Attractions & Activities
From pristine national wildlife refuges to amusement parks and world-famous gardens, Baldwin County offers something extraordinary for every visitor.
Gulf Coast Beaches
Baldwin County's crown jewel — 32 miles of sugar-white sand and emerald Gulf water.
World-Class Shores
The beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are consistently ranked among the finest in the United States. The sand here is remarkably white and soft — ground fine over millennia from Appalachian quartz — and the Gulf water takes on stunning shades of emerald and turquoise in summer.
Whether you're looking for a lively beach scene with restaurants and shops just steps from the water, or a quieter stretch in a state park or wildlife refuge, Baldwin County's coast accommodates every preference.
Beach Activities
- Swimming in calm, warm Gulf waters
- Parasailing and jet ski rentals
- Dolphin and sunset cruises
- Deep-sea and inshore fishing charters
- Shell collecting and beachcombing
- Beach volleyball and sandcastle building
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- Snorkeling on nearshore artificial reefs
Beach Quick Facts
Major Attractions
Iconic destinations that draw visitors from across the country to Baldwin County's Gulf Coast.
Bellingrath Gardens & Home
One of the Southeast's most beloved destinations, Bellingrath Gardens spans 65 breathtaking acres near Theodore. Established in 1932, the gardens feature spectacular seasonal blooms including azaleas, roses, and chrysanthemums. The historic home is preserved as a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Gulf State Park
Stretching across more than 6,000 acres along the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf State Park is one of Alabama's premier outdoor destinations. Two miles of pristine Gulf beach, a 900-foot fishing pier, an 11-mile paved trail, a resort hotel, camping, and freshwater lakes make it a complete outdoor destination for families and nature lovers.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1980, Bon Secour NWR protects over 7,000 acres of critical habitat for migratory birds, sea turtles, and dozens of wildlife species. Five distinct trail systems wind through coastal dune ecosystems, freshwater wetlands, and maritime forests. The refuge is a premier birdwatching destination, especially during spring and fall migrations.
OWA Amusement Park & Entertainment District
Located in Foley, OWA (pronounced "oh-wah", a Creek word meaning "big water") is Alabama's largest amusement park. With more than 30 rides and attractions, a water park, live entertainment venues, a resort hotel, and a dining & shopping district, OWA provides a full family entertainment experience just minutes from the beach.
Fairhope Arts & Downtown District
Fairhope's charming downtown is one of Alabama's most celebrated destinations. Stroll the brick sidewalks past independent boutiques, art galleries, bookshops, and farm-to-table restaurants. The Fairhope Municipal Pier extending into Mobile Bay is iconic at sunset. The Eastern Shore Art Center hosts rotating exhibitions and events year-round.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Located in Gulf Shores, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to hundreds of animals from around the world. Known as "The Little Zoo That Could" after surviving Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the zoo offers up-close animal encounters, giraffe feedings, and family-friendly exhibits that make it one of the region's most beloved attractions.
The Wharf — Orange Beach
A premier waterfront entertainment district in Orange Beach, The Wharf features a 112-slip marina, an open-air amphitheater hosting major concerts, retail shops, restaurants, a Ferris wheel, and a movie theater — all along the Intracoastal Waterway. It's the social heart of the Orange Beach community.
Magnolia Springs River Mail Boat
Experience a living piece of American history — the last all-water rural mail route in the United States, still operating along the Magnolia River in Magnolia Springs. Watch as the mail boat glides beneath ancient oaks to deliver mail to riverside homes, a tradition dating back over a century in one of Baldwin County's most scenic communities.
Outdoor Recreation
Baldwin County's natural landscapes provide an unmatched playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Fishing
World-class fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay, freshwater rivers, and Lake Shelby. Deep-sea charters, inshore fishing, and pier fishing at the 1,540-foot Gulf State Park Pier offer something for every angler.
Cycling & Trails
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park offers 28 miles of paved multi-use trails through six distinct ecosystems. Additional trails wind through Bon Secour NWR and various community parks.
Birdwatching
A premier stop on the Gulf Coast Birding Trail, Baldwin County sees thousands of migratory species each spring and fall. Bon Secour NWR, Mobile Bay shorelines, and Gulf State Park are top hotspots for birders of all skill levels.
Kayaking & Paddling
Explore the serene blackwater rivers, coastal marshes, and bay waters by kayak or canoe. The Magnolia River, Styx River, and numerous tidal creeks offer peaceful paddling through stunning coastal ecosystems.
Golf
Baldwin County's mild climate makes it a year-round golf destination. Kiva Dunes, a nationally ranked links-style course at Gulf Shores, and numerous other championship courses dot the county landscape.
Scenic Drives & Views
The Eastern Shore offers stunning sunsets over Mobile Bay from Fairhope's bluffs and pier. Scenic Highway 180 (Fort Morgan Road) runs along the Fort Morgan Peninsula for breathtaking Gulf and bay views.