Audubon Bird Sanctuary

213 Bienville Blvd.

Dauphin Island, AL 36528

This lush sanctuary on Dauphin Island consists of approximately 164 acres of maritime forest, marshes, dunes, a lake, a swamp and a beach. Multiple walking trails, some handicapped accessible, allow the avid birder miles of habitat for spotting neo-tropical migrants in the spring and fall, as well as native species all year long. Dauphin Island has been named one of the top four locations in North America for viewing spring migrations, and the sanctuary has gained recognition from the National Audubon Society as “globally important.”

 

 

Baldwin County Heritage Museum

25521 Hwy. 98

Elberta, AL 36530

The heritage museum represents the grassroots of our society by providing a place for visitors to experience and share the ethnic and farming culture of Baldwin County. The museum was organized in April 1981 by a group of area residents hoping to preserve artifacts, tools, machinery, etc., used by the men and women who lived in Baldwin County before the turn of the century. The museum, located in Elberta, is open Wednesday through Saturday, and admission is free to the museum and grounds. Special tours are available by appointment.

 

 

Bellingrath Gardens and Home

12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd.

Theodore, AL 36582

Step back in time at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Stroll through the vibrant 65-acre garden and tour the 1935 Home to view the original collections of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath. Bellingrath Gardens and Home offers blooms and beauty every day of the year and numerous special events, from Winter Wednesdays in January and February to Magic Christmas in Lights in November and December. Tour the home and gardens every season!

 

 

 

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

12295 State Hwy. 180 W.

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge encompasses some of Alabama’s last remaining undisturbed coastal habitats. It was established in 1980 to protect threatened and endangered species and migratory songbird habitats. There are four trails of various lengths and terrain. Jeff Friend Trail, one of our most popular trails, was recently renovated to become more accessible with an improved boardwalk and new trail surface. All of these trails are open year-round during daylight hours.

 

 

City of Foley Depot Museum and Model Train Exhibit

125 E. Laurel Ave.

Foley, AL 36535

Located in Foley’s Louisville and Nashville railroad depot, built in 1909, catch a glimpse of the city’s history and the history of Baldwin County. The railroad played a major role in the growth of the area.

 

 

 

 

Eastern Shore Trail

6200 Bayfront Park Dr

Daphne, AL 36526

On the Eastern Shore Trail, you’ll take in beautiful bay vistas and oak-canopied paths with plenty of places to stop, shop or enjoy the view. The marked trail extends nearly 23 miles and is primarily flat. It extends from I-10 at the North Daphne scenic overlook, along Scenic 98 through Old Towne Daphne and downtown Fairhope, and past the Grand Hotel to Weeks Bay. The multi-surface trail for pedestrians, joggers, and casual cyclists consists of sidewalks, asphalt, elevated boardwalks, low bridges, and marked crosswalks.

 

Fairhope Museum of History

24 N. Section St.

Fairhope, AL 36532

Located in downtown Fairhope’s 1928 Spanish Mission-style city hall building, the museum includes the original jail, mayor’s office, town council chamber and fire station outfitted with an original 1935 firetruck. The museum contains artifacts from Fairhope’s unique past, preserving them for future generations and educating through exhibitions and programming about “all things Fairhope.” Learn about the single tax district, the jubilee phenomenon of the Eastern Shore and all that makes this city unique.

 

 

Fort Gaines Historic Site

51 Bienville Blvd.

Dauphin Island, AL 36528

The well-preserved ramparts of Fort Gaines have guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for more than 150 years. Today, the fascinating historic site is open daily for tours, school groups and sightseers. Its prime location on the eastern tip of Dauphin Island commands panoramic views of the bay and the Gulf of Mexico and offers a chance to experience living history firsthand. Learn about the role of Fort Gaines in the Battle of Mobile Bay, one of the Civil War’s most notable naval conflicts.

 

Fort Morgan

110 Hwy. 180 W.

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Fort Morgan is a Third System masonry fort built between 1819 and 1833. Named after Revolutionary War Hero Daniel Morgan, the fort stands guard where the bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. The fort played a significant role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864 and was used intermittently through the Spanish American War, World War I, and World War II. The site showcases the evolution of seacoast fortifications and adaptations and includes nature areas, a gift shop, and a boat launch. Make Fort Morgan a part of your visit to Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast! Spend less and do more by purchasing an All-in-One ticket with, 1-day, 2-day, 3-day and 5-day passes. It’s your pass to experience a selection of the best attractions in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, all on one money-saving ticket.

Graham Creek Nature Preserve

23030 Wolf Bay Dr.

Foley, AL 36535

Graham Creek Nature Preserve is home to hundreds of plant and wildlife species. This 500-acre nature park offers passive recreation opportunities and educational programs. The park includes a handicap-accessible boardwalk, multiple trails for walking, hiking, dog walking and bird watching, a kayak launch, three disc golf courses, an archery park, a playground, restrooms, an outdoor classroom and an interpretive center.

