Best Small Towns in Alabama

While Mobile, Alabama has tons of amazing sights to see, sometimes it pays to get out of the city for a little while. Nearby towns outside of Mobile offer a slice of culture you likely haven't seen before. A blend of southern hospitality, flashy tourism, and French ancestry will open up new perspective to your Alabama vacation.

Orange Beach

One of our favorite towns on the coast of Alabama is Orange Beach. As you might expect, there are plenty of beaches you can relax on. However, that's not where the fun ends. Sea creatures are a huge focus of Orange Beach, and you can take time to learn about dolphins, sharks, and other marine life at the local aquarium, or up close and personal on a dolphin tour.

Gulf State Park Nature Center

Hours: Monday-Saturday (9AM-4PM)

How much does Gulf State Park Nature Center cost?

$5 per car

Learn about ocean life here at the Gulf State Park! This is a perfect kid activity here in Orange Beach.

Dolphin Tours in Orange Beach
How much do Dolphin tours cost?

$19 (Adults)
$16 (Children)

If you want an unforgettable experience, you have to take a dolphin tour out on the ocean. Your crew will take you where dolphins play and swim. Renting a private charter costs around $500, but it can make the trip even more sentimental.

Fairhope

Fairhope Beach

Want to spend a peaceful day at the beach? Fairhope might be the perfect town for you. The local beach is called North Beach Park, where you can swim, build sand castles, and other beach activities.

If you like to fish, you can head to the Fairhope Municipal Pier! You can practice your fishing techniques for a cheap price. You can grab a bite to eat nearby if you get hungry mid-cast.

Daphne

Just north of Fairpoint, you'll come to the lovely suburb of Daphne, Alabama. While there are beaches close by, you may want to get out of the rough and into the green on some golf courses! Here are some of the popular ones in town.

Rock Creek Golf Club

When does Rock Creek Golf Club open?

7AM-7PM

How much is Rock Creek Golf Club?

$45 for a public tee time

Lake Forest Golf Club

When does Lake Forest Golf Club open?

7AM-5PM

How much is Lake Forest Golf Club?

$28 for a public tee time

Tortuga Adventure Golf (Mini-Golf)

When does Tortuga Adventure Golf open?

12PM-7PM

How much is Tortuga Adventure Golf?

$8-12 depending on age

Bon Secour

One of the small French villages in southern Alabama is Bon Secour. This quaint town is home to many nature trails you can enjoy in the wildlife refuge that shares its name.

For those looking for a cheap activity, come here, because the refuge is FREE.

When is Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge open?

9AM-2PM

Biking Trails

Jeff Friend Trail

Easy
1 mile

Pine Beach Trail

Moderate - Difficult
4 miles

Gator Lake Trail

Moderate
2 miles

Bayou la Batre

Known as the Seafood Capital of Alabama, Bayou le Batre is the perfect place for a bite to eat. There are seafood restaurants aplenty, and if you'd prefer to eat something of your own making, you can stop at the local fish markets.

How far is Bayou la Batre from Mobile, AL?

The small town is just a half-hour drive from Mobile.

Bayou la Batre Restaurants and Seafood

Bayou Seafood Company

4.7 / 5 stars
11AM-6:30PM
One of the best seafood experiences you'll ever have.

Catalina Restaurant

4.6 / 5 stars
10:30AM-9PM (Tuesday - Saturday)
Small-town feel with impressive cuisine.

Cudjo Seafood

4.8 / 5 stars
11AM-7PM
Delicious oysters, fish, and crab. What could be better?

Oakleigh House

Address: 350 Oakleigh Place, Mobile, AL

Hours: 10AM - 4PMTours begin every hour on the hour. The last tour for the day starts at 3PM.

Prices: $10 - Adults, $5 - Children

COVID Guidelines: There will be limited tour sizes, face masks are required for both employees and visitors, and hand sanitizer is available throughout the house.

What is the Oakleigh House?
Probably one of the most renowned homes in the area, Oakleigh is an excellent place to go on a historical home tour. Aside from the ornate furniture and the amazing upkeep of this 19th century house, you will learn about the complex history of the South. Oakleigh is also thought to be haunted by several ghosts. Keep your eyes peeled for any sneaky specters.

You can book your tour by calling Oakleigh House at 251-432-1281, if you have any questions, send an email to hmps@bellsouth.net.

Conde-Charlotte House

Address: 104 Theatre St, Mobile, AL

Hours: 11AM - 3:30PM

Prices: $10 - Adult (older than 12), $5 - Child

COVID Guidelines:
Masks are required and you will be social distancing as needed.

What is the Conde-Charlotte House?
This building was originally the first courthouse and jail in Mobile, Alabama. Later it was adopted as a home for the Kirkbride family, and now sits as a museum where you can learn about the South's complicated legacy.

Mobile Carnival Museum

Address: 355 Government St, Mobile, AL

Hours: Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
9AM - 4PM

Prices: $8 Adults, $3 Child

COVID Guidelines: Masks are required for entry. You will also be asked to social distance.

While other historic houses are filled with furniture common to the era when it was built, the Carnival Museum shows you how Mardi Gras was born, and what carnival means to the people who live in the area.

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