8. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Many road trippers think of Florida for their summer Gulf of Mexico beach destinations. However, the Gulf of Mexico also boasts beautiful coastlines in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama.
Alabama’s Gulf Shores and Orange beach, just an hour’s drive from Mobile, is a summer haven for sun worshipers, foodies and boaters alike.
While you’re there, find your favorite spot along the beach’s 32 miles of sugary sand, enjoy more than a dozen golf courses, or take advantage of boating adventures with world-class fishing and spectacular sunsets on the sea.
It wouldn’t be a summer in the south without good food, and fresh catches of the day are brought in by local fisherman to local restaurants fitting every budget, from inexpensive beach dives to white linen restaurants.
If you’re looking to escape the summer crowds during the high season, check out West Beach, where baby powder sands meet bathtub temperature waters. The gentle waves make for a safe place for beginner swimmers.
Travel Tip: Take a walk on the wild side 30-minutes outside Mobile en route to Gulf Shores by turning off highway 10 onto AL-59 S to Route 71 to a gator sanctuary, called Alligator Alley. Come up close and personal to the “people friendly” Goliaths on a guided walking tour.
Did You Know? Alabama is one of the 16 states offering Starbucks new Fizzio™ Handcrafted Soda. Fizzio Sodas–refreshing summer drinks are available in Spiced Root Beer, Golden Ginger Ale and Lemon Ale, and, in states offering Fizzio, you can also ask your local barista to “add fizz” to any iced tea or Refreshers for 50 cents.
Stefanie Michaels, aka ‘Adventure Girl’, spends more than 180 days a year on the road seeking out great spots for adventures, dining, shopping, hotels and more. Dubbed “America’s Sweetheart” by Vanity Fair Magazine for being one of Twitter’s first icon’s to reach over 1 million followers, her fans continue to grow across all of her digital media platforms.
This is a partnership for #14Summer with Starbucks. Follow her @adventuregirl as she shares photos, updates and more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
