When you think of Mardi Gras celebrations, family-friendly may not come to mind.
I can assure you that Gulf Shores is a great destination for families who want to experience Mardi Gras in an environment that isn’t an adults-only crowd.
Speaking of adults, I brought my 22-year-old son, who had never experienced a southern Mardi Gras before.
I fully realize that if given the option, he would rather go with friends, but this gave us a great opportunity to have some quality one-on-one time together, which is rare with our work schedules.
I knew that it would also be a great place for him to experience his first Mardi Gras in the South at Alabama’s Beaches.
I’m sharing Mardi Gras-themed adventures along with fun things to do during a visit to Alabama’s Beaches, year-round.
This article is written in partnership with Visit Alabama’s Beaches. All opinions are my own, and this article contains affiliate links.
My son had visited Gulf Shores for previous spring breaks with friends, but this was our first visit together.
Our visit was a great mix of Mardi Gras-themed events, incredible food, and outdoor adventure.
Mardi Gras Parades in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL
- Mystics of Pleasure & The Marshals
- LuLu’s Mardi Gras Party & Boat Parade
- Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade
- Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade
- Moonpies on Main
Nearby OWA Parks & Resort Mardi Gras Parade & Party
During our visit, we attended two nighttime parades, a daytime parade, and a boat parade.
I’d recommend experiencing a few parades because each one has its own personality.
Also, there’s something about making eye contact with someone on the parade float and having a mini moment of connection when you catch one of the throws they tossed.
Plan Ahead for Mardi Gras in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Many of the Mardi Gras celebrations take place before and on “Fat Tuesday,” the day before the Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday.
This year, Fat Tuesday is Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
You’ll also want to factor in parade times, road closures, and logistics in advance. For example, we were hoping to catch the Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade before the Boat Parade at LuLu’s.
We even found a coveted parking spot along the parade route after about 15 minutes of searching for available parking in overcrowded lots and side streets.
We realized that our location toward the end of the Orange Beach Mardi Gras parade route would cause us to miss the upcoming Mardi Gras boat parade at LuLu’s because of parade traffic and timing.
We had to choose between the two parades and left before it started, arriving at LuLu’s with time to spare before the LuLu’s boat parade began.
It’s safe to say that you’re going to have a great time at LuLu’s.
I’ve seen many Mardi Gras parades over the years, but I was really excited to watch the boat parade at LuLu’s because it’s unique.
LuLu’s is also a great spot for live music and fantastic food, including Seafood Gumbo and Gulf Shrimp and Grits.
There are also areas on-site where kids can play, a ropes course, and a Beach Arcade.
Mardi Gras Throws
A Mardi Gras throw is a trinket or keepsake tossed in the crowd from the parade floats.
Be on the lookout for Moon Pies, beads, stuffed animals, balls, and more at the parades.
Keep in mind that not all beads are created equally. Be on the lookout for special designs and glow necklaces, too.
If you don’t want to keep the majority of what you catch, you can always find people along the parade route who will take your extras.
We found a couple whose daughter is a teacher, and she uses the extra beads as an incentive for her students for completing reading challenges at her elementary school.
Also, be on the lookout online for area businesses and parks with a bead recycling program to help reduce landfill waste.
What to Pack for a Mardi Gras Parade
A few things I recommend bringing to a Mardi Gras parade
- A small umbrella– flip it upside down, and it’s easy to catch all the throws
- A small backpack/ daypack to carry anything you want to keep
- Drinks/ water bottle and snacks if you get to the parade route early, and for the duration of the parade.
- A foldable stool or collapsible camping chair can come in handy, so you don’t have to stand while waiting for the parade to start
- Glo Necklaces and bracelets for the Night Parades
- Clothing with green, purple, and gold. (Find Mardi Gras themed apparel and hats here)
MoonPies on Main at The Wharf
This Mardi Gras Parade is great for families for several reasons, and I’d recommend prioritizing this parade if you need to narrow down your options during a visit.
Parking is easier to find, and there’s plenty of space to set up chairs along the parade route.
There are a variety of Mardi Gras themed activities going on throughout the day and into the evening.
