Spanish Fort Alabama Map Travel Guide
Introduction
Located in Baldwin County, Alabama, Spanish Fort is a small town with a rich history and plenty of attractions to explore. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Spanish Fort has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the top attractions, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path experiences that this charming Southern town has to offer.
Top Attractions
Historic Blakeley State Park
One of the top attractions in Spanish Fort is the Historic Blakeley State Park, which offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the Civil War-era history of the area. The park features a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and guided tours of the historic townsite.
5 Rivers Delta Resource Center
If you’re a nature lover, the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center is a must-visit attraction. Located on the banks of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, the center offers a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, birdwatching, and hiking. You can also learn about the ecology and history of the delta at the center’s interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Hidden Gems
The Ravenite Pizzeria
If you’re looking for delicious food in a cozy atmosphere, head to The Ravenite Pizzeria. This family-owned restaurant serves up some of the best pizza in town, as well as a variety of other Italian dishes. Don’t miss their homemade cannolis!
Eastern Shore Art Center
The Eastern Shore Art Center is a hidden gem for art lovers. This non-profit organization features rotating exhibits of local and regional artists, as well as classes and workshops for all ages. Be sure to check out their gift shop for unique souvenirs and handmade items.
Food Scene
The Noble South
The Noble South is a farm-to-table restaurant that sources its ingredients from local farms and purveyors. Their menu changes seasonally to showcase the best of Alabama’s bounty, and their cocktails are not to be missed.
Eastern Shore Cycles Cafe
If you’re a cyclist or just looking for a casual spot to grab a bite, check out Eastern Shore Cycles Cafe. This bike shop/cafe serves up delicious coffee, sandwiches, and pastries, and also offers bike rentals and repairs.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Spanish Fort Community Center
The Spanish Fort Community Center offers a variety of affordable fitness classes, including yoga, Zumba, and Pilates. You can also use their gym and indoor pool for a daily fee.
Spanish Fort Public Library
The Spanish Fort Public Library is a great resource for budget-friendly entertainment. They offer free books, movies, and music, as well as regular events like storytime and book clubs.
Outdoor Adventures
Meaher State Park
Meaher State Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors in Spanish Fort. The park offers hiking trails, fishing, and birdwatching, as well as a boat ramp for access to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
Daphne Bayfront Park
Just a short drive from Spanish Fort, Daphne Bayfront Park is a beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic, go for a walk, or watch the sunset over Mobile Bay. The park also hosts regular events, like outdoor concerts and movies in the park.
Family-Friendly Activities
Fort Fun
Fort Fun is a family entertainment center that offers mini golf, go-karts, laser tag, and arcade games. It’s a great place to spend a fun-filled afternoon with the kids.
Eastern Shore Lanes
For a classic family activity, head to Eastern Shore Lanes for some bowling. They also have an arcade and a snack bar for some post-game treats.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Live Oak Landing
Live Oak Landing is a hidden gem for camping and RV enthusiasts. The park offers spacious campsites, boat rentals, and access to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. It’s a great place to get away from it all and enjoy the great outdoors.
Mobile Bay Ferry
Take a scenic ride across Mobile Bay on the Mobile Bay Ferry. The ferry connects Spanish Fort to Dauphin Island, and offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding landscape.
Natural Wonders
Mobile-Tensaw Delta
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is a natural wonder that’s not to be missed. The delta is the second largest in the United States and is home to a variety of plants and animals, including alligators, eagles, and ospreys. You can explore the delta by kayak, boat, or on foot.
Meaher State Park Boardwalk
The Meaher State Park Boardwalk is a great spot to take in the beauty of the delta. The boardwalk winds through the wetlands and offers scenic views of the delta and its inhabitants.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Bluegill Restaurant
The Bluegill Restaurant is a local favorite for live music and good food. They offer a variety of seafood dishes, as well as a full bar and outdoor seating with views of the Mobile River.
Alchemy Tavern
Alchemy Tavern is a cozy bar that offers craft cocktails and live music. They also have a small menu of snacks and small plates to pair with your drink.
Local Markets
Spanish Fort Farmers Market
The Spanish Fort Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from May to September, and offers a variety of locally grown produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.
Eastern Shore Centre
The Eastern Shore Centre is a shopping center that features a variety of local and national retailers. They also host regular events, like farmers markets and craft fairs.
Beaches and Mountains
Gulf Shores Beach
Gulf Shores Beach is just a short drive from Spanish Fort and is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. The beach offers white sand and crystal-clear water, as well as a variety of beachfront restaurants and bars.
Chewacla State Park
Chewacla State Park is a mountainous park that offers hiking trails, swimming holes, and picnic areas. The park is a great place to escape the heat and enjoy the natural beauty of Alabama.
Cultural Immersion
Mobile Carnival Museum
The Mobile Carnival Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama. The museum features exhibits of Mardi Gras costumes, floats, and memorabilia, as well as interactive displays and educational programs.
Historic Downtown Mobile
Just a short drive from Spanish Fort, Historic Downtown Mobile is a cultural hub that offers a variety of art galleries, museums, and historic sites. Be sure to check out the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Mobile Museum of Art.
Art and Music Scene
Mobile Symphony Orchestra
The Mobile Symphony Orchestra is a world-class symphony that performs a variety of classical and contemporary music. They also offer educational programs and community concerts throughout the year.
Alabama Contemporary Art Center
The Alabama Contemporary Art Center showcases contemporary art from Alabama and beyond. The center features rotating exhibits, as well as educational programs and events.
Walking Tours
Historic Spanish Fort Walking Tour
The Historic Spanish Fort Walking Tour is a self-guided tour of the town’s historic sites, including the Spanish Fort Battlefield and the Old Methodist Church. The tour is free and can be downloaded from the town’s website.
Mobile Historic District Walking Tour
The Mobile Historic District Walking Tour is a guided tour of Mobile’s historic homes and buildings. The tour takes you through the city’s historic district and includes stops at landmarks like the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Architectural Marvels
The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa
The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa is a historic hotel that dates back to the 1800s. The hotel features a variety of architectural styles, including Colonial Revival and Art Deco, and offers a variety of amenities, including a spa, golf course, and beach access.
Malbis Plantation
Malbis Plantation is a historic site that features a Greek Orthodox church and a variety of historic buildings. The plantation was founded by a group of Greek immigrants in the early 1900s and is now a popular spot for