1. Go glamping at Gulf State Park.
Enjoy the great outdoors with a few comforts of home on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. Each tent comes with four cots, four deck chairs, access to a well water pump and pre-chopped wood for your campfire. Click here for tips on planning your trip.
2. Go on a duck boat tour.
The new Gulf Coast Ducks at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is by far the most entertaining way to experience Mobile Bay. Each tour is about 45 minutes and costs $22 for adults and $14 for kids.
3. Eat a snow cone bigger than your head.
Summer in Mobile is hot. Really hot. And sometimes, there's no better way to cool off than at Lulani's Shaved Ice. These deliciously humongous snow cones are a rite of passage. Find them on Old Pascagoula Road in Theodore.
4. Break out.
Summer rain storms are inevitable, but they don't have to ruin your day. For a little indoor fun, grab a group of friends and test your puzzle-solving skills at Breakout Mobile. You've been kidnapped and have 60 minutes to escape…and, go!
5. Go kayaking.
Don't take our proximity to the water for granted. Local paddler Hanlon Walsh shares his favorite spots (and post-paddle watering holes) to explore. Click here for even more recommendations.
6. Have a picnic at Cooper Riverside Park.
This quiet downtown park boasts an amazing view of the Mobile River and ample space for a relaxing family lunch. While you're there, walk down to GulfQuest to explore floors of interactive exhibits.
7. Watch the sunset on Dauphin Island.
Bring a lawn chair and admire the view while live music plays in the background at Dauphin Island's Sunday Sunset Concerts on the West End Beach. Admission is only $5 and proceeds benefit the project to relocate and restore the Little Red School House. The next concert is scheduled for June 26 at 6 p.m.
8. Take the back roads to the beach.
While en route to our beautiful Gulf this summer, detour from the tourist traffic to enjoy the bounties off the beaten path. Baldwin County has too much to offer to simply pass right through. Click here for some ideas of where to stop.
9. Fish on the Alabama Gulf State Park Pier.
In addition to reeling in a big one, you'll have the opportunity to meet some of the pier's most interesting characters. Meet some of the regulars here.
10. Attend church at the Flora-Bama.
Everyone is welcome at Worship on the Water, a non-denominational church service held at 11 a.m. every Sunday. Beach attire is welcome.
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11. Recreate a restaurant classic at home.
Buschwackers…Chrissys…We can't think of any better way to cool off. Try these go-to recipes from Pirate's Cove and Ruth's Chris.
THE BUSHWACKER
6 ounces ice
1 ounce Kahlua
1 ounce Malibu rum
2 ounces vanilla ice cream
Cruzan Rum 151, to garnish
Combine first 4 ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into glass and float Cruzan on top.
Serves 1.
THE CHRISSY
1/2 ounce Frangelico
1/2 ounce vodka
3 heaping scoops Häagen-Dazs ice cream
Combine ingredients in a blender. Pulse blender until smooth. Pour into glass. Serves 1.
12. Go for a ride on an airboat.
Explore the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and get up close and personal with local wildlife with the help of Captains Brittany and Geoff Woodliff of Delta Airboat Express.
13. Watch movies outside.
Round up the family to watch a free flick at The Village of Spring Hill's “Screen on the Green” on Dorn Field at Spring Hill College. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will be shown on June 25 and either “Pitch Perfect” or “Ferris Bueller's Day Off” will be shown on July 16. This summer, the city of Fairhope will also host their “Glow in the Park Summer Movie Series” with free family movies at Fairhopers Community Park on July 7 and August 4. The movies slated for the series are “Minions” and “Inside Out.”
14. Try a new restaurant.
Mobile's restaurant scene is booming. Show the newbies some love! A few suggestions: FIVE, Dauphin's, Saisho or Bishop's Southern Tradition (the hot chicken is a must).
15. Pole vault on Dauphin Street.
Pole vaulting in the street is totally normal, right? On July 16, join beginner and elite pole vaulters as they launch themselves high in the sky on the streets of LoDa. Register here.
16. Play mini golf.
The site of the former Funtasia Family Fun Center on Girby Road has been transformed and reopened as The Putting Place. On Mondays, you can play unlimited holes for just $8!
17. Host a crab boil.
It's messy, low-key and utterly delicious. These easy recipes are all you need.
18. Get some air.
For a little rainy day fun, take the kids to Mobile's indoor trampoline park, Get Air. Tip: Monday is family night! Receive 20 percent off admission with a group of four or more jumpers.
19. Watch a classic movie at the Saenger.
Beginning in July, the Saenger Theatre will be showing classic films such as “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, ” “Grease, ” “Field of Dreams” and “Airplane” as part of their Summer Classic Movie Series on Sunday afternoons.
20. Celebrate Mardi Gras.
Why not celebrate Mardi Gras in July? Head to Fairhope Brewing Company on July 23 for a Carnival-themed party featuring craft beers, street food, live music and more.
What's on your bucket list this summer? Tell us below.
