Wetlands Park in Gulf Shores is a hidden gem of a serene nature preserve that is a unique…read moreopportunity to explore our coastal wetlands and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. I discovered it because of a friend who likes to take long nature walks alone and is a nature buff. It's a walking and hiking park located at the base of the big blue water tower at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, with the entrance at the northeast corner behind the sportsplex, that provides a convenient and accessible location. It's open to the public for daytime for locals and tourists. The park features a loop gravel path that encircles a small tranquil fishing pond, making it a nice destination for those who love to cast a line and try their luck at catching local fish species. Along the path, you'll find benches, but not in the greatest condition, gazebos, and a fishing pier, providing ample spots to relax, take in the scenery, and appreciate the natural beauty of the wetlands. One of the key highlights of Wetlands Park is its connection to the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, making it a prime location for birdwatching enthusiasts to observe both migrating and local bird species. There's elevated boardwalks allowing you to traverse the wetlands without disturbing the ecosystem, with lovely views of the wetlands and the diverse wildlife that calls it home. We walked through the park yesterday because my friend and I have a real appreciation for reptiles and she's told me about both snakes and alligators that's she seen here over the years taking long walks here. We weren't disappointed as we approached one of the smaller ponds, with a fishing pier, we spotted a juvenile gator that seemed as anxious to see us as we were to see him, or her. It was only 2-3 feet long and swam all the way across the pond to check us out, it was cool and we enjoyed the visit :-) Also, Wade Ward Nature Park, a nearby extension of the Wetlands Park, features a boardwalk trail that further explores the wetlands ecosystem and connects Little Lagoon with Lake Shelby. This area is home to various wildlife, including otters, pelicans, and the occasional alligator, providing a fascinating glimpse into the rich biodiversity. Overall, Wetlands Park in Gulf Shores is an nice destination for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those looking to experience the beauty and tranquility of the coastal wetlands. With its well-maintained trails, abundant wildlife, and scenic views, it offers a memorable and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Today is the 2nd anniversary that Hurricane Sally slammed into into Orange Beach, AL with a direct…read morehit. Most repairs have been done but things are still being put back together both for private residents and local governments. In Orange Beach, two iconic locations are still awaiting repairs from storm damage, Waterfront Park Pier and the Perdido Pass fishing wall. There's several sections of this fishing area that is fenced off due to boards missing and damaged concrete but there's still a lot of space to toss your line in the water. Here we are 2 years later and still waiting on repairs to started in earnest. I understand that an application for FEMA help with the repairs has been made, but when the "hurry up and wait" SOP of the government is in the mix it certainly add time to the process. This area was damaged years ago and basically abandoned by the state because of the prohibitive cost of having it repaired. Orange Beach stepped in and asked for permission to pay for the repairs to keep this unique and popular spot open to the public. The land is owned by the state and the city has funded the improvements but then came Sally. The boardwalk starts at the end of The Gulf restaurant area and follows the Pass all the way under and beyond the bridge to a small sandy beach. There's mounted park benches all along the stretch, except where damage is fenced off, and bait stations along the rails. It's well lit and there's plenty of free parking, including handicap. There's no running water in the area and currently there's 2 port-a-potties. The channel in and around the Perdido Pass bridge is typically busy with both recreational and commercial fishing vessels so if you're not into fishing, at this spot, it's okay because the view is spectacular. You're directly across from the Gulf State Park beach is located on the east side of The Pass and offers some beautiful stretches of white sandy beaches, with roughly 70 acres of prime real estate. So sometimes it's just nice to sit a spell :-) Perdido Pass Fishing Wall is the old local name for this area, sometimes also referred to as Seawall Park, but it now has an official designated name, and new sign, of Orange Beach Fishing Park at the Pass, cool! If you'd like an excellent video tour, pre-Sally check: https://youtu.be/jc7t0-whT40 Bottom line: Lots of boats, heron, gulls, the occasional pod of dolphins and even manatee that come through here, but fishing is the big attraction at Orange Beach Fishing Park at the Pass.

This is the infamous field where I won a state championship with my travel team! I even scored a PK…read moreto send us to the final. This event was particularly rewarding because we were such underdogs. What took place on this field was one of the happiest moments of my travel soccer career. There were lots of lows but this was definitely a high!

Amazing nice clean park for kids. So much to play, slide and swing on. Great place to get the…read morelittle energy out on vacation that's free.make sure you walk down to the water. We saw Dolphins swimming around during our visit.

