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What’s the first place that comes to mind when you think of spring break? Chances are you’re picturing the white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Gulf Coast. While Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are the obvious choices for a warm-weather getaway with plenty of sun and sand, consider these other Alabama destinations for everything from small-town charm to mountain views to award-winning restaurants.

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Mobile

If you’re looking for old-school Southern charm a la Charleston or New Orleans, Mobile is your best bet. For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, take a Gulf Coast Duck Tour to learn more about the port city’s history by land and water. For those more interested in the area’s flora and fauna, take an airboat eco tour of “America’s Amazon,” where you’ll whip through shallow marshes on the search for alligators and other native species. Spend the rest of your visit moseying through Mobile’s historic downtown. Linger over a decadent plate of Seafood Eggs Benedict at Spot of Tea before strolling Dauphin Street. To get the full Mobile experience, you’ll want to stay at the quaint Malaga Inn or historic Battle House Hotel, and don’t forget to stop into the Mobile Carnival Museum, where you’ll learn all about how Mardi Gras got its start in Mobile, not New Orleans.

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Lake Guntersville

If vacation means being “knee deep in the water somewhere,” but you’re not ready to brave the spring break beach crowds, consider one of Alabama’s beautiful lakes as a happy alternative. Lake Guntersville located in Marshall County offers a quiet escape, where you can enjoy all the best of lake living via fishing, boating, and watersports. Whether you’re ready to rent a pontoon boat and break out the water skis, or if you prefer a more relaxing kayak or swim along the bank, there’s something for everyone. The truly adventurous can book tent campsites at Lake Guntersville State Park. For those less inclined to sleep under the stars, book a traditional room in the park’s lodge or reserve a private mountaintop chalet.

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The Shoals

You may have heard of The Shoals for all the legendary music recorded there, but the quartet of Florence, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals have a lot more to offer by way of arts, culture, dining, and an undeniably lively spirit. Pay your respects to the area’s longstanding tradition of producing great art by taking tours of FAME Recording Studios and 3614 Jackson Highway (the original home of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio) where the likes of The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Paul Simon, and Cher recorded some of their biggest hits. Continue your celebration at the flagship stores of Alabama designers Billy Reid and Natalie Chanin of Alabama Chanin. Other must-dos in The Shoals include finding design inspiration at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Rosenbaum House and indulging in a fusion of Southern, American, and international cuisine at trendy Odette restaurant.

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Birmingham

Where city living meets the great outdoors you’ll find Birmingham. As one of the South’s biggest up-and-coming food cities, you’ll want to plan your visit here around your meals. From authentic Roman-style pizza and pasta at Trattoria Zaza to the best pulled pork and white sauce at SAW’s Soul Kitchen, downtown is full of culinary treasures. For a taste of it all, plan a walking food tour with locally owned Birmingham Taste Tours. Of course, you’ll need a few activities to squeeze in between meals and brewery visits (the city has 10!). Try hiking at Red Mountain Park (it also has a zipline) or Ruffner Mountain, check out the free Birmingham Museum of Art, take a stroll at Railroad Park, or do some boutique shopping in downtown’s hip Morris Avenue district.

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Dauphin Island

If sun and sand are absolute musts for your spring break, Dauphin Island is a quiet escape. The small barrier island is just a 45-minute drive from Mobile and shares the city’s French Louisiana roots and bayou culture. During your stay, spend time soaking in the rays at the dog-friendly Dauphin Island Public Beach. For more on the island’s history, visit Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan (a short ferry ride across the bay), the sites of some important historical battles. In addition to its history, Dauphin Island is also known for amazing wildlife. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium features 31 aquariums, a stingray touch pool, and a living marsh boardwalk. And did we mention Dauphin Island is a birders dream? It’s one of the top four places in North America to view bird migrations in the spring. Pick up a picnic breakfast or lunch at Lighthouse Bakery, then head to Audubon Bird Sanctuary or Shell Mound Park for bird-spotting and exploring.

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Huntsville

Recently named one of Southern Living’s Best Southern Cities on the Rise, the Rocket City is taking off with a vibrant cultural arts scene and creative nightlife options. At repurposed textile mill Lowe Mill, the arts thrive with 152 studios, seven galleries, a theatre, community garden, and performance venues. Stop in to browse the art, add to your own collection, and grab a specialty tea from Piper & Leaf. You can spend an entire day exploring the grounds of Campus No. 805, a former middle school that now houses Straight to Ale Brewery, as well as a growing list of other dining and entertainment tenants ranging from sushi to axe throwing. Round out your spring break with an otherworldly experience at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

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Fairhope

(City of Fairhope/Facebook)

Imagine the quaintest Southern hamlet you can think of and you’ll be picturing Fairhope. From bright bougainvillea bushes and trees draped in Spanish moss to sweeping views of the Mobile Bay, everything about Fairhope is a dream. Want a resort experience without heading to Mexico? Fairhope’s legendary The Grand Hotel is your definitive answer. The 550-acre property is all about relaxation. From an award-winning spa and over-the-top breakfast buffet to its system of resort-style pools, the beloved hotel has everything you need for the perfect spring break. In town you’ll find cobblestoned streets lit up by string lights, with plenty of specialty shops and boutiques to explore. Grab a drink at bookstore Page & Palette’s adjoining cocktail bar, then head to dinner at Sunset Pointe, where you’ll find unparalleled views of the sun setting over Fly Creek Marina while you tuck into scrumptious dishes like the rich Eastern Shore Bouillabaisse with fresh Gulf shrimp and fish in a white wine seafood broth.

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Cheaha

For those craving fresh air and uninterrupted time in nature, take an unplugged retreat at Cheaha State Park. Surrounded by the Talladega Forest with several connection points to the Appalachian Trail, there’s nothing more serene and refreshing than a weekend hiking or mountain biking at Cheaha. Accommodation options include cabins, A-frame chalets, campsites, and traditional rooms in the park’s hotel. If you’ve got a large group, consider reserving the Bald Rock Lodge, which features 12 bedroom/bathroom suites and ample shared living space. With nearly 2,800 acres, there’s plenty to explore in the park. At some point during your stay, head to the top of Cheaha Mountain, located 2,407 feet above sea level at the highest point in Alabama.

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