairs to your condo or cottage, a Gulf-front cabana at The Beach Club offers the perfect spot for your family and friends to gather throughout the day. Because the cabanas are fully equipped, it’s easy to rest and relax and even escape the summer sun. You’ll have your own, private table to use for snacks, lunch or dinner throughout the day from the Gulfside Grill and the fridge comes stocked with bottled water and fruit. You also never have to worry about having access to poolside beach chairs, because each cabana comes with three comfortable loungers.

Poolside Cabana

A cabana can serve as your home base while everyone enjoys their favorite activities, whether on the beach or poolside. The ceiling fan makes it the perfect spot for a respite from the sun, especially if you have children in your group.

Close to Everything

A cabana puts you close to the hub of activity at The Beach Club Gulf Shores. The kids will be near many of the resort’s most popular activities, including Toby the Turtle Pool Parties, belly flop contests, poolside crafts and more. Mom and Dad will be near the poolside grill where they can order up their favorite craft cocktails and a heaping helping of the chef’s Roasted Pepper and Olive Hummus, Popcorn Shrimp Wrap, Laid Back Burger or five different sushi rolls. The main Clubhouse pool is just steps from the cabana, as well as a kiddie pool and an indoor pool. And, you’re also just a short walk to the beach.

Limited Availability

While there are hundreds of upscale condos at The Beach Club in Gulf Shores, cabana rentals are in limited supply with only four available. To ensure a cabana is available during your vacation, be sure to reserve it in advance. All guests can book the cabanas, however, guests of Spectrum Resorts receive a 10% discount on the $150 daily rate, making the rate $135. To rent a cabana, call a concierge specialist at (251) 224-2582.

Make the most of your family vacation this year by booking a poolside cabana. But first, start by reserving your place in the sun at The Beach Club Resort & Spa in Gulf Shores.

4 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Gulf Shores Vacation

Summer vacation is a time designed for relaxation and fun, but a lack of planning can eat up valuable time, cost more money and leave you feeling like you missed out on things you wish there had been time for.

Let’s be totally honest. Usually mom is the planner of vacation time, along with all the other hats she wears, so often it’s a major feat just to get rooms booked and get everyone packed. Finding the best value or looking up kids activities may only be an afterthought. This year make the most of your vacation by avoiding these four costly mistakes when planning your Gulf Shores vacation.

 

Vacation Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Not Booking Direct

The Beach Club Clubhouse

 

Spectrum Resorts is the official onsite management company at The Beach Club Resort & Spa. Booking with a different rental management company may leave you jealous or even frustrated once you arrive. Families miss out on the benefits of having an onsite staff available for maintenance and security 24 hours a day and seven days a week.  

Booking with a rental management company other than Spectrum Resorts at The Beach Club also means missing out on onsite discounts on dining, shopping, and spa treatments, as well as complimentary kid’s activities, Clubhouse access (indoor pool, fitness center, game room, Clubhouse pool, poolside bar and grill), and so much more. Guests booking their vacations through other companies pay a premium for these added benefits.

Don’t make the mistake of booking through a third party or with someone you’re “hoping” will turn out to be decent. Book with peace of mind and assurance you’re getting high-quality standards on your vacation rental with every amenity and added benefit your family could possibly want. Take the guesswork out and deliver a family beach vacation that will create happy memories for years to come. After all, that’s what every mom dreams of…a happy, rested and reconnected family.

 

Driving More and Playing Less

 

Bike Rentals at The Beach Club

Booking a Gulf Shores vacation rental where everything isn’t onsite is another costly mistake. By choosing a resort like The Beach Club, you have more time for play and less time commuting between activities. Designed around a village concept, at The Beach Club everything is in one place: watersports, bikes, tennis courts, basketball courts, dining, shopping, arcade, spa, and much more to keep everyone (especially mom) happy. Stop traveling from activity to activity and start playing!

 

Not Checking Bed Linen Policies

Clean Bed Guarantee

Sometimes peace of mind is worth it all. While other rental companies wash their sheets and pillowcases after every visitor, they only change out the comforters once a month, once a quarter or twice a year! Spectrum Resort’s Clean Bed Guarantee gives guests reassurance by guaranteeing that each unit will receive crisp, freshly-laundered coverlets with every new guest. Don’t make the mistake of sleeping where you don’t know the policy on clean linens.

 

Not Booking Early

The Beach Club Condos

Don’t wait! Why risk having your favorite condo or cottage rented by another guest during your vacation dates? Spectrum Resorts guests at The Beach Club pay only a $99 deposit when they book more than 45 days in advance.

A property like The Beach Club Resort & Spa (with 300 units managed by Spectrum Resorts) offers the best in luxury resorts with four Gulf-front condominium towers, as well as, lakeside cottages. Enjoy a gated community on 86 acres with private beaches, walking trails and more in a secluded atmosphere. With a beautiful location on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, The Beach Club takes families a little off-the-beaten-path for the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and reconnect. Enjoy fully-appointed kitchens, flexible one- to five-bedroom floor plans and stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico in the spacious condos or have that home-away-from-home experience in a lakeside cottage with private parking and generous two- to five-bedroom layouts. Either way, mom is a hero for discovering a resort that well-suits the entire family.

 

What are you waiting for? Book your stay at The Beach Club Resort & Spa with a vacation designed by Spectrum Resorts.

 

4 Fun Ways to Spend Easter in Gulf Shores

The advent of spring brings warmer, longer and sunnier days to our already pristine beaches. And that makes this a perfect time of year to book a vacation for Easter in Gulf Shores. Kick off the season with rest, relaxation and reconnecting. Break away from busy days and bring your Easter basket to The Beach Club Resort & Spa. We’ve got a basketful of fun waiting for you.

 

Easter in Gulf Shores

Activities

Spend your weekend with a basketful of activities courtesy of the activities team at The Beach Club, starting on Friday, April 10 and continuing through Easter Sunday. Friday activities include kids and adult tennis clinics, candy bingo, frozen treats and poolside crafts. It’s a great way to kick off Easter in Gulf Shores. 

On Saturday, April 11, celebrate Easter at our EGGstravaganza from noon to 2 p.m. It’s complimentary for guests of Spectrum Resorts at The Beach Club, and $10 for non-Spectrum guests. Kids can enjoy face painting, balloon animals, train rides, photos with the Easter bunny, a bounce house and special appearances by the Snow Queen, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty. 

Then at 4 p.m., join in the fun at the Adult Egg Dash. Adults 18 and older – this hunt is for you! Participants are assigned a specific color and can only collect eggs in that color. Lucky finders of one of the prize eggs will win a prize from the Village Mercantile, Village Hideaway, The Spa and more. Spectrum guests have complimentary access, $10 for Non-Spectrum guests or extras. Fun starts at the end of Clubhouse Boardwalk on the beach. Easter in Gulf Shores has never been more fun for kids and adults, both!

Easter Bunny

Easter Sunday begins with a beachside worship service at 9 a.m., followed by family photos on the beach at 9:30 a.m. Beach Egg Dashes for kids will be held at the end of the Avalon Boardwalk, starting with the Turtle Tot Dash for ages 4 and under at 10:30 a.m. Kids 5-7 can complete at 11 a.m. and kids 8-11 can dash to see how many eggs they can collect starting at 11:30 a.m. From 2 to 6 p.m. enjoy live music by Gypsy Pearl at the Clubhouse pool area. From egg hunting to live music, there’s something for everyone in the whole family during Easter in Gulf Shores. 

 

Manicure

Eggstra-Special Spa Day

While the kids enjoy the egg hunts, mom can prop up her feet and get her toes ready for sandal weather with specials at The Spa & Salon at The Beach Club. Be on the lookout for specials on your favorite treatments, including massages and pedicures. 

 

Water

Easter Fun on the Water

We’re not going to leave out dad. Our fourth fun way to spend an Easter vacation in Gulf Shores is to get out on the water with a rod and reel. Book a bow fishing excursion at one of the nearby charters. Call the front desk at 251-224-3300 to arrange a trip. Or, cast off on a kayak fishing excursion with Whistlin’ Waters and their expert guide, Scott Kennedy. 

Of course, there’s plenty more to do during during Easter in Gulf Shores. We’re just hitting the tip of Peter’s Cottontail.

