10 Best Things To Do In Magnolia Springs, Alabama

Magnolia Springs, Alabama, is tucked away on the Magnolia River in South Alabama. Some may see it as just a sign on the map, or as the 30-minutes-left marker on their way to Gulf Shores, but you shouldn't count this small town out. Magnolia Springs has plenty to enchant and a long history, too, that dates back to its origins as a Spanish land grant in 1800. Since then, it's been lauded as one of prettiest towns in Alabama, with mossy tree-lined streets, monthly potlucks, the sweetest little church, and, of course, proximity to the beach.

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 delightful coming from a mailbox on the water. This town is a good place to visit any time 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 in town, 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 14.5-foot ceilings. Plus, every morning you'll be greeted with a three-course gourmet breakfast.

magnoliasprings.com, 14469 Oak St., Magnolia Springs, AL 36555

Enjoy A Meal

Order Today's Catch At Jesse's

From the B&B, 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 Coast waters. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, whether it's a pan-seared Gulf grouper with goat cheese gouda corn pudding, a 14-ounce veal T-bone, or a half-dozen oysters. Jesse's fill up fast, so make a reservation and you can pick which room you'd like to sit in.

jessesrestaurant.com, 14770 Oak St., 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 relaxed atmosphere. This joint is proudly redneck, with menu items like the Fried Gator Po’Boy, Fried Frog Leg Platter, Cajun Crawfish Pistol, and something called "Swamp Soup." Those, plus signature cocktails, like Wacky Tacky Punch, Beach Bum Margarita, and Mermaid Juice, will make it memorable.

fishrivergrill.com, 608 McKenzie St., 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 Chapel

St. Paul's Episcopal Chapel in Magnolia Springs is the perfect place for the little white-church wedding of your dreams. The building, made from pine trees on its very land, is also on the National Register of Historic Places. The chapel was completed in 1902 and features handmade pews. Book your ceremony here and your reception up the street at the Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast.

stpaulsms.org, 14755 Oak St., 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, which connects Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and passes through Gulf State Park. Map out your route before you go.

orangebeachal.gov, 3801 Orange Beach Blvd. (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. The nearly 7,000-acre refuge serves as a habitat for migratory songbirds, the Alabama beach mouse, and sea turtles, including the Kemp's ridley turtle. Visitors can see native plants and animals on a guided walk, paddle the Little Lagoon, birdwatch, or enjoy the surf.

fws.gov, 12295 State Hwy. 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 Rd. 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 shore, or stroll along the pier.

alapark.com, 22250 East Beach Blvd., 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. These companies have all sorts of bike options, including Burley kids trailers. Beach Bike Rentals also has recumbent and tandem bikes, and Gulf Shores Bike Rentals has kayaks, too. 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 Pkwy., Gulf Shores, AL 36542

beachbikerentalsorangebeach.com, 4 Market St., Orange Beach, AL 36561