(This article by Louisiana-based writer Kathie Rowell originally appeared in the June 2022 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

Have you ever walked on sand so fine it squeaks with every footstep? You will on the beaches at Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Ala.

“What makes our beaches special is the sand,” said Kay Maghan, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism public relations manager. “We describe it as sugar white because it's really fine like sugar.”

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She described the overall atmosphere as a good mix of beach town and small Southern town.

“We hear a lot from visitors that they love the beaches, but they're also always amazed at how friendly and welcoming everyone is,” she said. “There’s still that very authentic Alabama small town vibe.”

As you might expect with an island location, activities revolve around the water with sea kayak, stand-up paddle boards, canoe, and jet ski rentals available. For the more adventurous, there’s parasailing.

A great place to experience the Gulf is the 6,150-acre Gulf State Park with its two miles of beaches, campground, and The Lodge, a Hilton-affliated hotel. Activities include swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, geocaching, and kayaking. You can even snag a free bicycle for three hours to explore.

Vacationers have several state parks and attractions along the way in North Alabama to keep a journey to the Gulf interesting. Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park offer hiking trails and waterfalls. Cheaha State Park even has rock climbing.

Fishing fiends can follow the Alabama Bass Trail, which consists of 13 lakes and rivers from north to south Alabama.

Plant lovers will enjoy a stop at the 112-acre Huntsville Botanical Garden — home to meadows, woodland paths, and the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house — as well as the Four Seasons Garden, which showcases perennials, hardy bulbs, flowering shrubs, vines, and small trees. 

ALABAMA FOODIE FACT: No trip to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach would be complete without slurping down its signature drink — the Bushwacker. Described as a milkshake with a kick, most restaurants and bars in the area have their own secret recipe. For one of the most famous, stop by the Flora-Bama beach bar, located on the Orange Beach, Ala./Perdido Key, Fla., line.