Top Things to Do on the Gulf Coast This Fall (Pensacola, Perdido Key & Gulf Shores)

Discover the best fall things to do on the Gulf Coast—Pensacola, Perdido Key & Gulf Shores. Warm water, fewer crowds, Blue Angels, trails, jazz, and more.

Mountains and trails are great... but this fall, the Gulf Coast is calling with warm breezes, sugar-white sand, and sunsets dipped in tangerine and gold.

Between Perdido Key, Pensacola, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach, you'll find easy days that blend nature paths with lively neighborhoods, seafood shacks with jazz bars, and kid-friendly stops with grown-up culture. Ride boardwalks through pine forests, toast local art under twinkle lights, watch jets carve the sky, or simply settle into your vacation rental for pool time and a homemade shrimp supper.

It's relaxed, colorful, and wonderfully unhurried—the kind of trip where mornings stretch and evenings glow.

In a hurry? Here's a gist of what there is to do.

• Play Perdido Key: Tee Off at Lost Key Golf Club
• Bike Gulf Shores: Cruise the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
• Explore Gulf Shores: Meet the "Little Zoo That Could"
• Festival-Hop Pensacola: Do Foo Foo Fest & Great Gulfcoast Arts
• Stroll Downtown Pensacola: Walk the Haunted Lanes
• Hear Pensacola Swing: Slip Into Tuesday Jazz at Seville Quarter
• Cheer Pensacola: Rally for the Ice Flyers at the Bay Center
• Marvel NAS Pensacola: Chase the Blue Angels at Practice
• Ferry Pensacola: Cruise the Coast on the Bay City Ferry
• Shop the Coast: Tanger Outlets, The Wharf & Downtown Pensacola
• Bonus pick. 

At Luxury Coastal Vacations, we provide amazing rental options along the Gulf Coast. We're local experts, and if you ever need more tips on the Gulf Coast, head over to our destination blog. We've covered a variety of topics, including the top pet-friendly spots, kid-friendly activities, and tips for a perfect beach day.

In this guide, we'll dive into great things to do on the Gulf Coast this fall.

1. Play a Round at LOST KEY GOLF CLUB in Perdido Key

Threading through protected coastal habitat, Lost Key is an Arnold Palmer–designed 18-hole that feels secluded yet welcoming. Fall brings milder temps, gentler winds, and golden light over the wetlands. If your condo sits within the Lost Key community, check whether golf perks are included; otherwise, book direct. Aim for an early tee time to catch that soft Gulf breeze.

Why you'll love it

• Playable challenge with scenic wetlands
• Fall weather = fewer crowds, better pace
• Easy pair-up with brunch or beach time

2. Bike the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail at Gulf State Park

With roughly 29 miles of paved trails and boardwalks, Gulf State Park is a dream for casual riders and families. Start at Rosemary Dunes, swing by the Butterfly Garden, then climb Gulf Oak Ridge for views. Prefer a quieter, no-bike ramble? Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for a peaceful, on-foot morning among dunes and pines.

Why you'll love it

• Smooth, well-signed paths for all levels
• Wildlife sightings and photo-friendly lookouts
• Cafés and beaches close by for an easy lunch stop
  

3. Meet the "Little Zoo That Could" at Alabama GULF COAST ZOO

This modern, leafy campus is manageable in a half day—ideal if you're juggling naps and beach time. Expect a mix of familiar favorites and endangered species, plus keeper talks that are genuinely engaging. Go early for cooler temps, then roll into nearby Gulf Shores eateries for seafood with a view. It's a simple, satisfying family morning.

Why you'll love it

• Compact, stroller-friendly layout
• Educational encounters without overwhelm
• Pairs neatly with a beach afternoon

4. Festival-Hop: Foo Foo Fest + Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival in Pensacola

Build a culture-rich weekend by pairing city-wide Foo Foo Fest happenings with the juried Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival in Seville Square. Browse artists by day, catch concerts and installations at night, and refuel along Palafox with coffee or cocktails. Check dates before you go and pin your plan to a few must-see sets.

