Aerial Photos Memorial Day Weekend over the Orange Beach, Gulf Shores & Perdido Key Beaches

R. Ken Cooper • May 24, 2020

Saturday over the beaches and islands of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach & Perdido Key 

(OBA®) - It was a very busy day with people enjoying the sunny beaches, the warm gulf and boating around the Orange Beach Islands. 

As some of you know, we do an annual flight on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend over the Islands and capture photos of the boaters, swimmers and people on the shore. We were flying with Lost Bay Helicopters out ot the Jack Edwards Airport in a red chopper.

Photos from today's flight over... 

(Click the play button to start the slideshow or the right arrow to view the photos or click here to view fullscreen.)
In my estimation, this was a record year for the most boaters in Cotton Bayou, Terry Cove and Bayou St. John. In the two photos below, from similar angles of Terry Cove, Bird Island and Bayou St. John, you can see the difference in the number of boats in 2019 and 2020.

May 23, 2020 Photo of the Orange Beach Islands, Terry Cove and Bayou St. John
2020-05-23-Orange Beach Islands Memorial Day - Saturday
May 25, 2019 Photo of the Orange Beach Islands, Terry Cove and Bayou St. John
2019-05-25-Orange Beach Islands Memorial Day - Saturday

Photos from 2019 Memorial Day Saturday Around the Islands

(Click the play button to start the slideshow or the right arrow to view the photos or click here to view fullscreen.)

Share this article w/ Friends...

Orange Beach Schools Names Laatsch as Assistant Athletic Director
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools has appointed Chris Laatsch as their new Assistant Athletic Director. The announcement came Wednesday as school officials welcomed the veteran coach to his expanded role within the athletics program.
Mystery Urn Washes Ashore in Gulf Shores
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – An unusual discovery was made on the beaches of Gulf Shores last week. A funeral urn containing human ashes washed ashore after apparently being released into the Gulf of Mexico.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Hosts Summer Zoo Camp for Kids
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is inviting kids to experience a summer of adventure through its 2025 Zoo Camp program. The camp will give young animal lovers a hands-on opportunity to learn about wildlife and conservation.
Orange Beach Powerboat Week Returns for the Sixth Year
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The 6th Annual Orange Beach Powerboat Week is coming to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The three-day event brings fast boats, fun runs, and parties to the area.
Foley Sanitation Department Faces Spring Cleanup Delays
By Guy Busby April 23, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Foley is asking residents to be patient as spring-cleaning and yard work increase the need for limb collection services, according to the City of Foley website. The Foley Sanitation Department collects tree limbs weekly from homes across the city. However, officials said temporary high demand may delay collections on some routes by about one day.
2025 National Shrimp Festival Poster Winner
By OBA Staff April 22, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores-based artist Michael Swiger has been selected as the winner of the 52nd Annual National Shrimp Festival poster contest, festival organizers announced Monday.
Gulf Shores Planning Commission Meeting to Discuss Bar Permit and Water Tower
By John Mullen April 22, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Shores Planning Commission will hear a request from the owners of Hibas Karaoke and Arcade Bar for a conditional use permit to allow for a lounge/bar usage at the bar in Pelican Place.
Hero Rosamond Johnson
By OBA Staff April 22, 2025
Perdido Key, Ala. – (OBA) – The Perdido Key Area Chamber Foundation and Gulf Islands National Seashore will host the annual Private Rosamond Johnson Memorial Ceremony at Johnson Beach in Perdido Key. The event honors Private Rosamond Johnson Jr. and celebrates the rich cultural history of the area, according to the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce.
Gulf Coast Events Guide: A Week of Fun in the Sun
By Jessica A. Taylor April 21, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Coast is gearing up for a week of community celebrations and cultural events from April 21-27, featuring activities that range from traditional Japanese art workshops to the region's iconic Interstate Mullet Toss. The calendar includes recognition of local heroes, family entertainment venues, and outdoor adventures across Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Key.
Gulf Shores Council to Review Park and Sidewalk Projects
By John Mullen April 21, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The city is planning moves to bring the Laguna Cove project on the south shore of Little Lagoon forward by hiring Goodwyn Mills Cawood to design, arrange permitting and provide construction engineering and inspections on the nature park improvements.
Show More