Looking for coastal charm, shopping, and family fun near the Gulf? Head to Foley! Located just north of Gulf Shores, Foley is a relaxed Southern town known for its outlet shopping, amusement parks, and easy access to Alabama’s beautiful beaches. Whether you're looking for thrills, good food, or outdoor exploration, Foley is a welcoming and affordable destination in coastal Alabama.
Foley, AL Highlights:
- For Families: Visit OWA Parks & Resort – Enjoy rides, games, shops, and restaurants at this family-friendly amusement and entertainment district.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Walk or bike the Graham Creek Nature Preserve – Explore over 500 acres of hiking trails, boardwalks, and kayaking routes through wetlands and woods.
- For Kids: Play at the Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit – Watch detailed model trains and learn about Foley’s railroading history in a kid-friendly museum.
- For an Adventure: Paddle or fish Wolf Creek – Rent a kayak or cast a line in local waterways surrounded by Southern pines and bayou views.
- For Shoppers: Explore Tanger Outlets Foley – Hunt for deals at name-brand stores like Nike, Coach, Levi’s, and more just minutes from downtown.
Best Time to Visit Foley, AL
The best time to visit Foley is in the spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when the weather is warm but less humid than peak summer. These seasons are ideal for outdoor activities and beach trips. Summer is popular but hotter and busier due to its proximity to Gulf Shores.
How to Get to Foley, AL
- By Car: Foley is located on Alabama State Route 59, about 45 minutes south of Interstate 10 and 10 miles from Gulf Shores.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Pensacola International Airport (PNS), approximately 1 hour east by car.
- By Shuttle/Bus: Local shuttle services and regional bus lines operate from nearby cities and beach areas.
Where to Stay in Foley, AL
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Modern hotel with kitchenettes, an outdoor pool, and close access to OWA and Tanger Outlets.
- Hampton Inn Foley – Reliable lodging with free breakfast and a convenient location near downtown and shopping.
- Anchors Aweigh RV Resort – Family-friendly and well-rated RV park with clean facilities and activities near Foley attractions.
Best Things to Do in Foley, AL
1. Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit
Rating: ★★★★★
Foley received an “O” gauge model railroad in 2004 from Alan Goldman. Goldman asked for the city to create an exhibit designed for children that could be visited with no admission charge.
The exhibit features a quarter-mile of track, three operating double-track routes, several animated sites, and represents twelve different railroads. The railroad layout is representative of the 1950’s railroad era, and quite a bit of detail was incorporated into the exhibit.
Main Street USA at the museum contains a train that can carry kids around a city park, a fire station, bus station, and a car wash.
125 E. Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535, Phone: 251-943-1818
2. Holmes Medical Museum
The Holmes Medical Museum is hidden away above a small pharmacy in Foley displaying several different antique medical tools.
While the museum may not be the world’s most diverse or largest medical museum, it makes use of its modest space to highlight the slightly frightening, sterile history of some of the trade’s obsolete tools.
The museum is situated inside of the first hospital in the city of Foley, which worked to heal the sick between the year 1936 and 1958. When it closed, the rooms were preserved to look just as they did during the early part of the twentieth century.
111 West Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535, Phone: 251-970-1818
Recommended Attractions
3. OWA
In addition to the numerous shops and restaurants, the OWA destination area is also home to The Park at OWA.
The park features twenty-one fun rides that will keep the entire family entertained for many hours. Visitors can experience a thrilling adventure aboard the Rollin’ Thunder or play it more safe on the Leap Frog.
Along with the rides, the park also consists an assortment of traditional Midway games, along with Wacky Waters, an interactive splash pad providing a great way to cool offer during the summer heat on your weekend trip. Dining and card vendors can be found throughout the park as well.
1501 South OWA Blvd, Foley, AL 36535, Phone: 251-923-2111
4. Foley Art Center
The Foley Art Center has provided Cultural Enrichment Programs for local schools, college scholarships for artists, and art classes for both adults and children in the Gulf Coast region for over fifty years.
What started out as a dream of only fifteen citizens of the local community, the center has now become a vital force within Baldwin County’s Cultural Development.
Annual events are hosted throughout the year by the Foley Art Center, such as Trim-A-Tree at Tanger Outlets, the city’s Fall Art Competition, and Art in the Park, held every Mother’s Day weekend in John Foley Park.
211 N McKenzie St, Foley, AL. 36536, Phone: 251-943-4381
Where to Eat
5. Down South Barbeque
Down South Barbeque in the city of Foley serves some of the best barbecue found anywhere along the Gulf Coast of the United States. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy the delicious barbecue for lunch or dinner. Guests can drop by the Down South location and have a meal under the restaurant’s outdoor tables covered by family-sized umbrellas. After a drive to Alabama Beach, the last thing anyone will want to do is cook, Down South Barbeque offers a whole meal for the entire family at a place where you’ll always find locals. Menu items include wings, ribs, sandwiches, chicken, and cornbread.
19891 County Rd 10, Foley, AL 36535
6. Lambert's Cafe III, Foley, AL
Situated in the beautiful city of Foley, Lambert's Cafe III can be found just eight miles away from the beach at Gulf Shores, next to the outlet mall. It’s a great place to grab a bite after a day of shopping at the factory outlet stores or day at the beach. The eatery is known for its great food and impeccable service. During the meal, visitors may just find out some of the best attractions for them to visit during their vacation by talking to the workers. The cafe is the third location for the Lambert family’s restaurants.
2981 S. McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535, Phone: 251-943-7655
7. Wolf Bay Restaurant
Wolf Bay Restaurant is a family-owned and operated restaurant in the city of Foley that has become a tradition in Baldwin County. The eatery is well known for serving fresh, high quality seafood, as well as for its inviting family-friendly atmosphere. Several of the dishes featured on the menu at Wolf Bay Foley today date back to the original menu created by the owners, such as the stuffed whole flounder, stuffed shrimp, crab stuffing, and the seafood gumbo. The restaurant also makes many of its salad dressing in house. There is also the Wolf Bay Boutique that offers a variety of merchandise.
20801 Miflin Rd, Foley, AL 36535, Phone: 251-987-5129
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