Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Travel Guide
Visit Gulf Shores any month of the year and you’ll find excellent seafood—but if you want the freshest catches, it helps to know what’s in season. This guide highlights what’s typically biting in early spring, where to enjoy local favorites, and how to bring fresh Gulf flavor back to your condo kitchen.
Common March–April Catches
Seasonal Notes
Some of the fish that are commonly biting during March and April include:
Early spring also tends to be a last call for the official oyster season—an easy reason to sample as many fresh varieties as you can. And don’t worry about the end of oyster season too much: hard-shell crab season typically begins in April, which means more opportunities for unforgettable Gulf Coast meals.
When you’re craving a true coastal meal, start with seasonal shellfish (especially during months that include an “R”) and explore local menus that highlight Gulf flavors. Below are reliable dining picks to consider while you’re in town.
Staying in a beachfront condo in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach makes it easy to turn fresh seafood into an at-home (but oceanfront) experience. If you have a car, pack an ice chest and make a Saturday morning trip to nearby Foley to shop seasonal produce, meats, and seafood at the Coastal Alabama Farmer’s Market.
For an even larger seafood selection, you can swing through Bon Secour and visit Billy’s Seafood. Many locals love the dock-to-market freshness—perfect for a simple shrimp boil, grilled fish, or crab legs with a cold drink.
Choose a beach condo near the dining, marinas, and markets you want to explore—then enjoy every meal with the Gulf as your backdrop.
Early spring commonly features catches like grouper, mullet, sheepshead, black drum, and Spanish mackerel.
Early spring often aligns with the end of the official oyster season, making it a popular time to enjoy fresh oysters.
Well-known options include Original Oyster House, Desoto’s Seafood Kitchen, King Neptune’s Seafood Restaurant, and Sea-N-Suds.
Favorites include Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina, Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar, Doc’s Seafood & Steaks, and GTs on the Bay.
Consider local markets such as Coastal Alabama Farmer’s Market and seafood shops like Billy’s Seafood for a great selection.