Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Baldwin Country, AL

  • Published 2023/04/29

Baldwin County is a popular tourist destination thanks to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and Bon Secour Bay.

It shares a boundary with Mobile County, the only other Alabama county on the Gulf of Mexico.

It was the site of the first European explorers and colonists in the southern United States.

It is also home to many natural and historical attractions, including Fort Morgan.

Meanwhile, Fort Blakeley is the county’s most famous Civil War landmark.

Here are the best things to do in Baldwin County, Alabama.

Take a Hike at Gulf State Park

Marsh at Gulf State Park

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Gulf State Park can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age or status.

The Gulf State Park welcomes visitors with two miles of beaches, a large campground, and a recently built Lodge.

Activities in Gulf State Park range from hiking and biking to fishing and exploration to geocaching and even paddling.

The park’s public green area is adequate for the locals and visitors seeking fresh air and exercise.

Visit Gulf State Park if you’re looking for a tranquil spot in the city.

Bike on a boardwalk at Gulf State Park

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Enjoy a picnic with friends in their many shaded picnic areas.

Then, enjoy a break from the sand at the pavilion’s picnic tables.

You can also take the kids on an educational adventure at the nature center.

After a day of exploration, cool down in the pool, or get out on the water at the Lake Shelby day-use area.

The park is located at State Park Road, Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Sand dunes at Gulf State Park

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Enjoy the Views at Wade Ward Nature Park

The 12-acre Wade Ward Nature Park is a welcome oasis in the middle of a bustling resort town.

In this area, birdwatchers can enjoy lovely boardwalks with views of canals and coastal salt marsh.

It has a pavilion, benches, and boardwalks with beautiful views.

It provides easy pedestrian access to a small area of natural wetlands and rivers in Gulf Shores, surrounded by beach condos and commercial structures.

It is also a fantastic area to watch migratory and resident birds, as it is on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail.

Enjoy the scenic wetland area between Little Lagoon and Lake Shelby from the safety and comfort of an elevated boardwalk.

Otters, pelicans, and even alligators occasionally make their homes in the area’s wetlands and shallow waters.

Have a close-up view of birds like bitterns and rails thriving in the Natural Park’s environment.

Ride a Train to Wales West RV Park and Light Railway

Wales West RV Park and Light at Railway is a campground, RV resort, and train theme park in Silverhill, Alabama.

Wales West RV Park and Light Railway is more than just a nice place to park your RV.

It’s also a fun theme park for kids, thanks to its one-of-a-kind train ride.

The park has two trains, one for adults and one for kids.

One type of train operates on rails that are only two feet apart.

In contrast, the track spacing for the grand-scale train is a spacious 7.5 feet.

Both the Cottontail Express and the Summer Fun Express operate seasonally.

They also run the Pumpkin Patch Express in the autumn and the Arctic Express in the winter.

Wales West is a great place to take the kids and is located at Smiley St., Silverhill, Alabama.

Take a Dip at Orange Beach

Sunny day at Orange Beach

Infrogmation of New Orleans, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Orange Beach is in Baldwin County, near the southernmost part of Alabama.

Orange Beach attracts hundreds due to its stunning wide, white sandy beach, warm waves, and various water and land sports.

The neighboring wharf is a famous tourist attraction with stores, restaurants, and bars, and the Indian and Sea Museum explains the region’s history.

Join major local events such as Orange Beach’s Freedom Fest.

This festival is for you and your family if you enjoy art and entertainment.

Bring the entire family to enjoy the white sand beaches and blue waters.

Refresh yourself in the water or enjoy the beautiful beach scenery.

Stroll along Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail allows hikers to see the natural environment of tall pines, scrub oak, palmetto, and lush, green deer moss.

Dedicated in 2003, the route connects Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Gulf State Park.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail was voted the best recreational trail in the United States by readers of USA TODAY.

You will enjoy the trail as it passes through beautiful ecosystems, including tranquil freshwater lakes, intriguing coastal swamps, and lush wetlands.

From beginning to end, you will experience six distinct ecosystems throughout the walk.

