This Florida Native is Officially Obsessed with Alabama Beaches
on Apr 30, 2026
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I’m a Florida native who was raised on the Gulf, so my fondest childhood memories include beautiful, clear water, white sand, and melting sunsets. I was thrilled to learn Alabama beaches had those same qualities all along, and now that I know, I can’t wait to share about this gorgeous stretch of coastline just west of Pensacola.
When I say I am a beach person, I have parameters. Not all beaches are created equal, nor are the surrounding towns. Alabama’s beaches hit all the marks for what I am looking for, from great food to perfect sand, and lots of activities without feeling overly touristy.
The waves and sand on the Gulf are truly something special, and I couldn’t believe how similar the Alabama coast was to the beaches of my childhood.
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How to Get to Alabama Beaches
Why should you visit Alabama’s Beaches? To start, they’re accessible. Daily flights in and out of Pensacola will get you there in no time, and if you’re lucky enough to live in a city with a direct flight into Gulf Shores Airport, you’ll land right in the middle of the action.
Driving in is also an option for the road-trippers. And if you love to camp or travel with your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
The Great American Beach Trip
When the team at Alabama’s Beaches invited me and fellow storyteller All Things Fadra to the Great American Beach Trip, I knew it would be an adventure, and I was right!
During the week before the trip, readers from all over voted on our activities, and the results spanned from gentle to thrilling. Each of them was fun, well-run, and exactly what I needed.
If you’re headed to Alabama this summer, here’s what we did and how you can book each one.
Soft Adventure on the Water with Circle Boats
If you love kayaking and being on the water, welcome to your new favorite pastime. I had never seen a circle boat before my weekend in Alabama, and now I am hooked on this fun, stress-free activity.
I loved meeting the team at Beachside, and I truly think this is going to be the next big thing on the water. I’m already searching for rental companies in NC because I want to go again!
Once you arrive at the launch, they will fit you with a life jacket and give you a 5-minute rundown of instructions. You can just motor up and down the canal or head to one of the island beaches if you have more time. It’s that easy.
If I were heading back to the beach, I would plan a full-day rental, bring my cooler, my family, my dog, and have the best day ever.
E-Biking Through Gulf State Park
Bike-riding is one of my favorite nostalgic activities, and what makes it even better is using an e-bike! Listen, I’m not as agile as I used to be, and e-bikes are a gift. That little extra boost is all I need to keep going and explore longer.
We grabbed our bikes, baskets included, and made our way to the trailhead at Gulf State Park. This park is an absolute gem and I wished we had all day to spend here.
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We rode the Backcountry Trail, and stopped at a clearing to view an alligator basking in the sun. Like Florida, Alabama gators have a habit of showing up, so keep your eyes peeled for a fun sighting.
Further down the trail, we saw a gopher tortoise skitter away into its habitat and that little guy really moved! I didn’t know they could go that fast, but he was not interested in a visit.
Finally, we reached a lookout over the brush, and right there sauntering through the tall grass was a wild bobcat. This is when my heart started pounding because, despite growing up in Florida, I had never spotted a big cat in the wild. And even though bobcats are small, they are big enough for me to keep my distance, respectfully.
During certain times of the year, there is a butterfly house, and there are many benches to stop and rest or have a snack. Truly a highlight of the trip.
Step Up the Thrills with Jet Skiing the Gulf
I was the most anxious about jet skiing, if you can believe it. The only other time I have been on one was on my recent trip to St. Kitts, and I was so nervous. I think partly because I was sharing with my son, and neither of us had any experience.
This time, however, I had a jet ski all to myself, and I was in full control, which really helped. I was so happy out on the water zooming around and bouncing on the waves.
I’m sure I still wasn’t going very fast, but these jet skis were great, and I felt totally comfortable driving up and down the sound. My motto has always been to try something new, but I think maybe I should also say to try something new, twice.
Turn it Up with Parasailing at 400 Feet
And speaking of trying something new, my limits were pushed yet again, only this time with parasailing! Oddly enough, I wasn’t nervous at all until it was time to harness up and clip to the bar. I don’t know why my brain decided to hold the anxiety until the last minute, but we don’t always get to decide these things.
As we went up and up to 400 feet above the water, I found myself giggling uncomfortably and remembering that I don’t mind being up high. I loved to climb tall trees as a kid. That has to mean something.
Thankfully, Sky Surfer Parasail is a top-notch operation, and they could not have made us feel safer. I reminded myself that being nervous is normal and still enjoyed the gorgeous view.
And here’s what surprised me about parasailing. During liftoff, and as you lower back down to the boat, there may be some swinging back and forth in the seat. If you’ve ever been on a Ferris wheel with gondolas that swing, it’s like that for a few moments. This is because of the waves. The closer we were to the boat, the more our movement mimicked its motion.
Now that I have that information, I think I could do it again, fully prepared. And the views! Have I mentioned the incredible color of the Gulf? I loved crossing another new experience off the list.
How to Book our Alabama Beach Activities
- Beachside Circle Boats are easy to operate, affordable, and cute! Rates start at $100 for a half-day single rental.
- Flora-Bama Marina will set you up with waivers and life jackets for your ride. Pricing depends on the season and duration of your ride.
- Beach Bike Rentals has everything you need and is very close to Gulf State Park. You can add a helmet or a basket, and there are many options available from standard bikes to e-bikes, and even recumbent bikes.
- Sky Surfer Parasail starts at $86.99 per person, and you can take up to 12 people on the boat. They also rent pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddleboards.
You don’t need any experience to ride a jet ski or a circle boat, though for jet skis at Flora-Bama, you need a valid driver’s license and must be over 19.
Yes! Gulf State Park is fantastic for people of all ages. The paths are clear and well-maintained, and there is a lot to do and see.
Anytime the weather is good is the best time. If you want to minimize swinging as your parasail takes off, go on a day when the water is calm.
Take Me Back to the Beach
Fun? Check. Thrills? Check. But a great beach trip is that and so much more. Stay tuned for the food, the drinks, the shopping, and waterfront views that will make you want to get up early and stay up late.
