10 Best Things To Do In Magnolia Springs, Alabama
This small town has almost too much charm to handle. Almost.
Magnolia Springs, Alabama, is tucked away on the Magnolia River in South Alabama. Even though it's known by some as a pass-through town on the way to Gulf Shores, Magnolia Springs has its own heart, with stories that date back to its settlement as a Spanish land grant in 1800. The Daily Meal recognized Magnolia Springs as the prettiest town in Alabama. Adding to its charm, Magnolia Springs also boasts the only river route for mail delivery in the United States. Bills and junk mail are so much more enchanting coming from a mailbox on the water. This town is a good place to visit anytime of year, but warmer temperatures during spring through fall are good for outdoor exploring in the area. See for yourself why this little town is worth a stop. Here's what to do on your visit.
Stay At A Top-Rated B&B
There's only one place to stay if you're visiting, and that's the Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast. Even if there were hundreds of hotel options, we'd still choose this Victorian home built in 1897. The B&B has five rooms, each with its own antique feel, and a great hall with 14 ½ foot ceilings. Every morning you'll be greeted with a three-course gourmet breakfast.
magnoliasprings.com, 14469 Oak Street, Magnolia Springs, AL 36555
Enjoy A Meal
Order Today's Catch
Walk a short way down the road to dine at the famous Jesse's Restaurant. Although Jesse's is technically a steakhouse, the seafood is fresh from Gulf waters, and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu whether it's a crusted Gulf Grouper with maple pecan crumble or Australian rack of lamb with candied pistachio and mint oil. Jesse's fill up fast, so make a reservation ahead of time and you can pick which room you'd like to sit in.
jessesrestaurant.com/magnolia-springs, 14770 Oak Street, Magnolia Springs, AL 36555
Relax With A Casual Meal At Fish River Grill
Stop by Fish River Grill in nearby Foley for burgers and seafood in a casual atmosphere. Menu items like the Fried Gator Po’Boy, Fried Frog Leg Platter, Swamp Soup, and signature cocktails will make it memorable.
fishrivergrill.com, 608 McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 36535
Savor Tin Top Restaurant And Oyster Bar
You’ll find steak, seafood, gumbo, and more at this quaint restaurant in Bon Secour. Stop by for their lunch specials, or make reservations for an al fresco dinner on the patio. The menu features coastal dishes with a New Orleans flare.
tintoprestaurant.com, 6232 Bon Secour Highway-County Road 10, Bon Secour, AL 36511
Plan A Wedding
St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Magnolia Springs is the perfect place for the little-white-church wedding of your dreams. The building, made from pine on its very land, is also on the National Register of Historic Places. The chapel was completed in 1902 and features handmade pews.
stpaulsms.org, 14755 Oak Street, Magnolia Springs, AL 36555
Explore The Outdoors
Follow A Backcountry Trail
Magnolia Springs is near Gulf Shores and its extensive natural areas. In Gulf State Park, wander through freshwater marshes and coastal hardwood swamps on the 28-mile Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system. Map out your route before you go.
alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park/trails, 3801 Orange Beach Boulevard (Catman Trailhead), Orange Beach, AL 36561
Connect With Nature At Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
If a barrier island is more your speed, seek out migrating songbirds and sea turtles at the beautiful Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can see native plants and animals on a guided walk, paddle Little Lagoon, birdwatch, or enjoy the surf.
fws.gov/refuge/bon-secour, 12295 State Highway 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Get On The Water
If you've brought your own kayak or canoe, you can launch right in town—and wave to the mail carrier on the water. There are also several kayaking outfits in the nearby city of Foley or down in Gulf Shores. Wild Native Tours offers rentals, guided paddles, dolphin excursions, and more.
wildnativetours.com, Oyster Bay Marina, 4159 County Road 6, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Relax On The Beach
And of course, no vacation would be complete without a day on the white sand beaches of Orange Beach and Gulf State Park. Head down to the water’s edge and go fishing, surf, collect shells along the beach, or stroll along the pier.
alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park/beaches, 22250 East Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Tour The Area By Bike
Pack a picnic and rent a beach bike from Gulf Shores Bike Rentals or Beach Bike Rentals to explore the beaches and nearby nature trails. Be on the lookout for alligators as you follow the Rosemary Dunes Trail at Gulf State Park, and stop by the butterfly pavilion for a break.
gulfshoresbikerentals.com, 824 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
beachbikerentalsorangebeach.com, 4 Market Street, Orange Beach, AL 36561
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