From Giant Oaks to Powdery Shores: Experiencing Alabama’s Outdoors for a First Time

We’re almost embarrassed to admit that our recent trip to Alabama was our first. But wow, our inaugural visit far exceeded our expectations! We never imagined Alabama’s beaches could rival those we visited in Thailand or the Caribbean. Discovering the charming French Quarter in Fairhope also was a delightful surprise, and trying Alabama’s charbroiled oysters quickly became one of our favorite foodie memories. 

This, of course, is just a glimpse of what made our trip so memorable. Experiencing the beauty of Alabama, from Mobile down to the Gulf Shores, left a lasting impression on us, and we can’t wait to return back to these places and explore more of what the state has to offer.

These are just a few of our favorite memories from our time in Alabama:

The Giant Oaks in Daphne 

Making our way south of Mobile, we stopped and took a scenic walk through Village Point Park and Preserve in Daphne. We were completely in awe of the majestic live oaks, especially the iconic Jackson’s Oak. Towering at 95 feet with a circumference of 28 feet, it felt like standing before living history, and that’s because we were.

The oak’s sprawling branches are tied to a moment during the War of 1812 when Andrew Jackson allegedly gave a speech to his troops from a branch of this oak tree on their way to Pensacola. 

The trees are impressive on their own, but combined with the history, we couldn’t help but admire the ancient beauty of these Southern giants. 

A short distance away, May Day Park offered another enchanting moss-draped oak along the boardwalk to the bay, giving us another place to enjoy the still beauty along Mobile Bay.

Fairhope French Quarter

Another delightful surprise to us on our Alabama road trip was Fairhope’s French Quarter, which completely charmed us.

We never expected to find such stunning French Quarter-inspired architecture outside of New Orleans, with wrought iron balconies and quaint boutiques along Section Street and De La Mare Avenue. 

And another surprise to us of the tree-variety was Alabama's champion crepe myrtle tree, a quiet yet remarkable landmark hidden within the courtyard.

Beaches of Gulf State Park

We were completely surprised by the stunning beaches of Alabama— and surprised that there was no passport required to experience this kind of beauty! The sand here is like powdered sugar, made from pure white quartz crystals that traveled down from the Appalachian Mountains during the last Ice Age. The result? Some of the most pristine and breathtaking beaches we’ve ever seen with clear emerald waters that invite you in for a swim.

Staying at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, we enjoyed learning how committed the area is to sustainability. The resort itself is one of the most eco-friendly in the country, designed to protect local wildlife and conserve energy. From turtle-safe lighting to minimizing light pollution to the use of condensation to top off the pool, every detail has been thought through to respect the environment. 

Not to mention, the minimal light pollution made stargazing an unexpected highlight of our trip—seeing the Milky Way over the beach at night with our naked eye was simply unforgettable and just something we just don’t get living in a city.

We also had a blast learning how to build sandcastles with Sand Castle University, a fun and educational experience that’s perfect for all ages.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Walking the Jeff Friend Trail at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge was like stepping into a peaceful coastal retreat. This easy, one-mile loop took us through a variety of landscapes—pine-oak woodlands, a freshwater marsh, and the calm waters of Little Lagoon. 

Everything we witnessed here was new to us, and we had no idea this type of environment was so close to the white, sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast.

The maritime forest was a highlight with towering pines and ancient oaks providing a canopy of shade on a hot summer day. We followed the wooden boardwalk, enjoying the serene surroundings and the chance to spot local wildlife like migratory birds. This truly is a great addition to any visit for nature lovers as this trail offers a beautiful way to experience Alabama’s untouched coastal beauty.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Another day, another outdoor adventure and unexpected surprise. Biking along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail was another absolute highlight of our trip. The 28 miles of paved paths wind through lush woodlands, serene lakes, and coastal marshes.

Although we didn’t spot any alligators, knowing of their presence added excitement to the ride. What made it even better? The free bike-sharing stations are scattered along the trails! Just download the app, grab a bike, and explore. 

It’s the perfect way to experience Alabama’s natural beauty while cycling through these well-maintained trails. And better yet, you can eat at Woodside Grill before or after your biking adventure.

Alabama Left a Lasting Impression

While we have shared our experiences with our online communities, our trip to Alabama has left such a lasting impression that it has infiltrated our inner circle and personal conversations. Whenever our summer travels are brought up with family and friends, we have been gushing about the outdoors and beaches of Alabama and how we can’t wait to return.

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About Bobo & Chichi

We’re Scott and Megan, aka Bobo & Chichi, award-winning travel bloggers with over a decade of adventures and travels together. This was our first visit to Alabama, and we were really blown away by the beauty of the outdoors and Southern hospitality. Thank you, Alabama for such a wonderful first impression, We look forward to returning to the beaches, spending more time in Mobile, and experiencing more of what this great state has to offer.

If you want to see more from our journey through Alabama, check out our blog post detailing our entire road trip itinerary along with some of our short-form video content like this stop motion we had fun creating or this diary-style video along with photos of our outdoor experiences in Alabama on our social channels.