In addition, the paved route is used by various wildlife, including bobcats, white-tailed deer, coyotes, wild boars, alligators, and birds of different sizes and colors.

It is located at Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama.

Explore Foley Railroad Station Historical Depot Museum

Exterior of Foley Railroad Station Historical Depot Museum

Timdwilliamson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Foley, Alabama, is home to the Foley Railroad Station Historical Depot Museum.

It features exhibits and archival materials relating to the town’s time as a regional rail and agricultural hub.

The Foley Railroad Station Historical Depot Museum is located in the historic 1909 Louisville and Nashville train depot.

The Foley Downtown Historic District encompasses 250 acres and includes this building.

Check out the museum’s artifacts from when Foley was a prosperous agricultural hub due to the railroad.

The Charles Ebert Express II offers boxcar rides around Heritage Park, perfect for the whole family.

After your sightseeing trip, stop by the Railroad Museum at the original 1909 L&N Train Station.

The museum can be found at 123 East Laurel Avenue, at the southern edge of Heritage Park.

Enjoy Arcade Games at Adventure Island

Across the street from the Gulf of Mexico in Orange Beach is the famous amusement park Adventure Island.

For nearly 30 years, visitors have enjoyed a day of fun and excitement at Adventure Island.

It features various indoor and outdoor activities, as well as one of the largest redemption arcades in the area.

Fun activities include bumper boats, go-karts, lazer tag, adventure golf, an arcade, and paddle boats.

Little kids can also enjoy the fun with activities catering to young riders.

The massive, five-story volcano will send flames leaping into the air, providing entertainment for the whole family.

You can also play 18-hole mini golf as a family, climb a coconut palm tree, or enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the lost lagoon lake.

It is located at Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama.

Explore Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Giraffe at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Vicky Borjas / Shutterstock.com

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo awaits you on an exciting journey.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a popular destination for local families.

After a day at the beach, head to the zoo, only six miles away.

Spanning 25 acres, the park features spacious walkways and up-close views of its exhibits.

It is a haven for eight critically endangered species and is home to more than 199 species.

Goats at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Acdixon, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Picnic spots, rest stations, seats, a cafeteria, and a gift shop selling cool animal-themed “merch” are all available in the zoo.

Various exotic animals will create an atmosphere reminiscent of a tropical oasis in the city’s heart.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The park is excellent for people of all ages and abilities.

They are located at Oak Rd E, Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Play a Round of Golf at Rock Creek Golf Course

Baldwin County’s Rock Creek Golf Course is 6,900 yards long and features 18 holes.

Renowned Southeastern golf course designer Earl Stone designed Rock Creek Golf Course.

The course is challenging enough for long hitters but still enjoyable and motivating for players playing from the forward tees.

The course design attracts golfers of all skill levels with its well-maintained tree-lined fairways and ample landing spaces.

Rock Creek is well-liked by residents, regulars, and tourists for its welcoming atmosphere and enjoyable play.

The expansive, undulating greens come in various shapes and sometimes have two levels.

Rock Creek has everything you might want from a golf course, including a stunning practice tee on top of a hill, a full lunch menu, and banquet halls for large groups.

They are located at Clubhouse Dr, Fairhope, Alabama.

Have an Exciting Time at Alligator Alley

An alligator at Alligator Alley

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Alligator Alley in Summerdale, Alabama, is unlike any other.

Around twenty acres of natural cypress swamp, known as Alligator Alley, have been set aside as a sanctuary for rescued alligators.

Your self-guided tour will begin with a stroll to the platform, where you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of over 600 alligators doing things like lounging in the sun, mating, and nesting.

Most of these alligators were strays or housed in conditions that weren’t conducive to their natural behavior.

Observation deck at Alligator Alley

George Dodd III / Shutterstock.com

These stunning animals would have been disposed of if it weren’t for Alligator Alley.

Continue your experience with a stroll down the raised boardwalk and keep your eyes peeled for alligators and other native wildlife, including turtles, frogs, owls, and others.

