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Alabama may not be known for the same crowds Florida has this time of year, but when everyone flocks to the same beach you might not be able to differentiate the two.
Gulf Shores is set to have one of its best years on record.
How could it not when travelers are surely chomping at the bit, ready to take advantage of the city’s airport offering commercial flights for the first time ever.
While there’s a couple of months left before that happens, it’s spring break, and Gulf Shores tops many rowdy college kids’ wish lists for a weeklong relief from essays and monotone lectures.
That means your best bet for a relaxing crowd-free escape lies elsewhere in the Magnolia State, which is largely overshadowed by Gulf Shores’ popularity come springtime.
If you’re seeking coastal bliss and some extra elbow room, there are 3 Alabama hideaways right up your alley — and 2 of them offer beautiful white-sand shores in close reach.
Fairhope
Gulf Shores toes the Bama-Florida line with increasingly popular Orange Beach sandwiched in between. You can’t run off across the border to Panama City or Destin to avoid the crowds, but you can go to Fairhope, one of the South’s most underrated coastal towns.
If you thought New Orleans, or even Louisiana as a whole, were the only southern destinations with a vibrant French Quarter, clearly you haven’t been to Fairhope.
Nestled along the scenic Mobile Bay lies this laid-back, artsy hideaway with picturesque neighborhoods and bayside delights.
The aforementioned French Quarter is a must-visit for much cheaper Gumbo than N’Awlins’ tourist prices and beautiful (yet pint-sized) French-inspired architecture.
History lends itself to the town’s plentiful accommodations too with cozy inns and bed and breakfasts too, such as top-rated The Fairhope Inn set in a 119 year-old home that’s been given new life.
But I’m guessing you’re here because you want a coastal retreat. Alabama’s most underrated resort is undoubtedly the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa overlooking the tranquil Mobile Bay.
While visiting this charming town, make sure to take a stroll along the scenic Fairhope Pier and visit numerous green parks straddling the waterfront.
Fort Morgan
Southern Living recently hyped up Fort Morgan as having ‘some of the Gulf’s quietest beaches’.
Tucked away from the packed beaches of Gulf Shores lies this unincorporated community with bright white sand shores — and a surprising historic attraction.
Given the name Fort Morgan, you probably see where we’re headed here. The actual fort (yes, it is named Fort Morgan) is a draw in and of itself as a significantly important landmark dating back to the 1800s, playing a key role in the Civil War’s Battle of Mobile Bay.
But now, this seemingly edge-of-the-world hideaway is just that, a hideaway for all to enjoy the scenic white sand beaches most visitors don’t bat an eye at.
Unlike Gulf Shores’ towering condos, opt for a beachside cabana or a cozy cottage available to rent.
Seafood is plentiful here too, especially oysters. Slurp away at Sassy Bass with cheap daily specials and make sure to stick around for live music.
Dauphin Island
Like John Lennon said, “where we’re going, we don’t need roads”.
To reach Dauphin Island, you’ll need to hop aboard the Mobile Bay Ferry from Fort Morgan and keep your eyes peeled along the way for common dolphin sightings before visiting the island’s aquarium for even more aquatic critters.
The sunsets on Dauphin Island are legendary, even earning the title of Alabama’s ‘sunset capital’, and for good reason.
From the wide, inviting beaches to the rows of boats docked in Dauphin Marina, every moment feels designed for coastal bliss.
Book a boat tour, unwind on the sand, or simply watch the sky blaze orange over this tiny town of 2,000 residents.
As you might expect, Dauphin Island isn’t a lavish resort getaway, but does offer ample vacation rentals and Inn At Dauphin Island guests rave about.
Like Fort Morgan, Dauphin Island also boasts a historic fort of its own in Fort Gaines and numerous down-home eateries whipping up the fresh “catch of the day”, such as local favorite Pirate’s Bar & Grill, set beachside.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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