Get ready to light up the night and enjoy the fun that can only be had during a holiday on Alabama’s Coastal Connection in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
ACC July 4th

Celebrations start early along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Visit The Wharf in Orange Beach on July 2 for some fun sure to brighten your holiday. Kids’ activities begin at 5 p.m. A rock wall, face painting, bounce houses and an animal petting area of llamas and monkeys will be available, said Sheena Mizell, marketing manager for The Wharf. Visitors will get a double treat that night with the fireworks show beginning at 8:45 p.m., followed by the Spectra Light Show that is set to music. Parking at The Wharf is free, and the best place to view the fireworks and light show is on Main Street.

Get your blood pumping and your feet moving early on the Fourth for The Shark Run at the Flora-Bama. During the 1-Mile Adventure Run, participants run a course entirely on the beach. The Original Adventure Run has participants run two miles on the road, followed by 2.5 miles on beach sand. During both runs, the participants wear a flag-football belt and get chased by “sharks.” New this year is a 4-Mile All-Road Race. All races begin at 7 a.m.

Want something a little more historical? Take a trip back in time when you journey to Fort Morgan July 4 for the Salute to American Independence. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., historical interpreters dressed in U.S. Army uniforms from different eras of the fort’s occupation will conduct guided tours. You’ll enjoy demonstrations of small arms and artillery, as well as other presentations showing what life was like in the military garrison.

Fireworks are part of the annual tradition in Gulf Shores, with the big display usually launched at 9 p.m. from a barge stationed south of the public beach. Stake out a piece of sand and enjoy the show! Visitors staying at condos are treated to a unique view of the brightly lit skies from their balconies.