Alabama’s Coastal Connection Byway

sunset from Dauphin Island State: Alabama
Length: 130 miles / 209.2 km
Time to Allow: Take a few days to a week to fully enjoy this byway.

Alabama only has a tiny bit of coastal land, and Alabama’s Coastal Connection Byway highlights this gorgeous area. The route takes up 130 miles and sits between the Mississippi and Florida coastline.

Furthermore, the routes are easily accessible for those in Louisiana as well who want to enjoy the connection between the states and the water. Take a few days to a week to fully enjoy the byway while experiencing the most beautiful portion of Alabama.

Pick up the byway in Grand Bay in the west with a stop at the Sessions Farm Market for fresh peaches and pecans. Enjoy a day swimming at Presley’s outing or take a boat tour.

The Scranton Museum offers local culture and charm, as do the Round Island Lighthouse and the Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Stop in Bayou La Batre for the night for beautiful views.

Move over the water next to Dauphin Island to visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and the Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab for an educational aquarium. The aquarium offers a stingray touch pool and boardwalk.

From there, visit the Fort Gaines Historic Site before moving to Fort Morgan. The fort was pivotal to both the War of 1812 and the Civil war, with fun tours for Halloween and Christmas. Finally, visit the Bon Secour National Wildlife refuge while here.

Head to the beach next at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for gorgeous white sands and tons of fresh seafood. It is the perfect place to relax with options for everyone from swimming to boating and much more.

Related Beach Articles: Best Beach Chair With Canopy | Best Beach Umbrella For Wind

Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or take the kids to the Waterville USA theme park. Stay at the luxurious Kiva Dunes Resort with a golf course, access to the beach, and on-site dining.

Next, visit historic downtown Foley and do some antiquing or grab an old-fashioned shake at the Stacy Drugs & Olde Tyme Soda Fountain. Kids will love f the local action park and the Graham Creek Nature Persevere.

Magnolia Springs is next with small-town charms like the Jesse’s Restaurant for delicious seafood and sandwiches. Finally, stop at the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve to view the wetlands in style.

The town of Fairhope offers quaint charm too and has a pier, shopping, and tons of dining options. Head to Daphne next to visit the Village Point Park Preserve for a historical hike around the oldest and largest oaks like President Jackson’s oak.

Now visit Spanish Fort for a panoramic view of Mobile Bay with skylines of the city. The area offers tons of parks and recreational opportunities along with historical sites dating back thousands of years.

Visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park while in the area right on the coast.

Then, for a little side trip, end the byway in the city of Mobile to visit several museums and the incredible Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Dauphin street offers old town charm and access to incredible architecture. Finish your trip with a meal at the Half Shell Oyster House for some fresh seafood.