Along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, Fairhope blends coastal beauty with plenty of small-town charm. Whether your ideal trip includes waterfront strolls, museum hopping, or shrimp po’ boys and craft brews, here are five ways to spend a weekend in Fairhope, Alabama.
Stroll Along the Bay and Pier
Bask in sweeping views of Mobile Bay at the Fairhope Municipal Pier, the unofficial “town square” where locals and visitors alike gather daily. Watch as boats cruise by, anglers cast their lines, and pelicans dive for fish near the shore. Visit during golden hour to claim a bench and see why many rank this spot among the best sunset views on the Gulf Coast.
Wander the surrounding grounds to stroll through the rose garden and see ducks splashing in the pond. Head to North Beach Park to lounge on the sandy shoreline or cool off with a swim during the warmer months. Check the event calendar before you go to time your visit with seasonal events like Live at Five concerts to experience the pier area at its most vibrant.
Explore Downtown & the French Quarter
Make your way inland to explore Fairhope’s historic downtown, where boutiques, galleries, and cafes fill tree-lined streets. Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and decor at Ole Bay Mercantile, or browse for stylish clothing at 7 South or Utopia. Grab an afternoon pick-me-up at trendy coffee shops like Provision, or treat yourself to a Fairhope Float (coffee mixed with ice cream) at Mr. Gene’s Beans.
Slip over to Fairhope’s French Quarter to soak up its New Orleans-inspired charm. Rest your legs at a shaded table in the cobblestone courtyard, find your next vacation read at Page & Palette, or enjoy lunch at Panini Pete’s—the Muffaletta panini is a must-try. Visit on the first Friday of the month to catch gallery openings and live music during the monthly art walk.
Visit Fairhope’s Art & History Spots
Discover Fairhope’s creative side at the Eastern Shore Art Center, where five rotating galleries showcase everything from paintings and ceramics to mixed-media works. Check out immersive installations like THREADS OF (dis)INTEGRATION, or explore collections honoring local artists like Herman Bischoff. Want to get hands-on? Hone your skills in a pottery or painting class.
Step back in time at the Fairhope Museum of History, housed inside a circa-1928 Spanish mission-style building that once served as city hall and jail. Don’t miss the exhibit tracing Fairhope’s roots as a utopian colony, where you’ll find historic photos, original documents, and artifacts from the town’s earliest settlers. Visit the Jubilee Phenomenon exhibit to learn about the rare natural event that brings an abundance of sea life to the shore at low tide. Admission is always free, no matter when you visit.
Enjoy Nature & Outdoor Spaces
Slow the pace at one of the many lush outdoor spaces around the city. Bring your binoculars to North Beach Park to search for herons, egrets, and pelicans from open lawns near the shoreline. For a deeper dive into nature, drive to the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve to walk boardwalk trails through salt marshes and wetlands. Watch for ospreys flying overhead, turtles resting by the water, and alligators sunbathing nearby.
Prefer to stay in the downtown area? Kick back like a local at Fairhope Community Park. Stroll shady paths, toss a frisbee on the lawn, or play a pick-up game of tennis or basketball. If you’re traveling with kids, swing by the playground—there’s plenty of space to run and climb. Its close proximity to the heart of downtown Fairhope makes this beloved park an easy afternoon add-on.
Eat & Drink Like a Local
Dive into Fairhope’s food scene, which combines coastal flavors with Southern comfort. Downtown, you’ll find diverse eateries ranging from American classics to global cuisine. For waterfront dining, head to Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek Marina and ask for a table on the covered patio. Order the Gulf Coast BBQ shrimp, fish and chips, or the fried snapper throats featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
If craft beer is more your style, grab a pint at Fairhope Brewing Company. Choose from a rotating lineup of local favorites, from hoppy IPAs like Take the Causeway IPA to seasonal pours like Cheap Sunglasses Kölsch. Want to turn your meal into an adventure? Embrace your inner foodie on a 3-hour walking tour with Taste of Fairhope, where you’ll sample area specialties while learning fascinating stories about the city’s culinary roots.