Join a unique adventure with friends when you visit Alligator Alley at Co Rd 71, Summerdale, Alabama.

Aerial view of Alligator Alley

George Dodd III / Shutterstock.com

Go Back in Time at Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum

The Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum is an exciting museum that celebrates the area’s Native American and maritime history.

The Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum is housed in a building that served as a school in 1910.

The museum collects and displays many relics illuminating the region’s maritime and Native American past.

Donations from the families of fishermen help show the hardships endured and successes enjoyed by the region’s fishing sector in its formative years.

Find out how Native Americans lived in the area, how it became a fishing village, and how it finally turned into the thriving resort town it is today.

Among the many Native American relics on display are arrowheads and spearpoints, drawings of prominent Creek Indians, ceramics, stone knives, Indian beads, and other artifacts.

In addition, this museum features an extensive collection of fishing and boating equipment in addition to antique farming tools.

They are located at John M Snook Dr, Orange Beach, Alabama.

Relax at the Wharf

Ferris wheel at the Wharf

divemasterking2000, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Wharf was built to be your ultimate holiday haven on the Gulf of Mexico.

The Wharf is always bustling with activity and friendly locals.

It’s one of the best places to eat and shop on the Gulf Coast of Alabama.

It is home to dozens of one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty stores.

Fine cuisine, relaxed Southern flair, and regional seafood specialties are all available to tourists.

You can also get various birthday presents, sports equipment, home furnishings, and more.

After a long day of exploring, relax with a massage, facial, or new hairstyle at one of the area’s many spas and salons.

After dark, the party moves to daiquiri bars, boat bars, venues with live music, and sports bars showing all kinds of activities.

You can find the Wharf on Canal Road, Orange Beach.

Have Fun at Fat Daddy’s Arcade

Visit Fat Daddy’s Arcade with your family and friends for indoor amusement.

It is one of the best places to take the kids in Baldwin County.

It features over 80 state-of-the-art arcade games and many classic games.

Enjoy various popular franchises in this interactive arcade, such as Jurassic Park, Fruit Ninja, the Walking Dead, and Terminator Salvation.

You can even try shooting hoops or snatching an E-claw prize.

In addition, packages are provided for birthday celebrations that include ice cream, fountain drinks, and pizza.

Visit the local beach, then head to Fat Daddy’s Arcade to cool off and unwind.

They are located at Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama.

Take a Hike around the Historic Blakeley State Park

Boardwalk at Blakeley State Park

George Dodd III / Shutterstock.com

The Historic Blakeley State Park spans over 2,100 acres, making it the largest historic site in the eastern half of the United States.

It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Located in one of Alabama’s most ecologically diverse regions, this park’s primary mission is to protect the area’s natural beauty for future generations.

The park stands on the former battlefield of the last major Civil War battle, the Battle of Fort Blakeley, fought on April 9, 1865.

Aerial view of Blakeley State Park

George Dodd III / Shutterstock.com

There are also miles of preserved Confederate and Union defenses left intact inside the park.

Blakeley was an early settlement in Alabama.

Several colonial-era farmsteads and traces of American Native occupation can also be found there.

You can visit the park at AL-225, Spanish Fort, Alabama.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Catch Fish at Ruby’s Fish Camp

Ruby’s Fish Camp, home of the River Rats, is located on the Perdido River and offers a boat launch, refreshments, and protection from the elements.

Ruby’s Fish Camp is a nice, relaxing area to enjoy the scenery.

They welcome bikers and bring in a wide range of people, including many families, creating a lively and fun atmosphere.

Get the kids and head to the Perdido River for a day of fishing and exploring.

It’s a terrific place to spend an evening drinking and catching up with pals.

They are located at 11890 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, Florida, 30 minutes from Baldwin County.

Final Thoughts

Baldwin is home to a wealth of fascinating museums and historical landmarks.

It’s a beautiful spot for fishing, swimming, hiking, or simply lounging on the beach.

It’s also a fantastic way to get up close and personal with the native flora and fauna.

Enjoy the best things to do in Baldwin County, Alabama.

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