Foley, AL

Foley grew up around the railroad in the early 1900s, and the restored depot still anchors downtown in Heritage Park. Today it is the commercial center of south Baldwin County and the last town you pass before the beaches, but its old downtown along Highway 98 and Laurel Avenue is worth slowing down for. Heritage roses line several downtown blocks along the Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail, and the Holmes Medical Museum occupies what was the county’s first hospital.

Families head to OWA, a resort complex with an amusement park, the Tropic Falls water park and shops, which makes for family fun on a rainy beach day. For something quieter, Graham Creek Nature Preserve covers nearly 500 acres of pine savanna and wetlands with trails and disc golf, good for getting outside. Downtown has antique shops and local restaurants, and prices on rentals and meals often run lower than at the beach. Foley is also an easy stop for groceries and supplies on the way to a beach rental, and the downtown events in Heritage Park draw a local crowd on weekends.

Foley questions, answered

How far is Foley from the beach?

Foley is about ten miles north of the Gulf, roughly 15 to 20 minutes to the public beach in Gulf Shores by Highway 59 or the Foley Beach Express, depending on traffic. Orange Beach is about 20 minutes away. Many visitors stay in Foley for lower rates and drive to the beach each day.

What is there to do in Foley?

Visit the Foley Depot Museum in Heritage Park, walk the Antique Rose Trail, and stop by the Holmes Medical Museum downtown. Graham Creek Nature Preserve has trails, a disc golf course and paddling. OWA brings rides, a water park and shops. Foley also hosts events throughout the year in Heritage Park.

How do I get to Foley?

Foley sits where US 98 crosses Alabama 59, with the Foley Beach Express running to the east. Pensacola International (PNS) is about 50 minutes away, and Mobile Regional (MOB) is a little over an hour. From I-10, take Alabama 59 south through Robertsdale or the Foley Beach Express from the Baldwin Beach Express.

When is the best time to visit Foley?

Spring is lovely, especially when the antique roses bloom downtown. Fall brings mild weather and fewer crowds at the beaches and OWA. Summer is busy with beach traffic on Highway 59, so plan drives early or late in the day, and expect heat and afternoon storms.