15 Best Things to Do in Fairhope, Alabama

By VI Staff on January 7, 2020

Located along the shoreline of Mobile Bay, Fairhope, Alabama is home to many wonderful things to see and do, from having a gorgeous stroll at the Fairhope Municipal Pier to exploring the marsh wetlands at Weeks Bay Reserve. Learn about the area’s rich history at Fairhope Museum or head to Oak Hollow Farms.

1.Fairhope Municipal Pier

Open throughout the year, the Fairhope Municipal Pier is a wonderful place for visitors to take a stroll, see the many shorebirds, or spend the day pier fishing. Designed to ensure a comfortable visit, the pier has amenities such as benches, shaded areas, restrooms, a marina, and a restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal in. The pier extends out toward a park which houses a duck pond, rose garden, fountain, picnic tables, pavilions, walking trails, and a large sandy beach. The pier can be accessed at no cost while the beach has an entry fee during the summer months; visitors who plan on pier fishing will need a saltwater fishing license.

2.Fairhope Museum

Situated in the heart of the downtown area, the Fairhope Museum is housed in a historic Spanish mission-style building that once served as City Hall. Within the museum you will find many displays and exhibits dedicated to the city’s unique and rich past, from its earliest Native American residents to the area’s extensive history with clay pottery. Some of the permanent exhibits include artifacts on Fairhope’s founders, the Jubilee phenomenon, and the Single Tax theory; you’ll even be able to see the old town jail. There are several events held at the museum, including their popular Thursday afternoon event complete with a lecture on a particular aspect of Fairhope’s history, tea, and cookies.

24 N Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532, Phone: 251-929-1471

3.Weeks Bay Reserve

Expanding over 9,317 acres, the Weeks Bay Reserve comprises marsh wetlands, protected forests, unique bog habitats, and several bodies of water which are fun and interesting to explore for visitors of all ages. A lot of research, training, educational, and outreach programs are conducted at the reserve, much of which you can learn a lot about during your visit there. The recreational opportunities are endless, and the reserve offers plenty of activities you can take part in such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, picnicking, hiking, bird watching, and observing wildlife. There are several trails which you can navigate through to get an understanding of the extent of Fairhope’s beauty.

11300 US-98, Fairhope, AL 36532, Phone: 251-928-9792

4.Windmill Market

The Windmill Market has been an integral part of the Fairhope community for over thirty years. The outdoor marketplace is a favored location by residents and visitors, and is more than just a place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables; many head there to spend time outdoors in a lively atmosphere, meet up with friends and family for a chat, to enjoy the delicious food that is served there, purchase unique arts and crafts, and much more. Over ten thousand people head to the market weekly, and many times throughout the year will be able to attend special events such as antique car shows and concerts. You’ll be able to leave with some fond memories and several one-of-a-kind souvenirs to remind you of Fairhope.

85 N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL 36532, Phone: 251-990-8883

5.Eastern Shore Art Center

The Eastern Shore Art Center has been a part of the Fairhope community for years, giving its residents and visitors a place to understand and appreciate art through exhibitions, education, and outreach activities. There are five galleries, which are free to public to explore, as well as complimentary guided tours held by informed professionals at the center. The works vary from all over the United States, in different mediums and by different artists. There is an annual Outdoor Art Shows which attracts tons of visitors and is a great way to introduce younger patrons to the art. If you’re there for a longer period of time, you may be interested in participating in one of the center’s many workshops and classes, which are conducted for students of all ages and cover a wide range of work from pottery to paintings.

401 Oak Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532, Phone: 251-928-2228

6.Tolstoy Park

Tolstoy Park was the home of Henry Stuart, who, in 1923, was then 65 years old and was told he had a few months to live with a tuberculosis diagnosis. He packed up his belongings and trekked from Idaho to the ten-acre wooded land in Fairhope, where he hoped that the warmer weather would give him some additional time in life. He built the home himself, a round igloo of sorts only 14 feet in diameter and fashioned from handmade concrete blocks and bricks. Whether it was the nice atmosphere or not, Henry went on to live at his home, which he named Tolstoy Park, for 22 more years, moving just months before he passed away. The unique homestead attracted visitors long before his death, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places not long after. Even though the surrounding woods have now been replaced with office buildings and parking lots, Tolstoy Place is an integral part of Fairhope history and is worth the visit.

22787 US-98, Fairhope, AL 36532

7.Christine Linson Gallery

The Christine Linson Gallery, located in the heart of Fairhope’s downtown shopping district, is a gallery and studio space dedicated to the works of Christine Linson. Patrons will be able to see a wide variety of her work, which range from abstract oils and impressionistic landscapes, to large floral watercolors and custom house portraits. You will have an opportunity to purchase many of the works, including beautiful paintings Linson did of a number of Fairhope’s landscapes. The works of several other artists are also on display in the gallery and go beyond paintings to jewelry, pottery, wood turnings, leather goods, exotic candles, and much more.

