Things to Do — Gulf Shores, Pensacola & the Gulf Coast
Adventures, attractions, and experiences across the region
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
gulf-shoresHome to more than 500 animals, this zoo offers hands-on experiences with kangaroos & other critters.
Alligator Alley
summerdaleA unique roadside attraction and rescue facility home to hundreds of American alligators. Walk elevated boardwalks just feet above gators of all sizes, feed them from the platforms, and learn about these ancient reptiles. A memorable Gulf Coast detour.
Baldwin County Heritage Museum
elbertaHistory museum preserving the culture of early Baldwin County farm communities with a 20,000-square-foot main building, five acres of grounds, a 1909 church, blacksmith shop, vintage farm implements, and a schoolhouse.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
mobileA stunning 65-acre public garden near Mobile with year-round blooms — azaleas, camellias, roses, and chrysanthemums — plus guided home tours and a conservatory. Famous for its Magic Christmas in Lights show.
Big Lagoon State Park
pensacolaOver 700 acres of coastal habitat on the Intracoastal Waterway near Perdido Key. Kayak through tidal marshes, hike nature trails, fish from the observation boardwalk, and camp under the pines.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
gulf-shoresEstablished in 1980, this ~7,000-acre refuge on the Fort Morgan Peninsula protects nesting beaches for loggerhead, green, and Kemp's ridley sea turtles plus the endangered Alabama beach mouse.
Cetacean Cruises Dolphin Tour
orange-beachDolphin and nature eco-tours departing from The Wharf in Orange Beach aboard a 52-foot Hawaiian catamaran. Spot resident bottlenose dolphins and learn about local wildlife on a 1.5-2 hour cruise.
Daphne Bayfront Park & Pier
daphneA scenic waterfront park on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay with a fishing pier, walking trails, playground, and pavilions. Sunset views across the bay are spectacular, and the pier is popular for crabbing and fishing.
Flora-Bama Lounge
perdido-keyOpened in 1964, this down-home waterfront bar/grill offers oysters, pub grub & live music every day.
Foley Railroad Museum
foleyFree museum featuring a huge, remote-controlled model railroad, real train cars & other exhibits.
Fort Morgan State Historic Site
gulf-shoresPentagonal masonry fort completed in 1834 at the tip of Mobile Bay; held by Confederates until Farragut's 'damn the torpedoes' run on August 5, 1864 forced its surrender weeks later.
Fort Pickens — Gulf Islands National Seashore
pensacolaA massive pre-Civil War fort on Pensacola Beach surrounded by pristine national seashore. Explore the fort, hike coastal trails, snorkel in crystal-clear water, and camp steps from the beach.
Gulf State Park Fishing Pier
gulf-shoresAt 1,540 feet, it's one of the longest piers on the Gulf of Mexico. Fish for king mackerel and redfish, watch the sunrise, or just take in the endless Gulf views. Bait shop and rod rentals on-site.
Historic Blakeley State Park
spanish-fortA onetime town, this 1,400-acre wooded riverside park now offers camping, hiking & Civil War events.
Holmes Medical Museum
foleyMuseum displaying historic medical artifacts in a former hospital that functioned from 1936–1958.
Meaher State Park
spanish-fortTranquil nature area offering camping & picnicking space, a fishing pier & waterfront boardwalk.
Mobile Carnival Museum
mobileHoused in the historic Bernstein-Bush mansion downtown, this museum tells the story of America's original Mardi Gras — which started in Mobile, not New Orleans. Elaborate costumes, royal regalia, and interactive exhibits span three centuries of carnival tradition.
National Naval Aviation Museum
pensacolaThe world's largest naval aviation museum with 150+ aircraft, flight simulators, and exhibits spanning over a century of aviation history. Free admission on NAS Pensacola.
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
pensacolaClimb the 177 steps of this 1859 lighthouse for sweeping views of Pensacola Bay and the Gulf. The maritime museum tells the story of the region's seafaring history.
Perdido Key State Park
perdido-keyA quiet stretch of sugar-white sand and rolling dunes on Perdido Key — less crowded than the main beaches and perfect for shelling, swimming, and spotting shorebirds.
The Wharf
orange-beachWaterfront entertainment district with a towering Ferris wheel, 10,000-seat amphitheater, nightly SPECTRA laser light show, marina excursions, 60+ shops and restaurants, and year-round events.
Tropic Falls at OWA
foleyPlayful theme park with 22 rides from roller coasters to spinning tea cups, plus games & shows.
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
mobileSouth Dakota-class battleship USS Alabama (BB-60), commissioned 1942, decommissioned 1947, opened as a museum ship in Mobile Bay on January 9, 1965 — alongside the WWII submarine USS Drum.
Village Point Park Preserve
daphneHome to Jackson’s Oak, this storied preserve offers beach access, nature trails & picnic areas.