Fort Morgan

Hop over to the next island to check out the bird sanctuary and fishing pier at Fort Morgan. In addition to being a defense site in such wars as the Civil War and World Wars I and II, Fort Morgan has been selected as one of the “One Hundred Globally Important Bird Areas” by the American Bird Conservancy.

Continuing east you’ll find the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. This 7,000-acre refuge is home to migratory birds, sea turtles, the endangered Alabama beach mouse, and native plant life.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Make your way into Gulf Shores and visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Observe more than 290 animals in their natural habitats, including lions and tigers, monkeys, macaws, and kangaroos. The zoo also includes a petting zoo, reptile house, aviary, and daily shows.

Gulf State Park

Visit the Gulf State Park, a 6,150-acre park comprising white-sand beaches, lakes, nature trails, a picnic area, and campground. The Beach Pavilion, a new addition located right on the beach, includes a concession stand and picnic tables. The park also includes an 18-hole championship golf course.

Gulf State Park Pier

Go fishing, or just watch the fishing action on the Gulf State Park Pier. The longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf State Park Pier features an indoor concession area, a store that sells souvenirs and tackle, and comfort stations in the middle of the pier.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails

Explore the marshes, sand dunes, and swamps along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails. The route consists of 7.8 miles of paved trail and includes restrooms, a picnic pavilion, and a butterfly garden.

Five Rivers Delta Resource Center

Learn about and explore the second largest river delta in America at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. Located in Spanish Fort, this site offers boat rides, canoe and kayak rentals, and an educational exhibit hall. Alligators, Alabama red-bellied turtles, and blue herons are just a few of the creatures that can be seen throughout the Delta.

Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Travel to Fairhope and visit the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Part of a national network of coastal reserves, Weeks Bay is a public facility intended to educate visitors about estuaries and local plants and animals. Explore the 6,600 acres of estuarine habitats as you walk along boardwalk trails.

Alligator Alley

Head east to Summerdale to check out a 13-foot alligator named Captain Crunch, along with 150 of his alligator friends at Alligator Alley. Walk along the elevated pier through the cypress swamp and observe the ospreys, owls, turtles, bull frogs, and other creatures. Then visit the live alligators. From the elevated boardwalk, guests can watch the alligators in their natural environment, and even have the opportunity to feed them.

Mobile Bay Ferry

Take the Mobile Bay Ferry at Fort Morgan over to Dauphin Island. The trip across the Mobile Bay takes about 30 minutes, giving you the opportunity to observe the nature and wildlife among these waters.

Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries/Dauphin Island Sea Lab

Continue down to Dauphin Island where you can visit the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries and Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Maritime forest, marshes, dunes, a lake, swamp, and beach make up the sanctuary, providing ample opportunity for neo-tropical bird-spotting. Visit the Estuarium at the sea lab and learn about the ecosystems of the Mobile Bay estuary.

Bellingrath Gardens

Head south to another garden excursion, this time at Bellingrath Gardens and Home in Theodore, Alabama. Observe the seasonal flowering plants among the various gardens, including the Bellingrath Rose Garden, the Butterfly Garden, Fountain Plaza, Mirror Lake, and the Asian American Garden. Follow up with a tour of the Bellingrath home.