Unexpected Solo Travel Destinations on Alabama’s Gulf Coast: Gulf Shores, Mobile, Fairhope & More
When you hear someone talk about going to the beach, the first place that pops into your head is Alabama, right?
Maybe, maybe not. But Alabama’s Gulf Coast is an overlooked gem, and it’s a great spot to visit solo.
Say whaaat?
If you’re familiar with Alabama’s coastal towns, such as Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you know that traditionally, they’re packed with families and couples. But hear me out…
Alabama’s Gulf Coast is actually the perfect spot for solo travelers. You’ll find beautiful nature, relaxing beaches, and fun nightlife. I explored Gulf Shores, Mobile, Fairhope, Orange Beach, and Pensacola Beach (I know I know, not Alabama, but close), and I had a blast!
A little background: Where I grew up in Kentucky, “going to the beach” meant going to Gulf Shores, the closest beach to my landlocked state. It was the spot for spring breaks, summer breaks, family vacations, and couples trips. But I never got to go, so I decided to take myself there, and I’m glad I did!
I read books on the beach, worked in cute coffee shops, saw turtles and dolphins, and learned how to greet people with “Roll Tide.” Just kidding. Kind of.
Anyway, here’s my solo travel guide to Alabama’s Gulf Coast!
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
These are the two most popular towns on the coast. You’ll find a lot of families and very “touristy” things, but there’s a lot of solo activities too.
Best Things to do Solo in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Relax on the beach
Well, duh. That’s probably the whole reason you’re reading this article!
There are several beaches to choose from, and it depends on what you’re looking for. They’re all gorgeous white sand beaches, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Here are a few options:
Gulf Shores Public Beach 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL: The traditional beach experience. Expect to see lots of families hanging out under umbrellas. It will be crowded, but it’s also fun. There are plenty of shopping and dining options nearby and sometimes festivals.
Shell Beach 28273 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL: This beach may have been my favorite. It’s much less crowded than Gulf Shores, and as the name suggests, there are lots of shells.
Cotton Bayou 25900 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL: This is Orange Beach’s answer to Gulf Shores Public Beach.
None of the beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are dog-friendly, unfortunately.
Stroll through Fort Morgan
110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL
Technically Fort Morgan isn’t in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. It’s about a 30-minute drive away, but it’s well worth seeing and is a great solo activity.
Fort Morgan is a vast fort made of 30 million bricks. It’s cool to walk through and provides excellent photo ops. Some of the rooms were pitch black and quite creepy–I didn’t hang around in those, but if that’s your thing, hey…
There’s also a beach, and dogs are allowed at both the fort and the beach. I went on a somewhat cool day in October. There is very little shade here, and I can see how a hot day could be quite challenging.
Take a Dolphin cruise
I loved this cruise. I saw several dolphins, and the whole thing was just damn relaxing. There is a tiki bar next door to the meeting spot where I had my first Bushwhacker, the signature drink around here, and I saw some folks bring drinks on board. Wish I’d known–I’d have gotten another drink to go.
This picture captures the essence of this place so well…
Throw down at The Flora-bama
17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL
When I die, I hope the afterlife is the Flora-bama…
All right, let’s do a total 180 from the places I’ve brought up so far. I’ve told you about some fun, relaxing daytime activities–now let’s get into the nightlife. The Florabama is legendary, and if you’re up for socializing, it’s THE place to meet interesting people from all over the country (and people watch).
There are five different music stages, and you will almost always see someone performing. It’s usually the good ol’ stuff that everyone knows–Hank, Jr., David Allan Coe, Journey, Prince, Skynyrd… And someone is always celebrating something–a birthday, marriage, divorce, you name it. A drunk lady told me about something called the mullet toss that takes place each spring. I’m intrigued to say the least…
Ken Ratcliff, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy nature at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
This coastal refuge is the perfect solo-friendly spot if you want to get into nature. There are peaceful, flat trails through dunes, wetlands, and maritime forests. I barely passed another person on the trail—ideal for a solo recharge.
Mobile: A Hidden Gem for Solo Travelers and Digital Nomads
Mobile is a surprisingly good digital nomad base and solo travel spot along Alabama’s’ coast. It had everything I look for in a home base–city conveniences, fast wifi, entertainment, and easy access to nature. It’s small enough not to feel overwhelming but still has kind of a “city” feel. Plus, it’s affordable.
Mobile is almost like a mini-New Orleans. They allow open alcohol containers on Dauphin Street, it has a beignet shop, and the first Mardi Gras is said to have taken place in Mobile. Who knew?
