Coastal Florida and Alabama offers so much to do and see, and with so many incredible cities just moments away from one another, taking a road trip is one of the best ways to make the most of your vacation.
No matter what you and your family are interested in doing, you can find it on this quick and easy road trip. Here’s a sampling of all the exciting attractions you can discover as you make your way from Pensacola to our Gulf Shores rentals!
How Far is the Drive from Pensacola to Fort Morgan?
For this road trip, we will be taking you from Pensacola Florida, to Fort Morgan, Alabama. Fort Morgan is just moments away from Gulf Shores and gives you a quieter, more laid-back place to stay while enjoying your getaway.
It only takes about 2 hours to get from Pensacola to Fort Morgan, so you can make plenty of stops along the way and still make it to your rental by dinnertime!
Leaving from Pensacola, make your way to East Garden Street and turn onto Barrancas Avenue. You’ll continue for about 3.4 miles until you reach. FL-292 W/Barrancas Avenue. You’ll follow this road for about 11.5 miles until you get to Perdido Key, the first stop on your trip. From there, head south on FL-292 W toward Semmes Street to enter Alabama, then continue on AL-182 W for another 8.4 miles. Continue onto Alabama’s Coastal Connection/East Beach Boulevard, which takes you into Gulf Shores. (You can also use this opportunity to take a detour up to Bon Secour. More on that later!)
Finally, once you’re in Gulf Shores, simply get on Gulf Shores Parkway and follow it for just over a mile until you can turn left onto West Fort Morgan Road, then follow it for 21 miles. This road will take you straight into Fort Morgan to finish your drive!
Things to Do in Pensacola
Before you actually head out on your road trip to Gulf Shores, AL, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the best attractions in Pensacola! Stop into Pensacola Bay Brewery to sample a delicious local brew, whether you’re in the mood for an IPA, amber, pale ale, or anything in between. Want to experience some history? Make your way to the National Naval Aviation Museum to see all kinds of fascinating naval artifacts, along with special events and rotating collections throughout the year.
If the Naval Aviation Museum just isn’t enough history for you, head to the Pensacola Lighthouse. Built in 1859, this lighthouse is just moments away from the Museum and allows you to walk up the 177 steps for a stunning view of Pensacola and the Gulf of Mexico! For the animal lovers in your group, a trip to the Gulf Breeze Zoo is certainly in order. Get up close and personal to incredible wildlife like alligators, peacocks, giraffes, gorillas, and many others! This destination is a great spot for kids and adults alike to experience the great outdoors and see some of the most magnificent animals in the area.
What to Do In Between
Just 30 minutes away from Pensacola, you’ll come to the first stop on your road trip: Perdido Key. This small town is an incredibly welcoming place with a surprisingly large number of things to do! Enjoy a great meal by the water at the Flora-Bama Lounge, get out and stretch your legs with a walk around Big Lagoon State Park, or head to the shorelines of Perdido Key Beach to dip your toes in the sand and enjoy the view of the Gulf. Perdido Key is a great stop for lunch or simply to get you out of the car for a few minutes.
Once you start to approach Gulf Shores, make your way to Bon Secour Highway and then to AL-59 S to make your detour into Bon Secour. Easily the biggest attraction in this area is the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can go for a hike, see stunning wildlife (particularly bird species), go fishing, and more. If you didn’t get a meal in Perdido Key, you can stop at a local restaurant like the Tin Top Restaurant and Oyster Bar or Safe Harbour Seafood to enjoy a meal before you make it to Gulf Shores.
Things to Do in Gulf Shores
Now you’ve made it to Gulf Shores! There are so many exciting things to do in Gulf Shores that you’re going to want to spend most of your day here (if not more than one day!). Head to Gulf State Park to get some sunshine on the beach or visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo to see even more animals face-to-face. There are also several exciting theme parks in this area, such as Waterville USA and The Park at OWA. Want to get some shopping done? Head down to The Wharf, where there’s plenty of shops and restaurants with picturesque views of the water.
Gulf State Park Pier is perfect for those who want to spend some time fishing or simply enjoying the ocean breeze, while Battleship Memorial Park is a place you’ll definitely want to take the history buffs in your group. Go for a hike through the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, learn about the area at the Gulf Shores Museum, or enjoy one of Fort Morgan’s best local restaurants like Behind the Pines or Coast Restaurant & Sushi Bar. The possibilities are truly endless!
Things to Do in Fort Morgan
Once you’re done in Gulf Shores, you can then make your way to the final stop on your journey: Fort Morgan. Fort Morgan offers all kinds of fun things to do but is generally quieter and more relaxed than Gulf Shores’ conditions, providing the perfect atmosphere for a family vacation. The main attraction here is the Fort Morgan Historic Site, where you can learn about the history of the area and see some beautiful nature while you’re at it.
Of course, there’s plenty of shoreline to discover in Fort Morgan as well, so you can take a dip in the Gulf, sunbathe on the sand, or even build a huge sandcastle! When it’s time for dinner, make your way to Tacky Jack’s for a waterfront meal that the whole family is sure to enjoy. Watch the sunset over the water, then make your way to your luxury Fort Morgan vacation rental for some well-deserved rest.
Plan You Stay
Excited to start planning your road trip? Take a look at our selection Gulf Shore Rentals and find the perfect home away from home for when you arrive!
Fort Morgan Accommodations
Staying in Fort Morgan gives you more privacy and freedom than staying in Gulf Shores, but no matter where you want to be, Fort Morgan Property Management has you covered! We have rental properties big and small to suit every group, and our vacation rentals are never more than a few minutes away from the Gulf Shore’s best bars, restaurants, beaches, historical sites, and more. Ready to plan your getaway? Contact us today to get started!