Gulf Shores & Orange Beach: Late Summer's Gentle Hush
As September settles over Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, the crowds that thronged these Alabama coastlines during peak season have thinned out. The water, still warm from summer's warmth, is calm and shallow, perfect for wading or kayaking. The condos that line the beachfront are quieter now, their balconies and decks empty of the summer revelers.
I'd choose a top-floor condo with panoramic views of the gulf and bay, say, one like the "Coastal Oasis" we've featured in our guide, to watch the sunset over the water. The nearby fishing pier is still open, but some shops and restaurants have closed for the season; it's worth calling ahead to confirm hours.
After a week here, I'd drive down to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, where the late-summer blooms of sea lavender and beach morning glory add a soft beauty to the marshes and dunes. And then, of course, there are the oysters, still plentiful at this time of year, and best enjoyed raw on the half shell.
