Avon AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Avon, Alabama.
1. Blue Star Museums
CULTURAL HERITAGE FOR MILITARY
Blue Star Museums in Avon offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families during the summer months. Visitors can explore various exhibits showcasing local history, art, and cultural artifacts that represent the region's heritage. The museum provides an educational experience while honoring the service of military members.
2. Avon State Parks
NATURAL OUTDOOR RECREATION
Avon State Parks provide visitors with access to pristine natural environments and outdoor recreational opportunities. Guests can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing throughout the various park facilities. The parks serve as important conservation areas while offering respite from urban environments.
3. Orange Beach Sportplex
RECREATIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX
Orange Beach Sportplex is a comprehensive sports facility offering multiple athletic fields and courts for various activities. The complex hosts tournaments, community sports leagues, and recreational programs throughout the year. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and family-friendly atmosphere.
4. Perdido Pass
SCENIC COASTAL GATEWAY
Perdido Pass serves as a navigational channel connecting Perdido Bay to the Gulf of Mexico in Orange Beach. Visitors frequent the area for fishing, watching boats pass through, and enjoying spectacular sunset views over the water. The pass is bordered by jetties that are popular for fishing and observing marine life.
5. The Wharf Ferris Wheel
ICONIC WATERFRONT ATTRACTION
The Wharf Ferris Wheel towers above Orange Beach's popular entertainment district, offering panoramic views of the coastline. Visitors enjoy scenic rides that provide spectacular vistas of the Gulf, Intracoastal Waterway, and surrounding area. The attraction is especially popular during evening hours when the wheel illuminates with colorful lights.
6. Edmund Pettus Bridge
HISTORIC CIVIL RIGHTS LANDMARK
The Edmund Pettus Bridge stands as an iconic symbol of the American Civil Rights Movement and was the site of the historic 1965 Bloody Sunday march. Visitors can walk across this National Historic Landmark and reflect on its significant role in the struggle for voting rights and equality. The bridge continues to serve as both a functional crossing over the Alabama River and a powerful memorial to courage and determination.
7. Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church
CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORICAL SITE
Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church served as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s first pastoral assignment and a central organizing location for the Civil Rights Movement. The National Historic Landmark offers guided tours that highlight its architectural significance and pivotal role in American history. Visitors can experience the actual pulpit where Dr. King delivered many influential sermons during the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
8. Rosa Parks Museum
CIVIL RIGHTS EDUCATION CENTER
The Rosa Parks Museum honors the legacy of the civil rights icon whose refusal to give up her bus seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Interactive exhibits and powerful multimedia presentations bring to life the story of Parks and the broader Civil Rights Movement. The museum features a replica of the actual bus where Parks made her historic stand against segregation.
9. Fort Morgan State Historic Site
COASTAL MILITARY FORTRESS
Fort Morgan State Historic Site preserves a historic masonry fort that played a crucial role during the Civil War's Battle of Mobile Bay. Visitors can explore the pentagonal fortress with its massive walls, cannon emplacements, and underground passages through self-guided or ranger-led tours. The site offers spectacular views of Mobile Bay and serves as an important habitat for migratory birds.
10. USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
MARITIME MILITARY MUSEUM
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park features the impressive WWII battleship USS Alabama and numerous other military vehicles and aircraft. Visitors can tour multiple decks of the massive warship and explore exhibits detailing its service history and the lives of its crew members. The park also houses the USS Drum submarine and an extensive collection of historic military equipment from various eras.
11. East Alabama Outfitters
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SERVICES
East Alabama Outfitters provides guided outdoor experiences and equipment rentals for exploring the region's natural beauty. Visitors can access hidden gems throughout the area's mountains, lakes, and rivers with expert local guides. The outfitters offer customized adventures for all skill levels, from beginners testing the waters to experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
12. Historic Downtown Districts
CHARMING SOUTHERN ARCHITECTURE
The Historic Downtown Districts of East Alabama feature well-preserved architecture and charming main streets that showcase the region's heritage. Visitors can browse local shops, enjoy regional cuisine, and admire historic buildings dating back to the 19th century. These walkable districts frequently host community events, farmers markets, and seasonal festivals throughout the year.
13. The Island Church
COASTAL COMMUNITY LANDMARK
The Island Church serves as both a religious institution and a notable architectural landmark in Orange Beach. The distinctive building welcomes visitors with its modern design that incorporates elements reflecting its coastal setting. Beyond regular services, the church hosts community events and serves as an orientation point for visitors navigating the area.
14. Dolphins Down Under
MARINE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Dolphins Down Under offers visitors an immersive experience observing the Gulf Coast's abundant dolphin population in their natural habitat. Guided tours provide educational commentary about dolphin behavior, conservation efforts, and the local marine ecosystem. Guests frequently report the joy of watching these intelligent mammals swim, play, and interact in the crystal waters off Orange Beach.
15. Animal Attractions
FAMILY WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
Animal Attractions in Avon provides visitors with opportunities to interact with and learn about various species in educational environments. The facility focuses on conservation education while offering memorable experiences for guests of all ages. Interactive exhibits and knowledgeable staff help visitors develop appreciation for wildlife and natural habitats.