Exploring Alabama Gulf Shores

By Graham McKenzie

On leaving Mobile for the next stage of my Alabama Odyssey I headed towards the state’s ’Riviera’ – Gulf Shores.

This is the narrow piece of bayfront real estate that stretches from Louisiana to Florida. The route I chose was not the obvious one as I drove directly south to Dauphin Island and the Mobile Bay Ferry. It was a wise choice.  My wisdom paid off as just before I boarded the ferry, make sure you pre book tickets, I visited the Lighthouse bakery for breakfast. A smart decision. The local speciality of omelettes was just the job and I could not resist some of their baked goods for later consumption.

Now for the Mobile Bay Ferry trip which was more like a mini cruise. Even in October it was shorts, t-shirt and shades as we gently glided across the waters to Gulf Shores. The journey takes about 35 minutes, and it is well worth the fifteen dollars for you and your car to have the most scenic of trips across the water.

What is so special about the Gulf Shores? Well, the beaches are typical of the northern gulf region and by that, I mean fantastic. The sand, washed down from mountains thousands of miles away, is of a quartz nature and squeaks like new snow when you walk on it. The shore is edged beautifully by dune like hillocks covered in tough green grass that in itself encourages birdlife the like of which would not be seen on your average beach.

One can easily while away a few hours just watching pelicans, herons, terns, ospreys, egrets, and a host of other species. The climate is conducive for at least nine months of the year, perfect for swimming, sunbathing (if still allowed), sandcastle construction, snorkelling, paddle boarding and fishing.

The area has a thriving gastronomy scene, with a variety of eateries serving produce caught fresh from the gulf. You can also find a range of other cuisines, from Italian to Mexican to Southern comfort food. What makes everything taste even better is that so many of the restaurants enjoy fabulous locations. It is not uncommon to sit by a marina, beach, lake or harbour and take in not just the food but also the ambience.

While it does not need any events to attract visitors, it has a number of events throughout the year, including the Hangout Music Festival, the National Shrimp Festival, and the Gulf Coast Triathlon. In addition, live music plays a big part in the entertainment scene. In the Orange Beach area, lots of venues have live music virtually every night but the daddy of them all is Florabama. Situated on the Florida Alabama state line this infamous club has five stages for live music and is the home of the Bushwhacker cocktail.

No article on this area would be complete without a mention of Golf. Alabama is the home of the Robert Trent Jones Golf trail and just a 45-minute drive from my hotel was the most southern of his courses Lakewood Club located on Mobile Bay. I played twenty-seven holes at the Peninsula Club which perfectly integrates with the natural habitat. The experience is a mix of golf and wildlife spotting.

Gulf Shores has a range of accommodation options for all budgets, from luxury beachfront hotels to budget-friendly vacation rentals. I stayed at the Perdido Beach Resort where the service, rooms and views are outstanding.

In conclusion, Gulf Shores, Alabama is the ideal destination for an active beach vacation. Whether relaxation, water sports, delicious food or cultural events, Gulf Shores has something for everyone.

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