The Ultimate Coastal Road Trip Adventure Awaits Along Alabama's Scenic Byway

Alabama is a state that's probably not at the top of most travelers' lists of the U.S.' must-see destinations. However, visitors might be interested to find that many surprises lie beneath the surface of this southern region. Stretching along the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America), Alabama's Coastal Connection Scenic Byway is one of the south's most underrated road trip routes. Winding through sugar-white beaches, wildlife preserves, historic towns and sites, and bayfront communities, this 130-mile stretch offers visitors an authentic slice of Gulf Coast charm without the overwhelming crowds you might find in Florida or Louisiana. 

What makes the journey special is its ability to showcase the full character of Alabama's coast — from the laid-back life of Dauphin Island to the bustling energy of Gulf Shores, the artistic charm of Fairhope, and the wild wetlands near Spanish Fort. Each stop reveals a different side of the state's personality, stitched together by the same thread of southern hospitality greeting you at every turn.

From kayaking through wetlands to watching the sun set in vibrant colors over the Gulf, this byway captures the quiet charm of Alabama's coast. Whether you're chasing sunsets, seafood, or small town vibes, this drive promises a bit of everything that makes the southern coast so unique. 

Your road trip along Alabama's Coastal Connection Scenic Byway begins near Spanish Fort, a small but vibrant town perched on the eastern edge of Mobile Bay. This region offers travelers an unforgettable introduction to Alabama's coastal beauty. Before heading south towards the beaches, it's worth slowing down and exploring the natural wonders that surround Spanish Fort.

This area sits at the edge of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, one of the largest and most ecologically diverse river deltas in the U.S. Home to hundreds of different species of birds, fish, and countless reptiles and mammals, this region is a paradise for nature lovers. Start your morning off at Meaher State Park, a peaceful waterfront preserve offering front-row seats to this incredible ecosystem. The park features elevated boardwalks stretching across tidal marshes, where you can spot herons, egrets, ospreys, and the occasional alligator. 

Just a few minutes away, Historic Blakeley State Park is a sprawling 2,100-acre preserve waiting to be explored. This park was once the site of the Battle of Fort Blakeley, one of the final major conflicts of the Civil War. Today, visitors can meander through the remnants of the old battlefield, where earthworks and still intact trenches tell the story of soldiers who fought here in 1865. But Blakeley isn't just meant for history buffs. The park offers an extensive network of 20 miles of hiking and biking trails for visitors to explore, winding their way through forests, swamps, and shaded riverbanks. For those craving a bit of adventure, Blakeley also provides guided boat cruises through the delta, giving travelers the chance to experience the wetlands from an entirely new perspective. Before getting back on the road, stop for a bite in nearby Daphne, a charming community just minutes from Spanish Fort known for its delicious seafood.

As you make your way south along the byway, the road leads you into Fairhope, one of Alabama's most enchanting coastal towns — and perhaps its best-kept secret. Perched on the bluffs overlooking Mobile Bay, Fairhope is the kind of place that feels pulled from the pages of a storybook.

Founded in 1894 as a utopian colony, Fairhope has long drawn creative spirits seeking inspiration by the water. Today, that artistic legacy thrives in the town's many galleries, studios, the Eastern Shore Art Center, and independent shops. One place you can't miss in town is Page & Palette, Fairhope's beloved independent bookstore, and a local institution since the '60s. Part bookstore, part coffee shop, part community gathering space, it's the perfect spot to sip a cappuccino while flipping through your next pick. The Fairhope Municipal Pier also draws visitors in, with its peaceful walks along the bay, its beautiful rose garden, and an array of local fishermen bringing in the catch of the day.

No visit to Fairhope would be complete without dining at Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek Marina, serving up Gulf-to-table dishes like gulf snapper, fish and chips, and seared tuna, all paired with an unbeatable harbor view. For something more romantic, check out Cameillia Cafe, a cozy spot in downtown offering elevated southern cuisine. Before you leave, stop by Henry George Park, a quiet bluffside overlook offering one of the best panoramic views of Mobile Bay. Locals often say it's the best place in town to watch the sunset — and once you see the horizon light up in shades of pink and orange, you'll understand why.

A short drive south from Fairhope brings you to Foley. Founded in the early-1900s as a railroad town, Foley has grown into a lively community that still holds tight to its original roots. Begin your visit in downtown, where the city's old-fashioned charm is on full display. The Foley Railroad Museum, housed in a beautifully restored depot, pays tribute to the town's heritage through historic rail cars, photographs, and exhibits that showcase Foley's past.  No visit to Foley is complete, however, without a visit to the Foley OWA Entertainment District, a family-friendly complex that combines an amusement park, shopping, and dining all in one. 

Continuing further south, the road begins to wind towards the water once more as you come upon Gulf Shores, where the Alabama Coastal Connection Scenic Byway reaches its most iconic stretch, one defined by turquoise waters and white sand beaches. It also just so happens to be Alabama's top-ranked budget-friendly beach.

A great first stop is Gulf State Park, an area home to beautiful beaches, coastal dunes, countless trails, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and miles of biking along the Backcountry Trail System. Just beyond town, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 7,000 acres of undisturbed coastal habitat, including dunes, maritime forests, and tidal marshes. It's a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers, especially during spring and fall migrations when thousands of species pass through. Just west of here, travelers can travel to explore Fort Morgan, a historic 19th-century fortress that once guarded Mobile Bay. Climbing its weathered brick walls, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the water — and a tangible sense of the history that shaped this coast.

If you want to continue the adventure, from Fort Morgan's landing, visitors can board the Mobile Bay Ferry, which carries vehicles and passengers across the waters to Dauphin Island. The 40-minute ride is considered the "Gulf Coast's most scenic drive", with dolphins often trailing alongside, and sweeping views of the bay. Known as the "Sunset Capital of Alabama," this narrow, tropical, 14-mile-long island boasts stunning white sandy beaches, with one of the island's biggest draws being its natural landscape, which remains largely undeveloped and unspoiled.

Start your visit at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, a 164-acre paradise of coastal forest, marsh, and dunes that's recognized as one of the top birding destinations in the U.S. Each spring and fall, thousands of migratory birds stop here to rest before or after crossing the Gulf — an incredible sight for birdwatchers and photographers alike.

Just beyond the sanctuary lies Dauphin Island Public Beach, a perfect spot for swimming or sunbathing. For more adventure, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the island's quiet bays and inlets. For history buffs, at its eastern tip stands Fort Gaines, a weathered but remarkably well-preserved 19th-century fortress that played a key role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War.  Nearby, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium offers an engaging look at the ecosystems that make Alabama's Gulf Coast so unique. The interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and aquariums highlight everything from sea turtles and rays to local conservation efforts, making it a perfect stop for families or anyone curious about the coastal environment. While the journey along the byway begins in the lush wetlands near Spanish Fort and winds through the vibrant culture of Fairhope, Foley, and Gulf Shores, Dauphin Island is its exhale — a peaceful ending to a road trip celebrating Alabama's most beautiful and overlooked stretch of coast.