386 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532, Phone: 251-929-2015

8.Fairhope Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are a wonderful way to have an exciting evening with friends, family, and coworkers. Fairhope Escape Rooms lives up to the hype, providing an outlet for locals and visitors to work together in a fantastical world full of intrigue and mystery. Their one-of-a-kind escape room, themed the ‘Night Bandit’ will take you and your friends onboard a pirate ship, where you will have to find the hidden treasure before the marauders arrive to thieve it away. All of the tasks are tons of fun and will leave you guys talking about it days after you leave Fairhope Escape Rooms.

720 Middle St, Fairhope, AL 36532, Phone: 251-377-7955

9.Rock Creek Golf Club

The Rock Creek Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in Southern Alabama. It was designed by renowned architect, Earl Stone, and has a playable layout that golfers of all skill levels will enjoy. The full-service club has tons to offer, even if you choose not to play a round of golf. You can dine in their award-winning restaurant, which serves breakfast and lunch in a relaxed and casual dining atmosphere. Their menu includes freshly-prepared sandwiches burgers, specialty salads, and much more. Several events and social activities are hosted by the club throughout the year, so be sure to have a look at their event calendar to see what’s coming up.

6100 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20011, Phone: 202-882-7332

10.Oak Hollow Farm

Oak Hollow Farms is a historic property that comprises over 300 acres of lakes, rolling pastures, and aging oak trees. The family owned and operated farm is a gorgeous destination and they offer many activities for visitors to partake in as they enjoy the grounds and the scenery. You can go on hayrides and horseback riding or try your hand at skeet shooting or archery. The farm also schedules pheasant and dove hunts as well as catch-and-release fishing on their property. There is so much to see and do at Oak Hollow and locals and visitors go back there time and again to have an authentic Alabama experience complete with unrivaled southern hospitality.

14210 S Greeno Rd, Fairhope, AL 36532, Phone: 251-928-4840

11.Gambino's Italian Grill

Gambino’s Italian Grill was established by Rick and Gari Gambino in 1975. Now, over 40 years later, the Italian restaurant continues to be owned and managed by the Gambino family. It has become an integral part of the Fairhope neighborhood, being the base for many a family lunch or celebratory dinner. You’ll find the very best Italian food here, from the classics like pasta and pizza to seafood and steak. Be sure to pair your meal with a delicious glass of wine to make the perfect combination. There is entertainment scheduled on most nights of the week, many of which feature local artists.

18 Laurel Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532, Phone: 251-990-0995

12.Fairhope Brewing Company

The Fairhope Brewing Company have many people behind it, all of whom are so passionate and sure about the crisp flavors of their handcrafted brews that they decided to open up Lower Alabama’s first production craft brewery since Prohibition. They now have two breweries, one housing a 30-barrel, three-vessel system and the other a 10-barrel, two-vessel system. There are five year-round offerings in their taproom which you shouldn’t miss enjoying while there: the Everyday Ale, Judge Roy Bean, Take The Causeway IPA, Fairhope 51, I Drink Therefore I Amber. Several specialty and seasonal brews are also available at any given point.

914 Nichols Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532, Phone: 251-279-7517

13.Panini Pete's Cafe & Bakeshoppe

Having started with their flagship store in the French Quarter of downtown Fairhope, Panini Pete’s Cafe & Bakeshoppe now has three locations scattered across the nation. You’ll be able to try out some of their popular cuisine choices such as their pressed sandwiches, hot dogs, beef burgers, fries, and chips. Believing that all of their food should be fresh and delicious, many of the items are made with house made ingredients such as their handmade mozzarella. Be sure to trying their freshly baked sweets and treats for an additional touch of deliciousness to end your meal.

42 S Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532, Phone: 251-929-0122

14.Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek Marina

Located in Fairhope’s Fly Creek Marina, Sunset Pointe is a lovely restaurant that combines delicious foods with unforgettable sunsets and friendly staff. You can choose to enjoy your meal outdoors on their expansive deck which has a fire pit and is surrounded by gorgeous views, or head indoors to their family-friendly dining area surrounded by locally-crafted decor. Owned by Panini Pete, who is also the owner of Panini Pete’s Cafe & Bakeshoppe, the restaurant has a varied menu with some of their popular items being the Gulf Coast BBQ shrimp with crusty bread, Leo’s seafood lettuce wraps, crab mac’n cheese, and their skirt steak served with chimichurri sauce.

831 N Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532, Phone: 251-990-7766