12 Hidden Gems
in Fort Morgan
Alabama's Beaches are home to so many incredible restaurants, attractions, and activities, some of which are tucked away in beautiful Fort Morgan. Located on the west end of the Fort Morgan Peninsula, this scenic area boasts fewer crowds and a few hidden gems that guests and locals alike adore. These hidden gems provide a new perspective of the destination and offer a break from the typical beach itinerary. Next time you visit Alabama's Beaches, discover the unique restaurants, coastal accommodations, and things to do in Fort Morgan, AL.
Unique Outdoor & On-the-Water Activities in Fort Morgan
Pine Beach Trail at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
One of Alabama’s last undisturbed coastal areas, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is an unique Fort Morgan attraction that offers opportunities for birding, kayaking, hiking, photography, and wildlife watching. The Pine Beach Trail is the refuge’s most popular hike that transitions through multiple coastal habitats before ending at the Gulf. Start your hike early to avoid the afternoon heat and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray. The observation tower makes a worthwhile stopping point, while the final portion toward the Gulf becomes sunnier and sandier.
Local Tip: The Refuge is home to an array of native animals and migratory birds, so keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife.
Oyster Farm Tour
Fort Morgan is home to two local oyster farms, Navy Cove Oysters and Admiral Shellfish Company, both of which offer hands-on tours. Visitors will learn how oysters are raised using sustainable aquaculture techniques and explore the ecology and geology of Mobile Bay. These tours may leave you craving fresh oysters, so be sure to stop by a local restaurant that serves Navy Cove or Admiral Shellfish oysters. Your tour guides will be able to tell you where to go.
Local Tip: Reservations are required to book these unique beach experiences. Navy Cove does not offer tours from June 1 through September 30, so contact the farm before building it into your itinerary.
Fort Morgan Marina
The Fort Morgan Marina is a hub for water-based activities and local charm. Like other marinas in the area, it offers several inshore and offshore fishing charters, boat rentals, and guided tours. Its location has easy access to both the bay and the Gulf, giving boaters and anglers plenty of fishing opportunities. While exploring Mobile Bay, you’ll have the opportunity to see various marine life and wildlife, including migrating birds and native species of fish. A visit to the marina’s store will set you up with everything you need for a fun day on the water, including fishing gear, sunscreen, and snacks.
Surf & Pier Fishing in Fort Morgan
Anglers will love surf fishing in Fort Morgan. With fewer crowds, the beaches here are ideal for casting from the shoreline without worrying about disturbances. You’ll still need a valid Alabama Saltwater Fishing license to fish in Fort Morgan. Fishing from a guided charter boat, however, does not require an individual fishing license. Anglers can choose to cast out south into the Gulf or on the north side of the island into Mobile Bay. Depending on the season, you can catch pompano, whiting, and redfish from the surf. If you prefer pier fishing, visit Fort Morgan Pier, which is located at the tip of the peninsula and is a great spot for catching flounder.
Mobile Bay Ferry to Dauphin Island
One of the most scenic Fort Morgan activities is riding the Mobile Bay Ferry to nearby Dauphin Island. This 40-minute journey is open to cars, pedestrians, and bikers and provides excellent views of the Fort Morgan peninsula, Historic Fort Morgan, and Fort Gaines. During the trek, riders may also spot birds flying overhead and marine life below. Be sure to check the ferry’s schedule and weather conditions before departing.
Local Tip: The ferry does not accept reservations, and shoes are required on deck because the surface can become extremely hot.
Local Restaurants & Sweet Stops in Fort Morgan
Tacky Jacks 2
With three locations across Alabama’s Beaches, Tacky Jacks is a favorite among guests and locals. However, the atmosphere at Tacky Jacks Fort Morgan is a little more laid-back than that of its sister restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. This family-friendly, vibrant joint offers casual dining in a scenic setting that overlooks Mobile Bay. Tacky Jacks is known for its fresh Gulf shrimp, and you’ll find plenty of great dishes on the menu here, as well as a top-notch breakfast. This bayfront restaurant is a fantastic place to eat in Fort Morgan. Here, you can grab fresh seafood and catch a coastal sunset after a day of fun exploring the area.
