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Plan a Road Trip from Mobile to Fort Morgan/Gulf Shores

Alabama is a gorgeous state, from the vibrant city life of Mobile to the stunning beaches of Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan. But would you believe you can experience all of these incredible locations in the same day? A road trip to Gulf Shores from Mobile, AL, takes no time at all and is a great way to see some of the most fascinating parts of the state. 

This guide will tell you everything you need to know for the ultimate road trip, from the route you’ll need to take to all the best activities to hit along the way. Once you finally arrive at your final destination, you can settle in to one of our Fort Morgan vacation rentals to relax after your drive and get ready for an incredible vacation on the Gulf Coast!

How Far is the Drive from Mobile to Fort Morgan?

The drive from Mobile to Fort Morgan is surprisingly short at just an hour and a half for the quickest route. You’ll have plenty of time to make stops along the way and can still make it to Fort Morgan just in time for dinner! Even if you want to go a bit out of your way to visit towns like Fairhope and Summerdale, you can still reach Fort Morgan in about two hours.

woman driving car

You’ll want to start by making your way to I-10 E, then get off at Exit 49 toward Baldwin Beach Express. Keep right at the fork, then follow the road signs for Gulf Shores/Orange Beach/Gulf State Park, and merge onto Baldwin Beach Express. You’ll follow this road for almost 13 miles before turning left onto Foley Beach Express, which you’ll drive on for 9.5 miles. Turn right onto Coastal Gateway Boulevard and, after 1.7 miles, turn left onto Al-59 S/Gulf Shores Parkway.

Now you’re on the final leg of your journey. Stay on your road for 4.3 miles, which will take you into Gulf Shores itself if you want to stop and see the sites. If you’d rather head straight to the end of your trip, then turn right onto W Fort Morgan Road/Fort Morgan Road, and after almost 21 miles, you will have reached Fort Morgan itself! 

Things to Do in Mobile

Before you head off on your road trip, be sure to check out some of the major attractions in Mobile! The city is an amazing destination for history buffs, as there are tons of historic sites you won’t want to miss out on. The USS Alabama is stationed here and allows guests to embark on self-guided tours of the World War II battleship. For even more military history, you can explore Battleship Memorial Park or head to Colonial Fort Condé.

USS Alabama

If you’d rather see nature, it’s easy to do that in Mobile as well. The Bellingrath Gardens and Home is one of the most beautiful destinations in the city, full of lush gardens that allow you to escape the hustle and bustle. You can also check out Meaher State Park for some stunning views of the water or make your way to the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta for hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding.

Finally, if you need some indoor activities, there are plenty of them. The city is home to several phenomenal museums including the Exploreum Science Center, the Mobile Carnival Museum, the Mobile Museum of Art, the Conde Charlotte Museum, and many more. There’s something for everyone here so you can get your road trip started off right!

What to Do In Between

oak tree

Now that you’re on the road, you don’t have to make a straight drive to Fort Morgan if you don’t want to. There’s plenty to see along the way!

One of the best attractions between Mobile and Fort Morgan is Oak Hollow Farm, a stunning destination featuring more than 300 acres of stunning oak trees and expansive pastures. This gorgeous location is popular for weddings and special events, but you’re more than welcome to come for just an hour or two as well. Popular activities on the grounds include skeet shooting, archery, horseback riding, hayrides, and more!

Interested in seeing some of Alabama’s native wildlife up close and personal? Head to Alligator Alley! This sanctuary houses more than 200 alligators from tiny babies to the largest adults. You can embark on a guided adventure and walking tour, where your guide will educate you on the alligators and other animal residents like turtles, bull frogs, ospreys, and owls. You can even come into the air-conditioned gator station to hold a baby alligator! 

Finally, you’re bound to get hungry on your trip, and the perfect place to stop for lunch is Lambert’s Café in Foley. This restaurant has three locations (the other two are in Missouri) and is famous for its “throwed rolls.” Employees walk around the restaurant with buckets of sides and hot rolls, and all you have to do is hold your hands up in the air to have a roll thrown your way! They also serve a huge variety of classic Southern staples like fried catfish, ham steak, meatloaf, and more.

Things to Do in Gulf Shores

You’ve now made it to Gulf Shores! This is the perfect place to get out and stretch your legs for the afternoon since there are plenty of exciting things to do in Gulf Shores no matter what your interests are. You can head straight to Gulf Shores Public Beach if you’re ready to get your toes in the sand, or you can head to The Wharf for some shopping and entertainment. The Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge is a great place to explore nature and watch native birds fly by, and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo houses just about any animal you’d expect to find in the area.

lions on a rock

Got an adrenaline junkie in your group? Bring them to Waterville USA for some waterpark fun or visit The Park at OWA to hop on a thrilling roller coaster! Gulf Shores is an exciting destination all year long, so chances are that a fun event is happening while you’re in town. Do some research before you arrive to discover what’s going on!

Plan Your Next Trip

Contact us today to learn more about our amazing rentals. With so much to see and do you won’t regret booking your next vacation with Fort Morgan!

Things to Do in Fort Morgan

fort morgan historical site

Last but certainly not least, your final destination is the peaceful Fort Morgan. You’re just minutes away from the excitement of Gulf Shores, but you now have some breathing room to indulge in the slow-paced lifestyle of the area. Still, there are plenty of attractions here as well to keep you entertained for as long as you’re in town.

If you have nothing else planned for your time here, be sure to pay a visit to the Fort Morgan Historic Site! This fort was used throughout the Civil War and holds tons of fascinating history, but you can also come here to fish, picnic, and soak up the sun on the beach. Spend the rest of your time relaxing on the shorelines, indulging in the best local seafood, or simply hanging out in your rental and enjoying your much-deserved break from everyday life. 

Fort Morgan Accommodations

At the end of a long day of road tripping, you’ll want a comfortable place to lay your head at night. Fort Morgan Property Management is proud to maintain cozy and affordable Fort Morgan rentals, as well as our popular Gulf Shores rentals if you want to be a bit closer to the action of the city.