Fairhope is a charming bay town that is gaining popularity as a vacation spot to slow down and relax. It has been called the “Most Beautiful Coastal Town”, and it frequently ranks in the top 10 for USA Today’s “Best Small Town in the South.” There are many family-friendly and kids activities in Fairhope, Alabama! This quaint town offers opportunities to take in the outdoors, shop, enjoy new restaurants, and explore science and history.
Where is Fairhope, Alabama?
The journey to Fairhope is 215 miles south of Birmingham, Alabama, at the very bottom of our state. A 4 hour drive will lead you to this quaint city that is a perfect family getaway!
What Activities are in Fairhope?
Chartered Fishing Trip or Scenic Boat Tour
As a bay town, Fairhope is home to several companies that charter fishing trips or scenic boat tours. Fairhope Charters and Southern Exposure are two local companies that can help your family catch a fish dinner or find dolphins at sunset.
Downtown Fairhope Shopping
If you are in the mood to shop, look no further than Downtown Fairhope. This adorable shopping area is very walkable and has such a wide variety of stores that everyone will find something they love. Here are a few stores that the kids will enjoy:
Fantasy Island Toys
Toy Store
335 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL
Gigi and Jay’s
Children’s Clothing and Gifts
400 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL
Tiny Town
Children’s Clothing and Gifts
337 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL
The Fairhope Store
Fairhope items, includes children’s sizes
323 De La Mare Avenue, Fairhope, AL
Page & Palette
Bookstore and coffee shop that frequently hosts musical guests, read-alouds, and book signings
32 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL
Fairhope Municipal Pier
The Fairhope Municipal Pier is the “town square” and is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon with the family. Jog along the beautiful trails, stroll in the rose gardens, or walk down the long bayside pier. For fishing families with a saltwater fishing license, there are benches to rest and cast your lines. Bring your lunch for a waterfront picnic or eat at The Blind Tiger restaurant on the pier for a unique and delicious dining experience.
Location: 4 North Beach Road
Fairhoper’s Community Park
Fairhoper’s Community Park is a great stop for a picnic lunch or just to burn off some energy. The playground includes all of the essentials- slides, climbing ropes, monkey bars, musical instruments, and even a splash pad.
Location: 105 South Church Street, Fairhope, AL
Flying Creek Nature Preserve
Hike one of the many trails at Flying Creek Nature Preserve to explore over 100 acres along Fly Creek. Your family will also love the butterfly garden and nature center.
Location: 22430 Main Street
Jubilee
Jubilee is a rare natural phenomenon that only occurs in Fairhope and in Toyama Bay in Japan. It usually happens at least once a year, but sometimes several times in one year. In the summer months, rising temperatures deplete oxygen in the deep bay waters. As a result, thousands of sea creatures come to the shoreline before sunrise. While you can’t plan for this, if you are in Fairhope over the summer, keep this on your radar!
Mardi Gras
Every year, Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which begins the Lenten season. While Mardi Gras began in Europe, many people are surprised to learn that the first American celebration of Mardi Gras was just across the bay from Fairhope in Mobile, Alabama! Fairhope continues the Mardi Gras tradition and has many family friendly parades and events leading up to Fat Tuesday. If you travel to Fairhope during Mardi Gras season, be sure to go to a parade and try king cake from Fairhope Chocolate and Bakery or Warehouse Bakery and Donuts.
Location: Downtown Fairhope. Check with the City of Fairhope for parade schedule and routes.
Gulf Coast Explorer
The Gulf Coast Exploreum is worth the short trip across the bay to Mobile, Alabama. Your kids will love viewing the bay as you drive across the 7.5 mile Jubilee Parkway Bridge, also known as the Bayway, to get to this fun museum. The Exploreum is Mobile’s version of Birmingham’s McWane Center. Their Hands On Hall allows kids to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) concepts through critical thinking and problem solving. For kids aged 5 or younger, exhibits in the Wharf of Wonder are just the right size for them to explore, play, and learn.
Location: 65 Government Street, Mobile, AL
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a National Historical Landmark across the bay in Mobile that will take your family back in history. This impressive space doesn’t just hold the battleship, which contains tons of history to explore and learn; it is also home to the USS DRUM Submarine, as well as many aircraft and military tanks. The recreational area on the bay offers plenty of green space to play, picnic tables and grills, and a fishing pier for those with a valid Alabama fishing license.
Location: 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile, AL
Where Should We Eat?
Breakfast
Warehouse Bakery and Donuts
759 Nichols Avenue
Lunch and Dinner
Chive Talk’n Catering and premade meals
761 Nichols Avenue
Panini Pete’s
Location: 42 South Section Street
Section Street Pizza
Location: 108 North Section Street
The Blind Tiger
Location: 1 Fairhope Avenue
Coffee
Refuge Coffee
Location: 4 South Bancroft Street, Fairhope, AL
Dessert
Cookie Fix
Location: 12 North Section Street, Fairhope, AL
Fairhope Chocolate and Bakery
Location: 403 Fairhope Avenue
Where Should We Stay?
Hampton Inn Fairhope- Mobile Bay
At the Hampton Inn in downtown Fairhope, local shops and restaurant are just steps away. Amenities include a continental breakfast and swimming pool.
Location: 23 North Section Street
Heart of Fairhope
Heart of Fairhope is a collection of Airbnb rentals in the heart of downtown Fairhope, above a local coffee shop, bookstore, and bar.
Location: 366 De La Mare Avenue
Grand Hotel
Grand Hotel is an iconic resort in Fairhope that has activities for every family to enjoy. The hotel offers opportunities for golf, deep sea fishing, swimming, yard games, delicious food, kayaking, tennis, bike rentals and rides, spa visits, and more.
Location: 17855 Scenic Highway 98
Jubilee Suites Bed and Breakfast
Jubilee Suites Bed and Breakfast is a gorgeous bed and breakfast, and each of their nine suites show off beautiful views of Mobile Bay.
Location: 557 North Mobile Street
