Alabama may be best-known as a state with significant historic landmarks. But many travelers often don’t realize that a small stretch of the state is white-sand coastline. The southernmost edge of Alabama disappears into the warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Whether you’re taking a road trip though the American South or looking for an winter getaway, The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas are known for their pristine sugar-white beaches and clear blue water. If you’re planning to visit, here are five things we recommend you put on your must-do list:
- Dine on the water at Cobalt’s – Located in Orange Beach, Cobalt’s is known for its happy hour and waterfront views. There’s not a bad seat in the house! Majestic waterfront views can be seen from every table whether you are dining inside or out. Be sure to order the Cobalt Caviar as an appetizer, black beans, edamame, corn, red onion, Roma tomatoes and cilantro tossed in a light vinaigrette and served with tortilla chips.
- Snorkel the gulf waters- Get up close and personal to some of the creatures of the ocean! Grab your snorkel gear and spend the day snorkeling. You’ll see stingrays, jellyfish, octopuses and crabs. Most local stores have gear readily available for snorkeling. There also are guided tours available, but you will need to plan ahead to book your excursion.
- Dance the night away at the world-renowned Flora-Bama – Located on the Alabama-Florida state line, the Flora-Bama is known for its live music and beach bar atmosphere. The honky-tonk has five stages of live music 365-days a year. Whether you like country, rock or beach music, the Flora-Bama has something for everyone. You can dance the night away, listen to music or watch the sunset at this beach lounge. Be sure to try their world-famous Bushwacker drink, but don’t ask for the recipe because it’s the best-kept secret on the coast.
- Stay at the Gulf State Park Campground- Located 1.5 miles from the beachfront, the Gulf State Park Campground has 496 full hook-up campsites and 11 primitive sites for visitors. The amenities are what set this campground apart from others. Campers have access to connect to 28 miles of trails for hiking and biking. There are 11 bathhouses, a nature center, a swimming pool and splash pad, tennis and pickleball courts, laundry facilities and a camp store. Tents are welcomed throughout the campgrounds.
- A family-fun adventure at Lulu’s – located at the Intercoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores, Alabama, Lulu’s offers something for the whole family. This kid-friendly restaurant, in addition to having a beach where kids can play in the sand, also has an arcade and two rope courses: the three-story Mountain of Youth Adventure Rope Course and Munchkin Mountain. Lulu’s is known for celebrating, family, food and fun. They even have an allergy menu so that everyone in the family can dine out and enjoy a Gulf Coast experience.
These are just a few of the many experiences you can have when visiting Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Come relax, enjoy and put your toes in the sand!
