Want to get in a little knowledge while you’re on the Alabama coast? Everyone can have fun at any time of year while taking in the natural beauty and teaching the little ones. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has 25 miles of paths. You’ll find information along the way about the native plants and wildlife. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge also offers a network of hiking trails, and is a habitat for a range of regional plants and animals. [...]
How do you know if it’s going to be a safe day for swimming at the beach? Actually, it’s pretty simple to find out. Call 251-968-TIDE (8433) or 251-981-SURF (7873) to check surf conditions in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The beach warning flag system is color-coded. Just think of the flags as traffic signals. Of course, red means stop. If a red flag is flying, that indicates high surf with strong currents. It’s dangerous even for experienced swimmers. High [...]
By now you may have heard of the “plastic soup” in the Gulf of Mexico. Volunteer citizen-scientists who have gathered water samples find permanent fragments of micro-plastics in nearly every sample taken. These microplastics are created when the sun and wave action combine to break up larger pieces of plastic debris into tiny, microscopic bits. The problem, experts say, is more than just plastic drink bottles, though those can be culprits as well. It’s also that so many items are [...]
Alabama consistently ranks in the top five states for overall biodiversity of plants and animals. Did you know any of these interesting facts? Among the state’s 4,500 species are some rare types found along our coast, including the white-topped pitcher plant, gopher tortoise, Alabama beach mouse, eastern diamondback rattlesnake and red-cockaded woodpecker. Twenty species of whales and dolphins live in the Gulf of Mexico. And another mammal, the West Indian manatee, can be spotted in our area as well. More [...]
Everyone loves that thrill you get when you see a dolphin splashing in the wild. But there are measures we should take to keep them safe. Dolphin SMART is a program that encourages responsible viewing of these magnificent marine mammals. It was launched in 2007 by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuaries because of the number of dolphin viewing tours in their area. The program is now sanctioned by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While the program was developed [...]
It’s spring on the Alabama coast and that means folks will be getting out the boats and hitting the waterways. It’s also a good time for boating safety reminders before launching into the season. First, check local weather forecasts for conditions before you take off. Storms come up fast on the Gulf Coast, so boaters should stay aware. If you notice darkening clouds, rough winds or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water. Second, use [...]
Give your kids a lesson in sustainable travel and eco-tourism when you visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach this spring. It’s simple and fun to do by including a few key stops on your vacation agenda. First, visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo on Highway 59 in the heart of Gulf Shores. The zoo is an entertaining place to spend a morning and gives visitors up-close views of more than 500 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, primates, leopards, wolves and [...]
When you visit our beaches, it’s important to know the rules and restrictions. Leave Only Footprints regulations prohibit leaving any items overnight on public beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In addition, several items are prohibited anytime on the beach, including: Glass containers Metal shovels or excessive digging Litter Tents or structures larger than 12 x 12 Overnight camping Fireworks Loud music Fires Pets Vehicles The reason for many of these restrictions concerns safety, others are for the comfort [...]
Whether you are a birding enthusiast or just starting out as a birdwatcher, you’ll discover a paradise on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Even if birdwatching isn’t high on your list, you’re going to encounter shore birds during your visit. Sandpipers, great blue herons, laughing gulls, ring-billed gulls and pelicans are common sights along our coast. The Coastal Birding Trail, featuring six birding loops in Baldwin and Mobile counties and totaling more than 200 miles, is a terrific place to watch and [...]
Want to build a sandcastle while visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? We’re all for it. In case you need some tips, we got some from experts. First, find the perfect spot. It should be close to the water to get that firm, wet sand, but not so close your creation will get washed away. Experienced sandcastle builders know the sand must be wet to make a good form. Second, put those sand buckets and shovels to good use. Fill [...]
