If you haven't visited the Alabama Gulf Coast since Hurricane Frederic wrought mass destruction in 1979, you are in for a big surprise.

The coast defines its history before and after the hurricane. Before the Category storm barreled through the coast, it offered mostly mom and pop hotels and few if any high rises. The storm swept away much of the island's buildings and with it the relative obscurity the coast had enjoyed.

Today, tourism is No. 1 in this region. Thousands upon thousands of tourists arrive each summer to enjoy an area commonly called "Pleasure Island." Each winter an increasing number of "Snowbirds" discover the thousands of unused condominiums available for short term monthly rental. Development seems to be unending. From new high rises to new golf courses the operating word along the Alabama Gulf Coast is "new".  The area actually is divided into two main beach areas - Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Dividing the two is a beautifully preserved state park complete with hotel, campgrounds, fishing, golfing and hiking and biking trails, the 6000-acre Gulf State Park.

Recreational pursuits include world class golf courses built by some of the game's finest architects including Arnold Palmer and Larry Nelson , some of the finest fishing anywhere and an abundance of water parks, putt-putt courses and water sports.

One of the region's biggest outlet malls in located in the area which boasts a bevy of unique small communities stocked with antique stores, art galleries and locally owned restaurants.
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