Travel Blog 44
The Alabama Gulf Coast
Foley - Fairhope - Fort Morgan
Gulf Shores - Orange Beach
April 2026
Gulf Breeze RV Resort
Gulf Shores, AL

After 4 years and nearly 30,000 miles criss-crossing the country, I'm spending a month on the Gulf Coast of my home state. I booked the month of April 2026 at Gulf Breeze RV Resort in Gulf Shores Alabama. The one month stay totaled $963.00. There are some Pull-Through sites and the Back-In sites are angled such that backing in is a breeze. The sites are all concrete with ample patio space and the space between sites is well above average. The clubhouse and pool look brand new and are both very, very nice. There are a couple of pickle ball courts and one of the nicest and largest off leash dog runs I've ever seen. There are several ponds onsite including a large fishing pond near the clubhouse. There are at least 3 bathhouses each outfitted with laundry machines. There are also a half dozen cabins and several tiny homes. During my stay it seemed most everyone was on longer term stays and everyone was very friendly. This is a fantastic Place with a very reasonable monthly rate. I'll be Back!
Website

 

Gulf Breeze RV Resort
Gulf Breeze Site 183

Gulf Breeze RV Resort
Gulf Breeze RV Resort

Gulf Breeze RV Resort
Gulf Breeze RV Resort

Gulf Breeze RV Resort
Gulf Breeze RV Resort

Gulf Breeze RV Resort
Gulf Breeze RV Resort

Gulf Breeze RV Resort
Gulf Breeze RV Resort

Gulf Breeze RV Resort
Gulf Breeze RV Resort

Gulf Breeze RV Resort
Gulf Breeze RV Resort

Gulf Breeze RV Resort
Gulf Breeze RV Resort

Gulf Breeze RV Resort
Gulf Breeze RV Resort

Gulf Breeze RV Resort
Gulf Breeze RV Resort


April 2026
Foley Alabama

Foley was incorporated in 1915 driven by the Louisville & Nashville (L&N) Railroad, which brought a depot and warehouse to the area. With a population of just over 26,000 as of 2026 it has become known as a top-ranked, affordable retirement destination. The historic walkable downtown is known for its historic structures, including the Foley Railroad Museum, Heritage Park, the Holmes Medical Museum, and the historic Magnolia Hotel & Restaurant. Foley is also home to the 520 acres OWA Parks and Resort with a large outdoor theme park with over 20 rides, Tropic Falls indoor waterpark includes a massive wave pool, indoor slides, and lazy river. Downtown OWA is a fantastic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, basically something for everyone all connected to the theme park. Foley has a massive Sports Complex to host regional sports events for both indoor and outdoor sports. Foley is also home to the 600 acre Graham Creek Nature Preserve which is dedicated to the preservation of native plants and wildlife. There are 10 miles of trails, 2 handicap-accessible boardwalks, a kayak launch, and 4 disc golf courses. Finally, maybe the best part, downtown Foley is 10 miles from the Gulf of America and the most beautiful beaches on the planet.
Visit Foley Website

 

Foley Alabama
Foley Alabama

Foley Alabama
Foley Alabama

Foley Alabama
Foley Alabama

Foley Alabama
The Hotel Magnolia

Foley Alabama
Foley Alabama

Foley Alabama
Foley Alabama

Foley Alabama
Foley Sports Complex

Foley Alabama
Foley Sports Complex

Foley Alabama
Foley Sports Complex

Foley Alabama
Foley Alabama

Foley Alabama
Downtown OWA

Foley Alabama
OWA Parks & Resort

Foley Alabama
Downtown OWA

Foley Alabama
Downtown OWA

Foley Alabama
Downtown OWA

Foley Alabama
Downtown OWA

Foley Alabama
OWA Parks & Resort


April 2026
Fairhope Alabama

Fairhope was founded in 1894 as a utopian experiment based on economist Henry George's "single-tax" philosophy. Instead of individuals owning land outright, the founding idea was that land would be held collectively and residents would lease plots long-term while owning the homes built on them. Fairhope is often listed nationally as one of the premier retirement communities nationwide. As of 2026, the population is about 27,700 and around a third of the folks are 65+. Fairhope is on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay about 25 minutes south of Mobile and less than an hour from the Alabama beach paradises of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach located on the Gulf of America. The cost of living is about 10 to 15 percent above the national average but in less than a half an hour, you will know exactly why. Be sure to check out the walkable historic downtown district. Also the check out the Fairhope Municipal Pier which is a scenic pier stretching into Mobile Bay. Nearby amenities include a marina, boat launch, and the "Restaurant at the Pier," offering bay-front dining. Immediately north of the pier is North Beach Park which is not Gulf Shores but it's pretty nice. Another spectacular amenity of this area is the Eastern Shore Trail which stretches 24 miles along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, linking the cities of Spanish Fort, Daphne, and Fairhope. Century-old Hardwoods flush with Spanish moss on one of the most beautiful bays in the world... I love this place!
Visitors Guide

