Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Spanish Fort, AL

  • Published 2023/03/24

Wouldn’t it be great to visit a new city that brings together tradition, history, culture, and nature?

These things and more await you in the small yet beautiful town of Spanish Fort in Alabama.

Spanish Fort is the ‘City of Spirit,’ a progressive and friendly community situated on Mobile Bay’s Eastern Shore.

People visiting this place get treated to numerous fishing, hunting, and boating opportunities.

Enjoy the parks and various recreational activities.

One favorite thing to do here is enjoying the spectacular sunset over the bay while breaking the shells of crabs and other seafood.

In terms of history, the colonial-era homestead and Civil War battlefield, History Blakely State Park, lets you relive many historical events in the city.

Enjoy long walks along the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta’s banks.

Marvel at the views from the bluffs that overlook the beautiful Mobile Bay.

The wildlife of the Spanish Fort is majestic, with numerous swamps and rivers that give life to its flora and fauna.

Families can also experience Spanish Fort’s great outdoors through its numerous recreational parks, offering opportunities for camping trips and outdoor hikes.

Are you excited to go on a trip to Spanish Fort?

Here are the best things to do in Spanish Fort, AL:

Experience Nature at the Meaher State Park

A boardwalk at Meaher State Park

jaimie tuchman / Shutterstock.com

For a great time spent outdoors with the family, the Meaher State Park is a great choice.

It’s a 1,327-acre park on north Mobile Bay’s wetlands, famous for picnicking and day use.

It has a boat ramp and a fishing pier for all fishing enthusiasts, with a boardwalk where you can do a self-guided stroll.

An egret on Meaher State Park's wetland

Michael Rolands / Shutterstock.com

This fishing pier is a 300-foot pier with a 200-foot “T” where you can enjoy fishing during the day.

If you are driving an RV, there are 61 campsites for RVs in the park, all equipped with 20, 30, and 50-amp electrical connections, plus sewer and water.

You can camp on any ten improved campsites with water and electricity, featuring a bathhouse and laundry facilities.

Tall trees on the grounds of Meaher State Park

Karla Morgan / Shutterstock.com

Behold the Impressive Aircraft Pavilion

The Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion in the Battleship Memorial Park is a must-visit attraction, where you can see an extensive collection of aircraft, war artifacts, and historic vehicles.

Aside from that, it honors the Medal of Honor recipients of Alabama through its memorial wall.

See the Red Ball Express display, a collection that honors the men who ran supplies during the Second World War.

The Marine One, one of the collection’s newest additions, is also a restored VH1-N/ Bell 212 helicopter.

What’s so special about it?

It’s the model used by various presidents of the country like George Bush, Nixon, Reagan, Carter, and Ford.

Another not-to-be-missed aircraft is the A-12 Black Bird, an airplane that flew at 93,700 feet and 2,300 miles per hour.

Explore the Historic Blakeley State Park

Tensaw river at Blakeley State Park

George Dodd III / Shutterstock.com

The Blakeley State Park is not your regular state park because it covers two thousand acres of history and nature.

It’s the site of the last major battle of the Civil War and where the Appalachee Indian Village in the 1820s was located.

You can walk around the park for your outdoor activities, which cover up to 20 miles.

Boardwalk and picnic shed at Blakeley State Park

George Dodd III / Shutterstock.com

Go biking or horseback riding through the trails or join their boat cruises that explore the delta rivers.

An RV campground also features enormous, secluded wilderness sites with sewer, power, and water utilities.

Consider the Harper Campground, the park’s primary family and individual tent campground, which features large campsites with picnic tables and a fire ring.

Spanish moss hanging from a tree at Blakeley State Park

Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy Tee Time at the TimberCreek Golf Club

You don’t have to be a pro golf player to enjoy TimberCreek Golf Club.

This 27-hole championship golf club is designed for every skill level, offering a unique golfing experience.

Earl Stone designed the course, which features rolling fairways and scenic views courtesy of a magnolia, dog wood, and pine forest.

The flowing terrain, amazing wildlife, wetland preserves, and elevation changes make it unique from other golf courses in the Gulf Coast area.

It also has a full-service restaurant and first-class practice facilities, complemented by a great dose of southern hospitality.

Go on a Shopping Spree at the Town Center Park

A holiday without a day for shopping is never complete.

You can go to the Town Center Park, the main shopping center in Spanish Fort, offering a unique shopping experience for the whole family.

With brands such as JCPenney, Kohl’s, Bass Pro Shops, and national retailers, there is something for everyone in the family.

Whether you spend a half-day or a full day, you will go home full-handed with stuff you won’t regret getting.