Why you'll love it

• Walkable, festive historic core
• Quality art + live performances
• Plenty of food trucks and local bites nearby

5. Walk the Haunted Lanes with HISTORIC PENSACOLA

These evening walks mix architecture, folklore, and early-settlement stories as lantern light skims brick facades. It's atmosphere over jump-scares—think old porches, creaking floors, and tall tales well told. Wear comfy shoes, bring a light jacket, and arrive a touch early to explore the Historic Village before tour time.

Why you'll love it

• Story-driven, not gimmicky
• Photogenic streets after dusk
• Easy dinner-and-a-tour combo night

6. Slip into Tuesday Jazz at SEVILLE QUARTER

Slide into Lili Marlene's on a Tuesday evening for live jazz where locals settle in with a drink and easy conversation. It's intimate, unhurried, and perfect after a day outdoors. Grab an early table, then linger—sets tend to build nicely as the room warms up.

Why you'll love it

• Low-key, genuinely local vibe
• Walkable to other bars and late-night eats
• A simple, satisfying midweek ritual

7. Rally for the Pensacola ICE FLYERS at the Bay Center

Catch the Ice Flyers for a fast, family-friendly night out—quick shifts, theme nights, and seats close to the action. Concessions are straightforward and parking's easy, making logistics a non-issue. Check the schedule for value nights or giveaways, then cap it off with dessert downtown.

Why you'll love it

• Affordable live sport with energy
• Indoors if the weather turns
• Kid-approved (and photo-op friendly)

8. Chase the BLUE ANGELS at NAS Pensacola Practice

Practice mornings are a thrill: jets roar late-morning, and the crowd gasps in unison at tight diamond passes. Bring ear protection, water, and a hat; arrive early as parking can fill quickly. On select days, pilots stop by the museum—worth timing if you've got superfans in tow.

Why you'll love it

• Bucket-list aviation spectacle
• Free viewing line with big-sky backdrops
• Museum next door for an easy two-for-one

9. Cruise the Coast on the PENSACOLA BAY CITY FERRY

Trade traffic for sea air and hop between downtown, Fort Pickens, and Pensacola Beach with a day pass. The ride itself is part of the joy—dolphin sightings, skyline snaps, and room to roam. Pack a light picnic, sunscreen, and a flexible plan so you can linger where it feels right.

Why you'll love it

• Scenic, stress-free transport
• Three destinations, one ticket
• Kid-friendly and stroller-friendly decks

10. Shop the Circuit: Tanger Outlets, The Wharf & Downtown Pensacola

Start in Foley for outlet staples, then drift to The Wharf for boutiques, a Ferris wheel spin, and the evening light show. Round it off downtown with indie shops along Palafox and a café stop. It's an easy way to tick gifts off your list without losing the holiday mood.

Why you'll love it

• Mix of brands and local finds
• Entertainment + dining built in
• One errand day, many wins

Bonus: Settle In and Savor Your VACATION RENTAL

Some of your best fall memories happen at "home." Plan a pool-and-pasta evening: pick up local shrimp, toss a simple seafood pasta, and eat on the balcony at sunset. Rotate in board games, a movie, or a night swim; tomorrow's outing feels better when tonight is restful and together.

Why you'll love it

• Costs less than another night out
• Space to spread out and genuinely unwind
• Easy to tailor for kids, grandparents, or friends

At-a-Glance Table

Find the Best Place to Stay in Gulf Shores

Looking for an extra idea to make the most of your vacation on the Gulf Coast? Book your stay with Luxury Coastal Vacations. We offer the finest selection of luxury rentals on the Gulf Coast, spanning Alabama and Florida.

When you choose to stay in one of our homes or condos, you can expect a 5-star experience that you'll cherish forever. Browse through our options and discover what awaits you on the beautiful Gulf Coast.