5 Waterfront Retreats In Alabama That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures
By Lisa Battles|Published April 15, 2024
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Lisa Battles
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Lisa has traveled the U.S. for over a decade, seeking out and sharing the stories of its most interesting places, people, and experiences. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been a content strategist, editor, and writer for more than 25 years. Lisa has worked in community news, PR, and marketing with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. Besides following her curiosity around every corner, she's a devoted dog mom of two and advocate for animal welfare.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Summer is a great time for road-tripping in Alabama, when you can roll down all the windows and catch a breeze as you roll down the highway. And then some days get so humid, nothing but a day on the water could get you to step foot outside. Fortunately, we have plenty of opportunities to do that here, with many lakes, rivers, and world-famous white sand beaches. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the top-rated, best waterfront retreats in Alabama. These places have such incredible views and luxury accommodations that you’ll actually look forward to staying there during our sticky Southern summers.
Count 18 steps and sink your feet into the sand at this recently renovated home in Gulf Shores. Inside, you'll still get incredible views of sunrises and sunsets over the cool coastal waters. At times you may even catch the U.S. Navy Blue Angels practicing formations. The beach is just off the back deck, so it's as easy as it gets to set up your ideal spot with an umbrella, chair, good book, and fruity drink. You don't even need to bring anything but yourself, a suit and sunblock. This retreat is equipped with beach chairs, umbrellas, and a beach cart.
This cozy getaway sleeps up to eight people, with two king bedrooms, a queen bedroom, and a bunk room with two bunks. All the bedrooms have 50-inch SmartTVs. The recent renovation included new appliances, furniture, flooring, and kitchen wares, so everything is practically brand new. A grill and cornhole boards are also provided. Coffee lovers will be completely satisfied with a coffee bar stocked with K cups, ground and whole bean coffee, a grinder, frother, French press, cream and sugar – and to-go cups for those early morning beach strolls.
The space is called "Pawprints in the Sand" because it welcomes up to three pups to join the retreat. Dauphin Island allows dogs on almost all public beaches, so it's a popular place for vacationers with furry family members. Note that all three dogs must weigh 50 pounds or less, and no other animals are allowed without pre-approval. The home sleeps up to 12 guests with four bedrooms – three kings and one with two doubles and two singles. The spacious deck has a pool that's heated from October through April.
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While the property is bayside, you get water views from almost every angle of the house. You can fill up your coolers with ice at the commercial-grade ice machine onsite and head across the street for hours on the beach. Or if you choose to stick around the pool and deck, where a gas grill is on hand for barbecues. Inside, an open living area features cozy sofas and a large SmarTV. This place seems just perfect for a friend group or an extended family group getaway.
Move north from the coast to east central Alabama to Jackon's Gap, where you'll find this incredible property on Lake Martin. While one glance tells you why it's called "the little resort," I am happy to share some of the details. The entire space can accommodate eight overnight guests between the three-bed, two-bath main home and the guest house, which has an additional bed and bath along with its own kitchen and laundry space.
Watch the sun set or rise over the lake from the cozy main house, or ease down to the outdoor spaces that include a pool with a nearby half bath. Have a boat? There's a covered boat lift with a dedicated space just for you. Fire up the grill for a cookout and then take a paddle boat for a little spin around the lake.
Just southeast of Birmingham, you'll find this impressive spread, which can accommodate as many as 14 guests. This lake house on Lay Lake along the Coosa River has four bedrooms with eight beds total, including a main suite on the first floor with its own bathroom and jacuzzi tub. A private boat ramp and pier offer access to the lake, which is only about three to four feet deep in this spot. If you prefer a pool, you've got that, too, plus ping pong, a pool table, paddle boards, and kayaks.
The main level is wheelchair accessible, cozy, and well-appointed. If you prefer to catch a game or show while enjoying the outdoors, there's a big pergola with a TV. If you'd rather spend almost all of your time enjoying the weather, the host also offers a special rate on their 24-foot Suntracker Party Barge!
Get next-level views from every level of this lake house about an hour's drive northeast of Birmingham. Located on Smith Lake in Arley, the luxurious Lake View property is beautiful inside and out. Wheelchair accessibility is wonderful here, too. There is an elevator for the home, and the master bathroom has a wheelchair-accessible shower. Even better? No stairs are needed to reach the dock. Besides the two-slip boat dock and swim deck, the outdoor spaces are packed with amenities for just about every activity imaginable. Gather around a gas firepit, soak in a hot tub, or just relax and take in the views.
While the two larger floors have huge open living areas, the loft space has one bedroom and a recreation area with an air hockey table, and ping pong table. The inside space covers more than 5,000 square feet consisting of three levels, two gourmet kitchens, five bedrooms, and four bathrooms. It can sleep as many as 20 people, making it perfect for a multi-family summer getaway.
From the beaches to the mountains, these are the best waterfront retreats in Alabama for your summer getaways. All with gorgeous views, plenty of space, and packed with activities, these spots are calling your name to book that ultimate family vacation or friend group trip. Let us know what you think, and if you visit one of the spots, we’d love you to share your experience with us.
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