With winter weather still making its presence felt and spring break right around the corner - you might be starting to think about sticking your toes in the warm sand of Alabama's beaches.
While people tend to think of the beaches in California or in Florida, Alabama also has a lot to offer when it comes to the beach.
Here are five of the most popular beaches in Alabama.
Orange Beach
There are many interesting things to do while you are in Orange Beach, Alabama!
- Orange Beach is home to the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum, which tells the history of the area's indigenous people and their interactions with European settlers.
- The Wharf at Orange Beach is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It features a variety of shops, restaurants, and a 10,000-seat amphitheater that hosts concerts and events year-round.
- Orange Beach is a popular destination for fishing, with many charter boats offering deep sea fishing trips for species such as tuna, marlin, and red snapper. You can also enjoy a variety of water sports, including parasailing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.
- Orange Beach is home to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, a network of hiking and biking trails that take visitors through the Gulf State Park and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. The trail offers scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico and opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife species.
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores, Alabama, offers plenty to do for everyone on your next beach vacation.
- Gulf Shores is home to Gulf State Park, a 6,500-acre park that offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and swimming. The park's Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife species.
- Gulf Shores is known for its white sand beaches and clear waters, making it a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Gulf Shores is also a popular destination for fishing.
- The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is located in Gulf Shores, and it's home to over 600 animals from all around the world.
Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island is a barrier island located off the Gulf Coast of Alabama, USA. Some interesting things about the island include:
- It is the easternmost point of Alabama and the first place in the state to see the sun rise each day.
- It is home to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, which conducts marine research and provides educational opportunities for students and the general public.
- The island is a popular destination for birdwatching, with over 300 species of birds having been observed there.
- It has a rich history, including serving as a site of French exploration and settlement in the early 18th century and being occupied by Union troops during the Civil War. There is also a historic Fort Gaines, a well-preserved fort from the civil war era open to visitors.
- Dauphin Island is also known for its beaches and water sports, such as swimming, fishing, and boating.
Fort Morgan
If you are looking for a different kind of beach location, Fort Morgan is worth visiting.
Fort Morgan is a historic masonry star fort located on the western tip of Mobile Point, Alabama. Some interesting things about the fort include:
- It played a significant role in the American Civil War, serving as a Confederate stronghold during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864.
- The fort was built in the 1820s-1830s and was named for Revolutionary War hero Daniel Morgan.
- It is one of the best-preserved examples of Third System fortifications in the United States.
- The fort is open to visitors and offers tours, which allow visitors to explore the fort's tunnels, casemates, and ramparts and learn about its history.
- It is also home to a museum that features artifacts and exhibits related to the fort's history and the Battle of Mobile Bay.
- The fort is a popular spot for fishing, birdwatching, and beachcombing.
- Fort Morgan is also a popular site for ghost hunting and paranormal investigation, as many visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences and ghost sightings.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
If you are looking to see more wildlife on your beach vacation, then this is the place for you!
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in Baldwin County, Alabama. Some interesting things about the refuge include:
- It was established in 1980 to protect endangered species such as the Alabama beach mouse and the threatened loggerhead sea turtle.
- The refuge covers over 7,000 acres and includes habitats such as dunes, marshes, and pine savannas.
- It is an important stopover for migratory birds, with over 300 species of birds having been observed in the refuge.
- The refuge is home to various plant and animal species, including the threatened Eastern indigo snake and the endangered Gulf sturgeon.
- Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and beachcombing. The refuge has several hiking trails, one of which leads to the Little River, a beautiful spot to enjoy nature.
- The refuge also offers guided tours, kayak trips, and other educational opportunities.
- The refuge also offers hunting opportunities for specific species during certain seasons.
It is also important to note that the refuge is not easily accessible by car and the best way to visit is by hiking or on a guided tour.
These five beaches are some of Alabama's most popular destinations. Enjoy your next trip to the Gulf coast!
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