See the Best of Spanish Fort with a Tour from Airboat Express

The original airboat tour company in Alabama is Airboat Express, which can take you and your family to see the best spots in Spanish Fort.

Its commercial liability insurance and perfect safety record ensure that your family can enjoy the day without worries.

It can take you to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta on a fun airboat ride that the entire family will love, allowing you to be close to the delta and connect with nature.

Since the airboats don’t require deep water, they can take you to places that most motorboats cannot.

You’ll be delighted to see the delta’s wildlife, flora, and fauna, making you understand why it has become a National Landmark.

Taste the Best Crawfish and Shrimp at R&R Seafood

Exterior of R&R Seafood

T-J Photography / Shutterstock.com

R&R Seafood has grown tremendously and become the best crawfish and seafood restaurant in Spanish Fort.

It started as a small bait and shrimp shop.

Fresh grilled fish salad at R&R Seafood

T-J Photography / Shutterstock.com

Make sure to try their sautéed crab claws, smoked tuna dip, and their homemade gumbo.

They also serve salads, Po-Boys, sandwiches, and various entrees and lunch specials.

Since 1997, R&R Seafood has served delicious seafood dishes to its patrons, with everyone wanting to return for more.

King crab legs dish at R&R Seafood

T-J Photography / Shutterstock.com

Join Jimbo’s Delta Excursions

To fully see and admire a new place or destination, it’s best to take a tour with a local.

Jimbo Meador is the guy you want to lead your tour of the delta.

He is not your average tour guide because he is a certified Master Naturalist with a custom-built boat for small groups.

Jimbo guides people in exploring the less-traveled waters of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.

With 60 years of experience plying the delta’s waters, no person is more reliable and knowledgeable than Jimbo.

Book his tour, and you’ll enjoy two hours of a power boat trip through the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, where he shows you many birds, plants, and wildlife.

His entertaining and educational narration throughout your tour will leave you in awe.

Devour Seafood and Steak at Felix’s Fish Camp

The scenic Mobile Bay is one of the best places to visit for some premier Gulf seafood.

For example, go to Felix’s Fish Camp.

It’s not just all about fish and Gulf seafood.

The restaurant also serves USDA-certified steaks and a full menu of desserts, cocktails, appetizers, salads, and entrees.

One of its best draws is allowing you to enjoy delicious food while admiring the breathtaking views on the Mobile Causeway.

The ambiance is perfect for couples, small groups, and families who love eating, drinking, and talking.

There’s always an excellent choice for everyone who loves great food.

Take the Family for Some Fun and Seafood at the Original Oyster House

Aerial view of the Original Oyster House

George Dodd III / Shutterstock.com

The Original Oyster House Restaurant is one of South Alabama’s longest-running and most successful seafood restaurants.

The first restaurant opened in 1983 in Gulf Shores, Alabama, while the Spanish Fort branch opened in 1985.

It has always been the best seafood restaurant in the area, offering an appealing and casual atmosphere and authentic southern hospitality.

Every visitor to Spanish Fort shouldn’t miss a day with the Original Oyster House.

It’s what completes your excursion.

Have a Great Shopping Experience at the Eastern Shore Center

No vacation should end without an exciting shopping spree.

The Eastern Shore Center is the place to shop at Spanish Fort.

The shopping center features 50 merchants and notable brands, including Stock & Trade Design Co, B Darlin Boutique, Tortuga Adventure Golf, Stewart Heath Gallery, and Jumping’ Jellybeans.

Afterward, you can treat yourself to a hearty lunch at one of its restaurants or give in to your sweet cravings by splurging on some sweet treats.

It’s also an excellent place for a date night.

Are you a shoe fanatic or a sneakerhead?

It’s also got one of the largest Shoe Station Superstores, with a massive area of 20,000 square feet.

It’s impossible not to find the perfect pair of shoes here.

Have a Relaxing Time at the Bluegill Restaurant

Aerial view of Bluegill Restaurant

George Dodd III / Shutterstock.com

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a fine meal, relax in the ambiance, and enjoy great music, then you’ve got to go to Bluegill Restaurant.

Bluegill Restaurant blends excellent food, a casual atmosphere, and live music in one fantastic place.

Since 1958, it has consistently offered great seafood to locals and visitors.

It’s most famous for its flamin’ hot oysters—a treat that you won’t be able to find elsewhere.

After a delicious meal, why not sit down for a while, grab a beer, and enjoy a casual conversation with your family?

It sounds like a real vacation!

Grab a Bite at Cheryl’s Cafe and Market

Cheryl’s Cafe and Market is located on Spanish Fort Blvd, owned by mother-and-son tandem Cheryl and Mitch.

It’s a great place to sit down, enjoy your every bite of delectable dishes, and have a casual talk and fun afternoon.

