Gators & glamping: An offbeat adventure on the AL Gulf Coast

For a taste of one-of-a-kind local history, make your way to the gorgeous Fort Morgan Historic Site. Built right before the Civil War, it was used on and off, mostly during wartime, until the end of WWII. The Confederates used the Fort to cover blockade runners bringing much-needed supplies. The Battle of Mobile Bay subjected the fort to a two-week siege, after which the Confederate troops surrendered. When the war ended, the fort sat abandoned until the Spanish-American War, when batteries were installed. During WWI, Fort Morgan was used for training men in the Coast Artillery on modern weapons. The fort also trained field anti-aircraft batteries. It was abandoned again until WWII, when it was re-armed and an airfield was put in nearby. The War Department turned Fort Morgan over to the State of Alabama in 1946. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960, and it’s been preserved ever since.

Feel like you’re transported to another world at Adventure Island. The Lost Lagoon Lake (with paddleboats and bumper boats), the tropical mini golf, and the coconut climb all add to the island feel of the attraction, but the most epic feature is a five-story volcano. It erupts periodically, and when it does, it’s quite the show, complete with steam and vibrations. Add in a round of laser tag and a few laps on the go-kart track, and you’ve got the perfect afternoon for the family.

Gulf State Park is the perfect destination for exploring the white sand beaches of Gulf Shores... but the real hidden gem of the park is its campground. Specifically, the glamping-style safari tents the park has set up. There are three total, called The Duke, Bonanza, and The Alamo, respectively. Each sleeps up to four people on cots, and has a communal wash station nearby. There’s a full restroom three tenths of a mile from the tents, and a full bathhouse with shower 1.8 miles away. It’s all about combining backcountry camping with convenience, and the privacy you get from the secluded tents is priceless.

The best way to feel like a kid again on a beach trip is to build a sand castle. There’s nothing quite like designing an amazing sand structure… except maybe the joy of destroying it to start anew. If your sand castle building skills are a bit rusty, though, fear not. Just give Sand Castle University a call! Sand Castle U sends a castle-building pro to wherever you are (whether you’re at the Gulf Shores public beach or a stretch or shore nearby) to give you a lesson in how to build the sand sculpture of your dreams. It’s great for kids and adults alike, and is bound to ensure that your trip to the beach will be unforgettable. Don’t forget to pose for a photo with your creation before the waves wash it away!

It’s not every day that you get the chance to go in a World War II submarine, peer into cockpits of combat aircraft, and check out real-life tanks… but that’s just a small sampling of what you’ll get to experience at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. The whole park is loaded with incredible history. The main feature is the USS Alabama herself, a South Dakota-class battleship that served in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters during World War II. The park also features displays of tanks, artillery, and an aircraft pavilion, alongside the USS Drum, with a touching array of memorials. For a completely unique experience, look into staying on the ship overnight!