Road Tripping Along Mobile Bay
Traveling a deep-south road
It is summer, and lots of us are looking for the perfect road trip that is relaxing, casual, and has a homestyle feel. Alabama has a way of bringing sunshine, seafood, and history together for a fabulous trip.
So, instead of flying to Mexico, Puerto Rico, or the Caribbean, consider staying stateside and exploring Alabama’s coastal shoreline—Mobile Bay.
The towns along the Bay are packed with the effervescent charm that can inspire anyone to reconnect with the outdoors by way of a beautiful scenic drive that hugs the coastline of one of the most versatile states in the country.
Here are our Road Trip suggestions.
Pack up your sandals and beach gear, and get ready for a great road trip and vacation. Start with an overnight stay at the bay’s namesake city—Mobile—where you can stroll lanes in the downtown, that are perfectly framed in iron work. The historic buildings along with the Spanish moss draped oaks, will give you a feeling that you are stepping back in time.
Relax. Enjoy the history, the climate, the people, and the atmosphere. Mobile has a diverse history. At different times, it was governed by the French, British, and Spanish. Each left its own mark on the local architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle.
The French influence is probably the strongest, which is still felt. Mobile claims to be the home of Mardi Gras, with its Carnival celebrations dating back to 1703. Those celebrations continue today.
Sightseeing along the Bay is a must but dining at one of the bayside eateries is just as entertaining and so satisfying! Grab a brunch or lunch at one of the many restaurants that offer fresh seafood—just off the bay. You won’t be sorry.
Fresh oysters from the bay are fantastic! Family-owned operations known for buttery Gulf bivalves, and soft-shell crab gribiche line the coast. Be sure to add a slice of Lane cake, Alabama’s official state cake.
Take a peek into the past
To get a little more educated about the area visit to the History Museum of Mobile, where you learn about everything you need to know about the Bay area. Then hop on Battleship Parkway and continue along U.S. Route 98 toward the beaches of Gulf Shores. This is where the excitement builds.
But before dipping your toes in the bay, stop in Fairhope for a little shopping. Page & Palette, is a third-generation, family-owned bookstore where you can browse books by Alabama authors and pick up a copy of Daniel Wallace’s novel Big Fish. Most will remember the movie that was adapted from this novel.
Be sure to visit Panini Pete’s for an order of airy beignets, topped with a signature squeeze of lemon.
From here, it’s just a three-minute drive to Magnolia Beach Park, a public park with tree-shaded benches and a small stretch of sand, where you have your first opportunity to wade into the beautiful surf. Hop back in your car and continue toward the beautiful town of Magnolia Springs, passing the stunning Weeks Bay Pitcher Plant Bog along the way.
Tree-lined Oak Street looks as if it were taken straight off a postcard! Plan to have dinner at one of those charming storefront places where vacationers and locals gather. Fresh crab claws and shrimp and grits always hit the spot.
Point Clear and The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa are just some of the special locations in which to stay. The property opened in 1847—every day, a replica cannon fires at 3:45 p.m. to honor the hotel’s role as a Civil War hospital— and has hosted people like Dolly Parton and Margaret Thatcher.
As the evening winds down, everyone turns out to watch a perfect sunset. Mobile Bay melts into a shade of rosy orange. A fantastic ending to a beautiful day.
Here are a few facts you may want to know.
Mobile Bay is 413 square miles. It’s a shallow inlet part of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Bay lies within the environmentally diverse state of Alabama, which offers mountain-to-sea adventures. Mobile Bay offers many excellent places for dining and recreation. Its shallow waters make it a beautiful and fun destination for families.
The mouth of the Bay is formed by the Fort Morgan Peninsula on the eastern side and vacation paradise Dauphin Island, a barrier island on the western side.
The Mobile River and Tensaw River empty into the northern end of the bay, making it an estuary. Several other smaller rivers also empty into the bay: Dog River, Deer River, and Fowl River on the western side of the bay, and Fish River on the eastern side.
Mobile Bay is the fourth-largest estuary in the United States and a top vacation destination. Marshes, white sand beaches, and sun-drenched days wait for all who come to coastal Alabama.
For fun: During the warm summer months, fish and crustaceans swarm the shallow shores of the bay. This mysterious natural phenomenon is called a Jubilee, and it draws a large crowd of people who come to witness the event and harvest a fresh catch by wading in the shallow waters.
On the eastern shore of the bay are several small communities, including Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope, Point Clear, and Bon Secour. Perfect for those who are looking to relocate to a coastal area that offers year-round outdoor activities.
Of course, the most notable of the towns is Gulf Shores, which is located just outside the Bay on the Fort Morgan peninsula. Historic Middle Bay Lighthouse has been located in the center of the bay since 1885. It is a favorite of locals and photographers.
People who live in Mobile Bay are welcoming, friendly and love to meet visitors. So, if you are looking for a perfect summer escape this could be it! Our suggestion: Check out Mobile Bay. It could become your go-to destination for life!
At Lambert Moving Systems, we understand that each move is unique and requires personalized attention. That’s why we tailor our services to your needs. From packing and loading to transportation and unloading, our dedicated team will handle every step of the process with utmost care and precision. Considering a move to Alabama, west Georgia, or the Florida Panhandle, give us a call at (850) 696-0440 or visit our website: https://golambertteam.com/
Photo by SevenMaps on Shutterstock
