Things To Do
Shopping in Downtown Fairhope
With charming shops offering local goods and top brand items along gorgeous flower-lined streets, Fairhope, Alabama is a long-time favorite for shopping in the South. Browse through curated collections at eclectic antique shops, trendy boutiques, collectible gift stores, and colorful art galleries. And these are just some of the offerings you will find as you stroll the streets in downtown Fairhope.
Fairhope Museum of History
Once used as the city hall and jail, the Fairhope Museum of History endeavors to educate the community about the unique history of Fairhope through collections, artifacts, and exhibits. Learn about the nation’s oldest and largest single tax colony, the Jubilee phenomenon, clay pottery exhibits, and more.
Fairhope Municipal Pier
Fairhope's "town square," a bayfront property with 1/4-mile pier, swimming, picnic areas, landscaped rose garden, benches, restrooms, walking trails and duck pond. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the Fairhope Municipal Pier for its spectacular views of Mobile Bay. There is no cost to visit the pier, but a saltwater license is required for fishing, for visitors or residents under the age of 65 years old.
Five Rivers Delta Center
5 Rivers Delta Resource Center’s name recognizes the five rivers of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, which include the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Apalachee and Blakeley Rivers (from west to east) that flow into Mobile Bay. The Center itself sits on the banks of one of the canals of this vast delta. These drainages encompass over 250,000 acres of meandering waterways, floodplain forests and extensive wetlands. The center features an exhibit hall, theater, gift shop, Delta boat tours, canoe and kayak rentals, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
At Mobile’s Battleship Memorial Park, you don’t have to look very far to find heroes. From the Battleship USS ALABAMA to the Submarine USS DRUM and over 25 aircraft, the spirit of military pride is alive and well. Aboard the battleship you will be able to explore 12 decks. Among those, you can climb inside gun turrets, get locked in the Brig, man a 12mm gun and much more. Also at the park, you will be able to go below and explore inside the oldest Submarine on display, Submarine USS DRUM. In the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion as well as in the park, you will be able to view many rare and historic aircraft. The collection include: A-12 Blackbird Spy Plane, OS2U Kingfisher, F-86L Sabre Jet, B-52 Bomber, just to name a few. While in the pavilion, don’t forget to take a ride on the Flight Simulator and experience flight without ever leaving the ground. It’s an unforgettable experience for the entire family. All tours are self guided. Allow approx. 2.5 hours.
Tolstoy Park, The Henry Stuart House
If you are a fan of Sonny Brewer's novel, 'The Poet of Tolstoy Park,' then you should check out this unique home that Henry Stuart built and lived in during his time in Fairhope.
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Weeks Bay Reserve is an estuarine research reserve featuring an educational visitors center, boardwalk, and nature trail. This family-friendly facility is free to the public and allows guests to view regional plants, trees and flora, as well as coastal birds and animals in their natural habitats. Immerse yourself in nature as you explore the boardwalk and trails that weave through the marshes, wetlands, and forests.
Fort Morgan State Historic Site
Since 1834 Fort Morgan has stood as the guardian of Mobile Bay. The military site and National Historic Landmark is located 22 miles west of Gulf Shores. Construction began in 1819, but due to its isolated location, the fort was not completed until 1834. Skilled masons, many of which were enslaved African Americans, built the fortification which contains more than 46 million cubic yards of bricks. After the War of 1812, the federal government began building what was known as third system brick coastal defense forts. Construction began on Fort Morgan in 1819, but due to its isolated location, it was not completed until 1834. Skilled masons, many of whom were enslaved African Americans, built the fortification which contains more than 46 million cubic yards of bricks.
Fairhope Tea Plantation
Established in 1979, the Fairhope Tea Plantation is a thriving tea farm that produces both black and green tea, as well as offers small private group tours. The property is filled with a luscious landscape of plants, koi pond, and peacocks, roaming freely through the grounds. The tea farm tour consists of a cup of house tea and discussion on the history and production of tea.