This small beach area is found at the intersection of Highway 182 and Highway 161. Nestled between…read moresome of the most popular condominiums in the area. There's one wooden boardwalk that is approximately 100 feet long & then only another 100 feeto the shoreline. When you reach the end of the boardwalk, you are greeted by a large wooden turtle with a large wooden toy box. The turtle reads got a toy, leave a toy, need a toy, take a toy. So, if you forget sand pails, shovels, & other random tools for occupying the kids, it's there so they can create sand castle cities or to bury you in the sand for fun pics, very cool! Me & my honey go here regularly and find it normally less crowded than most other other beach access areas plus there's free parking, restrooms with showers and they have concessions like snow cones during the summer season. If you look to the right, you can see the beach for miles and miles if you look to the left you see the pier attached to the Four Seasons of Romar Beach.  One of the perks of staying at the hotel is having access to the pier for an even better view of the gulf wildlife that flies by or swims in water. The view is expansive, heck we could see the fireworks on July 4th all the way over in Florida and miles east past the big beach in Gulf Shores, majestic!! Restaurants nearby, for walking, include Cotton's (but they typically don't open until 4pm), Gilbey's Seafood & Steak.. There is also a Starbucks and Dairy Queen nearby if you are looking for something a little quicker. Bottom line: It's a nice piece of beach with most ammenities you need. Love it!!

What a treasure for hikers in the state of Florida. There are miles and miles of well maintained…read moretrails with multiple parking spots along the way. Some trails are concrete while others are wooden boardwalks so you are walking above the swamps. There are benches along the way and on one trail a playground with slides and a fort like structure. There are also bathrooms in some areas. Obviously it is Florida so all flat terrain. Some of the trails take you to the beach and others around a beautiful lake and campground. There were people around every time we hiked so felt pretty secure. There is also a resturant along the way but we did not make it there. Trails are for walkers and bikers so be cautious of the bicycles but almost all rides were courteous. I highly recommend taking a stroll or a bike ride in the park. There are bike rentals at the state park and if you stay there bikes are included.

Well maintained boat dock, small day use area o. The north side of the lagoon…read more Boat ramps are even, gradual slope, sufficient room to prep boat, parking for trucks and trailers. Can access 24/7. Clean and modern restrooms. These do have limited hours.

This is our latest and newest place to hang out during the otherwise stay-home situation. We're…read moresitting in one of the swing benches sipping mojitos and watching the boaters launch and return. The park has lovely restrooms, beautiful lagoon views and, if course, is on the waters edge, sweet! It's also referred to as Little Lagoon Park by many but it,'s officially Mo's Landing. There's two easily accessible boat launches 100'+ piers and plenty parking reserved for vehicles with trailers. Plenty additional parking is available at the head of the park just a couple hundred yards from the water. Kayaks also are a favorite here as Little Lagoon is a popular place for seadoo's, paddle board, etc. Lagoon Park was built on a pair of privately owned sites purchased by the City of Gulf Shores, where a convenience store and private boat launch known as Mo's Landing and RV Park used to be. The park is 1.8 miles west of Highway 59 on Fort Morgan Road (Highway 180).  The restroom deck overlooking the Lagoon provides a good resting point for cyclists, walkers, and joggers on the 5.3 mile paved bike path and walking trail that winds between the trees on the north side of Fort Morgan Road. Two concrete boat ramps, parking for both vehicles and boat trailers, and restrooms are available for public use. In addition to the public boat ramps that provide access for fishing, sports, and recreational boating, the park also provides a fine access point for kayaks and canoes to the north shores of Little Lagoon, which are characterized by single family homes in pine tree sheltered properties with piers and boathouses extending into the shallow waters. Bottom line: This is a very relaxing and scenic spot off the beaten path. No beaches but plenty of edge of water chillaxing. Note: it's pretty busy right now during the Covid-19 situation 4/25/20

Langdon beach is inside the Ft Pickens Gulf Islands National seashore Park area. You have to have a…read moreyearly pass or pay the daily fee to get there. What we love about this beach is no matter where you are hangin on the beach for the day, inside the the Gulf Islands National seashore park area pay area, it's a quick drive to Langdon beach to use the bathrooms/showers that are just in front of the parking area. You can literally jump out of your car, go to the restroom or take a quick fresh water shower. It's the only place on the seashore that you can do that. Very convenient when your beach hoping around. The Langdon beach area is also lovely & it has lifeguards. Great stop for the kids. Highly recommend.

Beautiful place! Fort Pickens was a blast to explore!…read more Be sure to have $20 for the entry fee at the gate.

Awesome spot to take a break and stretch. You can fish, watch boats pass by, or snap some great…read morephotos.

This was the only spot I really got to see on Dauphin Island before a massive all day storm popped…read moreup. This is a free spot with some nice trails. I saw some turtles in the swamp and even a turtle on one of the trails laying an egg! The dunes are beautiful. It was cool wating the storm roll in from the ocean. The boardwalk is nice to walk along. They are pet friendly.

Eastern kingbird. Belted kingfisher…read more Blue heron. Cardinal. These are just a few of the majestic and breathtaking birds that I saw when visiting the Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island near Mobile, Alabama. If you are a birdwatcher, or if you just love nature and walking along wooden footpaths through groves of trees and lagoons covered with lily pads, you'll enjoy spending some time here. I walked for an hour with my binoculars, listening and looking for birds. I saw birds that I knew, and birds that I've never seen before. I stood and gazed at the lagoon and lily pads, enjoying the quietude of nature and water. I walked through the shade of trees, listening the the hum of silence broken only by birdsong. Birding is a peaceful hobby. It's about listening, looking, and patience. Being at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary gave me the sense of peace and calm that only nature can provide.