Lee & Hughes

Visitors and nature lovers alike will marvel at the natural attractions that can be found in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in nearby Gulf Shores. This sprawling 6,000-plus-acre wildlife refuge preserves the coastline's native flora and fauna as well as coyotes, foxes, American alligators and countless species of migratory birds. And in addition to those visually stunning inhabitants, you will also encounter some creatures that are a little out of the ordinary. These include the Alabama beach mouse which is on the endangered species list. You can also get even closer to all this natural beauty by hitting one of the many trails that allow you to explore the park at your own pace.

Need a good reason to perk up? Find it at Serda's Coffee Company. The relaxed yet classy ambiance of the shop makes it perfect to go grab a cup of your favorite blend (there are several on the menu) and just grab a table to enjoy the surroundings or perhaps set up your computer or tablet to do a bit of work. The staff is always friendly and cordial and there is a regular schedule of live acoustic music, so make sure to check the website for more details.

Go on a real recreation adventure when you let Gulf Shores Deep Sea Fishing guide your trip out into the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Cast your line and wait for the big catch when you board one of the vessels that is part of the guide service's impressive fleet. There are different trip packages to suit the number of people in your party as well as their level of experience. The friendly staff on board will make sure that you have everything you need to reel in an unforgettable experience!

With numerous interactive exhibits, thought-provoking larger-than-life Giant Screen films, and fun, hands-on educational programming, the Exploreum Science Center aspires to increase science literacy among the people of south Alabama and the Gulf Coast region, residents and visitors alike. By sparking imagination, creating curiosity and instilling a sense of wonder in the world, the Exploreum has been a cornerstone of informal learning on the Gulf Coast since its inception more than 35 years ago.