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Things To DoThings To Do

The Wedding Website of Heather Youngbloom and Charles Joseph Aeh II
Along the southern coast of Alabama, life unfolds in layers of beauty and charm. This is our home!! In Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, sugar-white sand meets warm, turquoise Gulf waters - perfect for long beach days, sunset strolls, dolphin cruises, and time out on the water. Fresh seafood is a highlight, with Gulf shrimp, oysters, and fish served just steps from the shore, often enjoyed with a coastal breeze and cotton candy sunsets! Just north, Mobile Bay offers a quieter magic, where live oaks draped in Spanish moss frame peaceful waterfront views & timeless Southern landscapes and towns like Fairhope, Daphne and Spanish Fort. The region is rich in biodiversity, from coastal dunes to maritime forests, and steeped in history. Blakeley State Park, one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the country & site of a major Civil War battle, or stand at Fort Morgan, where history meets the sea. We hope you will make the time to explore the entire area!! www.visitcoastalalabama.org
Fairhope

FairhopeFairhope

Fairhope, AL 36532

Fairhope is the heart of Southern charm along Mobile Bay where beauty, creativity, and calm come together. Stroll through a storybook downtown filled with blooming flowers, local boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés. Every street is lined with live oaks and touches of coastal elegance that make you want to slow down and stay awhile. The iconic Fairhope Pier stretches out into the bay, offering sweeping views, gentle breezes, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets on the Gulf Coast. Along the bluff, you’ll find peaceful parks and pathways perfect for quiet walks beneath trees draped in Spanish moss. Fairhope isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling. Relaxed, refined, and deeply rooted in beauty, it’s a place that lingers with you long after you leave.

Fairhope Municipal Pier

Fairhope Municipal PierFairhope Municipal Pier

4 North Beach Road, Fairhope, AL 36532

Fairhope's "town square." A bayfront property with 1/4-mile pier, swimming, picnic areas, landscaped rose garden, benches, restrooms, marina, restaurant, walking trails and duck pond.

Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection

Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph CollectionGrand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection

17855 Scenic Highway 98, Fairhope, AL 36532

Worth a day trip to see everything is has to offer even if not a guest! Set along the shores of Mobile Bay, The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa is a destination where Southern charm meets refined coastal luxury. The resort’s stunning pool area overlooks the Bay offering a peaceful, sun-drenched retreat, while the private beach invites quiet mornings and golden sunset views. Guests can spend their days fishing off the pier, playing tennis, or enjoying championship golf, then unwind at the full-service spa. What truly sets it apart, though, are the grounds-magnificent stretches of manicured gardens shaded by centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The Grand Hotel's gardens include 550 pristine acres featuring a stunning selection of colors. The Southern charm of our Grand Oaks, dripping with Spanish moss, is a favorite! Along with magnificent flower, herb & vegetable gardens, over 150 stunning live oak trees are a highlight of the Grand Hotel’s lush historic landscape.

Silverhill

SilverhillSilverhill

Silverhill, AL 36576

Silverhill isn’t just where we live, it’s where we chose to put down roots and build our home! It’s the kind of place that feels like it was gently preserved in time. With its single stoplight and quiet streets, life here moves at a slower, more meaningful pace. Right in the heart of town, you’ll find little treasures like charming antique shops, Saltwater Brew, Villa Decor and Brodies Cream and Bean, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and coffee shop where everything feels warm, nostalgic, and just a little magical. Silverhill is wrapped in the beauty of the South with lush greenery, towering live oak trees, and peaceful parks with winding rivers that invite you to slow down and breathe. It’s not flashy or hurried. It’s simple, genuine, and deeply rooted in tradition and community! Time doesn’t rush here. It settles. And in that stillness, you remember what matters.

Fort Morgan

Fort MorganFort Morgan

51 Hwy 180 West, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Since 1834 Fort Morgan has stood as the guardian of Mobile Bay. The military site and National Historic Landmark is in Gulf Shores. Fort Bowyer preceded Fort Morgan at Mobile Point. Fort Bowyer was constructed by the U.S. Army during 1813 to guard against possible British attack. This small log and sand fortification was attacked twice by the British during the War of 1812. The first attack made by four British warships and a combined force of British Royal Marines and Creek Indians came on September 15, 1814. The ensuing battle was a total American victory. One warship, the H.M.S. Hermes was sunk, and the marines and Creek Indians were forced to withdraw. During a second battle which took place during early February 1815, a combined British land and naval force forced the vastly outnumbered American troops to surrender the fort. By the terms of the treaty that ended the War of 1812, the British had to return Fort Bowyer to the United States.

