Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge protects a quieter piece of the Alabama coast west of Gulf Shores, with dunes, beach, pine-oak woods, freshwater wetlands, and lagoon edges. It feels far removed from the condo strip, even though the first trailheads are only a short drive away.
The refuge is especially good for birding during spring and fall migration, and it is also important habitat for sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The Jeff Friend and Pine Beach trails are the easiest introductions; bring water and bug repellent, and expect the beach sections to feel more exposed than the wooded parts.