Alabama’s Fairhope & Gulf Shores: A Southern Coastal Retreat

Tour Dates: April 22-27, 2026
Tour Arrival: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 – Arrive at Mobile Regional Airport (MOB)
Tour Departure: Monday, April 27, 2026
City/Towns Visited: Point Clear, Fairhope, and Gulf Shores

A visit to Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers the perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure, beginning with a two-night stay at the legendary Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear. Overlooking Mobile Bay, this historic property has welcomed guests for more than 175 years and continues to deliver timeless Southern hospitality, modern luxury, and stunning sunsets. While in nearby Fairhope, travelers can savor a unique culinary experience at Hope Farm, where farm-to-table dining and wine pairings showcase the best of the region’s flavors in a setting that embodies creativity and charm.

The journey continues with a three-night stay in Gulf Shores, home to Alabama’s sugar-white beaches and one of the most diverse ecosystems in the Southeast. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature at Gulf State Park, recently voted the #1 Recreational Trail in the United States for three consecutive years, where kayaking along scenic waterways and biking more than 28 miles of trails reveal unforgettable coastal beauty. Adventurers can also take part in a Paint and Paddle tour, combining the tranquility of paddling with a hands-on art experience, or visit the new Gulf Coast Ecotourism and Sustainability Center, where engaging exhibits highlight the importance of protecting Alabama’s natural treasures.

For a playful and memorable finale, Gulf Shores offers the chance to join a class with Sand Castle University, where families and friends learn expert tips for building larger-than-life sandcastles right on the shoreline. Together, these experiences create an unmatched coastal escape—pairing history, fine dining, and luxury accommodations with hands-on adventure, outdoor exploration, and sustainable travel. Fairhope and Gulf Shores are more than a destination; they are a can’t-miss opportunity to experience the very best of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Destination Highlights:

Point Clear – “The Queen of Southern Resorts”
Overlooking Mobile Bay, the legendary Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa has welcomed guests for more than 175 years. Known for timeless Southern hospitality, luxury amenities, and stunning sunsets, the resort provides the perfect introduction to Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Fairhope – “Charm on the Bay”
This bayside town blends small-town charm with creative flair. At Hope Farm, farm-to-table dining and curated wine pairings showcase the region’s flavors in a setting that captures Fairhope’s character and innovation.

Gulf Shores – “Alabama’s Coastal Playground”
With sugar-white beaches and a thriving ecosystem, Gulf Shores is an outdoor paradise. From Gulf State Park’s award-winning trails to hands-on adventures like kayaking, artful paddling tours, and sandcastle building, the area pairs coastal fun with a strong focus on sustainability.

Culinary

Point Clear & Fairhope
The Grand Hotel offers classic Southern hospitality with refined dining and bayfront views. At Hope Farm in Fairhope, a modern culinary approach blends farm-to-table freshness with creative wine pairings, making for a truly unique Gulf Coast experience.

Gulf Shores
Seafood and coastal flavors define Gulf Shores dining. From casual waterfront spots to chef-led restaurants, menus highlight the Gulf’s bounty and Alabama’s evolving food scene.

Arts and Culture

Point Clear & Fairhope
Fairhope embodies creative spirit with boutiques, galleries, and destinations like Hope Farm, where food and art blend seamlessly.

Gulf Shores
The Paint and Paddle tour combines natural beauty with artistic expression, while the Gulf Coast Ecotourism and Sustainability Center provides immersive exhibits that highlight the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.

Neighborhoods

Point Clear
Centered around the Grand Hotel, Point Clear offers a mix of history, tradition, and luxury, framed by the beauty of Mobile Bay.

Fairhope
This walkable bayside town brims with creativity, charm, and local flavor, offering a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Gulf Shores
From lively beachfront areas to the expansive natural landscapes of Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores is a destination that balances recreation, relaxation, and coastal community spirit.

Story Ideas:

Southern Elegance on the Bay: Point Clear’s Grand Hotel
Highlight the history, luxury, and timeless hospitality of one of the South’s most iconic resorts.
A Culinary Adventure in Fairhope
Explore Hope Farm’s farm-to-table philosophy and the creative food culture of this bayside town.
Eco-Adventures in Gulf Shores
Discover Gulf State Park, the Gulf Coast Ecotourism and Sustainability Center, and kayaking tours that connect visitors to Alabama’s natural beauty.
Art Meets Nature: The Paint and Paddle Experience
Share how Gulf Shores combines creativity with outdoor exploration for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Sandcastles and Sunshine: Family Fun on Alabama’s Beaches
Capture the playful side of Gulf Shores with hands-on lessons from Sand Castle University.

Limited spots are available, and these global media fams are offered first-come, first-serve. Don’t delay – contact your recruiter today to begin your exploration of Sweet Home Alabama.