Spring Break road tripWho doesn’t enjoy the Great American Road Trip? We’ve got great sites and destinations along Alabama’s Coastal Connection, part of the National Scenic Byway.

If you’re thinking of getting away during the spring, the communities of southern Mobile County make terrific destinations. Wildlife is abundant, and the foliage includes azaleas and camellias in breathtaking shades of pinks, reds and purples.

The Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit place for nature enthusiasts to view the spring migrations. With 137 acres of maritime forest, marshes and dunes, the sanctuary includes a lake, swamp and beach. A three-mile trail system within the sanctuary has been designated a National Recreational Trail.

Up the road in Theodore, Bellingrath Gardens and Home is another spectacular stop during the spring. The 65 acres of year-round floral pageantry boast more than 400 varieties of camellias. During the spring, gorgeous azaleas are everywhere. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 250,000 azaleas explode in color each March! Other flowers include Easter lilies, flowering kale and cabbages, fuchsia, Gerbera daisies, hydrangeas, pansies, petunias, tulips and more. Check the Bellingrath website for hours and ticket costs.

Those are just two of the numerous reasons spring is a wonderful time to slow down and hit the Alabama Coastal Connection National Scenic Byway.