Orange Beach

Orange BeachOrange Beach

Orange Beach, AL

Orange Beach is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, where soft, white quartz sand stays cool underfoot even on the hottest summer days. The shoreline glows brilliantly against clear, turquoise Gulf waters, creating a bright and peaceful coastal escape. The sand is fine and powdery, almost like sugar, which is why its often called Sugar Sands and Emerald Coast! Beyond the beach, Orange Beach is full of energy and charm. Waterfront shops, local boutiques, and coastal markets offer everything from unique gifts to beach treasures. The food scene is a highlight, with fresh Gulf seafood - large shrimp, oysters, crab claws, and flaky fish served dockside with sunset views and a salty breeze. As the sun goes down, the area comes alive with laid-back nightlife, including live music, tiki bars, and open-air venues where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the rhythm of the coast.

The Wharf

The WharfThe Wharf

23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561

The Wharf is where coastal charm meets vibrant energy - a must-visit destination in Orange Beach for shopping, dining, and unforgettable experiences. Stroll through a lively district filled with unique boutiques, local shops, and waterfront views that make every moment feel like a getaway. From fresh Gulf seafood to casual bites and sweet treats, there’s something for every craving. Take a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel for breathtaking views of the marina and sunset skies, or catch live music and major events at the amphitheater. As the sun goes down, The Wharf comes alive with twinkling lights, entertainment, and a relaxed coastal nightlife.

Gulf Shores

Gulf ShoresGulf Shores

Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf Shores has a lively, welcoming energy that makes it one of the most beloved spots on the Gulf Coast. At the heart of it all is the public beach area and boardwalk, where wide stretches of sugar-white sand meet the turquoise water, and everything you need is just steps away. The boardwalk makes it easy to move from beach to shops to dining, all while soaking in the salty air and coastal views. One of the most iconic stops is The Hangout, a vibrant beachfront spot known for its fun atmosphere, live music, and casual coastal food. It’s the kind of place where families, friends, and visitors gather. Whether it’s for a meal, a drink, or just to enjoy the energy and entertainment. Shopping in Gulf Shores adds to the experience, with beach boutiques, souvenir shops, and local stores lining the area near the beach. You can spend the day moving effortlessly between relaxing on the sand, grabbing a bite, browsing shops, and enjoying the lively coastal atmosphere.

Dolphin & Sailing Tours by Cetacean Cruises

Dolphin & Sailing Tours by Cetacean CruisesDolphin & Sailing Tours by Cetacean Cruises

4673 Wharf Parkway West, Orange Beach, AL 36561
, (251) 550-8000

Imagine a blue-sky day aboard a boat, surrounded by shimmering water. Seagulls dive into the water for their dinner- truly a fresh catch. Friendly dolphins dance in sequence, just a short distance from the boat, and Caribbean music sets the tone for a relaxing dolphin cruise or sunset sailboat cruise through Wolf Bay and the surrounding back water bays of Orange Beach, Alabama. They stay in the back bays, along Orange Beach’s Intracoastal Waterway for a smooth boating experience. There’s no reason to daydream when you can experience this treasure first-hand with the Cetacean Cruises team!

The Fun Boats Dolphin Cruises

The Fun Boats Dolphin CruisesThe Fun Boats Dolphin Cruises

3900 Bayou Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561
, (251) 292-5095

One of the most fun and memorable experiences in Orange Beach is hopping on a dolphin cruise with The Fun Boat. These lively cruises last about two hours and take you out into the open Gulf, where dolphins often swim alongside, jump, and play in the wake. The other tour we listed is more laid back and only stays in the back bays. This company goes into the Gulf, weather permitting! What makes these boats special is the energy..music, laughter, and interactive fun that makes it feel more like an experience than a tour. They’re family-friendly, comfortable, and equipped with onboard bathrooms, making the trip easy and enjoyable for everyone. It’s one of those simple, joyful coastal moments you won’t forget!

Blakeley State Park

Blakeley State ParkBlakeley State Park

Spanish Fort, AL 36527
, 251.626.0798

Nestled within the scenic Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Historic Blakeley State Park is one of the largest and most diverse attractions within the Gulf Coast region. Within these more than 2,000 acres of some of the most biodiverse habitat in North America, the park contains the sites of Alabama's largest Civil War battle, the important early Alabama town of Blakeley, and Native American settlements dating back thousands of years. Nowhere else will you experience such a rare combination of rich cultural heritage and abundant natural beauty. We invite you to explore the park through more than 20 miles of walking, biking and horseback riding trails by joining them for one of their many boat cruises into the rivers of the delta or through numerous educational programs. The park has cabins, RV and primitive camping facilities.

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial ParkUSS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile, AL 36602

The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is one of the most powerful and unforgettable historic sites along the Gulf Coast. Home to the legendary USS Alabama (BB-60), this World War II battleship stands as a tribute to those who served. Visitors can walk the decks, stand beside massive guns, and explore the inner workings of the ship from tight sleeping quarters to the engine room offering a firsthand look at life at sea during wartime. The scale alone is impressive, but it’s the stories held within its steel walls that truly leave an impact. The park also features historic aircraft and the USS Drum (SS-228), one of the oldest American submarines open to the public. Together, they create an immersive experience that brings history to life in a way that’s both educational and deeply moving.