Tour These Historical Attractions on the Alabama Coast

If you find yourself nerding out to history, Southern Alabama has a lot to offer. Although many of our guests at Brett/Robinson are lured by gorgeous beaches, gut-busting comfort food, and outdoor recreation, taking the time to visit some of the nearby historical attractions is an immersive experience travelers shouldn’t ignore. Heck, you don’t even have to be a history buff to enjoy the area’s legendary towns, marvelous museums, and long-standing military outposts. All you need is a desire to learn and explore. So, to help you with your education vacation, we have compiled an easy list of some of the most worthwhile historical attractions in our part of Alabama.

10 Unique Alabama Historic Sites: Gulf Shores and Beyond

Despite our reputation as a beach town, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, are perfect places to stay if you’re interested in touring significant historical attractions. Not only do we have a few neat spots that will make you feel like you went back in time, but other nearby towns and cities also boast several noteworthy sites. 

1. The Gulf Shores Museum is a historic beach house donated to the city after Hurricane Frederic to explore exhibits on hurricanes Frederic and Ivan, early fishing and shrimping industries, and local World War II veterans. The museum offers a rich collection of hurricane-related artifacts and items from Gulf Shores’ past.
2. The Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum, housed in a 1910 schoolhouse, showcases the city’s Native American and fishing heritage. Exhibits include original schoolhouse furnishings, antique fishing equipment, arrows and spearheads, and military artillery.
3. OK, so the National Museum of Naval Aviation is in Pensacola, but that’s just over the border and has over 150 restored aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Here, you’ll experience the exhibits, flight simulators, and an IMAX film at one of the world’s largest aviation museums! It’s well worth crossing into the Panhandle.
4. Fort Morgan has guarded Mobile Bay since 1834 and played a huge role in the Civil War battle of Mobile Bay. Tour the fort and its museum to see weapons, uniforms, letters, photographs, and personal items from soldiers, showcasing its use during the Spanish-American War and World Wars I and II. BONUS: If you like Fort Morgan, check out Fort Gaines, another important military battle site.
5. The Bellingrath Gardens and Home in Theodore, Alabama, offers a tour of a 15-room, 10,500-square-foot house built in 1935 with its original furnishings. Guests can also lose themselves in the estate’s idyllic gardens.
6. The Africatown Heritage House in Mobile commemorates the history and contributions of the Africatown community, established by descendants of those brought to the area aboard the Clotilda, what is thought to be the last slave ship to dock in the U.S. Through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs, the Heritage House preserves and shares the story of Africatown’s resilience and cultural heritage.
7. In Spanish Fort, Alabama, Historic Blakeley State Park marks the site of the last major battle of the Civil War. It features preserved Confederate and Union breastworks and fortifications. Visitors can explore 10.5 miles of nature trails and a boardwalk along the Tensaw River within the park.
8. The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is an awe-inspiring testament to the nation’s military prowess and status as a technological superpower. Visitors can explore the 44,500-ton maritime defense vessel and other military artifacts from World War II, including a submarine and combat aircraft.
9. The Bragg–Mitchell Mansion in Mobile was constructed in 1855 by Judge John Bragg and is often photographed due to its architectural significance. This popular tourist attraction, attributed to local architect Alexander J. Bragg, offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history and architectural heritage.
10. History enthusiasts can explore the Baldwin County Heritage Museum’s collection of antique appliances, farm equipment, and more to learn about life in the area years ago. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Baldwin County’s development and historical heritage.

Luxury Condo Rentals in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Learning about the historical significance of the place you are vacationing can be a fun and immersive way to “live like a local.” You just never know what you’ll discover! To make things easier, many of the historical attractions on the Alabama Coast are well within driving distance from Brett/Robinson’s Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation rentals, so finding the ideal location is never tough when you stay with us! All you have to do is find your favorite spot and plan your getaway. 

Visit us online today to get the ball rolling towards an unforgettable blast to the past!