Forts, Museums, & Stories from the Coast
Today’s coastal Alabama is a sandy, southern enclave of beautiful beaches, welcoming accommodations, and family-friendly attractions in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. But behind the activities and amenities of modern life is a thrilling Gulf Coast history that lives on in local museums, historic forts and heritage sites.
Spend time at the Gulf Shores Museum and Orange Beach History Museum to learn how hurricanes, fishing families and everyday coastal life shaped Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. For a look at the area’s military and maritime past, visit Historic Fort Morgan, Fort Gaines, or USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.
More Than 450 Years of History
You might already know that Alabama joined the Confederate States of America in 1861 and that Civil War sites still dot the coastline. But if you thought the area’s military history went back no further, you’d be off by about 300 years.
Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna arrived at Pensacola Bay, just east of Orange Beach, in 1559. That first colony was wiped out by a hurricane, but the Spanish returned in 1698 to establish Presidio Santa Maria de Galve, the first permanent settlement and military outpost on Pensacola Bay. That same stretch of land became Naval Air Station Pensacola, now home to the National Naval Aviation Museum. Nearby are Fort Pickens and Fort Barrancas, the latter used during both the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.
Discover Our Top Historical Sites
The Baldwin County Heritage Museum records the history of those who settled the county around the turn of the last century. The story is told through the tools, machinery and objects they used.
Enjoy a technology-driven interactive display of "Hurricane Hunters", where you can fly through the hurricane's eye. The Gulf Shores Museum offers permanent and special exhibits as well as seasonal festivals. This is a great place to start when getting a feel for the local Gulf Coast history.
Occupying the strategic point where Mobile Bay meets the Gulf, Fort Morgan played a critical role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864 and was also used during the Spanish-American War, WWI and WWII. Tours of the masonry fort, completed in 1833, bring the past to vivid life in the present time.
Recipient of nine WWII Battle Stars, the Battleship USS Alabama is a legend among legends and saw action at Leyte, the Gilbert Islands and Okinawa. It is now the centerpiece of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park which also includes an Aircraft Pavilion and the USS Drum, the oldest American submarine on public display.
Journey Along the Mobile Bay Civil War Trail
Follow coastal Alabama’s Civil War story beyond Fort Morgan along the Mobile Bay Civil War Trail. Set at the end of Highway 180 in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan Museum marks the southernmost stop along the Mobile Bay Civil War Trail, which stretches more than 90 miles from the Gulf to Mobile County. There are more than a dozen Civil War sites on this trail, including Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island, where Admiral Farragut shouted, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” The trail also includes Magee Farm, known as “The Last Appomattox,” where Confederate General Richard Taylor surrendered 47,000 troops to the Union.
Explore Local History in Any Season
Whether you need a break from the summer heat, an indoor rainy-day activity, or a relaxed outing during the cooler months, the museums and historical sites on Alabama’s Beaches are an ideal stop any time of year. Both the Gulf Shores Museum and the Orange Beach History Museum are free attractions that highlight the area’s local history. Located on the west end of the peninsula, Historic Fort Morgan guards Mobile Bay and is a great outdoor stop for families, history lovers, and snowbirds.
Find History & Museums Attractions
Discover the rich history of the Gulf Coast by visiting museums and historic sites in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and nearby communities.
Discover the rich history of the Gulf Coast by visiting museums and historic sites in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and nearby communities.
National Naval Aviation Museum
Get hands-on with history at the National Naval Aviation Museum, where adventure awaits around every corner! Take control in our...
Swift-Coles Historic Home
Swift-Coles Historic Home is a beautiful historic site opened to the public for historic tours as well as a premiere...
Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit
This museum is located in the Louisville and Nashville railroad depot that was built in Foley in 1909. In the...
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Climb the 177 steps to the historic Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for one of the most beautiful views of...
Colonial Fort Conde
The original Fort Condé was built in 1723 by French explorers. Under various colonial powers, it went by different names...
Mobile Carnival Museum
Immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of carnival. See firsthand the intricate designs and artistry of majestic crowns...
University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum
The museum showcases artifacts from the Gulf Coast and covers over 12,000 years of prehistory and history. Artifacts are contextualized...
Fort Mims Historic Site
The Fort Mims historic site offers an amazing educational experience about its significant role in the history of Alabama and...
Alabama's Coastal Connection Scenic Byway
Beautiful beaches, authentic downtowns, wildlife preserves, historic sites and fresh-off-the-boat seafood are all yours to enjoy along Alabama’s Coastal Connection...
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
This public research and education facility encompasses over 9,000 acres of protected estuarine habitats around the Weeks Bay area. The...
National Maritime Museum of the Gulf
Welcome Aboard! Shaped like a ship and overlooking the Mobile River, the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf invites visitors...
Gulf Shores Museum
This local history museum tells the stories of our coastal town, its people, their lives and their livelihood. You can...
Baldwin County Heritage Museum
We represent the grassroots of our society by providing a place for visitors to experience the heritage and share the...
Mobile Medical Museum
Located in one of Mobile’s oldest homes, the Mobile Medical Museum offers exhibitions and tours that provide visitors of all...
Fly Over The
Dating back to the early 19th Century, Fort Morgan has been a key defense fort in a number of historic battles, including the Civil War, the Spanish-American War and both World Wars. This National Historic Landmark is best known for its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay.
Plan Your Stay
Ready to get acquainted with Alabama’s Beaches and its rich history? Request a vacation guide and build your plans to tour our local museums, historic forts and heritage sites! Be sure to book your Gulf Shores hotel or Orange Beach condo rental today!
Book Your Stay
Alabama's Instagrammable Moments
