Alabama Beaches

When the weather starts to heat up during the spring and summer seasons, the Alabama beaches see thousands of visitors who have laid-back vacations in mind. The Alabama Gulf Coast is an ideal vacation destination for a number of reasons, and spending time on the soft, white-sand beaches is just one thing to consider. In addition to swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, an Alabama beach vacation can see you dining on fresh seafood and enjoying side trips to historical forts. Dolphin cruises often make it into the picture as well. Whether it's a family trip that you have in mind or a romantic getaway for two, the Alabama Gulf Coast sets an ideal stage. There's something for everyone here, and there's never been a better time to visit.

Beaches in Alabama

While Spring Break and summer are the top seasons for Alabama Gulf Coast tourism, there's really never a bad time to visit this attraction-packed area. Mild winter temperatures mean that you can comfortably explore the region even when it's bitter cold up north. While swimming in the Gulf of Mexico might not be ideal come the winter months, you can still enjoy a dinner cruise, hit an area golf course, or do just about anything else that you could otherwise do when the weather is warmer. Some people plan their Alabama beach vacation around a specific annual event, and there are a few here that are sure to please. During late January and early February, the Alabama Mardi Gras celebrations in Mobile, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores are in full swing, and Gulf Shores is also the site for a festive shrimp festival, which takes place in October. Of course, fresh seafood is always on the menu at many an Alabama Gulf Coast restaurant, so even if you miss the shrimp festival, you can satisfy your seafood cravings.

Beach Houses Alabama

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are two of the top places to find some good Alabama beaches, and you can also make the drive out to Dauphin Island to find some sandy stretches as well. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are adjacent to one another, and their lengthy beaches meet at a long pier, which stretches 825 feet out into the water. Strolls to the end of the pier award you with some excellent views, and this same pier is also a great place to do some fishing. Back down on the soft and sandy Alabama beaches, the usually gentle surf encourages family fun, and you can bet that building sand castles is a top beach activity. The Orange Beach hotels and the Gulf Shores hotels have plenty of beachfront establishments among them, so finding a place to stay near the water won't be an issue. You can also book a vacation rental near a beach in Alabama if you please, with condos being the predominant option.

When visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you can add some interesting attractions to your daily itinerary. The Gulf State Park is an excellent place to spend some time, and you can rent a cottage or cabin there if you so desire. Fishing at the park's 900-acre lake is a great way to relax during your visit, and there are plenty of walking trails here if you want to get some exercise. Golfers will be happy to know that there's an 18-hole public golf course at the Gulf State Park, and the two miles of sugar sand beaches only add to the park's allure. Another top attraction near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is Fort Morgan, which is a historic landmark that history buffs will not want to miss. Now a museum, Fort Morgan was once an important outpost during the Civil War, and its primary role came during the 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay. If you are interested in including a visit to Fort Morgan in your Alabama Gulf Coast experience, you might also want to check out Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island. Together with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Dauphin Island is one of the best places to go when you want to spend some time on a beach in Alabama.

Beaches In Alabama

Dauphin Island is just 28 miles south of Mobile, so after you've taken in Mobile attractions like the USS Alabama, you can easily zip on down. The public beach in Dauphin Island is rarely overcrowded, and it's close to the main tourist area should you want to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping. Private beach access can be enjoyed if you camp at the Dauphin Island Campground, and you'll also enjoy proximity to the sand should you go with a beachfront vacation rental. There is a fishing pier near the public beach on Dauphin Island, and you can also book a sportfishing charter if you want to get out on the Gulf. Like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the Dauphin Island beaches generally offer gentle surf conditions, making them ideal for families with small children.

When planning your trip to the beach in Alabama, you might keep an eye out for special deals. Various Alabama vacation packages include time in the Gulf Coast area, and these packages often include a stay at a beach hotel. Should you take it upon yourself to find a beach hotel in Alabama, it's always a good idea to book in advance when possible. This is especially true during Mardi Gras and Spring Break, when the Alabama Gulf Coast is at its liveliest. As mentioned before, there's never a bad time to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast, so plan your trip today, and see why many visitors choose to come back time and again.

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Alabama Beaches - Alabama Gulf Coast