Josephine, Alabama, is a charming, quiet little community near the sandy white shores of the Gulf Coast with a lot of things to offer.
Located just across the bay from Orange Beach, a popular tourist destination, Josephine provides convenient access to many bayfront properties where you can enjoy the bay and explore boating-friendly attractions.
If you want to go on a gastronomic adventure or shop, there are numerous restaurants and retail options in nearby Elberta.
This article is your ultimate guide to the top 10 things you can do in Josephine, AL. Let’s dive in!
Credit: Image by Daiga Ellaby | Unsplash
#1: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, also known as the “Little Zoo,” is one of the most popular family attractions in the region.
The Gulf Shores Zoo offers fun adventure for the entire family, featuring over 199 species, 31 sub-species, and to 8 endangered species. Some of the animals you’ll find in this zoological park include giraffes, monkeys, bears, snakes, and wolves.
The petting zoo inside of a wooden barn is one of the major attractions of this zoo. Kids can get up close to some of their favorite animals, like goats, donkeys, and a little deer.
#2: Baldwin County Heritage Museum
The Baldwin County Heritage Museum is a 20,000-square-foot museum where you’ll learn everything there is to know about Baldwin County.
The museum offers a glimpse of what life was like then and how it developed, featuring a collection of awe-inspiring appliances and farm equipment in six large display rooms, a house, a 1908 church, a blacksmith shop, and vintage tractors.
Admission to the museum is free, perfect for those looking for budget-friendly ways to enjoy their visit to the area!
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#3: Point Yacht Club
Point Yacht Club, known as “The Little Club That Can,” is a sailor’s paradise. The club hosts some of the best attended GYA Sailing Events and Sunfish Sundays, where you can learn to sail.
The club offers various social events, from casual to formal, including Pizza and Beer Night, Wine Tasting, and Weekly Happy Hour. There are annual events to look forward as well, including Chili Cook Off Competition, Poker Run, and 4th July Celebration.
#4: Banana Boat Ride
Banana boat rides are a popular activity in the Gulf Shores area. Riding on a banana-shaped boat pulled by another watercraft is an exhilarating experience perfect for enjoying with your family or friends.
If you’re a thrill-seeker, climb aboard a banana boat and get your adrenaline pumping as you cruise through the waters and dodge the ocean waves at high speed!
Some of the best banana boat rides are Ike’s Parasail, Southern Rose Dolphin Trips and Parasailing, and Blue Sky Parasail and Watersports.
#5: Tiki Sunset Cruise
Explore the coastal waters of Alabama on a sunset tiki boat ride around Orange Beach. Some of the waterways you’ll pass through include Ole River, Cotton Bayou, Ono Island, and Terry Cove.
Enjoy a relaxing tour of the Orange Beach Islands, taking in views of the Perdido Pass and feeling the light breeze as you sail into the sunset and take a sip of your drink of choice. You might even get to see dolphins if you’re lucky!
Credit: Image by Farsai Chaikulngamdee | Unsplash
#6: Hillcrest Farm
Just 30 minutes from Pensacola, the Hillcrest Farm is a family-owned farm in Elberta, Alabama, where you can pick your own fruits!
Head on over to the farm, grab a pail, and start filling it with fruits in season – blueberries and muscadine grapes in June, scuppernongs and pears in August, persimmons in September, and satsumas, lemons, and kumquats in November.
Then drop by Laurel’s Farm Store and try their homemade ice cream. The store also sells raw wildflower honey, preserves, salsa, eggs, and more!
#7: Skydive The Gulf
Experience the rush of freefall at the premier skydiving center of the Gulf Coast.
This adventure is perfect for those who want to get an adrenaline rush or enjoy the views of the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast from the sky.
Imagine jumping from a Cessna 182 at 10,500 feet, reaching speeds at over 120 mph. You can choose to go on this dive while securely attached in a harness to one of the instructors. The tandem skydive offers the quickest and easiest way to have this breathtaking, unexplainable experience.
#8: Bamahenge
Bamahenge, a full-scale fiberglass replica of England’s Stonehenge located on the grounds of Barber Marina, is one of the popular attractions in Josephine, AL. It was designed and built by artist Mark Cline at the request of the owner, George W. Barber.
Bamahenge is the same size of the Stonehenge in England, measuring 21 feet high and 104 feet across. And, like the Stonehenge, it is aligned with the summer solstice.
While you’re in the area, explore the life-size dinosaurs, the Lady in the Water at Barber Marina, and other unique structures nearby.
#9: Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails, covering 6,150 acres of Gulf State Park, spans from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach. It was named the 2024 best recreational trail in the country by USA Today.
The trail system is a paradise for hikers and bikers, consisting of 28 miles of paved trails winding through nine distinct ecosystems.
Kids will surely have so much fun at the Bouldering and Al’s Parkour Challenge on the Twin Bridges Trail, where they can test their skills as they jump, climb, and balance through the agility course.
Credit: Image by Louis Hansel | Unsplash
#10: Pirate’s Cove
Pirates Cove is one of the most unique dining destinations in all of Alabama, where guests can arrive by car or boat and hang out on the beach while enjoying their meal.
Both locals and visitors are drawn to this restaurant because of the breathtaking waterfront views and delicious classic comfort food like fries, onion rings, cheeseburgers, pizzas, and hotdogs.
While you’re here, be sure to try their famous Bushwacker – an icy, creamy cocktail with an ice cream base, Kahlua, and Malibu rum garnished with Cruzan Rum 151.
Conclusion
It’s amazing how such a small community like Josephine, AL, can offer such a wide range of activities!
If you’d like to know more about this beautiful location, feel free to contact us at (251) 270-6400 or hollie@localpropertyinc.com to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you recommend activities for families with children?
Some of the best activities for families with children include Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Hillcrest Farm, and Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails.
Are there any pet-friendly accommodations in the area?
Unfortunately, there are no pet-friendly hotels in Josephine, AL, but Hotel Indigo in nearby Orange Beach allows pets.