During the afternoon, there are kids’ activities, a (walking) kids parade, a pet parade, followed by the float parade in the evening, and a laser light show experience.
And you’re surrounded by restaurants, bars, entertainment, and shops while you wait for the parades.
Drinks at 8 Reale OBAL (Speakeasy)
4851 Wharf Pkwy D-112, Orange Beach, AL (At The Wharf)
For patrons 21+, check out the 8 Reale speakeasy before or after the Moon Pies on Main Mardi Gras parade.
You’ll find classic cocktails on the menu along with contemporary cocktails using fresh, local ingredients.
Check out the 8 Reale Facebook page for the password clue each day that you’ll need to get in.
I tried the “Tracy Byrd” made with a blend of watermelon, jalapeño, Blanco tequila, Aperol, and citrus.
My son enjoyed the Smoked Rosemary Old Fashioned made with whiskey, bitters, and a charred, aromatic rosemary sprig.
Mardi Gras Food and Drink Trail in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Let’s be honest, a big part of celebrating Mardi Gras is all of the delicious food!
Here are stops on the trail
- King Cake Iced Coffee at Beach Girl Coffee
- Mardi Gras Omelet at Another Broken Egg
- King Cake Milkshake at Milkshake Momma
- Kreweser Amber Ale at Big Beach Brewing
- Jambalaya at Acme Oyster House
- King Cake Daiquiri at High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas
- Mardi Gras Bushwacker at Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster, Shrimp Basket, Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails, and Avenue Pub
- Seafood Gumbo at LuLu’s (pictured above)
- King Cake at BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets
More suggestions that aren’t on the official trail
I’m also going to add beignets (deep-fried airy dough dusted in powdered sugar) at King Neptune’s and a Bushwacker doughnut at Parlor Doughnuts.
Their proprietary dough has flaky layers and a croissant-like texture.
The Bushwacker doughnut is topped with a coconut, coffee, and rum-flavored glaze and finished with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and a cherry on top.
Enjoy a Mardi Gras Bushwacker
Gulf Shores has a “Bushwacker Trail” featuring the boozy dessert-like cocktail made with rum, coffee liqueur, creme de cacao, and coconut cream, as well as Bushwacker-inspired desserts.
The frozen drink basically tastes like a boozy Frosty from Wendy’s.
You’ll find variations of the drink throughout the area, including seasonal King Cake flavors for Mardi Gras themed Bushwackers. This drink is also available as a mocktail.
- Souther Shores Coffee
- Moe’s Original Bar-B-Q
- Cobalt
- Pink Pony Pub
- Coastal Orange Beach
- Yoho Rum & Tacos
- Tacky Jacks
- OSO at Bear Point Harbor
- The Southern Grind
- Bahama Bob’s
- LuLu’s
- Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar
I would definitely say that Flora-Bama is one of the top spots to try a Bushwacker. They also have live music and a fun vibe.
We enjoyed our Bushwackers and charbroiled oysters while listening to live music on the beach.
Flora-Bama is family-friendly for all ages until 6PM every day, and at 6 PM, ages 18 and up are permitted entry.
Flora-Bama is located on the Florida/ Alabama border and has a fun photo spot that marks the boundary.
Dinner at Ginny Lane Bar & Grill
4851 Wharf Pkwy., Ste. D106, Orange Beach, AL 36561 (At The Wharf)
My older son loves seafood, which always makes him a fun one to go out to eat with.
He was pretty excited about the all-you-can-eat crawfish on Sunday night at Ginny Lane Bar & Grill
And I was a big fan of their Cajun Pasta…and my son was happy to help me with my leftovers the following day.
Their menu offers pasta dishes, USDA Prime beef, free-range chicken, gluten-free menu items, and more.
You can get my full list of dining recommendations for breakfast and lunch/dinner here.
Drinks at High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas (Mardi Gras Trail)
807 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL
This is definitely a fun Mardi Gras Trail to make for all ages, thanks to mocktail and alcoholic drink options, including flights.
I tried the King Cake, Mardi Gras, Key Lime, and Green Apple Margarita flavors for my flight.
