Awesome spot to take a break and stretch. You can fish, watch boats pass by, or snap some great…read morephotos.

This was the only spot I really got to see on Dauphin Island before a massive all day storm popped…read moreup. This is a free spot with some nice trails. I saw some turtles in the swamp and even a turtle on one of the trails laying an egg! The dunes are beautiful. It was cool wating the storm roll in from the ocean. The boardwalk is nice to walk along. They are pet friendly.

Eastern kingbird. Belted kingfisher…read more Blue heron. Cardinal. These are just a few of the majestic and breathtaking birds that I saw when visiting the Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island near Mobile, Alabama. If you are a birdwatcher, or if you just love nature and walking along wooden footpaths through groves of trees and lagoons covered with lily pads, you'll enjoy spending some time here. I walked for an hour with my binoculars, listening and looking for birds. I saw birds that I knew, and birds that I've never seen before. I stood and gazed at the lagoon and lily pads, enjoying the quietude of nature and water. I walked through the shade of trees, listening the the hum of silence broken only by birdsong. Birding is a peaceful hobby. It's about listening, looking, and patience. Being at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary gave me the sense of peace and calm that only nature can provide.

Absolutely a great way to spend some time hiking along a boardwalk path!!…read more Dogs allowed on leash is an added bonus.

We love bringing our Labrador to Fish River for a swim! It's his favorite spot to splash around,…read moreand the accessible ramp makes it easy for him to climb in and out. The area is serene, but do watch out for fishermen--out of respect for their space, we always stay a good distance away. There's plenty of parking, which is convenient, but remember to keep your pup on a leash since there's some traffic nearby. Overall, a great spot for dog-friendly fun!

Today is the 2nd anniversary that Hurricane Sally slammed into into Orange Beach, AL with a direct…read morehit. Most repairs have been done but things are still being put back together both for private residents and local governments. In Orange Beach, two iconic locations are still awaiting repairs from storm damage, Waterfront Park Pier and the Perdido Pass fishing wall. There's several sections of this fishing area that is fenced off due to boards missing and damaged concrete but there's still a lot of space to toss your line in the water. Here we are 2 years later and still waiting on repairs to started in earnest. I understand that an application for FEMA help with the repairs has been made, but when the "hurry up and wait" SOP of the government is in the mix it certainly add time to the process. This area was damaged years ago and basically abandoned by the state because of the prohibitive cost of having it repaired. Orange Beach stepped in and asked for permission to pay for the repairs to keep this unique and popular spot open to the public. The land is owned by the state and the city has funded the improvements but then came Sally. The boardwalk starts at the end of The Gulf restaurant area and follows the Pass all the way under and beyond the bridge to a small sandy beach. There's mounted park benches all along the stretch, except where damage is fenced off, and bait stations along the rails. It's well lit and there's plenty of free parking, including handicap. There's no running water in the area and currently there's 2 port-a-potties. The channel in and around the Perdido Pass bridge is typically busy with both recreational and commercial fishing vessels so if you're not into fishing, at this spot, it's okay because the view is spectacular. You're directly across from the Gulf State Park beach is located on the east side of The Pass and offers some beautiful stretches of white sandy beaches, with roughly 70 acres of prime real estate. So sometimes it's just nice to sit a spell :-) Perdido Pass Fishing Wall is the old local name for this area, sometimes also referred to as Seawall Park, but it now has an official designated name, and new sign, of Orange Beach Fishing Park at the Pass, cool! If you'd like an excellent video tour, pre-Sally check: https://youtu.be/jc7t0-whT40 Bottom line: Lots of boats, heron, gulls, the occasional pod of dolphins and even manatee that come through here, but fishing is the big attraction at Orange Beach Fishing Park at the Pass.

Easy access and a variety of potential trails and easy access to the lagoon…read more Parking for unloading kayaks was easy to turn around in and there is plenty of parking. Large oak trees are around the parking so there is some shade. Flat sandy bottom of lagoon by the launch area so you can easily board your kayak. Opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.

This is a great park with lots to do for all ages. We will definitely be back to visit soon!read more

Let me start with..it's a kids dream! This is a great community kids park. Lots of people bring the…read morekids to enjoy the obstacles. Parents could do more to help it along. This was built by local and military members years ago. It's unfortunate to see that parents aren't taking pride in this great park. It's for your kids. If you see trash, pick it up. If you see that the bathroom isn't working or isn't clean, reach out to the parks/rec department and let them know. They've had issues with young kids roaming around at night after sunset. So if you see something not right call the Sheriff. The park is visited by neighborhood families and families from surrounding areas. It should be treated as if it was your own back yard. Help keep it clean.

Playground and obstacle course just to the right of gulf state park entrance. Great lol at ground…read morewith plenty of things to keeps kids entertained. Looks relatively new and well maintained. There is a little pond next to it that some people were fishing from. Across the drive is a very nice area that has picnic tables and grills. The dog pond dog playground is close by. There is a building that looks to rent bicycles, Segway, and kayaks as well. You can then walk the wooden bridge over the highway to the beach. This is a perfect little spot for a family to have picnic or playtime for a spell.

Wetlands Park in Gulf Shores is a hidden gem of a serene nature preserve that is a unique…read moreopportunity to explore our coastal wetlands and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. I discovered it because of a friend who likes to take long nature walks alone and is a nature buff. It's a walking and hiking park located at the base of the big blue water tower at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, with the entrance at the northeast corner behind the sportsplex, that provides a convenient and accessible location. It's open to the public for daytime for locals and tourists. The park features a loop gravel path that encircles a small tranquil fishing pond, making it a nice destination for those who love to cast a line and try their luck at catching local fish species. Along the path, you'll find benches, but not in the greatest condition, gazebos, and a fishing pier, providing ample spots to relax, take in the scenery, and appreciate the natural beauty of the wetlands. One of the key highlights of Wetlands Park is its connection to the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, making it a prime location for birdwatching enthusiasts to observe both migrating and local bird species. There's elevated boardwalks allowing you to traverse the wetlands without disturbing the ecosystem, with lovely views of the wetlands and the diverse wildlife that calls it home. We walked through the park yesterday because my friend and I have a real appreciation for reptiles and she's told me about both snakes and alligators that's she seen here over the years taking long walks here. We weren't disappointed as we approached one of the smaller ponds, with a fishing pier, we spotted a juvenile gator that seemed as anxious to see us as we were to see him, or her. It was only 2-3 feet long and swam all the way across the pond to check us out, it was cool and we enjoyed the visit :-) Also, Wade Ward Nature Park, a nearby extension of the Wetlands Park, features a boardwalk trail that further explores the wetlands ecosystem and connects Little Lagoon with Lake Shelby. This area is home to various wildlife, including otters, pelicans, and the occasional alligator, providing a fascinating glimpse into the rich biodiversity. Overall, Wetlands Park in Gulf Shores is an nice destination for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those looking to experience the beauty and tranquility of the coastal wetlands. With its well-maintained trails, abundant wildlife, and scenic views, it offers a memorable and educational experience for visitors of all ages.