This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Alabama

Hidden in plain sight between Foley and Gulf Shores, Bon Secour is a little-known waterfront town in Alabama. And although it’s just ten miles from the white sandy beaches along the Gulf, I think it feels like a different world from its neighbors on the coast. In fact, you’ll trade the crowds and high-rise condos for a rustic fishing village, where your days can be spent drifting on the Bon Secour River, hiking, and then watching warm sunsets over the water. 

With its oak-lined streets, peaceful waterfront, weathered shrimping boats, and relaxed pace, this unspoiled, laid-back hideaway welcomes you to slow down and experience authentic life in Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Chances are, you’ll find this small town in Alabama as charming as we do. 

Why This Little-Known Waterfront Town in Alabama Is So Charming 

At just under 3,000 residents, Bon Secour doesn’t try to compete with nearby popular tourist destinations in Alabama. Quite the opposite, it has remained true to its maritime roots since it was settled by the French in the 1700s. So, if you’re expecting a place with commercialized shorelines and a vibrant downtown, this isn’t the destination for you. 

Instead, this quaint community is a snapshot of old Gulf Coast life. Here, you’ll find quiet tree-lined streets, historical sites, local seafood spots, and scenes of shrimp boats on the river that define everyday fishing culture. In addition to fishing and paddling the scenic waterways, hiking and birdwatching are popular activities here. 

This little-known waterfront town in Alabama is where visitors come to take a break from the bustling beaches for calm waters, delicious seafood, and a slower way of life. Its charm comes from its simplicity and its authenticity. And when you’re here, you’ll feel like you discovered something new and rare near the Gulf Coast. 

What To See and Do in Bon Secour

The best way to get to know the town is on a scenic drive through the area. You’ll wind past oak-canopied streets with a mix of charming cottages and custom-built waterfront communities. A self-guided tour of the Swift-Coles Historic Home is a must. It will feel like you’ve stepped back in time to old Alabama while touring this classic Southern mansion. 

Eating, fishing, kayaking, and watching the sunsets are a way of life in Bon Secour. For the best eats in town, you’ll want to stop by the Tin Top Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Expect fresh catch, waterfront views, and a lively atmosphere. It’s the kind of joint where you can easily stay a while. Billy Seafood is a local open-air market that sells fresh seafood straight from the Gulf. You can grab seafood to go or get it steamed right there on the spot. 

Launch a kayak or book a fishing charter to spend time on the water. While you fish or paddle the scenic waterways, be on the lookout for dolphins swimming along the bay. You can also simply find a spot along the river and watch the shrimping boats come in with fresh catch. This will give you a real idea of what life was like in the Gulf before the nearby beaches and towns were developed. 

Want to stretch your legs while soaking up coastal views? Head to nearby Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Hike through quiet stretches of shorelines, marshes, and coastal forests, while spotting migratory birds and local wildlife. If you’re into nature photography, this will be the ideal spot to capture some incredible pics. And no matter what, at the end of your day, find a spot to settle and watch the sun go down over the town. 

Best Time to Visit Bon Secour

Shrimping season coincides with summer, so if you want to experience the true character of Bon Secour, plan your trip then. Plus, since the town is within 10 miles of Gulf Shores, you can easily make this underrated fishing village a detour when you’re on your summer vacation. After you've completed your list of things to do in Gulf Shores, carve out a day or two to visit Bon Secour. It will be well worth it.

Whether you’re a local or you’re just visiting, a trip to Alabama’s Gulf Coast is where sandy beaches, warm sunsets, fresh seafood, and quiet fishing villages come together in the most magical way. In my opinion, it’s the kind of destination where you can have the best of both worlds.   

Learn more about Bon Secour on the Alabama Tourism website.