My son enjoyed the Blue Angel, Peanut Butter Bushwacker, Miami Vice, and High Tide flavors.
Additional Adventures Around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
There are so many unique things to do around Gulf Shores year-round.
Of course, no visit to the area is complete without spending time on the beach!
What’s not to love about enjoying time in turquoise waters and white sand beaches?
I enjoy peaceful sunrise walks on the beach while waiting for my son to wake up for each day’s adventures.
Hike the Jeff Friend Trail in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
12295 Hwy. 180, Gulf Shores, AL
When I say “hike,” I’m using the term loosely.
This flat 1-mile loop hike/walk is one you can easily do in your flip flops.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 7,000 acres of coastal lands, including woodlands and beach dunes.
There are several areas where you can sit and enjoy the view, and the trails are open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Bike the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Gulf State Park – 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores, AL
You can choose your biking adventure on 28+ miles of paved trails on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails.
The best part about this bike trail is its diversity.
There are nine different ecosystems that you can travel through while riding on more than 28 miles of boardwalks and paved trails.
Take a picture of the map because it’s easy to get lost if you’re exploring trail connection points and don’t backtrack.
There’s also a chance that you may see “Lefty the Alligator” (who is missing her
right paw) in the marshy area. We saw a few alligators during our ride, including Lefty.
Whenever you see a group of people standing around, it’s safe to say there is something to see.
Gulf State Park Bike Share Program
If you don’t have a bike with you during your visit, it’s not a problem!
The state park has a free Bike Share program, or you can rent bikes with Beach Bike Rentals.
Beach Bike Rentals is the best option for younger families with kids under age 16. They offer a variety of bike rental options along with kids’ trailers and kids’ pull-behind bikes.
Rideshare bikes are available at the Woodside Restaurant (20249 State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL ) and the Gulf State Park Pavilion. (22250 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL)
You must download the Bloom Bike Share App, available for both iPhone and Android.
Kayak Rental with Perdido Beach Services
We enjoyed some time paddling on the water with a double-seater kayak rental from Perdido Beach Services.
I love any excuse to spend time on the water, and kayaking helps you appreciate your surroundings from a different vantage point.
The double seater kayak is available to rent for 30 minutes, an hour, or a full day.
It was easy to maneuver in the water, and the rental also comes with life jackets.
Visit 600+ Alligators at Alligator Alley
19950 County Rd. 71, Summerdale, AL
This attraction is only 34 minutes from Gulf Shores, AL, which makes it a great stop before or after your beach vacation.
View 600+ alligators from hatchlings to mature adults, relaxing, sunbathing, courting, and nesting during a self-guided tour.
All of the alligators at Alligator Alley are rescued and transported to the Alligator farm to give them a natural environment.
The alligators are considered “nuisance animals” because they lost their natural fear of humans, making them dangerous.
The elevated boardwalk at “The Swamp” was our favorite spot to observe gators in a natural habitat.
You can purchase a cup of alligator chow for the gators. Keep in mind that the most active/hungry alligators are in “The Swamp.”
You can observe alligator feeding times at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM daily, or purchase a cup of alligator chow to feed them yourself. Staff will also let you hold a baby alligator.
Where We Stayed: Boardwalk by Young’s Suncoast Vacation Rentals
409 East Beach Blvd. Unit 782, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542
During this visit, we stayed at Boardwalk by Young’s Suncoast Vacation Rentals in unit 782.
This waterfront 7th-floor unit is a 2-bedroom 2-bathroom condo that can accommodate up to 7 people.
The condo is within walking distance of many area restaurants in Gulf Shores and is also on the Gulf Shores parade route.
It was so convenient to watch the parade from the parking lot of our condo without having to fight traffic for a parking spot.
Additional Accommodations in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL
You can find additional hotels and vacation rentals in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL, here.
Ready to Book Your Flight?
Allegiant Airlines offers direct flights to Gulf Shores/ Orange Beach, AL, from the following cities:
Year-round Service
- Cincinnati (CVG)
- St. Louis/ Belleville (BLV)
Seasonal Operation
- Huntsville
- Oklahoma City
- Omaha
- Springfield Missouri
- Louisville, KY
