Savoring the sea

A 5 day tour of Alabama
from our Southeastern issue,
Spring 2012.

	Photo: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
	Fishing charters are a popular way to experience the waters of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Fun in the sun, sugar-sand beaches, fresh seafood, fascinating attractions and so much more can be found along the Alabama Gulf Coast. 

Enjoy five days uncovering the treasures on and off the shores of Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island — along with fantastic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Day One

Begin your beach vacation with coffee served on your hotel balcony as you watch the sunrise. Follow with an early morning walk on the beach and searching for seashells. 

After the walk has wrapped up, enjoy some time at the beach, a must for an Alabama Gulf Coast getaway. Lounge in the sun, seek out water sports or go for a swim.

Take a break from beach for lunch at The Hangout — a Gulf Shores legend featuring some of the freshest seafood caught from the Gulf of Mexico. 

You’ll want to head back to those inviting sugar-sand beaches. This immediate area features 13 public access points, including Gulf State Park. 

Return to shore for dinner at Cosmo’s Restaurant and Bar in Orange Beach. The menu, which features sushi, steaks and other delights, is a favorite with the locals. 

If group members would like, add on a visit to Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar. Right on the state line between Alabama and Florida, this local legend plays hosts to the Mullet Toss event every April and is a hoot to visit any night of the year.

Day Two

Begin today with breakfast at Tacky Jack’s of Orange Beach, followed by a four-hour fishing charter departing from a local marina. 

Return to land for lunch at Flippers of Orange Beach. Don’t worry, you can head back to sea in short order for an afternoon dolphin cruise. 

Then, enjoy a glassblowing demonstration at the Orange Beach Art Center and travel to the nearby Shipp’s Harbour Grill for another fantastic meal.

Day Three

Greet the morning with an adventure — a biking or eco-tour along the Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail.

Head to The Wharf for lunch and some afternoon shopping with the Intracoastal Waterway as a backdrop. Be sure to save time for a trip to Hope’s Cheesecake. 

The evening is free to enjoy as your group wishes. 

Day Four

Great weather and views make the Gulf Coast a natural place for golf. 

Choose one of several local courses for an 18-hole round. 

Enjoy lunch at the Original Oyster House, a local favorite since it opened in 1983.

Visit Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and discover the story of the “Little Zoo that Could.” After surviving three hurricanes, the zoo is opening an all-new, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum-certified facility this spring. 

After, experience another great coastal restaurant with LuLu’s at the Homeport Marina. Owner Lucy Buffett is the sister of rocker Jimmy Buffett, a restaurateur himself.

Day Five

Connect with history while touring Fort Morgan. 

After construction was completed in 1834, the fort was active during the Civil, Spanish-American and both World Wars. 

Hop aboard the ferry to Dauphin Island for a tour of Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory’s Estuarium and Fort Gaines. Enjoy a bakery lunch and the ferry ride back to the mainland. 

Before dinner, get active with some hiking at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. 

After your workout, it’s time for dinner at The Beach Club.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
(800) 745-7263
www.gulfshores.com

Offer your Alabama itineraries to the editor.
Mail: 2465 112th Ave.
Holland, MI 49424
Fax: (616) 393-0085
Phone: 1-800-767-3489 between 8am - 5pm, EST.