Earth Day, which falls on April 22, is a day dedicated to showing the importance of protecting our planet and the environment. Although we believe every day should be focused on practicing habits that reduce environmental damage, visiting Alabama’s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway is a great way to observe Earth Day.

The byway is here for you to connect with nature. Visiting with this in mind will help underscore the importance of protecting Earth and all of its inhabitants.

Need some ideas on where to start your travels? We’re happy to supply a few ideas!

Bayfront Park

Take a stroll along the boardwalk or enjoy a picnic on the beachfront in Daphne. This park is also one of the many spots along the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail.

Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries

A wooden bridge over a river Description automatically generated with low confidence

Soak up plenty of nature with 164 acres of maritime forest, marshes, dunes, wetlands, a lake and a beach.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Explore the various habitats as you take a hike along the Pine Beach Trail. Located in Gulf Shores, the 3-mile walk will lead you to the sugar-white sands of Coastal Alabama’s beautiful beaches.

Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

This reserve is one of the most sensitive and ecologically important habitats on Earth. Excellent educational opportunities abound via informational materials provided as well as firsthand exploration along the boardwalks.

Eastern Shore Trail

Surrounded by the gorgeous scenery of Mobile Bay, hiking and biking are popular here. Hiking on a trail, admiring the wildlife, and taking in the scenic views are great reminders of how delicate life is and the efforts needed to sustain our planet for generations to come.

For more beautiful and interesting spots along the byway, check out the interactive map

Take the time to observe Earth Day this year, but also remember that we should be doing our part daily to protect our planet and reduce our global footprint.