Guest guide

Things to Do in Fort Morgan, Alabama

History, wildlife, fishing, golf and fresh seafood on the quiet west end of Alabama’s beaches, plus the local know-how that makes a beach trip easy.

The quiet side of the coast

Welcome to Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan sits at the very west end of Alabama’s beaches. With no high-rises and plenty of protected land, it is known for its easygoing vibe, uncrowded sand and long, peaceful sunsets over Mobile Bay.

Historic Fort Morgan

Explore a masonry fort completed in 1834 that served in four wars.

Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge

Free trails through about 7,000 protected acres of dunes, lagoon and forest.

Where to Eat

Bayside sunsets, oysters and fresh Gulf seafood.

Fishing & Boating

Surf fishing, a long public pier and marina charters.

Ferry to Dauphin Island

A scenic 40-minute car ferry across the mouth of Mobile Bay.

Golf

Kiva Dunes, one of Alabama’s top-rated public courses.

Gulf Shores Day Trips

Gulf State Park, the zoo, The Wharf and The Hangout.

Your Private Beach

Cabana Beach, a 2–3 minute walk from the house.

Useful information

Know Before You Go

A few local tips keep everyone safe and the beach beautiful.

Beach Warning Flags

YellowMedium hazard: moderate surf and/or currents. Use caution.
RedHigh hazard: high surf and/or strong currents.
Double RedWater closed to the public.
PurpleDangerous marine life, such as jellyfish or stingrays, is present.

Conditions change daily. Fort Morgan’s quiet beaches don’t have lifeguards, so swim at your own risk and watch for rip currents.

Sea Turtle Season

From May 1 to October 31, sea turtles nest on Alabama’s beaches.

Turn off beach-facing lights at night and close blinds.
Fill in holes and take gear off the beach each evening.
Never disturb nests, tracks or hatchlings.
Report sightings: 1-866-SEA-TURT.

Getting Here

Pensacola International (PNS) is the closest major airport; Mobile is the other common choice. From Highway 59 in Gulf Shores, head west on Highway 180 (Fort Morgan Road) for about 12 miles to Cabana Beach.

Rainy-Day Ideas

Tour the fort’s museum, take the ferry to Dauphin Island, catch a movie at The Wharf, or settle in for an arcade tournament and game night at the house.

Where is Fort Morgan, Alabama?

Fort Morgan is the western end of the peninsula that runs west from Gulf Shores along Highway 180 (Fort Morgan Road), between the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay. Cabana Pearl is in the Cabana Beach community, about 12 miles west of Highway 59.

Is Fort Morgan dog friendly?

More than most of the coast. Cabana Pearl’s private beach is dog-friendly, and leashed dogs are allowed on the grounds and bayside beach at Fort Morgan State Historic Site. Dogs are not allowed on Gulf Shores or Orange Beach public beaches or in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.

How far is Gulf Shores from Fort Morgan?

Gulf Shores’ main attractions are roughly 14 miles east of the Cabana Beach area, about a 20–30 minute drive depending on traffic.

What is there to do in Fort Morgan?

Quiet beaches, the 1830s Fort Morgan State Historic Site, hiking and birding in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, surf, pier and charter fishing, Kiva Dunes golf, waterfront seafood restaurants and the Mobile Bay Ferry to Dauphin Island.

When is sea turtle nesting season?

May 1 through October 31. Keep beach-facing lights off at night and never disturb nests or hatchlings. Report sightings to 1-866-SEA-TURT.

What is the closest airport?

Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is the closest major commercial airport; Mobile is the other common option. A car is the easiest way to get around the peninsula.

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