All nature is good, but some nature is just a little more fun. That’s the case in coastal Alabama, where landscapes collide and sandy beaches meet freshwater lakes meet pine-oak woods meet the mighty Gulf of Mexico. That diversity means you can enjoy outdoor activities of all kinds within the span of just a few miles. Hiking and biking trails wind through an astounding variety of ecosystems. You can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and foilboarding—and that’s just above water. A vast artificial reef system off the Alabama coast provides habitat for a highlight reel of gulf life and amazing snorkeling and diving. Try packing all this into one weekend and get your fill of nature, guaranteed.
Paddling
At Alabama’s Beaches, the kayaking and paddleboarding options are so rich and varied they have their own trail network: the Coastal Alabama Back Bay Blueway. Stretching 30 miles from Fort Morgan in the west to Orange Beach in the east, the system encompasses four distinct trails and 21 launch sites. Fort Morgan Trail on the western end dips into Mobile Bay, where you can paddle past a Civil War–era fort and Bon Secour Bay. Little Lagoon Trail, which covers ten miles and has three launches, is known for great kayak fishing and a sandy bottom.
Snorkeling
Just head out a few hundred feet into the Gulf to reach the Orange Beach Snorkeling Reefs, three artificial (a.k.a. circalittoral) reefs constructed to make homes for marine creatures like red drum, grouper, crabs, and sheepshead. The reefs average just eight feet deep and can be reached from Romar Beach, Alabama Point, and the Gulf State Park Pavilion. This easy-access site is great for snorkelers of all levels.
Dolphin Cruising
No other wildlife sighting thrills quite like spotting dolphins playing in the bright-blue waters off the coast of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Booking a dolphin cruise from one of the many tour operators in either town is the best way to get a good look at these amazing creatures. Options range from sailboats and catboats to tour boats and glass-bottomed vessels.
Fishing
The fish are always biting on Alabama’s Beaches, whether you’re casting right into the surf or heading miles offshore. The newly renovated Gulf State Park Pier is a favorite spot for onshore angling. Locals and travelers alike come here to try their luck catching Spanish mackerel, flounder, Florida pompano, and more. Plus, the logistics are easy: you can buy a fishing license, rent a rod and reel, and buy bait all on-site.
Wildlife
On the western side of Gulf Shores, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge provides a quiet sanctuary for rare and threatened creatures. The refuge protects neotropical songbirds as they migrate through the area in spring and fall, provides crucial habitat for the endangered Alabama beach mouse, and hosts nesting loggerhead, green, and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. A network of hiker-only trails weaves through Bon Secour’s diverse ecosystems, including sand dunes, marshes, and maritime forests. Highlights include the Jeff Friend Trail, a one-miler that loops through the coastal woods; Gator Lake Trail, a two-mile dune ridge-walk to a peaceful lake; and Pine Beach Trail, a four-mile out-and-back that connects a saltwater lagoon and a freshwater lake.
Camping
Looking to really get away from it all? Gulf State Park’s Outpost Campsites require a 1.5-mile hike or bike ride to access. But the effort is rewarded with a unique campground that comes with shelter and beds, so you don’t need to pack a tent or sleeping pads. The park provides three military-style canvas platform tents that each come with four cots, a shaded porch, and beach chairs. Guests share on-site bathrooms with showers. There’s water but no electricity, ensuring dark skies and great stargazing.
Welcome to Alabama’s Beaches, where pristine white sands meet warm Gulf waters, perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. You’ll find everything from kayaking and paddleboarding to hiking and fishing. Learn more at AlabamaBeaches.com.
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