Posted in Alabama Nature November 18, 2016 by

10 Reasons To Spend Thanksgiving On Alabama’s Beautiful Gulf Coast

Thanksgiving is less than one week away. With that being said, many families are fully prepared to celebrate the holiday, while others have yet to make a single plan. These days, many families are choosing to forgo the traditional route when it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving. Instead of celebrating Thanksgiving in their home, they’re choosing to celebrate it at a local restaurant, or even travel out of town. Speaking of traveling, one of the best places in Alabama to spend Thanksgiving is on its beautiful Gulf Coast. Read below to find out why Alabama’s Gulf Coast is such a great Thanksgiving destination.

1. Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast is the perfect Thanksgiving destination for the entire family.
flickr/Gary Gamso
Nothing beats family time at the beach!
2. By spending Thanksgiving on Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast, you won't have to worry about hosting a houseful of people, or preparing the perfect holiday feast.
flickr/hildgrim
After all, who has time to cook these days anyway?
3. Alabama's Gulf Coast weather is perfect during the fall season.
flickr/Kevin Trotman
It's not too hot, and it's not too cold. Other than a drizzle of rain every now and then, the weather is perfect!
4. You'll have access to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, which is perfect for jogging, hiking and biking this time of year.
facebook/Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Established in 2003, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is an incredible multi-use trail system that offers seven amazing trails, which total more than 15 miles. Click here for more information.
5. You'll pretty much have the beach all to yourself. Because it's currently the off-season, Alabama's Gulf Coast beaches are far less crowded.
flickr/David Smith
Also, hotel rates are much lower this time of year.
6. If you choose to spend Thanksgiving on Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast, you'll experience the most colorful fall sunsets each night.
flickr/John Tuggle
As a matter of fact, many of these sunsets have to be seen to be believed. They're positively STUNNING!
7. You'll get to explore the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.
tripadvisor/MollyMac_11
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge covers more than 7,000 acres and is one of the best places on Alabama's Gulf Coast for wildlife viewing.
8. Alabama's Gulf Coast restaurants offer a variety of food options. However, if it's traditional Thanksgiving food you want, no worries. Many Gulf Coast restaurants, upscale and casual, are planning to serve a Thanksgiving feast to celebrate the holiday.
flickr/Phil Denton
Click here for a list of Gulf Coast restaurants that'll be open on Thanksgiving Day 2016. Note: These are just a few of the many restaurants that'll be open. Be sure to call your favorite Gulf Coast restaurant to find out whether or not they'll be open.
9. You'll have the opportunity to take a walk along the beach to burn off the calories from your delicious Thanksgiving dinner.
flickr/faungg's photos
Now, that's my kind of exercise!
10. The day after (and day of) Thanksgiving, shopping is on most people's minds. Alabama's Gulf Coast offers many shopping destinations where you'll find the best Black Friday deals.
yelp/Tanger Outlets
Pictured: Tanger Outlets, 2601 S McKenzie St #466, Foley, AL 36535

Would you rather spend Thanksgiving at home with family, or out of town with family? Share your thoughts with us! For another way to enjoy the fall season in Alabama, check out this Fall Foliage Road Trip.

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