How to spend a day in Fairhope and Foley, Alabama

Published On: 08.02.24 |

By: Amber Sutton

How to spend a day in Fairhope and Foley, Alabama

The sun sets at the Fairhope Municipal Pier. (Marc D. Anderson / al.com)

When traveling to the Gulf Coast, it can sometimes be easy to overlook the Alabama towns and communities that are almost, but not quite, considered “the beach,” and that’s a mistake.

After all, places like Fairhope, Foley and Magnolia Springs have plenty to do, see and eat. From amusement parks to museums, endless shopping and one-of-a-kind dining experiences, these three Alabama towns, all within a short drive from each other, will keep you busy enough that you might actually forget about the beach altogether.

With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the things you could do while spending a day in Fairhope, Foley and Magnolia Springs.

The Foley Train Museum is a must-visit for enthusiasts. (Michelle Matthews / al.com)

If model trains are your thing (and even if they aren’t), the Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit is worth a visit. Housed inside a former train depot built in 1909, the museum offers an in-depth look at the area’s role in the railroad industry through exhibits displaying photos, memorabilia and more. The museum also houses the Foley Model Train Exhibit, which showcases an O-scale model train, covering 1,200 square feet of tabletop, that includes multiple freight trains and passenger trains in a crisscrossing layout through a detailed model town, over bridges and into tunnels. Kids can get in on the action by taking a ride around Heritage Park aboard the Charles Ebert Express II.

Another attraction in Foley that has a little something for everyone is OWA Parks and Resort, which serves up dining, shopping, entertainment, a theme park and water park within its 520 acres. The whole family can spend a day getting an adrenaline rush by trying out the more than 20 rides offered at the Tropic Falls theme park or making a splash at the Tropic Falls indoor water park. You can grab dinner together at one of several on-site restaurants, like Gussie’s or The Groovy Goat. Afterward, you can walk off your meal while browsing shops like Fairhope Soap Co. and Brandon Styles Magic Shop, also in OWA’s downtown area.

Of course, if you’re interested in shopping, there is also Foley’s Tanger Outlets, housing dozens of stores selling hundreds of popular brands. You can find everything from Coach to Columbia to Crocs, all in one walkable location. You’ll also find specialty shops perfect for grabbing a sweet treat or snack, like the Beef Jerky Outlet and The Fudgery.

Tanger Outlet Mall in Foley is a favorite of bargain hunters. (Joe Songer / al.com)

If you’re hungry for more than just a snack, there are also plenty of restaurants in Foley to grab a memorable meal regardless of what you’re craving. Some of the standouts include Lambert’s Café, which is known for its fresh “throwed rolls” and diverse menu of Southern fare, as well as Fish River Grill, which offers diners a laid-back atmosphere and large selection of burgers, po’ boys and seafood dishes.

Lambert’s Café is home of the “throwed rolls.” (Joe Songer / al.com)

Of course, you can’t go to a scenic coastal town like Foley without spending some time enjoying all the natural beauty it has to offer. Graham Creek Nature Preserve has more than 600 acres for visitors to explore, whether by land or water, by offering 10 miles of trails, wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, a kayaking launch, multiple disc golf courses, an archery park and playground.

Now, if you’re in nearby Fairhope, the best way to take in the natural beauty and charm of the town is with a visit to the Fairhope Municipal Pier and Park. Known as Fairhope’s town square, the attraction features a picturesque, quarter-mile pier that’s perfect for fishing or taking a leisurely stroll. In addition, it is surrounded by a park that offers a rose garden, picnic tables, duck pond, walking trail and sandy beach for visitors to enjoy. Also inside the park is Sunset Pointe, a popular restaurant known for its one-of-a-kind dishes, like Rick Bragg’s “Ode to Grouper” sandwich, as well as its scenic views of Mobile Bay.

Sunset Pointe is perfect for bayside dining. (Bob Carlton / al.com)

Another popular stop for visitors and locals alike in Fairhope is its French Quarter, where you’ll find all the charm of the Big Easy. While walking along its cobblestone courtyard, you can browse a variety of shops, including Biwa-Bay, known for its custom, freshwater pearl jewelry, and The Fairhope Sweet Shop, which offers up a wide selection of candies and French macarons for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. You can also enjoy a bite to eat at Panini Pete’s, where you can grab breakfast, a variety of pressed sandwiches and even some made-from-scratch beignets.

Another feature of Fairhope is you can take in all of its natural beauty and charm by renting your very own cruising bicycle from The Fairhope Store. The store in the heart of Fairhope’s scenic downtown offers hourly, half-day and full-day bicycle rentals. From there, you can ride almost anywhere you’d like, from the Fairhope Pier to the Fairhope French Quarter and everywhere in-between.

Of course, with so much to do in the area, it may be tempting to spend the night so you can get it all in. If that’s the path you decide to venture down, try booking a room at the Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast. While the historic home is a little off the beaten path, it offers a place to relax while surrounded by charm and natural beauty. The bed and breakfast has rooms as well as suites available for guests, and in the mornings, you’ll wake up to a homemade Southern breakfast.

And speaking of memorable meals, make sure you stop by Jesse’s Restaurant while you’re in Magnolia Springs as well. Open for lunch and dinner, it offers a full menu of seafood dishes, like crab cakes, shrimp and grits and oysters, as well as steaks and salads, all served in a stylish setting and friendly atmosphere.