La Quinta Road Trip: Alabama Coasting, Find Nearby Hotels

Alabama Coasting One can only get buried in the sand so many times - Before one is ready to wash one’s hair and hit the town. The sugar-white sand beaches and beautiful green water of Alabama's Emerald Coast beckon travelers in search of a relaxing getaway. Less crowded than many popular Florida beaches, Alabama's Gulf Coast is also a shorter drive for some vacationers - and it has a lot more to offer than seaside beauty. The city is home to Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Waterville USA, which will easily provide hours of family fun. When hunger hits, King Neptune's Seafood, Original Oyster House, or Sea-N-Suds are great options for Southern-style seafood. After lunch, drive east along the Gulf Coast to the 6,000-acre Gulf State Park for hiking, bird watching, and beach time. Your Alabama Gulf Coast vacation concludes with a scenic drive west along the Fort Morgan Peninsula through Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and finally, to historic Fort Morgan, which played a major role during the Civil War, the 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay, the Spanish-American War, and World War II. Use our route planner to find hotels for your next trip.
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Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast 14469 Oak St. Magnolia Springs, AL 36555	Local landmark Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast operated as an inn in the 1920s and '30s. A street canopied with oak trees and framed by magnolias leads to the home. With a wraparound front porch, the century-old home provides guests with a wealth of amenities including a stocked guest refrigerator, afternoon tea, and turn-down service.

Jesse's Restaurant 14770 Oak Street Magnolia Springs, AL 36555	Signature dishes at this seafood-themed restaurant include paneed red snapper, Southern-style crab served over Cajun slaw, as well as whiskey steak and New Orleans-inspired entrees.

Tanger Factory Outlet 2601 S. McKenzie Foley, AL 36535	Shoppers browse for deals at Tanger Factory Outlet, with more than 120 stores including Polo, Banana Republic, Liz Claiborne, Nike, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Sea Oats Studio 1009 E. Canal Drive Gulf Shores, AL 36542	Steve and Dee Burrow capture the sea with creations such as tiny sea turtles, shells, shrimp, and other sea life in clay.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo 1204 Gulf Shores Pkwy Gulf Shores, AL 36542	Almost 300 animals, from big cats and monkeys to alligators, reptiles, and birds, roam in natural habitats throughout this zoo that's located blocks from the beach. Be sure to check out the reptile house, daily animal shows in the summer, and the petting zoo.

Waterville USA 906 Gulf Shores Pkwy Gulf Shores, AL 36547	The Screamin' Demon is a high-speed water slide featuring a 60-foot drop that's definitely not for the faint of heart. Other attractions at this combination water-amusement park include miniature golf, wave pools, and the Fun Depot, with tamer rides for youngsters.

King Neptune's Seafood Restaurant 1137 Gulf Shores Pkwy Gulf Shores, AL 36542	King Neptune's is one of the best places in the area to enjoy Royal Red shrimp, the crustacean denizens of the deep water, steamed and with drawn butter and lemon. The oysters are also outstanding here, as is the gumbo and the crab and corn bisque.

Original Oyster House 701 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36532	House specialties include homemade seafood gumbo, Butter Pecan House Catch, broiled and topped with sweet pecan butter, along with deep-fried and baked traditional seafood delights.

Sea-N-Suds 405 E Beach Blvd Gulf Shores, AL 36542	King Neptune's is one of the best places in the area to enjoy Royal Red shrimp, the crustacean denizens of the deep water, steamed and with drawn butter and lemon. The oysters are also outstanding here, as is the gumbo and the crab and corn bisque.

Gulf State Park 20115 State Hwy 135 Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Call (251) 948-7275	Gulf State Park boasts two miles of beach and nature trails. Grab your binoculars and pack your patience before setting out for the six birding loops of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail contained within the park. The entire length stretches from the Florida to Mississippi state lines. With any luck, bird watchers may spot roosting herons, egrets, sandhill cranes, brown pelicans, sparrows, warblers or loons that return each winter. Trails and paved paths suited to hikers, bikers, runners, and naturalists lace the area.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge 12295 State Highway 180 Gulf Shores, AL 36542	Seeking a brush with nature? Traipse through Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge features hiking trails, beach access, and thousands of acres that are home to neotropical migratory birds, nesting sea turtles, and the endangered Alabama beach mouse (cute enough there, but not to be taken home).

Currier Antiques & Fine Art 25470 Canal Road (Hwy. 182) Orange Beach, AL 36561	Gulf State Park boasts two miles of beach and nature trails. Grab your binoculars and pack your patience before setting out for the six birding loops of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail contained within the park. The entire length stretches from the Florida to Mississippi state lines. With any luck, bird watchers may spot roosting herons, egrets, sandhill cranes, brown pelicans, sparrows, warblers or loons that return each winter. Trails and paved paths suited to hikers, bikers, runners, and naturalists lace the area.

Fort Morgan National Historic Landmark 110 Hwy. 180W Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Call (334) 567-3002	Time slips backward at Fort Morgan State Historic site, with its arches of tapering bricks. The fort's strategic location made it important during the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. The adjacent museum offers relics from the past and soldiers' accounts of the harsh life they endured while garrisoned during the Civil War.

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