 

 

 

Gulf Shores Museum

244 W. 19th Ave.

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

This local history museum tells the stories of our coastal town, its people, their lives and livelihoods. You can see a variety of permanent exhibits and special exhibits and fly through the eye of a hurricane with “Hurricane Hunters.” Seasonal events, films, and adult and youth programs are offered throughout the year. The museum’s home is a former beach cottage that dates to before World War II and was once located on West Beach. Admission is free.

 

 

Gulf State Park

20115 State Park Rd.

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Gulf State Park boasts over 6,500 acres of land and nature to explore when visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Visit or stay at the park on your next trip. The park includes 2.5 miles of beach, three freshwater lakes, a nationally recognized scenic nature trail, a beach pavilion, a fishing pier (partially reopened), a picnic area with charcoal grills and a campground. The nature center features permanent exhibits and seasonal programming. Twenty-seven miles of paved/enhanced trails wind through the park, and the 496-site campground has improved and primitive sites.

 

 

Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier

20800 E. Beach Blvd.

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

The pier features covered seating in the concession area and an indoor retail shop with tackle and souvenirs. Signage along with the pier shares information on native fish, birds, and other area wildlife. There are comfort stations at the midpoint of the pier and wheelchair-accessible rail fishing. Fishing licenses and sightseeing permits are sold on-site.

 

 

 

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

3801 Orange Beach Blvd.

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Gulf State Park’s Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system includes more than 28 miles of paved trails spanning nine distinct ecosystems that make up more than 28 miles of paved trails. The trails wind through the 6,180-acre park and connect the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Throughout the trail, visitors can enjoy biking, jogging, walking, skating, rock climbing, wildlife watching, plant and tree identification, photography and connecting to nature.

 

 

Mobile Bay Ferry

110 AL-180

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Board the Mobile Bay Ferry and experience “the Gulf Coast’s most scenic drive.” The ferries, the Fort Morgan and the Marissa Mae Nichole, carry passengers across Mobile Bay between Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan at Mobile Point. The trip takes roughly 40 minutes, providing plenty of time to view ships, birds and marine life. Operations are weather dependent, so be sure to call or check the website for departure times and closures.

 

 

Old Methodist Church Museum of Daphne

405 Dryer Ave.

Daphne, AL 36526

The Old Methodist Church Museum, formerly Daphne United Methodist Church, is the second oldest church building in Baldwin County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The adjacent cemetery, whose earliest recorded burial was in 1847, predates the church. View the permanent collection of arts and crafts, period clothing, slave gallery, silver-dollar bell, original pews, and the original chandelier converted to electric. Tour and explore the historical grounds to learn more about the history of Baldwin County. Tours are offered by reservation.

 

Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum

25850 John M. Snook Ave.

Orange Beach, AL 36561

The building that houses the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum was initially built in 1910 as a schoolhouse. It has been a museum since 1995 and was moved to its present location in 1999. The Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum houses local artifacts and memorabilia relating to our Native American and fishing heritage. The museum is handicap accessible with ramps and handrails. Group tours may be booked by reservation (251-981-8545). Admission is free.

 

 

The Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab

102 Bienville Blvd.

Dauphin Island, AL 36528

At The Estuarium on Dauphin Island, you will get a hands-on learning experience exploring the habitats of coastal Alabama. Located in the fourth largest estuary system in the United States, visitors will enjoy an educational and informative exhibit hall and the “oh-so-cool” stingray touch pool. Venture onto the scenic, living marsh boardwalk and learn about the more than 100 local species of plants and animals on display. Visit with friends and family today for an educational yet fun experience like no other.

 

 

 

The Holmes Medical Museum

111 W. Laurel Ave.

Foley, AL 36535

At The Holmes Medical Museum, learn how far science and the medical field have progressed by exploring the first hospital in Baldwin County (1936-1958). Browse antiquated medical equipment and exam rooms, sure to spark the interest of future doctors and nurses and those in the medical profession. Visit us today to explore and learn about this exciting piece of medical history. You will be amazed at how much you discover and will enjoy stepping back in time.

 

 

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

2703 Battleship Pkwy.

Mobile, AL 36602

From the WWII Battleship USS ALABAMA to the Submarine USS DRUM and over 30 aircraft, the spirit of military pride is alive and well at Mobile’s Battleship Memorial Park. Visitors may tour the grounds and monuments, enjoy the picnic area and fishing pier, and explore the bird observatory. The Galley, our snack bar, is closed and will remain so until future notice, but prepackaged snacks and bottled drinks are available. Spend less and do more by purchasing an All-in-One ticket for 1-day, 2-day, and 5-day passes. It’s your pass to experience a selection of the best attractions in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, all on one money-saving ticket.

 

Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

11300 Hwy. 98

Fairhope, AL 36532

This public research and education facility encompasses over 9,000 acres of protected estuarine habitats bordering Weeks Bay and the Fish and Magnolia Rivers. The Reserve has an interpretive center with indoor displays, live animals, extensive forested boardwalk nature trails, a native pitcher plant bog, and a boat ramp. Scheduled guided group tours are available. The Reserve is part of a national network of coastal reserves established as living laboratories for long-term scientific research and estuarine education “where rivers meet the sea.”