Why you should visit Alabama's white-sand coast

James March

James March

With its sugar-white sands, crystalline waters and vast biodiversity, Alabama's sun-kissed coast comes as a pleasant surprise to anyone who visits, especially if they perhaps weren't even aware that the 22nd state had a shoreline.

The platinum stretch of Orange Beach
The platinum stretch of Orange Beach © George - Adobe Stock Image

Though Alabama* may only have 60 miles of coastline, the resort city of Gulf Shores offers a host of relaxing nearby beach activities, natural trails and alluring weekend escapes.

Park any misconceptions about this fascinating corner of the southeastern US at the door and dive into one of the country's most unlikely summer getaway spots, where you'll have miles of glorious coast to yourself.

Getting to Alabama: browse great value holidays to Alabama with Travelbag*, which also has a collection of enticing Deep South itineraries*.

Unwind on the sand

Looking out towards the calm glassy waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama's beaches are a spacious antidote to the crowded scenes further down the coast in tourist-heavy Florida.

Grassy rolling dunes eventually even out into soft white quartz sands and the hazy high sun lingers for long glorious hours above. Some 600 miles south across the Gulf lies the grand gaudy resorts of Cancun, but here all is at peace.

Go for a breezy morning stroll followed by a lazy afternoon at one of the Gulf Shores*' 14 beaches, from the well-serviced Gulf Place (don't miss the cool 1950s Sunliner Diner) to the more secluded Branyon Beach.

If you want to make the most of this abundance of sand, Janel Hawkins runs the aptly named Sand Castle University with her creative castle-building classes taking place anywhere between Fort Morgan and Orange Beach.

Make time for nature

With more than 6,350 species of flora and fauna, Alabama ranks fourth among states for biodiversity and first among states east of the Mississippi River (only falling behind vast western states like California, Texas and Arizona).

Looking for wildlife on Dauphin Island
Looking for wildlife on Dauphin Island © Chris Granger - courtesy of Alabama Tourism

Birdwatchers in particular flock (pun intended) down to Gulf Shores to catch a glimpse of one of Alabama's 450 species or some of the curious migrating birds flying up from South America across the Gulf of Mexico.

Even for the casual birdwatcher, every day on these shores brings the spectacular sight of pelicans gliding in V formations overhead.

Enthusiasts should head to one of the many meandering trails at Gulf State Park where magnolia pines shelter tiny northern parulas, bright red cardinals and an array of green anole lizards.

If you have the time, take a day trip on the Mobile Bay Ferry across to the quiet Dauphin Island, where its tall pines are a popular pitstop for many migrating birds.

Sample some fine seafood

Alongside neighbouring Gulf states Mississippi* and Louisiana*, southern Alabama has some of America's most distinct cuisine and the seafood found at Gulf Shores is well-prepared and wonderfully fresh.

The blackened grouper sandwich served at CoastAL's sweeping sea view patio is absurdly creamy, while generously filled po'boys can be found up and down the region.

Cajun shrimp and grits, a southern staple
Cajun shrimp and grits, a southern staple © Alabama Tourism

Cajun shrimp and grits is a southern comfort food delight and popular here too, with the soft buttery grits and delicate shrimp given a spicy kick with a cajun seasoning combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder and thyme.

And no trip to Alabama's Gulf coast can be complete without sampling and shucking its fresh oysters, especially those from Admiral Shellfish or Murder Point.

While some oyster options may appear on local menus grilled and drizzled in cheese, it's best to keep things simple and enjoy them raw with a dash of lemon.

Kayaking in the delta

Less than an hour north of Gulf Shores the landscape changes and becomes a land of lazy river deltas often referred to as 'Americas Amazon' that are perfect for kayaking.

The most northerly tip of Mobile Bay is home to the Five Rivers Delta, where WildNative Tours leads excursions on single or two-man kayaks all year round.

Get on the waters of Five Rivers Delta
Get on the waters of Five Rivers Delta © Chris Granger - courtesy of Alabama Tourism

And since this is bayou country, there are a few alligators dotted around, though you may only be able to see their eyes and snout poking above the gentle water. They often lie perfectly still, which makes them easier to spot, although their motionless posture is slightly unnerving.

As the guide leads groups around the serene delta with only the distant rumble of Highway 98 for company, there's ample opportunity to look out for wheeling terns above and to pass by pretty flora like Cahaba lily and water primrose.

Just remember to apply plenty of sunscreen, as there's no escaping its relentless rays out on the water.

Explore the home of the original Mardi Gras

Speaking of Highway 98, it's just a short ten-minute drive across Mobile Bay from Five Rivers to Mobile*, Alabama's fourth largest city.

Historically an important and busy port town, Mobile is perhaps better known these days for being the original home of America's Mardi Gras celebrations. Head to the Mobile Carnival Museum to learn more about the city's most colourful time of year.

After a tour through time, make the short walk over to Dauphin Street where each block seems to offer something new. From the macabre and cutesy Haunted Book Shop to rustic cocktail haven Haberdasher, via splashes of local street art, Dauphin's a fun and eclectic showcase of an underrated city.

The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion in Mobile
The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion in Mobile © Art Meripol - courtesy of Alabama Tourism

And don't forget to take a walk through the Oakleigh Garden District, whose wooden Victorian homes, languid trees, wide tranquil streets and charming miniature parks seem to capture an almost imaginary, romantic America.

Spend a musical weekend in the Big Easy

New Orleans is just a three-hour drive from Gulf Shores and if you have the time then it's more than worth the journey. There are few cities in the USA, let alone the world, with the personality of the Big Easy and it starts with jazz.

The French Quarter's cast-iron balconies are seductive, but it's the sound of an echoed trombone or rhythmic slap of a hi-hat on every street corner that is the true draw here.

Famous Bourbon Street is where every party starts and ends in the Big Easy but it can get a little hectic, so head over to the more colourful Frenchmen Street.

Craft beer flows to the sound of jazz trios at intimate DBA, while further south, Apple Barrel throbs to a blues beat well into the night.

Climate in Alabama

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
Sea temperature °C

The above guide shows the climate in Gulf Shores. Find out more about conditions across the county in our complete guide to the climate in Alabama.

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James March

James March

Posted on Sunday 6th October 2024 in: Beach Nature North America

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