Gulf Shores is a beautiful city in Alabama with an area of approximately 33.21 square miles (86.01 square kilometers). This city boasts magnificent beaches, which are its main attractions and draw crowds of tourists every year. Apart from this, the city also invites offbeat travelers and families for exciting cruise stays and experiences like helicopter rides, segway adventures, and more. Gulf Shores is typically known for spotting dolphins, enjoying water sports, and fishing. It is also home to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, which houses many exotic animals. Do not miss the serene sunrises and sunsets at mesmerizing Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park Pavilion.
The arterial Palafox Street is the hub of all activity in the Pensacola. With a history dating back to the 19th Century, the landmark is one of the city's oldest thoroughfares. In the summer months, it floods with farmers selling fresh local produce and vendors peddling their wares at the Palafox Market. The market is a local staple where you'll also find flowers, baked goods, jewelry, and more. If you aren't visiting in the summer, have no fear, the local scene revolves around Palafox Street year round. There's no better place to get to know Pensacola.
The National Naval Aviation Museum is recognized as one of the largest aviation museums in the world with over 150 aircrafts and 4000 artifacts on display. Watch swooping fighter planes, biplanes that have survived aerial battles, helicopters, aircraft carriers, and more. You can also find old documents, vintage uniforms, personal letters written during the war, relics, and other memorabilia. Visit the thriving library, which has photographs, books, technical manuals, CDs, and DVDs dedicated to aviation. As if that wasn't enough, you can also shop for clothes, books, and posters at the museum store or catch some entertainment at the IMAX located within the premises. The National Naval Aviation Museum is truly a place that gives you a sky-high experience!
Pay a visit to the Veterans Memorial Park in Pensacola to learn about the martyrs who served the country. Strewn with several sculptures, the park pays tribute to the brave American soldiers who served their country in the wars. The memorial plaques and machines used in the wars are also on display here for the benefit of the people.
If being around water is your idea of having fun, then a visit to Perdido Key State Park is a must. Located near the Gulf of Mexico, this beautiful park is home to pristine white-sand beaches and a variety of coastal animals. A great spot for summer recreation, the park is frequented by visitors who want to take a cool dip in the water, go fishing, or simply watch wild animals in their natural habitat. Head to the coast on your next trip to Pensacola and you'll adore Perdido Key State Park.
The brainchild of Dr. Megan Pratt and Jerry Pratt, Pensacola MESS Hall is unlike other science museums that you might have encountered. Drawing from the principles of the Science Saturdays held by the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, this interactive museum takes math, engineering and science to a more inventive level. Whether a child or an adult, let your curiosity get the best out of you. Engage, reason and solve like real scientists as you experiment with mess kits and other activities. There are also permanent displays explaining scientific ideas in a creative way. Check out their interactive zones to learn about energy, physics, air, water and kinetics. Intriguing, mesmerizing and educative, it is one place where you can go every time and never get bored.
The Lavelle House, also referred to as the Charles Lavelle House, is one of first houses in town offering public guided tours. It was constructed in 1905 and is located in the Historic Pensacola Village. The house consists of varied rooms that are well furnished, and the structure is characterized by a French Creole Period style. An array of tours are arranged for the house and the vicinity. These tours mostly focus on Pensacola’s history as a Spanish Colony. The hanging panetiere in the kitchen and the rope bed are rare sights seen in the house. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 11, 1971.
Clara Barkley Dorr House, constructed in 1871 is a section of the Historic Pensacola Village. The magnificent manor is now a Victorian era museum that is managed by the State of Florida.
The arterial Palafox Street is the hub of all activity in the Pensacola. With a history dating back to the 19th Century, the landmark is one of the city's oldest thoroughfares. In the summer months, it floods with farmers selling fresh local produce and vendors peddling their wares at the Palafox Market. The market is a local staple where you'll also find flowers, baked goods, jewelry, and more. If you aren't visiting in the summer, have no fear, the local scene revolves around Palafox Street year round. There's no better place to get to know Pensacola.
Alabama Point East is a scenic outdoor attraction lying at a short distance from the striking Perdido Pass Bridge. The spectacular recreational area is home to a large stretch of pristine beach that sprawls across 6,000 feet (1828.8 meters), offering plenty of opportunities for beachside recreation. Featuring pristine sand dunes, boardwalks that offer dramatic views of the tranquil blue waters, sprawling picnic areas, and other public facilities, Alabama Point East is an ideal destination to spend a fun day out with your family.
Coastal Kayak Excursions welcomes you to marvel at those wonderful dolphins swaying to the gushing tides of Orange Beach's clear waters. You may also explore the picturesque Wolf Bay in its quaint pontoon boats. Overall, the excursion makes for an ideal family outing.