There's something liberating about embarking on a cross country road trip. Cruising down the interstate, you can pull off to picnic at scenic overlooks, spend the afternoon exploring the world's largest cave system, and enjoy late-night Waffle House pitstops.
All that separates you from Cincinnati’s cold winters and the sandy beaches and sunshine of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is 737 miles. So download that epic playlist, stock up on gas station snacks, and hit the pavement on an Alabama road trip.
From stunning scenery, U.S. history, national parks, and unique landmarks, we did the research to help you find the best spots to stretch your legs on your next road trip to Alabama Beaches.
Plan for the Ultimate Detours
Taking a cross country road trip is one of the best ways to see the United States, so why not add in a few fun detours along your way to Gulf Shores?
From Cincinnati, one of the quickest routes to Alabama's stunning beaches is by taking I-71 to I-65, then heading straight down to the coast. If you are like me, I love a good roadside attraction or a quick detour. With an average drive time of 12-13 hours to get from Cincinnati to Gulf Shores, you’ll have ample opportunities to explore the attractions and oddities of the open road in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Sensational and Subterranean Kentucky Pit Stops
If you're seeking outdoor adventure on your Alabama road trip, the underground caverns of Kentucky are a must-visit. Make sure to include stops at iconic locations like Mammoth Cave National Park and the nearby Lost River Cave in Bowling Green. For families traveling with children, a visit to Dinosaur World in Cave City is a perfect opportunity to take a step back in time. Keep in mind that many cave tours require advance ticket purchases, so it's wise to plan ahead.
If prehistoric caves and creatures aren’t your speed, consider adding a quick hike at the Bernheim Arboretum in Clermont to your itinerary. Here, you can visit the famous Forest Troll installations of world-renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo. And if you're a car enthusiast, don't miss the chance to explore the National Corvette Museum!
Mellow and Musical Tennessee Detours
After Kentucky, cruise into Nashville for a fun detour in Music City. Take an afternoon to immerse yourself in the musical heritage of this iconic city and explore legendary and historic venues like the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, or the Country Music Hall of Fame.
For a charming change of pace, consider visiting the quaint town of Franklin, whose Main Street District is a favorite stop for travelers seeking a few hours of relaxation and exploration away from the bustling highways.
Places to Stay in Alabama Along the Way
Travelers seeking to break up their road trip to Gulf Shores with an overnight stay will often choose to stay in Birmingham or Huntsville, Alabama. Birmingham is a mecca for Civil Rights history. Here, visitors can step into the Civil Rights Institute for a sobering lesson on our nation's painful past before exploring more historic sites along the Civil Rights Trail. Afterward, check out one of the many acclaimed BBQ spots in Birmingham, such as Full Moon BBQ or SAW's BBQ.
Space explorers will want to plan a stop in Huntsville to experience the U.S. Space & Rocket Center at Tranquility Base. Known as the best space exploration experience outside of the Kennedy Space Center, a visit to this museum promises to be out of this world.
Discover Things to Do in Alabama Beaches
Road trips are all about adventure, but having a rough itinerary upon arrival will ensure you don't wander so much that you become burnt out on driving. After a longhaul drive, your first stop should be the sugary, sandy beaches of the Alabama. Our road trip ritual is that regardless of the hour of our arrival, we immediately head to the beach to stick our toes in the sand. A sign that vacation has officially begun. With endless fun family activities to explore in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you’ll never be short of things to do.
Find More Beach Inspiration
Want to know one of the best road trip tips? Order a free vacation guide! Or, subscribe to the Alabama Beaches newsletter so you are in the know about all the fun festivities happening in the area prior to embarking. Then, during your travels, plan out must-do activities and attractions with your fellow travelers. Not only does it build excitement about arriving at the beach, it helps pass the time along the way!
