Ultimate Travel Guide to the Coastal Region of Alabama

Sep 20

Kelsey and I were invited by Alabama Tourism to head to the coastal region of Alabama for a birding campaign. We were so excited to visit as this was one of the first big tourism trips we received. With that said we didn’t know what to expect once we got there. Both of us had only driven through Alabama and made some stops here or there. Neither of us had spent extensive time there and explored the area. When I tell you that we were blown away by the coastal region, we really mean it. We had such a fantastic time and we would definitely make a trip back for sure. This blog is going to be your ultimate guide to visiting the Coastal Regions of Alabama. We will discuss the food to eat, things to do, where to stay, and some tips to look out for when planning.

Things to do / Birding

Alabama is home to 420 plus species of birds. This blew me away when I discovered this. I had no idea Alabama was such a hot spot for migrating birds. The coastal region is huge for birds making their way up from Central and South America. Alabama’s coastal region is a lot of these birds first stop after they cross the gulf coast. This allows for amazing wildlife viewing and exceptional nature to view them in. Here are some of our favorite spots to see these amazing birds:

1. Aubudon Bird Sanctuary

Nestled on the beautiful and quaint, Dauphin Island, Dauphin Island altogether is worth a visit. It’s the southernmost point of Alabama and sits right on the Gulf Coast. This haven of natural beauty is the perfect place to have a day on the beach and look at some of the majestic creatures that call this region home. We spent multiple hours hiking through this sanctuary and it was by far our favorite thing we did. We loved it so much that we returned to it again because we wanted to see it one more time before we left. It’s a beautiful area with multiple overlooks and boardwalks to walk along. You’ll want your binoculars for this one as there will be wildlife everywhere. It’s home to tons of species of birds, alligators, insects, lizards, snakes, frogs, turtles, spiders, foxes, and more. There is no shortage of wildlife. We did the entire loop of the park and stopped at the beach sand dunes (viewable only), wetlands, and a swampy lake. The drone footage here was incredible. Looked like something out of the Amazon rainforest. It’s thick with swampy wetlands and tons of greenery. The birds are chirping as you walk through massive tall trees and tall grass. The path was very well established, so don't worry if it is safe. Just be aware there are alligators so you need to stay on the path and watch your kids and pets. Our 2-year-old had a blast walking with us and calling out every time he saw a bird or a spider. We saw tons of birds. We saw multiple Osprey, cranes, flamingos, blue jays, and multiple birds we honestly couldn’t identify, but were beautiful. If you go to the coastal region of Alabama and don’t go here your trip won’t be complete.

2. Village Point Park

This was another amazing nature preserve and had a ton of highlights for us. This is an area where you can be fortunate enough to see owls in the wild. Sadly, we didn’t see any but what a cool spot to even have that opportunity. When you first walk on the trail it will feel kind of like a road. It is a gravel road for maintenance vehicles but about .5 mile on the road it takes you deep into the forest. The landscape drastically changes as the bayou reaches all the way to the ocean. They have fantastic boardwalks that you walk on and stare into the beautiful swamp lands. Frogs are bulging, birds are chirping, and nature is singing. It is extremely peaceful and we were the only ones on the trail at one point and it was incredible. Word to the wise it is muggy in there so expect to sweat really good! It didn’t stop us from having a good time because we hike a lot and we are used to sweating. We hiked all the way out to a beautiful overlook that looked out into the bay. We saw a few small boats fishing and a ton of birds by the coast. It was very peaceful and worth the adventure. We would highly recommend this. We spent about 2 hours here. Little pro tip for families we left the stroller in the car for this one as some of the trails were more difficult to use a stroller. Bring a carrier or a backpack you can put your kid in if you don’t want to carry them yourself.

3. 5 Rivers Delta

This was another one of my favorite things we did because this most exemplified what I thought this trip would look like. The 5 rivers delta is where 5 rivers meet before going into the ocean. This obviously makes it a great breeding ground for wildlife and birds in particular. This was like turning on Netflix and watching Outer Banks. It’s like Outer Banks meets the Bayou. Tall grass came out of the water creating these beautiful wetlands with patches of beaches where birds would chill. There were boat docks where pelicans would sit on and tons of cranes were flying from one patch of land to another. I did some droning here and it just blew me away to see these majestic green lands meeting with the rivers. There are tons of trails and visitor centers with hands-on learning about the area. It’s very close to Mobile and we would suggest a few hours here and coming early or for sunset as the wildlife are very active at those times

4. Fairhope, Alabama

Fairhope is a super cute small town nestled in the coastal area of Alabama. It offers beautiful views of the Bay and Mobile Alabama. It’s a perfect town if you’re looking for great food, chill vibes, and natural beauty. I suggest you head to Fairhope French Quarter to get a little slice of New Orleans in Alabama. It has great shopping and great food. Perfect for a stop after visiting Village Point Park just up the road.

