Tourism Information

Alabama: The Gulf Coast Region

Tourism Information

The Gulf Coast Region's most famous attractions are the sugar-white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In addition to the world-class beaches, you'll find the Old Courthouse Museum in Monroeville, Dauphin Island's Historic Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan and the USS Alabama in Mobile.

Alabama's Gulf Coast welcomes back a historic landmark after an absence of a quarter of a century. The Battle House Hotel, built in 1908, reopened in downtown Mobile and provides a perfect night's sleep in our beautiful tropical region. Thirty-two miles of white-sand beaches, clear coastal waters, brilliant sunsets, championship golf courses, parks, and preserves provide the ideal recreational environment. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the perfect getaways for sun and surf lovers.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, recipient of Alabama Tourism's 2006 Director's Award, is just a few blocks from the beach in Gulf Shores. It is home to more than 300 animals, including lions, tigers, and bears. Immerse yourself in resort living at The Wharf in Orange Beach,where fishing, dining, theatre, and shopping create one of the coast's newest and most romantic experiences. Or, visit the remodeled Grand Hotel in Point Clear.

Mobile, Alabama's oldest city and home of America's first Mardi Gras, has numerous museums, including the city museum with its horse-drawn carriages and Mardi Gras displays, Oakleigh's Historic House Museum, and the Richards DAR House Museum. Climb aboard the USS ALABAMA battleship, winner of nine battle stars in World War II. View captivating exhibits at the Mobile Museum of Art or tour the Gulf Coast Exploreum, where exhibits and films provide an entertaining outing for the mind. Be sure to celebrate 75 blooming years at Bellingrath Gardens and Home while visiting Mobile.

In Monroeville, a rustic courthouse sets the backdrop each May for a production of To Kill a Mockingbird, a play based on the acclaimed novel by Monroeville native Harper Lee. View science and nature exhibits at Turtle Point Environmental Center in Flomaton. See the French architectural style of the Royal Oaks bed and breakfast in Atmore. Or, discover Native American history at Mowa Choctaw Cultural Center in Mt. Vernon.

Shop Foley's unique outlet stores, enjoy the wonders of nature along the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, or experience awesome coastal celebrations, such as Fairhope's Arts and Crafts Festival, Daphne's Zydeco Music Festival, Mobile's Bayfest, and the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores.