Situated on the northern tip of the Gulf of Mexico is a little stretch of paradise known as the Alabama Gulf Coast. Thirty-two miles of pristine seashore extend across the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Although this area is unknown to most travelers, it offers abundant sunshine, soft, sugary white sand, and seafood galore.
The family-friendly destination is appealing for the warm summers and mild winters and is popular among snowbirds. The sand is actually comprised of quartz that washes into the Gulf from the Appalachian Mountains and is easy to walk on and reduces the heat during warmer months.
The area is easily accessible from Pensacola, Florida, or Mobile, Alabama, and is just a short drive from either. Flora-Bama is an iconic, wacky restaurant whose location is split between the borders of both states.
Royal Red Shrimp at DeSoto’s. (Ron Stern)
Here you can have your fill of seafood and at The Royal Oyster, you can enjoy a flight of these prepared six different ways. At DeSoto’s Restaurant, they have daily lunch specials and also serve some jumbo-sized shrimp called “Royal Reds,” whose taste reminds many of mini lobsters.
There are plenty of beachside eateries to choose from along the main drag called Perdido Beach Boulevard. At Bayou Bob’s, enjoy a local cocktail called a “Bushwacker,” a creamy and cool concoction made with five types of rum and soft serve ice cream.
You can have some outdoor fun at Gulf State Park which encompasses 6,500 acres of diverse ecosystems. The various trails can be explored by Segway, bicycle, or on foot.
If you’re looking for a travel destination that offers almost everything a perfect beach getaway should include, then put Alabama’s Gulf Coast on your bucket list.
View of the Gulf from The Lodge at Gulf State Park. (Ron Stern)
Where to stay: The Lodge at Gulf State Park.
~ Ron Stern, Travel Photojournalist, visit www.globalgumshoe.com for more about Ron.