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 Soccer Eyes Deep Playoff Run After Ranking Shift
By John Mullen April 25, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – For a better part of the 2026 high school soccer season, the Orange Beach Lady Makos soccer team was ranked as the state’s No. 1 in Class 4A. But just as the state playoffs begin, the Lady Makos find themselves at No. 2 in the rankings behind area rival St. Luke’s at No. 1.
City Works To Reduce Sign Clutter At Busy Downtown Crossing
By Guy Busby April 25, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is moving forward with plans to improve signage at one of its busiest intersections. City officials say the changes will help drivers navigate the area more easily and improve the site's overall appearance. The project focuses on the intersection of Alabama 59 and U.S. 98 in downtown Foley.
Nest Fest Returns To Orange Beach Waterfront Park
By OBA Staff April 25, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Shorebirds and coastal conservation will take center stage when the 3rd Annual Nest Fest returns to Orange Beach Waterfront Park. The community event is designed for families and nature lovers of all ages. Organizers say the afternoon will combine fun activities with easy ways to learn...
Blue Angels Celebrate 80 Years of Precision and Pride Today
By OBA Staff April 24, 2026
NAS Pensacola, Fla. — (OBA) — The Blue Angels are marking a major milestone today as the U.S. Navy’s legendary flight demonstration team celebrates 80 years of service and aviation excellence. Formed to showcase the skill and professionalism of naval aviators, the team continues to fly with the same purpose: inspiring
Gulf State Park RV Campground Office
By OBA Staff April 24, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf State Park just announced that reservations are now open for its new RV resort, offering travelers the chance to secure a spot at the highly anticipated destination. The resort features spacious sites and modern amenities for comfort and convenience. Officials say the setting blends
Mullet Toss
By OBA Staff April 24, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Interstate Mullet Toss officially begins today on the white sands of Perdido Key. This annual gathering is widely known as the Gulf Coast’s greatest beach party. Thousands of visitors are traveling to the state line to watch the weekend festival. The iconic event features participants
Public Works And Engineering Offices Relocating In Foley
By Guy Busby April 24, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Public Works Department and the Sanitation and Engineering Department will briefly close their offices as staff relocate to new locations. This closure will last for one day while preparations are completed. City officials have stated that services will continue during the transition.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day Scheduled For Orange Beach Residents
By OBA Staff April 24, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Police Department is partnering with Walmart in Orange Beach for a community prescription drug take-back event. The collection is meant to give the public a place to dispose of unused prescription drugs. Organizers are asking residents to prepare medications before arriving
Alabama Opens Longer Red Snapper Season For 2026
By OBA Staff April 24, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced changes to the 2026 red snapper season that will allow more consistent access for anglers. The update applies to both Alabama state waters and federal waters for certain fishermen. Officials said the changes are part...
MakoOrange Beach Baseball Eyes Playoff Run Behind Team Leadership
By John Mullen April 23, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Finding leaders on your athletic team is a must for a successful season. Orange Beach Baseball Coach Josh Hoyle says he believes those leaders have helped his Makos to the state playoffs and a first-round three-game series. State baseball playoffs in Class 1A-6A begin April 24-25 in the rou
Show More