Oh, and Mobile literally has billboards that say “Mobile: Not like the rest of Alabama.” Do with that information what you will.
What do do alone in Mobile
Take your pup (or just yourself) to Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island is only about a 45-minute drive from Mobile, and it’s the only dog-friendly beach around! Elgie’s never sure what to think of the ocean, but he ended up enjoying it. Dauphin Island beaches allow leashed dogs, but Gulf Shores and Orange Beach public beaches do not.
Dauphin Island was never crowded when I visited, and there are no busy streets lined with souvenir shops and imposing resorts. The area consists mostly of beach houses and a few restaurants and is great for a low-key beach day. Plus there’s a ferry that goes to Fort Morgan.
They sure don’t make ’em like this anymore…
Tour The Battleship
2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile, AL
I did not expect to enjoy my visit to the USS Alabama as much as I did, but I was pleasantly surprised. My number one piece of advice is to allow yourself at least two to three hours to visit the ship and grounds. I arrived an hour before closing and got to tour only the battleship, and I didn’t even get to see all of it. There are planes, tanks, and a submarine you can explore in addition to the ship.
Explore Downtown Mobile
Mobile’s downtown has a certain charm. There are a lot of cool sculptures, cute coffee shops, and even a carnival museum. Sometimes there are fun festivals, and there’s always something going on at Dauphin Street, Mobile’s answer to Duval Street in Key West or Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
Fairhope: A Peaceful Escape With Amazing Sunsets
Fairhope is lovely! I wish I’d gotten to spend more time there. There’s plenty of unique shopping downtown and a gorgeous pier. My home base was in Mobile, but Fairhope would be a good spot too if you’re looking for a more low-key experience that’s still charming.
What to Do Alone in Fairhope
Enjoy a sunset at Fairhope Municipal Pier
This is a fantastic spot to enjoy a stroll at sunset, and it’s dog-friendly! Elgie enjoyed it too.
These statues creeped me out…
That sky…
Stroll Fairhope Avenue and Check Out Local Shops
Fairhope Avenue is the heart of the town with cool boutiques, bookstores, galleries, and coffee shops. It’s great for solo browsing.
Walk or Bike the Eastern Shore Trail
This scenic trail runs along the bay and through town and has gorgeous water views and a safe, easy path for walking or biking. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors without needing a group or formal tour.
Day Trip to Pensacola Beach, FL: Just Beyond the Alabama Line
I’ve never seen water so clear and turquoise than what I saw at Pensacola Beach. Usually the ocean kind of freaks me out, but I floated on my back for a good while and never felt scared.
Pensacola Beach is lively and perfect for solo travelers. Bands are often playing, and there are lots of beach bars to enjoy. Highly recommended!
FAQ: Solo Travel to Alabama’s Gulf Coast
Is it weird solo traveling to a family/couples spot? No, not really, All the families and couples are so wrapped up in their own worlds to pay you much attention. And the activities I’ve mentioned certainly don’t require you to be partnered or with a group.
When’s the best time to visit Gulf Shores/Alabama’s Gulf Coast? It depends on what you’re looking for. I visited in September/October, and it was perfect. It was still warm enough for beach days, but the summer vacation crowds had cleared out. Spring and early fall are great options. Summer is going to be the most crowded.
What’s the best way to meet people here? Go on a cruise or take a tour. And you’re bound to make a new friend at the Florabama!
Related reading
Where to Stay along Alabama’s Gulf Coast?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a digital nomad, I recommend Mobile or Pensacola as a home base. If you’re solo traveling for a few days, I’d recommend Orange Beach for the more low-key beaches and proximity to the Florabama.
Check out this interactive map of Orange Beach:
Why is Alabama’s Gulf Coast Perfect for Solo Travelers and Digital Nomads?
Maybe it’s not the first spot that comes to mind, but Alabama’s Gulf Coast has gorgeous beaches while being near city amenities. Mobile, AL and Pensacola, FL would be fantastic home bases for digital nomads because they have all the city conveniences remote workers need, but the beach isn’t far away! It’s a great location to work during the week and then relax on the beach on weekends.
The Takeaway: Solo Travel Along Alabama’s Gulf coast
Alabama’s Gulf Coast is an unexpected spot for solo travelers and digital nomads. Though normally it’s a family vacation spot, solo travelers can enjoy the gorgeous white sand beaches too! Remote workers have everything they need while being close to fantastic beach experiences.