5. Gulf Shores

Just an hour from downtown Mobile is a picturesque beach area. If you love white sands, beautiful water, and perfect water temperature then the Gulf Shores are for you. We made our way out there for a sunset swim and we were spoiled with an absolutely gorgeous sunset. We had a great time relaxing on the beach as we were the only ones there. We watched the sunset and then watched the moon come out shortly after. The stretch from Gulf Shores all the way to Orange Beach is a prime beach spot and one of the best areas in the gulf. We highly advise coming to this area and enjoying the beautiful nature.

What to Eat

This is a list of some of our favorite things we ate as well as some suggestions for you. The coastal area of Alabama is huge on seafood and has a great mix of different cultures. Creole is popular in the area as well as delicious southern food. We were expecting the food to be good and it did not disappoint.

1. Provision Fairhope 100 N Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532

This is a fantastic spot if coffee is your thing. It’s like a community gathering with tons of seats to work on a paper, take a Zoom call, or meet your friends for a delicious cup of Joe and tasty eats. The food is just as good as the coffee and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves here. The atmosphere is perfect for a nice relaxing warm morning or afternoon. They do wine tastings at their wine bar and they even have a grocery in the store with local goodies. It’s a must-visit if heading into the Fairhope area.

2. Bob’s Downtown 263 St Francis St, Mobile, AL 36602

This is a great hole-in-the-wall diner spot in downtown Mobile. Their entire mantra is having a passion for good food and it shows with this place. This is the spot if you’re looking for a hearty breakfast with some Southern twist in the mix. Prices are very reasonable and the portions are massive. It will be sure to fill you for a full day of adventuring.

3. Lighthouse Bakery 919 Chaumont Ave, Dauphin Island, AL 36528

This is a great mom-and-pop shop on Dauphin Island that is a perfect stop if you want a quick bite when in the area. They specialize in pastries, breakfast, and lunch specials. We got multiple pastries and had a sandwich for lunch. It’s family-owned and the staff is extremely friendly. We got a hazelnut chocolate turnover and a cinnamon bun that were to die for. Our son would not stop eating it! We heard the breakfast is better than their lunch but we got there a little later after our nature hike at the bird sanctuary.

4. Sunset Pointe 831 N Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532

Another fantastic stop if you are in Fairhope is Sunset Pointe. This has to have one of the best outdoor seating in the area. It sits right on a marina and there are boats everywhere. The sun sets right in the site of the outdoor seating and the food matches the view! You can’t come to the Mobile/Bay Area and not have seafood. This is one of the top spots in the area. It boasts a great menu with super unique options. Kelsey got the smothered lemon chicken and I got the seared tuna BLT. I would order mine again in a heartbeat. Great food options, great views, and great beer options. A must-visit spot.

5. The Hammered Cow 518 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602

This is an absolutely underrated spot in downtown Mobile. This is a smash burger-style location that will absolutely give you a flavor explosion. If delicious burgers with unique combinations are your thing then you will want to make your way here. Kelsey and I shared the Moo-uau which is two smashed patties, American cheese, bacon, BBQ sauce, onion, and grilled pineapple. The burger was huge and so flavorful. We destroyed it easily between the two of us and were craving more. It sits in a great little spot where multiple restaurants are. Almost like a food truck, but in a warehouse. It has community seating and the staff at Hammered Cow were extremely nice. This is a great spot for lunch or for a quick dinner.

6. Debris Po-Boys & Drinks

In my opinion, this is one of the best spots for po boys in the Mobile Area. I am a sucker for po boys and when we were in the area I knew I wanted to find a good one. The main reason I ended up in this spot is because it was one of the few spots in the city that was open late. Kelsey and I got a hankering for some good food late at our hotel and this was the spot that peaked our interest. After reading what people were raving about on their po boys we understood why after eating it. We got the fried shrimp po boy and the Cochon De Lait which the staff member said was their most popular. I would order both again. They had depths of flavors that kept coming with every bite. It was tangy, it had acid, it was rich, and the bread was fantastic which is big for a po boy. Prices were reasonable for downtown and I would highly advise visiting here. They have a massive bar and a ton of beer selections, but I took my food to go. It would be a great spot to watch a game or hang out with some friends. Good for lunch or dinner.