They have a chalkboard menu that changes daily, so you should check out their Facebook page before coming and prepare to be surprised with their offerings daily.

One thing that makes them a local favorite is that they only use the freshest ingredients and meats, which they source locally.

Their kitchen staff cooks something delightful each time, prepping your orders with a healthy twist.

Fill Your Fishing and Camping Needs at the Bass Pro Shops

Visit the Bass Pro Shops and find all the camping, hunting, fishing, and boating gear you need.

It offers 14,000 square feet of space dedicated to fulfilling your outdoor requirements.

Aside from being a hunting and camping store, it also offers equipment for hiking, backpacking, outdoor cooking, and outdoor apparel for women, men, and kids.

It’s the go-to store for everything outdoor.

“Fly” at the Urban Air Adventure Park

Are you looking for a year-round adventure park where children of all ages and kids at heart can have a great time?

Go to Urban Air Adventure Park to experience mind and body-challenging activities that make the place go beyond just being a trampoline park.

The Urban Air lets you race, soar, jump, play, climb, and even ‘fly.’

This destination has numerous attractions, including the Leap of Faith, where you can climb to the top of the platform and take a leap.

Enjoy the Laser Fury, where you enjoy bumper-to-bumper traffic and fender benders.

Play a game of mini-golf.

Soar in the trapeze.

Then, try indoor skydiving, which gives you an adrenaline rush as you fly with no harness, chute, or plane.

Other attractions include go-karts, bowling, laser tag, sky rider, rope course, and much more.

Your kids will love the experience.

Take Down Some Pins at Eastern Shore Lanes

Gear up for some serious fun with your family and friends at Eastern Shore Lanes.

Featuring 24 lanes with a modern scoring system, this upbeat bowling alley will give every bowler a good time.

You can either play by the game or by an hour, depending on how you’d want to spend your time taking down pins.

There are also arcade games to enjoy, as well as laser tag, ropes course, wall climbing, and golf simulator.

It’s a whole lot of fun at Eastern Shore Lanes!

You can find it off Eastern Shore Boulevard.

Watch a Movie at Spanish Fort Premiere 14 Eastern Shore

Catch a newly released movie at Spanish Fort PREMIERE 14 Eastern Shore, which features first-run movies on 2D and 3D screens and a nice sound system.

And since it shows first-run movies, it’s the perfect spot to watch the movie you’ve been waiting for while you’re in Spanish Fort.

Concessions offer warm and tasty popcorn, drinks, and other snacks to grab while enjoying the movie.

And if you get here for a movie before 1 p.m., you can have an Early Bird discount too!

Spanish Fort PREMIERE 14 Eastern Shore is located in Eastern Shore Centre on Highway 181.

Get Your Pulses Active at Bad Axe Throwing

If you’re up for another extraordinary adventure in Spanish Fort, you should include Bad Axe Throwing on your itinerary.

Before hitting the target, you’ll have to go through a short lesson with one of its instructors for safety measures and of course, to hit the bullseye.

It features 4 throwing lanes, as well as knife-throwing lanes, depending on your mood!

You can also bring your own food here, which is great for traveling families.

Bad Axe Throwing is also located in Eastern Shore Centre on Highway 181.

Get Your Caffeine Fix at Pj’s Coffee

Nothing beats house-roasted coffee, which is what PJ’s Coffee puts emphasis on.

The New Orleans-born coffee house is famous for its hot drinks, cold beverages, and organic tea, which are all made with its original cold brew.

It’s also known for its iced coffee; made through a special cold-drip process to maintain its flavor and strength, which is a specialty of the coffee house’s founder Phyllis Jordan.

Also, don’t miss out on its freshly baked pastries and breakfast sandwiches.

Come for the coffee, stay for the coffee!

PJ’s Coffee is located in Spanish Fort Shopping Center on Spanish Fort Boulevard.

Buy Gifts and Souvenirs at Amy’s Hallmark Shop

It would be nice to pick up some lovely gifts and souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones before heading back home.

At Amy’s Hallmark Shop, you get to buy wonderful and unique items to take home.

Choose from its eclectic collection of greeting cards for all occasions, home decor, candles, books, accessories, Christmas ornaments, picture frames, and many more.

It can also wrap a gift on request.

It’s a perfect place for all ages as it has a little bit of everything for gifts and souvenirs.

Drop by Amy’s Hallmark Shop at Eastern Shore Centre on Highway 181.

Final Thoughts

If you want a great place closer to the sea, go to Spanish Fort.

You will find something for everyone here with loads of attractions showing nature’s best gifts.

It’s also a place that loves to serve good food, with its numerous seafood restaurants.

Bring the whole family and experience the best things to do in Spanish Fort.

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