Looking for the best things to do in Fort Morgan, Alabama?

When most people think about Alabama beach vacations, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach usually come to mind first. But if you keep driving west, you’ll find one of the Gulf Coast’s best-kept secrets: Fort Morgan.

Life moves a little slower here. There are fewer crowds, quiet beaches, incredible fishing, amazing sunsets, and enough history and nature to keep you busy for days.

As locals who spend most of our time at Fort Morgan Marina, these are the places we find ourselves recommending over and over.

1. Go Offshore Fishing with KOKA Charters

If you’re looking for something you’ll still be talking about years later, spend a day offshore.

At KOKA Charters, we fish aboard No Doubt, our comfortable 60-foot federally permitted charter boat that can accommodate groups of up to 23 passengers. Whether you’re an experienced angler or have never held a fishing rod, we’ll help you have an incredible day on the Gulf.

KOKA Charters offers private charter trips, so your group will get to enjoy the whole boat to yourselves. Grill, fish, relax, party…. KOKA individualizes each trip to your group.

Depending on the season, you may catch:

• Red Snapper
• Triggerfish
• Amberjack
• King Mackerel
• Vermilion Snapper
• Grouper
• Spanish Mackerel
• Sharks
• And plenty of other Gulf species

One of the best parts? You don’t have to squeeze onto a tiny boat. No Doubt has:

• Air-conditioned cabin
• Private restroom
• Shaded seating
• Large fishing deck
• Plenty of room for families and large groups
• Bluetooth stereo
• Comfortable ride offshore

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, bachelor party, corporate outing, church group, or simply checking a bucket-list fishing trip off your list, charter fishing deserves a spot at the top of your Fort Morgan itinerary.

2. Explore Historic Fort Morgan

The fort itself is absolutely worth visiting.

Completed in 1834, Fort Morgan Historic Site guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay and became famous during the Civil War when Admiral David Farragut reportedly declared, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” The fort later served during the Spanish-American War and both World Wars.

You can spend hours walking through brick tunnels, climbing the walls, exploring old artillery positions, and taking in incredible views of Mobile Bay and the Gulf.

Even if you’re not a huge history buff, it’s simply a beautiful place to explore.

3. Ride the Mobile Bay Ferry to Dauphin Island

This has become one of our favorite family adventures.

Load your vehicle onto the ferry and enjoy a scenic ride across Mobile Bay. Keep an eye out for dolphins—you’ll often spot them swimming alongside the boat.

Once you reach Dauphin Island, there’s plenty to enjoy:

• Alabama Aquarium at the Sea Lab
• Fort Gaines
• Public beaches
• Local restaurants
• Parks and picnic areas
• Snow cones and ice cream
• Small-town island atmosphere

We recently spent the day exploring the island, having a picnic, visiting the Sea Lab, relaxing on the beach, and wandering through town. It made for a fantastic day trip.

4. Spend an Afternoon at Fort Morgan Marina

Honestly…this is where we end up most days.

The marina has that relaxed coastal feel that’s getting harder to find.

After your fishing trip you can:

• Watch charter boats come in
• Grab an ice cream
• Walk the docks
• Watch pelicans and dolphins
• Sit by the water with a cold drink
• Enjoy some of the best sunsets on the Alabama coast

Sometimes doing absolutely nothing is the best activity of all.

5. Eat at Tacky Jacks Fort Morgan

If you’re looking for casual waterfront dining, Tacky Jacks is a local favorite.

It’s the kind of place where flip-flops are perfectly acceptable.

You’ll find:

• Fresh seafood
• Burgers and sandwiches
• Breakfast & brunch
• Bushwackers
• Waterfront views
• Frequent live entertainment and karaoke nights downstairs
• One of the best sunset views around

Many of our fishing guests head straight there after their trip.

6. Enjoy Dinner at Jesse’s on the Bay

For a nicer evening out, it’s hard to beat Jesse’s on the Bay.

Southern Living recently named it one of its standout Gulf Coast dining destinations, known for beautifully prepared Gulf seafood, excellent steaks, and panoramic views over Bon Secour Bay.

It’s a wonderful choice for anniversaries, birthdays, or simply treating yourself after a day on the water.

7. Visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Fort Morgan isn’t just about beaches.

Nature lovers should definitely spend some time at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, where several easy walking trails wind through maritime forests, dunes, marshes, and coastal habitats.

You may spot:

• Herons
• Ospreys
• Migrating songbirds
• Sea turtles (during nesting season)
• Foxes
• Armadillos
• Countless native plants and wildflowers

Fort Morgan is also recognized as one of Alabama’s premier birding destinations during spring and fall migration.

8. Relax on the Quiet Beaches

One reason people fall in love with Fort Morgan is what isn’t here.

No towering hotels.

No bumper-to-bumper traffic.

No crowded beaches.

Instead, you’ll find wide stretches of sugar-white sand where you can spread out, hunt for shells, fish from shore, or simply enjoy the sound of the waves. Many visitors choose Fort Morgan specifically because it’s so much quieter than neighboring beach towns.

9. Grab Fresh Local Seafood

Before heading back to your condo or beach house, stop by one of the local seafood markets along Fort Morgan Road.

Fresh Gulf shrimp, snapper, crab, oysters, and other seasonal catches make it easy to cook your own seafood feast while on vacation.

10. Slow Down and Enjoy Fort Morgan

That’s really the secret.

Fort Morgan isn’t trying to compete with crowded tourist destinations.

It’s a place where families reconnect.

Where sunsets last a little longer.

Where kids catch their first fish.

Where you can spend the morning exploring history, the afternoon offshore catching dinner, and the evening listening to live music by the marina.

It’s the kind of beach vacation people remember.

And if you ask us…

There’s no better way to experience Fort Morgan than spending a day offshore aboard No Doubt with KOKA Charters, then coming back to the marina, grabbing dinner at Tacky Jacks, and watching the sun disappear over Mobile Bay.

We’d love to have you aboard.