7. Cammie's Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe 2511 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36607

If you know Kelsey and I, we cannot add a food list to spots we visit without putting some sort of sweet on our list. Usually ice cream makes the list because I am obsessed with it and our son might like it more than we do! With that said, we want to give you our suggestion for the best ice cream spot in the area. They have been serving the area since 1969 and they have multiple locations so check to see which location is closest. This was like stepping back in time. It’s extremely old school and I love it. This place is no frills, just good ice cream, and thats good enough for me. I got a waffle cone with mint chip and my wife got butter beer which she wouldn’t stop raving about it. If you’re looking for some relief on a hot day or just want to spoil the kids, this is the spot for a sweet treat.

A couple of recommendations that we weren’t able to visit ourselves:

Wintzell’s Oyster Bar. If oysters are your thing, it doesn’t get any better than Wintzell’s in the city. It started as a six-stool oyster bar and has grown into a staple in the city and now has multiple locations. It’s been serving locals since 1938. Can’t beat it.
Dauphins. If you are looking for a dramatic and romantic meal this is your spot. Situated on the 34th floor of the Trustmark Building this restaurant not only boasts great views, but phenomenal food options. This is southern hospitality elevated right in downtown Mobile. The menu highlights French creole and southern fare with unique cocktails.

The food is great in the area and we were stoked to have it meet our expectations. When we travel food is a way to learn the culture and what places value. You can see that the coastal areas of Alabama value good food, good brews, and community.

Where to Stay

There are a ton of options to stay in Mobile and even closer towards the Gulf Coast but we would suggest trying to post up in Mobile or Fairhope. They are both great launching pads to visit all the fun things to do in the area without having to drive all day to get there. We stayed in downtown Mobile and had a fantastic experience.

Fort Conde Inn

This is a beautiful boutique bed and breakfast right in downtown Mobile. Southern charm meets French accessories. It dates back to the 19th century and boasts many elegant homes that have been repurposed into a beautiful hotel today. It hosts all the modern luxury you are looking for while still making you feel like you stepped back in time. It also provides breakfast at their Bistro which is right next to the hotel. They also give a free complimentary drink at their happy hour for all guests that stay with them. The rooms were not run down. The bathroom was beautiful with a full tub to take a bath in if you wanted. The shower was so big we tested it by all of us standing in it just to see how much room it had and we could have fit 5 more people! The rooms come with great robes and the world’s largest towels. These towels were like blankets and I loved it. We loved the location of our stay and the staff was very friendly. The only issue we had was we tried to get dinner at their bistro and showed up 30 minutes before close and they would not serve us food. So just keep that in mind if you are planning on eating there make sure you show up early enough.

Tips for your visit

Every location you visit is different and will make you have to prepare. We want to make sure we give you some pro tips before visiting so your experience can be as enjoyable as possible. Here are some of our tips for you when visiting the Coastal Area of Alabama:

Bring extra pairs of clothes. It can get very humid and hot in the area depending on when you visit and this will cause you to sweat. You will want changes of outfits when you head back to your hotel. We wore multiple outfits a day in some scenarios to feel nice and fresh as we were adventuring.
Bring binoculars with you. You want to bring binoculars for when you visit some of these beautiful nature spots. The binoculars will help you spot wildlife, specifically the birds. We used ours daily and we are happy we had them to be able to view wildlife when we weren’t close to them
Depending on where you stay you’re looking at probably driving somewhere between 30min to and an hour to get where you want to go. From downtown Mobile to Gulf Shores, it was an hour. From downtown Mobile to Dauphin Island it was about 45 min. From Downtown to Fairhope it was about 25 minutes. Just keep this in mind you will have to drive a little, but nothing too ridiculous. Get a good rental car to make your driving experience even better.
There are two airports in downtown Mobile so make sure if you’re renting a car or needing an Uber to and from the airport that you are going to the correct Airport. There is a Regional Airport and an International Airport. The Regional is MOB and the International is BFM.
We would suggest at least 3 days in the area for a visit. You could easily spend a week because there are tons of things to do all around the area. We would advise trying to have 3 days in the area at the least to get a good taste of it.
If history is your thing and you have time, try to visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. We heard great things about it, we just didn’t have time to visit.
When visiting the Bay Area and the swampy lands be aware there are alligators, so make sure you are cautious with your children and pets. We didn’t have any issues, but we just want to make sure people are aware.

Overall the Coastal Region of Alabama is full of rich history, beautiful culture, beautiful beaches, underrated wildlife and nature, and incredible food. We would put it on our list to visit again and we really enjoyed our time. The southern hospitality and unique nature are unmatched in the area. From the beautiful white sands on the beach to the pelicans flying through the swamp areas we were mesmerized from the beginning. You should find a way to make Coastal Alabama one of your next stops!

Lucas Smissen