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Top 5 Beaches to Visit in Alabama

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Alabama’s coastline features stretches of sugary-white sand beaches along the tranquil, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. These beaches are perfect for relaxation and exploring the beach’s amenities, such as beachfront restaurants, bars, and resorts. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or venture out for some fishing or wildlife watching. Here are five top beaches in Alabama you need to consider. 

Gulf Shores

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The crown jewel of Alabama’s beaches, Gulf Shores offers 32 miles of pristine white sand beaches, making it a popular destination for families. Along the main strip, you’ll find beach volleyball courts, putt-putt golf courses, and plenty of restaurants serving fresh seafood, making Gulf Shores a complete beach vacation package. In 1956, the population was just 120 people. Today, the beach attracts crowds who flock to experience the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the first ZAA-accredited zoo built from scratch in over 20 years.

Orange Beach

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Neighboring Gulf Shores, Orange Beach offers a similar experience with wide, white-sand beaches and calm emerald waters. Here, you will find plenty of entertainment, including swimming, snorkeling, building sandcastles, dolphin cruises, hiking, and jet-skiing. A favorite destination in Orange Beach is The Wharf, an entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, and a marina. One interesting thing about Orange Beach is that it was named after a failed attempt to grow oranges, grapefruit, and satsuma trees in the area.

Dauphin Island

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For a peaceful and secluded beach experience, head to Dauphin Island, affectionately known as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama.” The island provides plenty of activities, such as pier fishing, deep-sea fishing charters, and the Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a public aquarium with marine life from the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay. Indulge in the island’s catch-of-the-day at a waterfront eatery with many dining options. If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss the Dauphin Island Regatta, a premier sailing event that attracts sailors and spectators from across the country.

Fort Morgan

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Completed in 1834, the fort was named after Daniel Morgan, a celebrated figure from the American Revolutionary War. With over 40 million bricks, Fort Morgan is an impressive structure that offers a brush with the bygone. The fort comes alive through its active living history program, which interprets all the military periods and hosts an annual event commemorating the Battle of Mobile Bay. After exploring the fort, you can unwind on the beach, cast a line in the Gulf of Mexico, or simply catch some sun rays and history.

Fairhope

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Fairhope, Alabama, has a fascinating heritage and arts scene. This interesting beach town once drew intellectuals like Sherwood Anderson and Upton Sinclair. Today, visitors enjoy the idyllic harbor, scenic beach walks, and prestigious art galleries like the Fairhope Museum of Art and the Eastern Shore Art Center, which showcase local and regional talent.

Written by Peterson Sorenson

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