The Orange Street Pier juts into Mobile Bay in Fairhope's quaint Fruit and Nut District. (Photo by Michelle Matthews)

The coastal Alabama city of Fairhope is known for being artsy and colorful, from its many galleries to the personalities who inhabit it to the very streets themselves, which are lined year-round with flowers. It’s a place where the lush oak trees are dripping with Spanish moss, where residents gather to watch the sun set every night as if it’s the first time ever, where children learn to throw cast nets in Mobile Bay and where “charming” can be used to describe every aspect of life.

So what is there to do in Fairhope if you’re a visitor? We have a few suggestions for you.

Copper Roof Antiques is just one of several antiques shops to explore in downtown Fairhope. (Photo by Michelle Matthews)

1. Go downtown. The main intersection in downtown Fairhope is at Section Street and Fairhope Avenue. From here, you can spend hours strolling around and looking at antiques, clothing, toys, records, tea, souvenirs – you name it.

Read more: Take a tour of Fairhope’s downtown

Everyone loves Page & Palette, a delightful bookstore that includes a coffee shop and a bar. (Photo by Michelle Matthews)

2. Buy the book. It’s no secret that independent bookstores have been struggling in recent years, but Page & Palette has been going strong since 1969. Not only does it specialize in local and regional authors, bringing them for in-store appearances, but this store also offers unique gift items, the Latte Da coffee shop and a bar called The Book Cellar.

Locals and visitors alike gather at the "town square" to witness sunsets like this one. (Photo by Michelle Matthews)

3. Take a long walk. If you haven’t walked the 1,448-foot length of the Fairhope Pier, known as the “town square,” have you really been to Fairhope? At any time of day or night, you’ll see diehard fishermen reeling in their catch and tossing the fish into buckets to take home. Be sure to capture a sunset selfie while you’re there.

Fairhope's public beach provides access to Mobile Bay for swimming, kayaking or just relaxing in the sand. (Photo by Michelle Matthews)

4. See the shore. The sand isn’t white like it is along the Gulf of Mexico, but the Fairhope Municipal Beach is a throwback to simpler times – a great place to spend time swinging on an old-fashioned sunset or playing a game of volleyball. There is a per-car charge for admission to the beach area.

Located directly on the bay, the American Legion offers a fishing pier, a stage for bands and a popular tiki bar. (Photo by Michelle Matthews)

5. Party by the bay. Fairhope’s American Legion Post 199, with a tiki bar located right on the bay, has become a hot spot for live music on weekends and holidays. The tiki’s hours are Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday 3 to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 9 p.m., weather permitting.

James Tarabay sells Middle Eastern specialties at his International Goat gourmet deli inside the Fairhope Piggly Wiggly. (Photo by Michelle Matthews)

6. Pay homage to the Goat. The International Goat is a gourmet deli housed in the Fairhope Piggly Wiggly. Proprietor James Tarabay is known for his persuasive sales technique, as he proudly touts his tabbouleh and other Middle Eastern specialties.

Read more: Everyone loves the Goat at Piggly Wiggly in Fairhope

The sidewalk along Mobile Bay is a popular place to walk or ride bikes. (Photo by Michelle Matthews)

7. Walk the Eastern Shore Trail – or at least part of it. The stretch between the pier and the American Legion is a sidewalk that winds through oak trees along Mobile Bay, with beautiful views along the way.

The storybook castles at the end of Oak Street are Fairhope's most whimsical buildings. (Photo by Michelle Matthews)

8. Admire some truly unique architecture. Fairhope artist and historian Dean Mosher and his wife, Pagan Mosher, have built upon the legacy Pagan’s father, Craig Sheldon, started when he built his castle-like home shortly after World War II. Their property, tucked away at the end of Oak Street, is now a compound of three whimsical castles and even includes a drawbridge. The residents graciously invite visitors to take a look at the exterior of the storybook castles. To learn more, visit fairhopecastle.com.

Read more: You can now stay in a fairytale castle in Alabama

At Tom Jones Pottery, visitors can purchase collectible items handmade by a quintessential Fairhope artist. (Photo courtesy Tom Jones Pottery)

9. Watch a master at work. At Tom Jones Pottery in the Clay City area, near Fish River, Jones produces pots, platters, plates and other practical yet beautiful items as well as more whimsical pieces like bunnies, pumpkins and jesters. The Fairhope native has been working in the same spot for the past 46 years, and he’s at the pottery Monday through Friday from “10ish” to “5ish.” Find out more at tomjonespottery.com.

Donnie Barrett holds seedlings at Fairhope Tea Plantation. (Photo courtesy Fairhope Tea Plantation)

10. Make time for tea. Donnie Barrett operates the Fairhope Tea Plantation, one of the oldest tea farms in the United States. Make an appointment for a farm tour, which includes a cup of tea, a discussion about tea-growing and tea-making and a tea plant to take home, all for $10. But remember that, according to the website, “Donnie and his wife are not morning people, so afternoon visits are best.” For more information, go to fairhopeteaplantation.com.

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.

Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022).

© 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.

Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.