You could say that making memories is our highest purpose. The experiences we remember fondly (or not) become part of who we are. So you can’t aim high enough when it comes to making good memories.
That’s why we go on vacation. Traveling with family and friends, seeking out new places and activities, breaks us out of the day-to-day rut we all fall into. You probably know that’s true—just think about how hard it is to remember details from a routine workweek last year compared to recalling last year’s big adventures.
Researchers have actually begun to study this phenomenon, and it turns out that your brain likes experiencing the unexpected. Unexpected events trigger the nucleus accumbens—the brain’s pleasure center, delivering a shot of feel-good dopamine. That would be good enough on its own, but it gets better: a recent study by MIT scientists suggests that the element of surprise also improves memory. So feel good and remember it better—win-win.
Which is why Alabama’s Beaches should be at the top of your list for vacation planning. If you’ve never been there, prepare to be surprised and amazed by the sugar-sand beaches, aquamarine waters, leaping dolphins, and gorgeous sunsets. It’s a coastal paradise, with 32 miles of white quartz sand on the Gulf of Mexico, split between the adjacent towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Here are three spots where the unexpected is on the itinerary.
Beach
Get two beaches in one at Little Lagoon Pass Park, which sits right on the pass where Little Lagoon empties into the Gulf of Mexico. This means you can lounge on the white sands of the Gulf or along the placid waters of the lagoon—a great choice for families. There’s a fishing pier on the lagoon side if you want to cast a line for flounder or speckled trout, plus convenient parking, bathrooms, and showers.
Underwater
Discover a whole new world under the waves. In 1920, the Whiskey, a 200-foot Spanish rum runner, sank just off the Gulf Shores coast. Today, the Whiskey Wreck is a stellar spot for snorkelers and beginner divers. It’s a shore dive, just 150 yards off the beach (and Bahama Bob’s Beach Side Cafe), and because the ship sank in about 20 feet of water, it’s easy to see the wreck and its marine life.
Food and Drink
Not only can you order seafood boils and lobster rolls at Zeke’s Restaurant, an iconic Orange Beach establishment, but the chef will also cook up your catch of the day. And since Zeke’s also operates a marina and fishing charters, it’s a full-service operation, from casting to cleaning to cooking. Nothing will surprise you like hooking a snapper and amaze you like eating it that night.
Above the Water
The coastal conditions here have made Gulf Shores and Orange Beach a hotbed for foilboarding, where you “surf” on top of the water. Foilboards (also called hydrofoils) have a fin or foil that lifts the board out of the water, so you’re cruising above the surface. It’s as wild as it sounds. Beginning foilboarders should head for the back bays of Orange Beach, while more experienced riders can surf the Gulf waters. Rentals and lessons are available from Foil Gulf Coast.
Welcome to Alabama’s Beaches, where pristine white sands meet warm Gulf waters, perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. You’ll find everything from kayaking and paddleboarding to hiking and fishing. Learn more at AlabamaBeaches.com.
