Do you remember the first time you saw the ocean? Remember how vast it seemed? Remember how calming and hypnotic the waves were? We often think of the beach as fun, but even more so it is healing. More and more science points to the health benefits of being in, around or near water. In fact as early as the 17th century doctors were prescribing the beach to cure ailments, this is how the seaside resort was invented, as healing centers where the elite would spend weeks engaged in beach and ocean treatments. In his recent book, Blue Mind, marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols writes, “Neuroscientists and psychologists believe that the ocean and our wild waterways are a wellspring of happiness and relaxation, peace and freedom, sociality and romance, play and creativity, learning and memory, confidence and solitude, wonder and awe, reverence and beauty that help manage trauma, anxiety, sleep, addiction, focus, stress, grief, PTSD, build personal resilience and much more.”
What a gift that our Sweet home Alabama not only has mountains, but also white sand beaches that stretch on and on. If you are looking to get away there is a little slice of heaven due south that can recharge you, calm you, and heal you.
It is an easy drive to Orange Beach where sits a turquoise palace in the sky. This sky rise named Turquoise Place offers penthouse accommodations towering above the Gulf Coast’s white sand beaches making for panoramic views of sunrise and sunset.
Consistently ranked one of the world’s best beaches, accommodations along Alabama’s gulf coast can sometimes be outdated, this is not the case at Turquoise Place. All rooms provide large spacious rooms 
throughout starting at 3 bedrooms. Kitchens come fully equipped for anyone looking to enjoy a shrimp boil with friends or dinner in with the family. Balconies stretch across the back of each condo making for the best views in porch sitting. Plus a hot tub sits on every balcony with access from the master suite, making Turquoise Place great for a couple’s retreat.
Spacious luxe accommodations are not all Turquoise Place offers, there is a state-of-the-art fitness center, sauna, steam room, large indoor and outdoor pools, a heated lazy river, and plenty of water sports to partake in.
There is also a plethora of daily activities for both adults and children, from yoga and zumba to poolside crafts. Turquoise Place isn’t just a vacation rental, it is a complete experience that is raising the bar on your Alabama beach vacation.
With Hangout Festival this year featuring Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lana Del Rey, Post Malone, Cage the Elephant and more, you may already have reason enough to visit Alabama’s gulf coast, but if you are looking for more reasons here are a few of the best:
Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina
One of the best restaurants in Alabama, Fisher’s OBM showcases the best of the South from the ambiance situated on the Orange Beach Marina to chef Bill Briand’s expertly crafted fresh food. For an evening to remember join Briand and a variety of chefs for Fisher’s Southern Grace dinner series beginning May 14 
with the Bama Boys, Rob McDaniel, Alex Harrell, Adam Evans and David Bancroft, and ending with chef Alon Shaya August 6. Southern Grace dinners are Briand’s brainchild of showcasing the region’s top talent and the Gulf’s bounty of fresh food. For more information and reservations click here.
Chef Bill Briand’s menu features great local seafood, delicious oysters, steaks, vegetarian dishes, and tacos made with homemade tortillas, Playa offers something for everyone in the family. A casual atmosphere with the best waterfront view in Orange Beach, make this place a must.
A landmark along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, you do not want to miss a visit to Bahama Bob’s. The motto here “The Lower The Latitude, The Better The Attitude.” A menu with every type of seafood served every type way awaits you, specialities include grilled fish, coconut shrimp, steamed crab legs, or try one of Bahama Bob’s famous Po’Boys.
Fun lively atmosphere with typical beach fare and a key lime pie to rave about, you can get to this favorite local hangout by land or sea.
Looking for simple, grab-and-go food for a day at the beach, it does;t get easier or more delicious than Chronic Tacos right off Perdido Beach Boulevard.
Blue Marlin Grand Championship
Enjoy the spectacle of the Gulf Coast’s top deep sea fishing teams competing for top prizes and record setting Blue Marlin at The Wharf July 12-17. The tournament is designed for the whole community and will feature lots of activities, a boat parade, live music, and family-friendly entertainment.
One of the coolest experiences in our state, The Dauphin Island Sea Lab offers a variety of programs for children during the summer, ranging from single-day programs to residential camps and academic courses. Highly qualified educators will guide campers and students through all activities, and residential students are well-supervised by counselors.
A day adventure beyond the beach, Bayou La Batre is Alabama’s seafood capital and is not just home to Alabama’s shrimp industry, but also an oyster movement to grow the best tasting, best looking oyster in the South pioneered by the Zirlott family, a 5th generation seafood family from Bayou La Batre and their company Murder Point Oyster 
Company. A day trip to Bayou La Batre should include sightseeing the iconic shrimp boats lined up along the intercoastal and a stop in Sugar Rush where they serve up freshly made gourmet donuts and coffee.
For a relaxing, peaceful and pristine stretch of beach visit Alabama Point East just .3 miles east passed Perdido Pass. Pack a picnic, enjoy the nature walk, and make a day of this state park with the family.
Cross over into Florida and you will find one of the most peaceful, serene spots along the coast, Perdido Key National Seashore. My favorite place to watch sunrise. One morning I even had dolphins following me along the shore as the sun rose up out of the ocean. It was nothing short of spectacular.