Top-notch golf courses in the area include Azalea City Golf Course, Gulf Pines Golf Course, Robert Trent Jones designed Magnolia Grove golf course, and Rock Creek Golf Club.

Mobile, AL

Spanish Plaza
DESCRIPTION: Spain was the third country to fly its flag over Mobile and Spanish Plaza is a dedication to the Spanish, thanking them for their contributions to Mobile’s culture; a notable ornate fountain, Fishmonger, stands in center the plaza and is a gift from the Spanish; the fountain sits across from the Malaga Inn, named for Malaga, Spain, Mobile’s sister city; located across from Mobile Carnival Museum
ADDRESS: Government Street at Franklin Street  MAP
PARKING: on street

Cathedral Square
DESCRIPTION: More than meets the eye, this park was part of an 18th century Catholic cemetery, Campo Santo between Joachim, Dauphin, Franklin, and Conti Streets; over the years as Mobile's city boundary expanded, portions of of the cemetery were converted to city blocks and graves were purposely and accidentally moved until the 1890s; after complete relocation of the cemetery, the area became a commercial block infilled with buildings; eventually, enough citizens clamored to demolish buildings in one square block in 1979 to create a public park facing the Cathedral and enhance the Dauphin Street Historic District; the current popular park layout was implemented in 1996
ADDRESS: bounded by Conti, Claiborne, Dauphin, and Jackson Streets  MAP PARKING: on street

Mobile Botanical Gardens
DESCRIPTION: Adjacent to Langan Parkand established in 1974 by a dedicated group of horticulturists to preserve the natural aspects of the local environment; Visitors are welcome to enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, hiking, walking, drawing, painting, and photography in 100-acres of gardens and nature trails that offer an oasis of natural splendor; visit the Herb Garden, McConnell Rhododendron Garden, Smith Japanese Maple Garden, Fern Glade, Longleaf Pine Forest, and Founders Fragrance and Texture Garden
ADMISSION: free, but donations appreciated
ADDRESS: 5151 Museum Drive  MAP
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 251-342-0555
WEBSITE: http://www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org

Theodore, AL

Bellingrath Gardens and Home
DESCRIPTION: Opened to the public in 1932 by Coca-Cola bottling magnate, Walter Bellingrath, the property features 65-acres of verdant lawns, picturesque lakes and streams; one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South; garden estate is in full bloom with camellias in the winter, azaleas in the spring, roses in the summer, chrysanthemums in autumn and Magic Christmas in Lights during the holiday season; careful walking along a bayou trail, you might get up close to a wild alligator; wheelchair accessible garden
ADMISSION: Gardens-only Adult $11, Age 5-12 $6, Age 4- Free; see website for package prices
DAYS & HOURS: daily 8a-5p
ADDRESS: 12401 Bellingrath Road  MAP
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 800-247-8420 or 251-973-2217
WEBSITE: http://www.bellingrath.org

Spanish Fort, AL

5 Rivers Delta Resource Center

DESCRIPTION: Located where the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Apalachee and Blakeley rivers flow into Mobile Bay, this new facility for outdoor recreation, and conservation is a great place to begin your adventure into over 250,000 acres of scenic waterways, woods and wetlands; with an emphasis on Watchable Wildlife, visit Birding Trails and watch vertebrates and mollusk species with equal ease
DAYS & HOURS: 8a-5p

ADDRESS: 30945 Five Rivers Blvd  MAP
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 251-625-0814
WEBSITE: http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/5rivers

Dauphin Island, AL

Dauphin Island Park and Beach Board
DESCRIPTION: Maintains Historic Fort Gaines, the Dauphin Island Campground, the public fishing pier, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and several small parks;though first colonized in the 1600's, the park became popular after 1954 when a 3 ½ mile bridge was built connecting Dauphin Island to the mainland, enabling visitors to drive to Alabama's Gulf Coast; in 1961, an Audubon Sanctuary was also created as a wildlife refuge
ADDRESS: 109 Bienville Blvd  MAP
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 251-861-3607
WEBSITE: http://www.dauphinisland.org