Alabama is known for peanuts, southern hospitality, the beautiful gulf coast beaches, and college football, especially the intra-state rivalry between University of Alabama and Auburn University.
Alabama is responsible for putting the first humans on the moon and is also home to the world's largest space museum. 6. When it comes to sports, Alabama doesn't disappoint. Alabama is home to the #1 college football team, Talladega Superspeedway, and to Rickwood Field - America's oldest baseball field.
Orange Beach is near industrialized Mobile Bay and closer to the Mississippi River, which tans the white beach and often perpetuates a somewhat brackish hue in the water. The Orange Beach Marina offers water recreation rentals, fishing excursions, dolphin sightseeing cruises, and parasailing.
10 customs you need to know before visiting Alabama
- Wear your best on Sundays.
- Be ready for three square meals a day.
- Age comes before beauty.
- We're all about family, all the time.
- Mind your Mouth (and your Manners)
- Hunting season is the best season.
- We have a nice porch for a reason.
- We will deep fry almost anything.
Alabama is the only state with all major natural resources needed to make iron and steel. It is also the largest supplier of cast-iron and steel pipe products. Montgomery is the capital and the birthplace of the Confederate States of America. The Confederate flag was designed and first flown in Alabama in 1861.
Spring. Gulf Shores in April and other spring months is a great time to visit. The weather is beautiful, and the kids are still in school, so the beaches and attractions are much less crowded than in the summer.
Orange Beach caters specifically to families not only during spring break but year-round as well. This means you can expect fewer crowds, a more relaxed environment, and a family friendly resort that offers a different kind of spring break experience.
Average temperatures in April in Alabama can range from highs of 73.6 degrees Fahrenheit in Huntsville, 74.4 degrees in Birmingham and 77.5 degrees in Mobile. Average May high temperatures jump up, with 81.3 degrees in Huntsville, 81.5 degrees in Birmingham and 84.5 degrees in Mobile.
Daily high temperatures increase by 6°F, from 72°F to 78°F, rarely falling below 65°F or exceeding 83°F. Daily low temperatures increase by 6°F, from 56°F to 62°F, rarely falling below 44°F or exceeding 72°F.
Gulf Shores is very family oriented. Destin is a bit flashier, more upper class, a little more expensive, and as previously mentioned, more traffic and further from the river so clearer water often. Both have plenty of options for condos and houses right on the water.
But perhaps this hidden gem of a destination is worth a second look. After all, this region of Alabama's Gulf Coast has so much to offer visitors, from an abundance of natural activities to fresh-from-the-sea dining options to unbelievable beaches. Gulf Shores is sure to delight as your next warm-weather haven.
Gulf Shores is the older, more established beach area and sits at the intersection of State Highway 182 and 59. Orange Beach extends from Gulf Coast State Park to Perdido Key, Florida. Orange Beach is newer and slower paced but becoming busier every year.
To get to the barrier island, you will have to take the Fort Morgan ferry! Offering quick access across Mobile Bay, this 40-minute ride is easy to catch. Just check the ferry schedule before your trip. Hours are usually early morning through sunset, varying by season.
701 Gulf Shores Pkwy. The Original Oyster House Boardwalk, one of the oldest specialty shopping centers in Gulf Shores, was built in the seventies.
The official Alabama state fruit is the blackberry. It was adopted through the efforts of the third-grade students of Fairhope Elementary school in 2003.
There's no doubt that the Alabama Gulf Shores is a show-stealer when it comes to beaches. While it often competes with neighboring beaches of Florida, Alabama can hold its own with vacationers looking for quality sand and surf. Alabama beaches are famous for what the locals describe as "sugar-white" sands.
Alabama is a scenic state with iconic symbols of rich history and culture at every turn. Scenic beaches showcase the coastal side of Alabama, with an abundance of waterfront photo opportunities, like the relaxing Gulf Shores beaches, to quiet inland lakes that are tranquil, especially during the early morning light.