 

Book your stay at The Beach Club with a family getaway designed by Spectrum Resorts and you’ll also enjoy complimentary bike rentals and 10% discount on resort purchases at our gated and secluded 86-acre private beach resort.

8 Great Activities for Spring Break in Gulf Shores

The short days of winter will soon be stretching into longer spring days, leaving more time to connect with your family. Rescue them from the doldrums of winter by planning a spring break in Gulf Shores everyone will love. Whether you’ve got toddlers or teens, we’re sharing our favorite Gulf Shores activities for a spring break to remember.

Waterfront Fun

Take advantage of all the onsite amenities and perks as a Spectrum Resorts guest. Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, there’s no better place to stretch out and enjoy the surf and sand. As a Spectrum guest, you’ll get priority reservations for beach chairs and umbrellas. It’s the perfect spot for ditching digital distractions and reconnecting with your family.

beach chair rentals in Gulf Shores

In addition to our private beach, guests can make a splash at one of the members-only pools at the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse offers an indoor and outdoor pool. Our junior guests have even been known to call the spacious outdoor pool the “turtle pool.” This is where you’ll likely run into Toby the Turtle, our resort mascot who keeps families entertained with fun games, dances, and challenges. Reserve a poolside cabana, order lunch from the Gulfside Bar & Grill and enjoy a family spring break vacation that’s truly a vacation.

 

Take to the Skies on a Hot Air Balloon

Experience Gulf Shores like never before on a hot air balloon ride with Gulf View Ballooning! Providing incredible scenes and vistas, a hot air balloon ride is a unique and unforgettable experience for any rider. Whether you’re looking to impress on a date or make new memories with your family, you can’t go wrong with this one-of-a-kind experience. Rides can accommodate up to 3 people. Call (251) 970-3598 for more information.

 

Rent a Bike

Peddle away and explore The Beach Club’s 85 acres by bike. Complimentary bike rentals and helmets are available in child and adult sizes. Life is busy. What better way to slow it down than enjoying fresh air and your family’s laughter as you remember your bike-riding skills!

complimentary bike rentals in Gulf Shores

 

Enjoy a Tasty Treat

While you’re out peddling, stop by The Village Creamery. Flash your SpectrumBand and treat the kids to a complimentary ice cream scoop. Want to make it a double, but left your wallet in the condo? No problem. Use your SpectrumBand to charge your treats to your condo, and continue on with your worry-free day.

 

Visit the Zoo

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to more than 500 exotic creatures, including lions, primates, reptiles, and leopards! Visitors can even get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s most exotic creatures, including kangaroos, lemurs, and sloths. The zoo includes its own picnic area, seasonal concessions, and a gift shop, and is a great way to spend a day with the family. Kids will love the mining sluice, a hands-on experience that allows kids to search for gemstones, fossils, and collector rocks. Contact (251) 968-5732 for more info and tickets.

Beach Campfires

When the day is done, the memory making doesn’t have to be. Roast marshmallows and make s’mores with a Sunset or After-Sunset Beach Campfire, exclusive for Spectrum Resorts’ guests. Create a spring break that everyone will remember – from toddlers to teens.

Spring Break Tip: Book your beach campfire when you make your spring break reservation and save 10% on your package. Campfire packages come complete with chairs, bottled water, s’mores, roasting sticks and an attendant to handle set up and clean up. Other than relaxing with your family, you don’t have to worry about a thing.

beach campfire

 

Take a Scenic Hike

Beautiful views don’t just exist at the beach in Gulf Shores. Take the time to traverse Fort Morgan Road Trail, a 10.8 mile out-and-back paved trail that is surrounded by lush forest and local flora. Or visit Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park for sights and sounds of six different ecosystems.

 

Nearby Spring Break Activities

While there’s plenty to do at The Beach Club, you’re also just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown Gulf Shores and nearby Foley, Alabama. Book a Gulf Shores dolphin cruise and spend a few hours searching for Flipper and his friends. Take a deep-sea fishing trip and reel in dinner. See who’s the best putter in the family with a game of miniature golf. Or, head to nearby Foley and ride OWA’s 21 thrill rides.

 

We know life can be hectic, and sometimes the opportunity to create happy memories with your family can be few and far between. Enjoy time together to relax and reconnect this spring break in Gulf Shores at The Beach Club Resort & Spa.

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