Being outdoors in the fall, especially in Alabama, is what it’s all about: bright blue skies, sunny days, comfortable temperatures, less humidity, and warm Gulf of Mexico waters. It really is a wonderful time for exploring the best outdoor attractions and enjoying the beautiful white-sand beaches. Plan a road trip today from Mobile to Orange Beach and you will not be disappointed.

To start the trip off right, you must stop at The Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab on Dauphin Island. The Sea Lab, located directly on the beautiful Mobile Bay, will immerse you in the four key habitats of coastal Alabama: The Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the barrier islands and the northern Gulf of Mexico. Interact with real-life stingrays in the 7,000-gallon touch pool, handle a living fossil by picking up a horseshoe crab, watch seahorses swim, and stroll down the Living Marsh Boardwalk. You could easily spend an entire day at The Estuarium. But whenever you feel you’ve fully educated yourself on the four coastal habitats and the related sea and shore life, jump on the Fort Morgan Ferry (yes, you can park your car on it!) and enjoy the 40-minute ride across Mobile Bay.

As you land at Fort Morgan, you are immediately drawn back in time. Known best for the Battle of Mobile Bay, this location and its Dauphin Island sister, Fort Gaines, guarded the bay from opposing forces from the Civil War through World War II. Explore the fort and take in some breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. If you are feeling especially adventurous, try out Espionage at Mobile Point, an escape room with an intriguing Civil War mystery.

After your trip into the past, explore the present serenity and beautiful natural habitat of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Gulf Shores. The refuge offers well-maintained hiking trails, fishing, wildlife observation and great places for some amazing photo opps.

Biking

Stay with the nature theme by visiting Gulf State Park. Miles of hiking and biking trails take you across the island. Amazing educational opportunities can be found at The Nature Center and by admiring the native plants and birds along the trails. The state park is also a fisherman’s dream that boasts three lakes where you can catch redfish, bream, speckled trout, catfish and the challenging bass. But it doesn’t end there! Just cross the street to get in on some amazing saltwater fishing at the second longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico. (Its 2,448 feet of fishing space includes a roomy fish-cleaning station, making a truly fresh DIY dinner possible.) Try your hand catching flounder, sheepshead, pompano, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, bluefish, redfish, speckled trout, whiting and croaker, as well as several other species that are often caught by experienced fisherman.

Once you’ve had your fill of hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching and even kayaking, the best thing to do is unwind on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Soak up the sun and listen to the waves lap against the sugar-white sands of the blue and turquoise water.

Your fall trip is waiting! Now all you have to do is do it! To learn more, check out the attractions on our website, then start building an itinerary you can’t wait to experience.