Alabama's Coastal Connection Scenic Byway
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Explore nature, history, and adventure along Alabama’s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway, stretching more than 130 miles along the Gulf. The byway connects many scenic coastal towns, including Bayou La Batre, Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Elberta, Foley, Magnolia Springs, Fairhope, and Daphne. There's even an audio tour to enhance your explorations and provide interesting facts along the way.
Parks & Trails on Alabama's Beaches
Gulf State Park
One major highlight of the byway is Gulf State Park. The park's 6,000 acres of pristine coastline and wildlife refuge include more than 32 miles of paved hiking, biking, and birding paths along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. The park's Nature Center and Learning Campus offer hands-on experiences, educational opportunities and programs, and guided walks. If you're looking to cast your line, the fishing opportunities are abundant at Gulf State Park Fishing Pier, the second-largest pier on the Gulf. At the park's center is Lake Shelby, which is perfect for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Also located nearby is the Gulf Coast Eco Center - a hub for sustainable education and environmental activities for all ages.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Hike through Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for an up-close look at colorful migratory birds, natural shorelines, and unique coastal landscapes. You'll find multiple nature trails that let visitors explore the refuge's vibrant ecosystems, as well as a convenient kayak and paddleboard launch. While out on the water in Little Lagoon, you might even spot some playful dolphins popping up to say hello.
Local Museums & Historic Sites
Orange Beach History Museum
Explore the history of Orange Beach at the Orange Beach History Museum and learn about the local Native American heritage, visit the original schoolhouse, browse through artifacts from the Civil War, and learn how the area's fishing industry got its start. The Orange Beach History Museum is free to visit.
Gulf Shores Museum
A visit to the free Gulf Shores Museum will allow you to discover the city's beginnings as a fishing town as well as its resilience during decades of hurricanes. The museum itself sits inside a quaint beach cottage that dates back to World War II.
Historic Fort Morgan
At Historic Fort Morgan, brush up on your Civil War history and admire breathtaking views of the Gulf. Here, you'll learn about the significant role this masonry fort played during wartime and get a first-hand look at its evolution and adaptations throughout the years. While visiting Fort Morgan, you can also enjoy the area's natural beauty with the trails, bird-watching spots, and beaches nearby.
Aquatic Adventures
Dauphin Island Sea Lab
A short ferry ride across Mobile Bay puts you steps away from the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the fourth largest estuary system in the country. Enjoy the educational and informative exhibit hall, the stingray touch pool, and the scenic living marsh boardwalk while learning about the more than 100 species of plants and animals on display. At the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, you can stroll 137 acres of forest, marsh, and dune habitats, home to various species of native and migrating birds.
Plan Your Scenic Byway Trip
Discover our coast's natural beauty and rich history along Alabama's Coastal Connection Scenic Byway. With so many opportunities to connect with the environment and learn about the area, you won't want to miss out on visiting these great spots along Alabama's Beaches. Whether you're looking to bike, hike, learn, kayak, or just explore, you'll find plenty of adventure on Alabama's Coastal Connection Scenic Byway.
Watch now and learn all there is to see and do along Alabama's Coastal Connection!
Alabama's Beaches
These blogs are written by the destination experts at Alabama's Beaches. From the best restaurants and hidden gems to tips and tricks for making the most of your stay, our knowledgable team has the lowdown on our area.
Trip Planning Resources
Alabama's Coastal Connection Scenic Byway stretches more than 130 miles along the Gulf, connecting coastal towns including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and nearby communities. Discover Gulf State Park's trails and wildlife, explore Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, visit local museums and Historic Fort Morgan, and enjoy aquatic adventures like the Alabama Aquarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab.