Driving the Byway:
The Perfect Socially-Distanced Road Trip
When you’re ready to travel and craving some fresh air, there’s nothing better than taking a drive down Alabama’s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway.
The drive from the heart of Coastal Mississippi through the ports of Mobile and down to Gulf Shores isn’t particularly long, but it’s full of famous outdoor attractions and open-air restaurants that make the journey so much sweeter. We know you’re anxious to sink your toes into the white-sand of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, but you won’t regret making a stop (or several) at some of these best spots the scenic byway has to offer!
COASTAL MISSISSIPPI TO MOBILE, ALABAMA
Across the line in Sweet Home Alabama, you’ll head north on Hwy 90 or I-10 to cross the beautiful Mobile Bay before snaking south toward Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Along the way, you’ll pass through Mobile, a bustling port city that’s full of historic southern charm and waterfront beauty. Though just a short drive from Alabama’s beaches, Mobile has a distinct vibe that deserves a stop (or three) to experience for yourself.
Though a little off the beaten path, Bellingrath Gardens and Home is something you don’t want to miss. A 65-acre garden and historic home on Fowl River, the gardens showcase beautiful flowers and other fauna all year long. The path through Bellingrath is a little over two miles, and tours are self-guided so you can take as much time as you need to marvel at the sights.
Stay firmly rooted in the past - the military past - at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Climb aboard the USS Alabama, a WWII naval battleship, to tour all three levels of the ship and experience every aspect of life as a naval soldier. Battleship Memorial Park also houses the Drum (the oldest WWII submarine available to the public), an aircraft pavilion, and several war memorials. All of these exhibits are outdoors and quite spacious, offering you plenty of room to stay safe and socially-distanced.
After all that history, you’ll need to refuel in the present - and there’s nowhere better to whet your appetite than at Bluegill. A staple in Mobile since 1958, this is a haven for locals who love good food, delicious drinks and live music. The restaurant offers plenty of outdoor seating and a robust menu filled with Coastal Alabama classics like seafood gumbo, fried shrimp and grilled oysters.
If you need a bite before you check-in to your beach vacation rental, you’ll find no shortage of delicious open-air and waterfront restaurants to tantalize your taste buds. Stop in at LuLu’s to eat and burn off a little energy from the road trip. If you just can’t wait for a Gulf-front view, head to The Gulf, a beachfront restaurant that’s made of recycled shipping containers and offers custom cocktails right on the sand.
Now that you’re here, we can’t wait to show you around! Stop by one of our welcome centers before you check-in for all the info, coupons and southern hospitality you can handle.