Enjoy Fun Coastal Activities At This Southern US State Park
Taking time to unwind and enjoy quality time away from the daily grind is an easy task for travelers who head to Alabama. This scenic vacation destination is rich in history, fantastic flavors, beautiful landscapes, and inspiring options for outdoor recreation at every turn. It's also a Southern U.S. destination that's packed with state parks to explore if you're longing for fresh-air adventures.
According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the state of Alabama hosts 21 state parks operated by the State Parks Division. This adds up to more than 45,000 acres of protected land and waterways to discover when you're here. If you happen to be an adventurer who can't wait to enjoy as many fun coastal activities as possible during your stay, you're not going to want to miss out on a trip to Meaher State Park.
Located in Spanish Fort, Alabama, Meaher State Park is open daily from 7 a.m. until sunset and provides visitors with 1,327 acres of park to discover for themselves. Meaher State Park is home to lush wetlands which beckon to guests to get out on the water and enjoy taking in the scenery at their own preferred pace. It's a popular place to cast a line, explore the scenic waterside boardwalk, or settle in right near the water when you book one of the cabins, tent sites, or RV sites at the park campground.
Paddle and fish your way to coastal adventure
Once you've paid the $3 entrance fee, you're free to spend as much time as you'd like fishing the day away. Meaher State Park has a convenient boat ramp and fishing pier in place for anglers to take advantage of during their visit. The boat ramp provides easy access to Blakeley River but if you do plan to fish from a boat you're towing, it's good to note that there's an additional $5 fee per vessel. The park's fishing pier extends 300 feet over the water and has great views to enjoy. While the waters below are home to a variety of species to reel in, you'll need an Alabama fishing license in hand to enjoy the freshwater fishing experience.
If getting out on the water in a canoe or kayak is more your adventure style, time at Meaher State Park won't disappoint. There are two canoe and kayak launch sites on the east side of the main park gate for guests to use at their leisure. You can also conveniently drop into the Blakely River at Oyster Shell Beach.
Guests who don't have their own kayak or canoe don't have to miss out. There are rental options available at the park between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily for individuals and groups alike. Just make sure to make your group reservations at least 72 hours ahead of your arrival to ensure enough kayaks or canoes are available.
Guided tours, birding, and shoreline picnics to enjoy
Exploring the Meaher State Park waterways on your own can be exciting but there are times when you'll learn more exploring alongside a knowledgeable guide. Guided paddles are offered throughout the year at the park and are led by a local naturalist. You'll typically need to sign up for the outing in advance which provides insight into the history and wildlife that make up the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
Chances are that if you book one of these tours, you'll find yourself inspired to pursue coastal birding at Meaher State Park once you're back on land. The park is fortunate enough to be located along the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail which means there's no shortage of local and migratory species to observe. The park is home to everything from osprey and herons to eagles, pelicans, doves, grackles, egrets, and more.
When all of the coastal adventuring has left you with an appetite, Meaher State Park is a picture-perfect place for a picnic with family and friends. Visitors are perfectly welcome to settle in by the water and make it a traditional picnic on the shoreline. If you're visiting with a group, there are also options to book one of the three pavilions on-site designed to welcome up to 60 people at a time. The pavilions have charcoal grills in place for guests to use as well when you want to pair your coastal vistas with fantastic flavor to match.