Pelican Scoops Ice Cream
It’s not a beach trip without enjoying a cone or two of ice cream. Pelican Scoops in Fort Morgan is your go-to spot for a cool treat. This cute shop offers ice cream, snow cones, specialty milkshakes, virgin daiquiris, and terrific views of Mobile Bay. Pelican Scoops is located at the Fort Morgan Marina, making it the ideal place to cool off after a day on the water and watch a beautiful sunset.
Local Tip: Take your ice cream to the balcony when it is open and keep an eye on the water below, as you may be able to watch pelicans dive into Mobile Bay from this scenic spot.
Selah Coffee at Kiva Dunes Resort
Start your day with a little pick-me-up from Selah Coffee in Fort Morgan. Located at Kiva Dunes Resort, this cute shop is the ideal spot to grab coffee and a quick breakfast, and you don’t have to be a guest of the resort to visit. In addition to its signature lattes, espressos, and drip coffee, Selah also offers fruit smoothies and ice cream. Make it a meal and grab a freshly baked muffin, bagel, or bagel sandwich while you’re here.
The Hideaway
Whether you spend the day on the water, casting lines, or relaxing in the sand, you’ll need some fuel to keep you going. The Hideaway at Beach Club Resort is the ultimate spot for a bite to eat, no matter the time of day. This Fort Morgan restaurant serves coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with menu items like omelets, sandwiches, po’boys, and pizza. It’s also ideal for gamedays, thanks to its TVs and shareables, so you can kick back and relax as you catch your favorite teams on the big screen. You don’t have to stay at the resort to dine at this casual spot!
Jesse's on the Bay
When you're in the mood for an upscale dinner with panoramic water views, savor a fresh Gulf dinner at Jesse's on the Bay. The menu is full of incredible offerings such as fresh catches, dry and wet-aged steaks, and handcrafted cocktails. Be sure to save room for dessert as Jesse's curates a new sweet treat every day using seasonal fruits and local ingredients. This gorgeous bayfront restaurant is a standout fine-dining option on the Fort Morgan Peninsula.
Local Tip: If you arrive by boat, check the tide first because the courtesy dock may be difficult to access during very low water.
Resort & Golf Experiences in Fort Morgan
The Beach Club Resort & Spa
Relax and rejuvenate at The Beach Club Resort & Spa, a full-service resort in Fort Morgan. This Gulf-front property is overflowing with amenities, such as spa services, tennis courts, pools, three restaurants, and private beach access. But that’s not all! The resort also boasts an arcade, golf simulator, live music, an ice cream shop, and food trucks. Additionally, guests can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and Jet Skis on-site. With so many fabulous amenities, you won’t want to leave the property. The Beach Club combines a serene environment with fun, making it ideal for romantic getaways, family vacations, or solo vacations.
Local Tip: After dinner, head to the swings on the back side of the property for a peaceful place to watch the sunset.
Kiva Dunes Golf Course
Fort Morgan is a popular beach-golfing destination thanks to the award-winning Kiva Dunes Resort, designed by former U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate and developer Jim Edgemon. This secluded, links-style course offers gorgeous coastal landscapes, a challenging layout, and an unparalleled reputation as one of Alabama’s best public courses. Tee times are open to everyone, as you don’t have to be a guest at the resort to play.
Local Tip: Kiva Dunes offers discounts for children under 18, college students, and military members. Call the course for exact pricing.
Pair These Hidden Gems With Historic Fort Morgan
Of course, no Fort Morgan beach vacation is complete without a trip to Historic Fort Morgan. This incredible third-system masonry fort is one of the most notable attractions in Fort Morgan. Walk through the winding tunnels, explore the barracks, discover the 19th-century cannons, and get an up-close look at historic relics inside the fort’s museum. This site played a vital role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War and has earned its status as a National Historic Landmark.
Sydnie Lee
A Gulf Coast native and Travel Marketing Professional, Sydnie is Alabama's Beaches Content Specialist (AKA taste tester and destination researcher.) She spends time visiting restaurants, attractions, activities, and events in the area to get the inside scoop on all things happening in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.
