Who doesn’t love taking scenic drives in Alabama? Recently, Alabama’s Coastal Connection was recognized as one of the 60 most scenic drives in America. This scenic byway stretches 130 miles right along the southernmost tip of Alabama. You’ll head through some incredibly gorgeous terrain and get to see plenty of places that are worthy of a stop. We’ve gathered up some of our favorite places on the route that we think are worth your time. These are listed in no particular order, but they’re all right along the route on Alabama’s Coastal Connection. Ready to hit the road on one of the best scenic byways in Alabama?

google maps
Alabama's Coastal Connection lies on the southern border of the Cotton State. It travels alongside the Gulf of Mexico, making for some gorgeous waterfront scenery you can't get anywhere else in the state. If you're on the hunt for "Alabama scenic drives near me," this one is an excellent choice!
1. Audubon Bird Sanctuary: 211 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
Audubon Bird Sanctuary, 211 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA
flickr/Brian Henderson
The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is one of our favorite spots on beautiful Dauphin Island. This 164-acre preserve is a nature lover's dream, with gorgeous woodlands that include walking trails, swamps, and pristine beaches. This is one of the top birding destinations in America.

Take a look at this video by @DISeaLab:
2. Gulf State Park: Gulf Shores, AL
Gulf State Park Pier, Alabama, USA
flickr/Outdoor Alabama/Photo by Billy Pope
As you can likely guess from the name, Gulf State Park lies on Alabama's stunning Gulf Coast. The park has two miles of white-sand beaches and a wide variety of recreational activities. Whether you're looking to swim, fish, camp, hike, or observe wildlife, there's something for everyone here. It's one of the best state parks in Alabama and belongs on any Cotton State bucket list.
3. Graham Creek Nature Preserve: Foley, AL
Graham Creek Nature Preserve Trail, Alabama, USA
google/Luke Wahl
Graham Creek Nature Preserve offers just under 500 acres of natural habitats. There are plenty of recreational options here, including kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, disc golf, and more. You could easily spend all day in this beautiful park. This Alabama hidden gem doesn't get nearly the love it deserves!

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4. Fort Gaines: Dauphin Island, AL
Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA
wikimedia commons/Edibobb
Fort Gaines is a historic masonry fort that was built way back in 1821. It's best known for the role it played in the American Civil War's Battle of Mobile Bay. If you believe the legends, it's also haunted by the spirits of deceased soldiers.
5. Bellingrath Gardens and Home: 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582
Bellingrath Gardens & Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582, USA
flickr/C Thomas
Bellingrath Gardens and Home is one of the most beautiful places in Alabama. This 65-acre garden features year-round blooms, and, if you visit during the winter, absolutely magical Christmas decor. The property also contains the estate home of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath.
6. Holmes Medical Museum: 111 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535
Holmes Medical Museum, 111 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535, USA
tripadvisor/loriaplin
Holmes Medical Museum was the site of Baldwin County's first hospital, which opened up in 1936. The unique museum that exists here now is situated right above a pharmacy. Here, you'll find an extensive collection of old medical instruments, a recreated operating room, patient rooms, and plenty more bizarre medical artifacts that will fascinate and disturb you.
7. Fort Morgan: Gulf Shores, AL
Fort Morgan, AL 36542, USA
wikimedia commons/Edibobb
Fort Morgan is another haunted fort in Alabama. This one is a masonry star fort that's located right at the mouth of Mobile Bay. Like Fort Gaines, it also played an important role in the Battle of Mobile Bay. This fort was completed in 1833, and it became a National Historic Landmark in 1960.

Take a look at this video by @kayakandcaffine:
8. USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park: Spanish Fort, AL 36527
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Spanish Fort, AL 36527, USA
google/Stefan Disveld
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is home to the USS Alabama, a retired battleship that served in World War II. This military history park and museum features a variety of exhibits and more than 28 historic aircraft. This is another wartime site that is allegedly haunted!

Take a look at this video by @USSALABAMA60:

Have you ever driven along Alabama’s Coastal Connection? If so, do you agree it’s one of the most scenic drives in Alabama and did you stop by any of the attractions we mentioned? Share your experiences in the comments!

Ready to take a road trip? Whether it’s on one of the best Alabama scenic drives or you have a faraway road trip destination in mind, check our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for all the essentials!

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More to Explore

Beautiful Places In Alabama

Lisa Sammons | September 07, 2022

What are some more scenic drives in Alabama?

One of the most scenic drives in Alabama is The Natchez Trace Parkway. This scenic byway starts in Mississippi and winds 444 miles through Alabama and Tennessee. We know it's not strictly a Cotton State road, but we still consider it one of the prettiest drives in Alabama! You'll hit a wide variety of terrain as you travel down this historic path.

What are the best botanical gardens in Alabama?

Among the best botanical gardens in Alabama are the following:

  • The 112-acre Huntsville Botanical Garden is one of the top outdoor attractions in the state!
  • Birmingham Botanical Gardens
  • Mobile Botanical Gardens

 

What are the most beautiful beaches in Alabama?

Our brilliant Gulf Shores have so much to offer visitors from near and far, whether you're looking for recreation or just want to sightsee in this stunning region. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches In Alabama:

  • Fort Morgan Beach is one of the best, with lovely clear water that looks worthy of a postcard. And since the area rarely sees frigid temperatures, it's worth visiting at any time of year!
  • Alabama Point East Beach
  • Robinson Island

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