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Overview

Foley is a wonderful year-round destination. Sugar-white beaches and beautiful turquoise waters lie just a few minutes away. Within sight are some of the best outlet shopping and dining around. More than 5 million visitors per year frequent Alabama’s historic city. State of the art recreational facilities, specialty shops, and unique antique stores can be found in and around the city. The principal city of Baldwin County is just eight miles from the Gulf of Mexico. The picturesque has year-round cultural activities that will keep guests wanting for more. 

Fast Facts

• The city was founded and named after Chicago’s John Foley. He was told of an area in South Baldwin County, which he later visited in 1902. He liked the area and bought at least 40,000 acres and 50,000 acres of land consecutively. 

• Foley was responsible for forming the Magnolia Land Company. He used some of his funds to have the first rail station built in 1905. The first train service was known as the Pine Knot Special. 

• Foley’s attempts in bringing settlers into the city were successful. The town was incorporated in 1915, just a few years after Foley’s developments. 

Things to Do

Spend a few hours on self-guided floats on Foley’s shallow beach and paddle all the way to Bon Secour River’s still waters. The launch site has a Beach n River Kayak Rental branch that offers floats for four hours. Tourists can also have a party, join a league, or just enjoy pure bowling in the Gulf Bowl, located along South Jupiter Street. One you go hungry; try the ice cream sodas, malts, milk shakes, and sandwiches offered by the 1929 Stacey’s Old Tyme Soda Fountain. Amazingly, the cups of coffee are offered in 1929 prices of 10 cents per cup. 

Tourist Attractions

The historic city has several museums of note. The Foley Alabama Railroad Museum and Archives was built in 1908. Tourists can catch a glimpse of the culture and history of both Foley and Baldwin County by strolling through its plentiful exhibits. The Model Train Exhibit features a replica of the Hummingbird, 50 passenger coaches, and one mile of wiring. Foley’s Antique Rose Trail winds through Foley’s downtown. The trail showcases Foley’s disease-resistant heritage flowers of all colors, sizes, and shapes. The Graham Creek Nature Preserve has hiking trails, kayak launches, and tidal marshes. 

Best Hotel Accommodations

America’s Best Inn and Suites has an ideal location with the seashore a few minutes away. The inn offers rooms with balconies that have fantastic ocean views. Guests can enjoy roaming around nearby restaurants, beach shops, golf centers and water parks. There are plenty of beach activities to choose from like scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling and surfing. There are deep-sea fishing sites around the area and visitors can go dolphin watching as well. Comfort Suites is within walking distance to the favorite Tanger Outlet Center. The hotel also offers free wireless internet access, local calls, and continental breakfasts. Options also include the Best Western Riviera Inn, Econo Lodge, Holiday Inn, and Hotel Magnolia.