Discover Fun Things to do on Vacation on the Gulf Coast! ~ Southern Vacation Rentals
Summer isn’t over yet! In fact, it’s just getting started. With July heating up, there has never been a better time to visit the Gulf Coast. Some of our favorite memories have been made right here on the beach in the summertime, and we invite you to do the same. Not to mention, there are so many fun things to do on vacation that you’ll be endlessly entertained. From firework displays to air shows and everything in between, you won’t want to miss out on the fun events on the Gulf Coast! Go ahead and start planning your trip down south, and don’t miss out on the fun things to do on vacation while you’re here!
Destin
If you’ve ever visited Destin in the summer, then you’ll know that there is no shortage of fun things to do on vacation here. This slice of the Gulf Coast thrives during this time of year, and July is no exception! If you’re staying for the 4th of July, then you’re in luck, as this week is full of fun activities. In addition to magnificent fireworks displays, the area’s popular Smoke on the Coast event is back for another year. Kick off the 4th of July at Destin Commons and sample barbecue, listen to live music, and watch a magnificent fireworks display at 9 PM.
Meanwhile, if you’re coming to visit in August, you won’t want to miss out on the Emerald Coast Poker Run or Paddle at the Porch. The Poker Run takes place on August 10th, with powerboats, fishing boats, and pleasure boats filling Destin’s waterways to race for charity. Held in Destin for the last 25 years, the proceeds from the Emerald Coast Poker Run directly benefit the Emerald Coast Foundation which helps out local charities. Then, the following weekend, Paddle at the Porch showcases Destin’s beautiful waters as well, with a Kids’ Fun Paddle, 1-Mile Beginner Ride, 3-Mile Recreational Race, and 6-Mile Elite Race held behind the Back Porch Seafood & Oyster Bar.
Pensacola Beach
All aboard to Pensacola Beach this summer for some fun under the sun! We’re on the heels of the area’s biggest event, with the 2019 Blue Angels Airshow just a week away. Come see the Blue Angels practice all week long before their big performance on Saturday, June 13th. We still have some availability for Pensacola Beach, Florida vacation rentals for the Blue Angels weekend, but don’t wait to book! For the best view of the Blues, stay beachfront at Beach Dunes, a spacious five-bedroom house with enough room for 18 guests. Believe us when we say there is nothing like seeing the planes fly right over your private balcony!
On Tuesdays, linger a little later in the evenings for Bands on the Beach. If you like live music with the water as a backdrop, this is the perfect event for you! Grab a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy great music from local bands while the sun sets in the distance. This free event is incredibly popular but fills up fast, so you’ll want to get there early to secure your spot! Fortunately, Bands on the Beach lasts all the way until October, so you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy some tunes this summer.
And, with the Pensacola Bay Cruises back in action this summer, you can easily cruise from Pensacola Beach to Downtown Pensacola all day long. You can even go to historic Fort Pickens, as your cruise ticket includes admission for the whole day. This is truly a unique and exciting way to experience all Pensacola has to offer!
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Meanwhile, venture a little farther out west to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, where you’ll find a vibrant array of events right on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. In less than two weeks, the 2019 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic will be underway. Known as “the greatest show in sportfishing,” the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic kicks off on July 10th and carries on until July 13th. Anglers have the opportunity to win grand prizes, while the weigh-ins are free and open to the public. You won’t believe the size of some of these fish!
The Wharf in Orange Beach is also home to more fun things to do on vacation. You could spend an entire day here and never be bored! Dance the night away to live music at Island Time Daiquiri and the Sandshaker, or catch your favorite artist at the Wharf Amphitheatre. The Wharf also hosts Kids Night every Tuesday from 5:30-8:30 PM. Open to the public and free (although face paintings are $5-$10), kids will love games, a bouncy house, water slides, and so much more. Plus, each Tuesday has a different theme to keep things fresh and exciting.
Did you know that, in addition to all the fun things to do on vacation, you can also create your own fun with our Southern Perks? Visitors across all of our areas receive special discounts on activities like dolphin cruises, fishing charters, and so much more. You can even experience a sunset dinner cruise, parasail over the Gulf of Mexico, or simply rent bikes to cruise through our beach communities. Book your Gulf Coast vacation rental and discover a one-of-a-kind way to experience the beach!
