Whatever your reason for visiting the Alabama coast, you’re bound to stumble upon a huge variety of family-friendly fun near Gulf Shores! One of the best towns in Alabama for exploring is Fairhope, located less than an hour away from Gulf Shores. Whether you’re looking to spend a day getting fresh air with the kids or exploring artifacts at a museum, there’s no shortage of things to do in Fairhope, AL!
A stay in one of our beautiful Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals is the perfect way to see the best of what coastal Alabama has to offer. If you’re still sorting out the details of your itinerary, be sure to Request our free Vacation Guide. It will provide you with even more things to do in Fairhope, AL as well as the best attractions in Gulf Shores!
Hit the Municipal Pier & Park
A spot locals refer to as their town square, the Municipal Pier & Park is a wonderful space for having a family picnic under the trees, getting those feet wet on a warm summer day, or trying your hand at kitesurfing! In the summer months, there is a small fee associated with accessing the Fairhope beach just north of the Municipal Pier & Park, but the pier itself is always free. If you’re lucky enough to walk this beach on the right summer morning, you might even witness an amazing natural phenomenon known as Jubilee!
Attend an Exciting Event
There’s always something fun happening in Fairhope! The Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival in March and the Grand Festival of Art in October are ideal ways to introduce children to their creative side and enjoy the town’s many art galleries. Many other seasonal celebrations take place here throughout the year, so be sure to check the list of upcoming events in Fairhope!
Discover the French Quarter
The Fairhope French Quarter is arguably the most charming section of town. It is a hotspot for shopping in Fairhope, featuring 12 boutique shops and galleries. Worth noting, too, is a beautiful cobblestone courtyard perfect for relaxing with friends or family. After shopping around, pop in one of the French Quarter cafes like Panini Pete’s, a hidden gem offering hot beignets for breakfast and delicious pressed sandwiches for lunch. Bonus tip: While walking downtown, look out for big, beautiful trees! The Fairhope French Quarter is home to the largest species of crepe myrtle (also known as the Alabama Champion Tree).
Delve into the History of Fairhope
Fairhope has been home to numerous influential people such as Native American Indians, the founders of the “Utopian Experiment,” and Jimmy Buffett. You and your family can learn all about the intriguing history of Fairhope at the Fairhope Museum of History! Admission is free and guests can swing by between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Eat Well at Windmill Market
The Windmill Market is home to some of the best restaurants in Fairhope, AL, like MaryAnn's Deli. It’s a food court-style mix of eco-friendly restaurants, grocery spots, live music, and food-related classes. Lunch is served between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. every day, but several of the market’s eateries open earlier. Come by on a Friday between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to experience a concert with your meal!
See Alabama in Style at Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals!
Instead of searching for hotels in Fairhope, stay in a Gulf Shores rental home and experience two of the best towns in Alabama in one trip! Our spacious, beachfront rentals like Summer Lovin’ are central to all of the fun Gulf Shores has to offer, yet perfect for day trips to scenic neighboring towns like Fairhope.
At Summer Lovin’, up to 16 people can enjoy each other’s company right on the beach. This rental features an elevator, heated pool, fireplace, and grill, so it’s ideal for family reunions, church retreats, and team trips. Whatever you’re looking for in an Alabama vacation, you’ll find it staying with us. Happy exploring!