Easter on the Gulf Coast: Make Your Holiday Hoppin’

Easter on the Gulf Coast: Make Your Holiday Hoppin’

When spring rolls around and the azaleas start showing off, you know it’s time to dust off your Sunday best and start getting ready for Easter. On the Gulf Coast, we don’t just celebrate—we go all out, blending faith, family, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re looking for a sunrise service on the sand, an old-fashioned egg hunt, or a feast that’ll have you loosening your belt a notch, there’s an Easter event waiting for you on the Coast.

Sunrise Services: Worship by the Waves

There’s something downright heavenly about watching the sun peek over the Gulf while celebrating the resurrection. Easter sunrise services along Alabama’s Gulf Coast offer a peaceful and powerful way to start the day.

  • Flora-Bama Easter Service – This legendary beach bar might be known for its bushwackers and live music, but come Sunday, it transforms into a place of worship. Thousands gather for Easter sunrise and mid-morning services right on the beach. Bring a lawn chair or just sink your toes in the sand as you listen to an uplifting message with the Gulf as your backdrop.
  • Gulf State Park Pavilion Service – If you prefer a quieter spot, this service offers the same breathtaking sunrise but with a little more elbow room. Hosted by local churches, it’s a peaceful way to reflect on the meaning of the day.
  • Hangout Easter Service – The Hangout in Gulf Shores hosts an Easter morning service with live worship music and a family-friendly atmosphere. Afterward, you can grab breakfast and let the kids enjoy some beachside fun.

Egg Hunts & Family Fun: The More the Merrier

Let’s be honest—kids may love Easter for the meaning behind it, but they’re also in it for the eggs. Lucky for them, the Gulf Coast knows how to throw an egg hunt that’s bigger than a barnyard bash.

  • Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny Photos at The Wharf – Over in Orange Beach, The Island Church puts on an egg-stravaganza with a massive egg hunt, live music, face painting, and photo ops with the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt takes place on April 12 at 11 AM, so be sure to bring your basket and get ready for some fun! Bonus: Parents can do a little shopping while the kids run off some energy.
  • OWA Parks Bunnies and Baskets – If you’re looking to go beyond an egg hunt, OWA’s Easter events are the way to go. Taking place on April 12, 13, and 19, families can enjoy Mr. Bunny meet-and-greets, crafts, and plenty of sweet treats. The egg hunt happens on April 19, making it the perfect way to wrap up the Easter fun with a day full of excitement.
  • Lulu’s Easter Egg Dash – Lulu’s in Gulf Shores isn’t just about good food and good times—it’s also the perfect place to celebrate Easter! Stop by on Easter Sunday, April 20, from 1-3 PM for Lulu’s Easter Egg Dash. The dash happens at 2 PM sharp, so don’t be late! Plus, kids can enjoy crafts, activities, and photos with the Easter Bunny throughout the event.
  • Pleasure Island Junior Women’s Club Bunny Hop – Also at The Wharf, this fun-filled event takes place on April 5 and includes a 5K Fun Run, inflatables for kids, face painting, and entertainment for the whole family. Best of all, it supports a great cause—the Ann Reese Grote Memorial Scholarship. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate Easter while giving back to the community.

Easter Eats: Southern-Style Feasts

Easter Sunday calls for a meal that’s fit for a king (or at least a Southern mama who knows her way around the kitchen). If you’d rather let someone else do the cooking while you enjoy this special holiday, there are plenty of spots serving up a feast.

  • Perdido Beach Resort – Celebrate Easter with a festive brunch at Perdido Beach Resort on Sunday, April 20th, at 11:30 AM in the Grand Ballroom. Enjoy a delicious spread for adults and kiddos, including everything from Gulf Shrimp to traditional Southern fixings. Start the day with a Sunrise Service at Paradise Point, and let the little ones enjoy crafts and a visit from the Easter Bunny. This sweet day begins at 11 AM and lasts until 2 PM.
  • Coast Restaurant at The Beach Club Resort & Spa – Hosting an Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 20, Coast Restaurant offers a variety of salad, entrée, and dessert options, including dishes like Crab Spinach and Tomato Omelet, Chicken & Waffles, and Shrimp & Grits. Reservations are required so be sure to plan ahead!
  • Brunch with the Bunny at Tacky Jack’s – This fun-filled event is a great way for families to celebrate the holiday a little early. Happening on Sunday, April 13, this festive brunch includes a delicious buffet, live DJ, arts and crafts, face painting, and free photos with the Easter Bunny. It’s the perfect opportunity for little ones to enjoy some Easter magic while parents relax with great food and waterfront views. Reservations are recommended, so be sure to secure your spot!
  • Cobalt Restaurant – Known for hosting a decadent Easter brunch, Cobalt typically offers a spread featuring prime rib, shrimp and scallop cakes, pork loin, lamb, and an omelet station, alongside an array of sides and desserts. The official 2025 menu hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s a top spot for an Easter meal with beautiful waterfront views.

Springtime Strolls & Southern Hospitality

After all the celebrating (and eating), there’s no better way to soak in the holiday than with a stroll along the shore or through one of the area’s scenic spots. Spring is the perfect time to explore Gulf State Park, walk the trails at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, or simply take in the fresh air on a beachside porch with a glass of sweet tea. The Gulf Coast comes alive this time of year, and there’s no better way to reflect on the season than by immersing yourself in its beauty.

Easter on Alabama’s Gulf Coast is more than just a holiday—it’s an experience. It’s the sound of children laughing as they chase after eggs, the sight of families gathered around a big table, and the feel of warm sand underfoot as you start your Sunday with a sunrise service. Whether you’re a visitor or lucky enough to call this place home, Easter down here is something special.

So, y’all come on down, bring your Sunday best (or just your flip-flops), and celebrate Easter the Gulf Coast way—full of faith, family, and a whole lot of fun. And if you’re looking for the perfect place to stay, Beachball Properties offers cozy, family-friendly vacation rentals that make your Easter getaway even sweeter.

Come Have a Ball at the Beach!

Ginger & Hunter Harrelson