Curator’s statement
The Alabama Gulf Coast is special to me because it has become a second home over the six years we’ve been visiting. We loved it so much that we eventually decided to buy a home there, making our connection to the area even deeper. The beautiful beaches, friendly people, amazing food, and laid-back vibe create a place where we can truly relax and feel at peace. It’s a destination that keeps drawing us back and now feels like an essential part of our lives.
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Where to stay in Alabama
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Things to do in Alabama
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: Miles of trails through dunes, wetlands, and maritime forest, perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and catching a peaceful glimpse of coastal wildlife
Gulf State Park Pier: A long public pier where you can fish, stroll, and enjoy ocean views, anytime you want a relaxing beach-side experience
Pirates Island Adventure Golf: Fun courses with caves, waterfalls, and a pirate-ship vibe.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: Home to 300+ animals, including giraffes, tigers, lemurs, and more. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to experience wildlife up close, especially if you want a break from the beach.
Dauphin Island Ferry: Explore the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Audubon Bird Sanctuary, and learn all the history in Fort Gaines
Places to eat & drink in Alabama
Jesse's
DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen—great seafood options with excellent lunch specials.
Bill-E’s—a laid-back burger and sandwich joint in Fairhope with house-smoked bacon.
Cheeseburger Randy’s—a hole-in-the-wall burger joint.
Wolf Bay Lodge—great off-season specials and excellent salad bar.
7Brew—quick drive-through coffee spot.
Crave—wonderful cookies and dirty soda.
Acme—great red beans and rice and shrimp or debris po-boys.
Duck’s Diner—great breakfast joint with excellent biscuits.
Gulf Shores Diner—great breakfast with lots of options and excellent marble rye toast.
Jesse’s Magnolia Springs—a truly elegant dining experience.
Need to know
Visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast is especially magical in the fall, when warm days, gentle breezes, and quieter beaches create the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway. The sugar-white shoreline of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach feels peaceful this time of year, ideal for long walks, seashell hunting, or simply settling into a beach chair with a good book. Beyond the sand, nature lovers can explore the boardwalks and wooded trails of Gulf State Park or wander through the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, where fall migration brings vibrant bird life to the coast.
Dining is a highlight of any visit, with fresh Gulf seafood served at casual local spots and waterfront restaurants that capture the region’s laid-back charm. After a great meal, enjoy browsing at The Wharf, coastal boutiques, or the artsy shops of nearby Fairhope. Whether you spend your days sightseeing, savoring regional flavors, or simply slowing down by the water, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers a perfect blend of relaxation, nature, and coastal culture—especially in the golden calm of the fall season.
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Cyndi VanSteenburg
Cyndi VanSteenburg
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