Alabama Gulf Coast Attractions & Parks Info

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Gulf Shores - Orange Beach, Alabama Attractions & Parks
(Due to Hurricane Ivan some attractions are partly or not open as yet, for updates check their websites or check here: Hurricane Ivan Renewal)

Attractions: Historical - Natural - Parks

Within an hours drive of the Gulf Shores ~ Orange Beach, Alabama area you will find many attractions- historical and narural, museums, parks and nature preserves- to engage the young and old alike. There are historic forts, battlefields and monuments, such as: Fort Morgan and the Battleship Alabama. The Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola and the Exploreum in Mobile, both feature IMAX Theaters and exhibits that inform as well as entertain. Many of the parks and preseves, in the Gulf Shores ~ Orange Beach, Alabama area, provide hiking and bike trails, fishing, camping and a chance to experience nature in it's element. We have provided brief descriptions and website links for more precise information.


 

ATTRACTIONS

Historical

Fort Conde Museum and Welcome Center
A replica of the original 18th century French Fort, that would expand to become Mobile. Costumed guides lead free tours, fire muskets and cannons, and explain the city's beginnings. 251-208-7304

Fort Morgan Historic Fort and Museum
A five sided masonry fortification at the mouth of Mobile Bay, it is most famous for its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War. Living history demonstrations and self-guided tours. Located 22 miles west of Gulf Shores on St. Hwy. 180 (Fort Morgan Rd.). 251-540-7125

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater
Mobile's premier hands-on science & family fun museum. View nationally prestigious traveling exhibits, breathtaking IMAX films, and hands-on exhibits. Admission charged. Open daily until 5 p.m. 251-208-6873

Gulf Shores Museum
Exhibits depicting the history of the local fishing industry in Gulf Shores and the surrounding area.
251-967-4733

Historic Blakely State Park
Scene of last major battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Blakely, was fought just hours after Lee surrendered. Enjoy 15 miles of hiking and bike trails, camping and a serene boardwalk next to the Tensaw River. 251-626-0798

National Museum of Naval Aviation
NMNA, located in Pensacola, is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, admission is free. See over 140 beautifully restored aircraft, ride in a motion-based flight simulator or view an IMAX movie. 850-452-3604

Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum
Showcasing early exploration and settlement of the area, located in an old schoolhouse with original furnishings. Tours and programs available. 25850 John Snook Drive, Orange Beach, AL. 251-981-2766

U.S.S Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
Features the Battleship U.S.S. Alabama, the Submarine U.S.S. Drum, 23 military aircraft and equipment, an audiovisual theater, a flight simulator and exhibits. 251-433-2703

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Natural

Bellingrath Gardens and Home
One of "America's Castles", it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South. This 65 acre landscaped retreat features a home tour and year-round blooming schedules of tulips, azaleas, roses, mums, poinsettias and much more. 800-247-8420

Biophilia Nature Center and Native Nursery
Featuring 100's of species of interesting plants in several ecosystems including: young forests, wildflower meadows, a carnivorous plant bog and swamp; also a butterfly garden, a screened butterfly room and caterpillar nursery. Tours are for mature six-year-olds on up. 251-987-1200

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
A 6200-acre refuge that protects and preserves the unique plants and animals of the Alabama Gulf Coast. Featuring beach access, hiking trails, fishing in the 40-acre freshwater Gator Lake or Little Lagoon, and large migratory bird stopover in April, May, September and October. Open year-round from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. 251-540-7720

Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
An estuarine embayment, off of Mobile Bay, protecting coastal habitats and wetlands. Offers an handicapped accessible boardwalk with observation deck, raised catwalk over a wetlands habitat, a collection of regional flora and fauna, indoor exhibits and a live animal room. 251-928-9792

Parks

Gulf State Park
NOTICE: Due to Hurricane Ivan, the Gulf State Park & Fishing Peir experienced severe damage. For information on the status of the park check here: Damage Advisory,
Located in Gulf Shores, with 2.5 miles beach, the park offers an18 hole championship golf course, fishing off an 825 foot pier or in a 500 acre freshwater lake, boating, nature trails, live exhibits, camping and lodging in cabins or hotel rooms. 251-948-7275

Meaher State Park
Located two miles west of Spanish Fort on Highway 90, this 1,327-acre park is situated in the wetlands of Mobile Bay. The park offers a boat ramp with newly constructed pier and self-guided tours over two nature trails that include boardwalks over the Mobile Delta. 251-626-5529

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