 

Fairhope Alabama
Fairhope Alabama

Fairhope Alabama
Fairhope Alabama

Fairhope Alabama
Fairhope Alabama

Fairhope Alabama
Fairhope Alabama

Fairhope Alabama
Fairhope Alabama

Fairhope Alabama
Fairhope Alabama

Fairhope Alabama
Fairhope Alabama

Fairhope Alabama
Fairhope Alabama

Fairhope Alabama
Fairhope Alabama

Fairhope Alabama
Fairhope Alabama

Fairhope Alabama
Fairhope Alabama


April 2026
Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan, AL

Fort Morgan is a 21 mile drive down Fort Morgan Rd from Gulf Shores Parkway or a 4 mile ferry ride from Dauphin Island on the east side of the bay. Originally called Fort Bowyer, the fort was built during the War of 1812 when the US Government needed a new fortification constructed on Mobile Point. Fort Bowyer was captured by the British just days before the Treaty of Ghent and was once again turned over to American Forces. In 1819, work began on what became Fort Morgan completed in 1834. In August 1864, Fort Morgan played a pivotal role in the Civil War's Battle of Mobile Bay where Confederate forces surrendered the fort to Union forces after heavy bombardment. Fort Morgan was also active during the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II used to protect the Gulf Coast. The Fort Morgan State Historic Site covers approximately 479 acres so you can see the main features in an hour or you can make a day of it. Entrance is $8 for Adults, $5 for Kids, Seniors, and Veterans. Best of all it is Very Dog Friendly with a few no go zones. Great historical place to visit with just a short trip from Gulf Shores or Orange Beach.
Website

 

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan


April 2026
Gulf Shores Alabama

Gulf Shores Alabama has the same powdery white quartz sand as the Emerald Coast of the Florida panhandle but perhaps a bit wider public beach access and less crowded and expensive. The Intracoastal Waterway bisects the city offering another form of waterside activities and dining including Lulu's Fun Food & Music. Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores has 6,500 acres with beaches, lakes, 28 miles of trails for walking and biking, kayaking, fishing, and the Gulf State Park Pier is one of the longest fishing piers on the Gulf of America. Waterville USA in Gulf Shores offers 20 acres of family fun with a waterpark, amusement park, and escape rooms. Hwy 59 is the gateway to the Gulf and Gulf Shores and the highway dead ends into The Hangout, the iconic beachfront destination with live entertainment and beachfront dining. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are adjacent Alabama beach towns that are different in many ways. Gulf Shores, with about 16,000 full-time residents, is more lively, tourist-focused, with more attractions, restaurants, and walkable areas. Generally, the real estate prices are a bit lower. All in all, it's a great place to be!
Website

 

Gulf Shores Alabama
Gulf Shores Alabama

Gulf Shores Alabama
Gulf Shores Alabama

Gulf Shores Alabama
Gulf Shores Alabama

Gulf Shores Alabama
Lulu's Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores Alabama
Lulu's Gulf Shores

Homeport Marina
Homeport Marina

Gulf Shores Alabama
Lagoon Pass Park

Gulf Shores Sportsplex
Gulf Shores Sportsplex

Gulf Shores Sportsplex
Gulf Shores Sportsplex

Gulf Shores Sportsplex
Gulf Shores Sportsplex

Gulf Shores Alabama
Gulf Shores Sportsplex

Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park


April 2026
Orange Beach Alabama

Orange Beach is the second half of the Alabama Gulf Coast Beaches located immediately east of Gulf Shores extending east to the Florida state line at the historic Flora-Bama. Orange Beach is the quieter of the two Alabama gulf beach towns with a year-round population of approximately 8,000 to 10,000. Orange Beach has slightly more expensive Condo complexes, a robust boating scene, and the same white quartz powder sand and clear emerald-green water as the panhandle and Gulf Shores. Orange Beach has more upscale condos & marinas but less public beach access and family fun amenities. Orange Beach does have a central entertainment district with shopping, dining, nightlife, and a giant Ferris wheel known as The Wharf. It's not OWA but it is a place. There are a few RV Parks and Resorts in Orange Beach but nothing to compare to Gulf Shores and especially Foley. Orange Beach is an upscale beach town and I personally know many people who consider it to be their premier beach destination.
Website

 

Orange Beach Alabama
Orange Beach Alabama

Orange Beach Alabama
Orange Beach Alabama

Orange Beach Alabama
Orange Beach Alabama

Orange Beach Alabama
Orange Beach Alabama

Orange Beach Alabama
Orange Beach Alabama

Orange Beach Alabama
Orange Beach Alabama

Orange Beach Alabama
Orange Beach Alabama

Orange Beach Alabama
Orange Beach Alabama

Orange Beach Alabama
Orange Beach Alabama

Orange Beach Alabama
Orange Beach Alabama

Orange Beach Alabama
Orange Beach Alabama