The whole family can “go gator” at Alligator Alley. Your adventure is a guided tour of the facility that offers the incredible opportunity to see over 200 alligators relaxing, nesting, and sunbathing in a unique habitat. If you happen to be visiting during feeding hour, you can watch the crew walk right out to the alligators and feed them. As your tour continues, you can walk on an elevated boardwalk that allows for a unique view of the alligators along with such other creatures as turtles, ospreys, owls, bull frogs and many other animal attractions.
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.
Breathing in the salt air and feeling your toes in the sand as the sun warms your face are just part of the sensory experiences you'll enjoy when you visit Gulf Shores. This is one of South Alabama's more popular attractions. The public beach features such amenities as a boardwalk, open-air pavilions and picnic areas. Gulf Shores Beach stretches out to include several access points along Highway 182 to include 13th, 6th, 5th, 4th, and 2nd Streets. An additional point of interest is Lagoon Park which is located at Lee Callaway Bridge that offers calm, shallow waters as well as restroom facilities and plenty of parking.
If your plans include heading outdoors for a great day of fishing on the water, you owe it to yourself to experience the natural beauty of Polecat Bay. This breathtaking body of water is located near Mobile and connects to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, there are many places to prepare, fuel and launch your boat out into the waters for your aquatic adventure.