Here, visitors can enjoy classic water excursions, like boating from the Orange Beach Marina, or spend time on land shopping and dining at The Wharf, an outdoor entertainment center with a Ferris ...

With phenomenal food, views, access to nature and soft beaches, plus all the Southern hospitality you’d expect, Alabama’s Gulf Coast was a lovely antidote for Chicago’s fickle spring.

Alabama’s beaches are public, with access points along the coast to enjoy the white quartz sand and blue-green Gulf waters. Of course it is best if you can rent a place right on the beach, like ...