Fort Morgan, Alabama
Destination: Fort Morgan
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape on your next vacation, consider Fort Morgan, a charming community with breathtaking scenery in every direction. Named after the historic military installation on the peninsula’s eastern end, Fort Morgan’s blend of natural beauty and rich heritage draws visitors of all ages. Whether exploring the town’s sites, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying the many recreational activities nearby, Fort Morgan offers something for everyone and is a must-visit destination on the Alabama Gulf Coast!
Book your Fort Morgan vacation home today.
Where is Fort Morgan?
Fort Morgan lies between Biloxi, Mississippi, and Pensacola, Florida and just below Mobile, Alabama. Surrounded by Mobile Bay, Bon Secour Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Morgan offers a serene escape, boasting quick access to the nearby communities of Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach.
Although visitors travel from all over, our Southern neighbors pop over for frequent weekend trips via the I-65 and I-10 corridors. With the Pensacola International Airport and the Mobile Regional Airport under two hours away, the journey to the beach is a delightful experience, offering views of towering pines, majestic oaks, and serene waterways along the way!
Things to do in Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan provides the perfect setting for reconnecting with nature and enjoying time with loved ones. Just a short drive from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and a ferry ride from Dauphin Island, a stay in Fort Morgan offers endless adventure for the whole family.
Water Activities
With 36 miles of sandy shoreline, this coastal playground is brimming with fun-filled activities, including swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Other popular pastimes include boating, jet skiing, and kayaking, while sunset and dolphin cruises offer additional ways to explore the beautiful coastline.
Family-Friendly Activities
Although the pristine beaches are the main draw, visitors to Fort Morgan are often pleasantly surprised by the abundance of family-friendly activities beyond the sand and surf.
Historic Fort Morgan
Built in 1834, Historic Fort Morgan guarded Mobile Bay for nearly a century. Its lovingly preserved remnants are a testament to the skilled hands responsible for its construction. Today, Fort Morgan welcomes visitors to explore its storied past and stunning architecture, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge
A peaceful haven for outdoor lovers, the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for native wildlife. This “safe harbor” aims to protect migratory songbirds and endangered turtle species, including green sea turtles, loggerheads, and the Atlantic Ridley. It’s a great place to learn more about these beautiful creatures and help protect them for future generations.
Alabama Aquarium
Hop on the ferry to Dauphin Island and hit the Alabama Aquarium! The kids can explore over 100 local fresh and saltwater species in the 10,000-square-foot exhibit hall. A sting ray tank showcases Atlantic, bluntnose, and cow nose stingrays they can touch and learn more about. Afterward, swing by the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and Fort Gaines for even more educational experiences your littles will love!
Waterville USA
Located in nearby Gulf Shores, Waterville USA, features water slides, amusement park rides, and much more. Take your pick from mini golf, arcade games, bowling, escape rooms, and even Top Golf on this 20-acre property with attractions for all ages.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The kids will enjoy looking at the tigers, kangaroos, monkeys, and other animals at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo while daily shows explain more about their habitats and behaviors. Make a day of it and swing by The Wharf in Orange Beach for shopping and dinner before returning to Fort Morgan!
Whether learning how to build sandcastles, hiking the Fort Morgan Road Trail, booking a fishing charter, or spending the day on championship golf courses at Kiva Dunes or the Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club, every day is an adventure on the Alabama Gulf Coast!
Book your Fort Morgan vacation home today.
Where to Eat in Fort Morgan
With kid-friendly menus and relaxed, come-as-you-are atmospheres, it’s easy for families to enjoy meals in flip-flops and shorts straight from the beach! Beyond Fort Morgan’s dining options, you’ll find plenty of restaurants nearby in Gulf Shores and Orange
Fort Morgan Restaurants:
- Kiva Grill – for delicious breakfasts, hearty lunches, and tasty dinners featuring fresh seafood, chicken, burgers and steaks.
- Tacky Jack’s – for incredible views, friendly staff, and a diverse menu with everything from po’boys and seafood platters to tacos and burgers.
- Peninsula Restaurant and Grill – for fantastic golf course views, shareable appetizers, and delicious pub fare with a local twist.
- Jesse’s on the Bay – for mouthwatering steaks, incredible oysters, and a variety of shrimp, scallops, grouper, and redfish, sure to delight.
Gulf Shores Restaurants:
- Sassy Bass Island Grill – for crisp salads, delicious beach bowls, and delightful frozen concoctions, including coconut margaritas, rum runners, and more.
- The Hangout – for excellent food, a laid-back vibe, and an incredible beach-front atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy Southern staples like pimento cheese dip, fried pickles, seafood boils, and the day’s fresh catch.
- Bahama Bob’s – for generous portions, the freshest seafood, and a crazy good kids menu your littles will love.
Orange Beach Restaurants:
- CoastAL– for incomparable Gulf-front views, freshly prepared seafood, and the perfect place to take in coastal breezes. Menu highlights include yellowfin tuna dip, the house gumbo, blackened seared tuna, and bushwhacker tiramisu.
- The Gulf – for waterfront dining, fresh cocktails, and locally inspired seafood in a casual setting overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
- GTs on the Bay – for bringing people from all over to enjoy cajun empanadas, chicken carbonara, fish tacos, and incredible views of Wolf Bay.
- Cobalt – for the daily happy hour and casual, open-air dining featuring dishes like Gulf shrimp and grits and pecan fried catfish that keep folks coming back again and again.
Fort Morgan Vacation Rentals
Whether looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, you’ll find the perfect home base for your Alabama Gulf Coast vacation. With upscale interiors, stunning views, and thoughtful amenities, our Fort Morgan vacation rentals offer the ultimate in luxury and comfort.
Morgantown
For a truly unique experience, stay in Morgantown, a quaint beachside community with two swimming pools, pickleball and tennis courts, and several beach access boardwalks. Our growing selection of Morgantown vacation rentals offers a range of options in this peaceful, walkable town with lots of fun activities.
Book your Morgantown vacation home today.
Events Near Fort Morgan
With Gulf Shores and Orange Beach just a stone’s throw away, take advantage of all the events happening year-round, whether at the Amphitheater at the Wharf, in neighborhood parks and venues, or on our beautiful beaches!
Spring brings the Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party, a three-day weekend on the beach unlike any other. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Ballon Festival sees hot air balloons flying from dusk to dawn, while The Hangout Music Festival showcases headliners on the beach for a three-day beach party you won’t find elsewhere!
Celebrate a musical and culinary arts weekend at the Orange Beach Festival of Art or the Ballyhoo Festival. Whether browsing for boats at The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show or competing for prizes at the Orange Beach Billfish Classic, every day brings a new adventure.
Fall brings the Annual National Shrimp Festival, a four-day event with music, kid’s activities, and friendly shrimp-based competitions between local chefs. The Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon challenges the heartiest of competitors, and the Frank Brown Songwriter’s Festival showcases musicians in local venues throughout the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast.
Fort Morgan Weather
Fort Morgan enjoys a mild climate year-round, with spring temperatures ranging from the 60s to 70s, ideal for beach walks and outdoor adventures. Summer brings warmer days, encouraging sunbathing, swimming, and water sports, while fall offers pleasant weather, great for hiking and birdwatching. Winter’s cooler temps rarely dip below the 40s, offering the perfect winter escape from harsher climates.