Get Out on the Highway: 5 Fun Motorcycle Runs on the Gulf Coast
Motorcycling in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
When the weather is nice, there’s no better way to see coastal Alabama than on a motorcycle ride. We have five, fun motorcycle runs that include everything from a trail of breweries to dives, diners and even museums. Grab your helmet and take off on a scenic adventure that’s perfect for two wheels.
5 Fun Motorcycle Runs on the Gulf Coast
Breweries Down the Byway
With three craft breweries, a little bit of history and old-school eats, it’s hard to beat a day cruising the roads on the Breweries Down the Bayway motorcycle run. Exploring this route is easy and starts at the Gulf Shores Welcome Center. Follow the winding path that juxtaposes Mobile Bay and hop on the Mobile Bay Ferry in Fort Morgan for easy (and scenic) access all across Mobile and the Eastern Shore. A full day is on tap ending at Big Beach Brewing Company back in Gulf Shores. Below are ideal stopping points that offer a taste of delish eats and craft beer sampling along with a sprinkling of history and nature.
- Gulf Shores Welcome Center on Gulf Shores Parkway is the perfect starting point with maps and brochures to get you going in the right direction. Speak with a vacation specialist who can offer thoughts and ideas for your day on the run.
- Explore the history and signature role played by Fort Morgan Historic Site in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864. A Third System masonry fort built in the early 1800s, the fort holds lots of stories as it was used often by the U.S. Army for our nation’s defense.
- The Mobile Bay Ferry offers a 40-minute ride between Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island. Be on the lookout for lots of wildlife including birds.
- Both the Dauphin Island Welcome Center and the Mobile Welcome Center are great sources of information as you maneuver these towns. Also, consider a stop at Mobile Bay Harley-Davidson for a commemorative souvenir.
- Hungry? Consider eateries like TexarBama Barbecue in Fairhope or Bob’s Downtown Restaurant in Mobile. Breweries on your list should include Serda Brewing Company, a pub-style taproom with German-style brews; Fairhope Brewing Company serving 14 beers and a cider; and Gulf Shores’ own Big Beach Brewing Company in Waterway Village sporting an open-air taproom with some 12 beers on tap. Please drink responsibly.
Island Time Ride
Experience the gorgeous stretch of sugar-white sand beaches between Fort Morgan State Historic Site and iconic Flora-Bama with great stops exploring beachside bars and roadside history. Fuel up with breakfast (but they also serve lunch and dinner) at Tacky Jacks in Fort Morgan and set out for an exhilarating ride across the island. A stop at a favorite beachside bar since 1956, Pink Pony Pub, is definitely in order and grab a meal at Sea-N-Suds for waterfront views and great seafood.
Check out Orange Beach Welcome Center for expert advice on what to see or where to stay as well as tons of brochures. Another fun restaurant along the beach route is The Gulf, an open-air venue serving delicious cocktails, locally-sourced meats and produce and breathtaking views you’ll fall in love with. End your ride with an evening at the Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar, known as America’s “last great roadhouse.”
High Roller Run
Alabama’s best-kept secrets are often uncovered in small, charming towns that dot the roadmap of this Southern state. Visitors enjoy the high-rolling atmosphere in Alabama’s only casino as well as history-driven destinations and those that lead with food. Check out these stopping spots on this fun run.
- Try your luck at Wind Creek Casino and maybe win enough to pay for dinner and have some fun money. The resort and casino offer more than 1,700 gaming machines, an outdoor amphitheater, shopping and a steakhouse.
- Fort Mims Historic Site in Tensaw honors the lives lost during the Creek Indian War some 200 years ago and is a great place of reflection.
- Experience true down-home Southern cooking at Stagecoach Café in Stockton. Folks come from all around for tasty fried chicken and greens.
- Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is packed full of 9,000 acres with protected estuarine habitats. And, while you’re there, stretch your legs with a boardwalk stroll.
Back in Gulf Shores, unwind and relax with the locals at Papa Rocco’s, the “home of warm beer and lousy pizza” since 1985. Order up great pizza, oysters and drinks to enjoy alongside live music each evening. Papa Rocco’s offers a full menu until midnight each evening.
Really Unique Run
Experience the uniqueness of Alabama’s Gulf Coast with a ride that includes everything from dinosaurs to the Blue Angels and begins in Gulf Shores. Get ready to ride with a hearty burger from The Hangout where you’ll find live music, games and even souvenir shopping. Follow that up with a short ride over to Pensacola’s National Naval Aviation Museum (the largest of its kind). If the Blue Angels are having practice flights, don’t miss that.
The small town of Elberta, Alabama is next up on the list with a Pirate’s Cove experience. For more than 60 years, locals and visitors have been sneaking over to Pirate’s Cove for mouthwatering burgers, pizzas (made from their signature dough) and bushwackers. Barber Marina is close by and while it may give the first impression of an ordinary marina, a walk around will highlight some interesting sites like the infamous Lady in the Lake, dinosaurs in the neighboring woods and a vintage boat motors display. End your day with a deck view of the Gulf, cheeseburger in one hand and drink in the other at Pink Pony Pub back in beautiful Gulf Shores.
All Around Town Ride
Get your feel of all the extraordinary things you probably didn’t know about with this ride that takes you from the Harley store in Pensacola to the Stockton natural springs. Plan for some educational aspects as well as nature and, of course, culinary creations. Follow the outline below for the perfect motorcycle run.
- Start at the Gulf Shores Welcome Center which is open daily and head out to Pensacola for a stop at the Harley-Davidson store on Pensacola Boulevard. It’s iconic with motorcycle enthusiasts, so plan on grabbing some poker chips or a t-shirt to commemorate the experience.
- Red Hill Spring in Stockton is a North Baldwin County gem. Bring along a water jug to fill up and sip on for the remainder of your ride.
- The last major battle of the Civil War was at Historic Blakeley State Park in Spanish Fort. A visit here offers a look at history from the 1860s in a 2,100-acre park filled with boat excursions, hiking, biking, camping and more.
- Back to Gulf Shores you’ll find the most decadent coconut shrimp and other fresh seafood delights at DeSoto Seafood Kitchen. Save room for dessert and end your ride with a full belly.
Of course, you’ll also find your own rides as you map out courses that include personal favorites and are a mix of recreation, adventure, food and drinks along the beach.
