With the ever-increasing popularity of social media platforms and the unending urge we all feel to share pictures of our life journey, we began to think about our favorite local places we like to share on our Instagram* and Facebook* pages. As a result, we, at Sunset Properties, put together a list of Six Amazingly Instagrammable Venues in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan for our readers.
- Fort Morgan Historic Site
With its pristinely kept lawn, beautiful background of Mobile Bay or The Gulf of Mexico and amazing craftsmanship, Fort Morgan, the historic battle location found at the end of Alabama Highway 182, makes a uniquely beautiful venue for any type of photography. The aged concrete found in the older outer parts of the fort create an eye-catching setting sure to enhance your pictures. Come inside the fort. Be sure to pay close attention to the way the light seems to move as you walk thru the arched entrance. Once inside the fort, you’ll notice that the colors of the bricks along with the 100-plus year-old masonry itself offer a setting the likes of which is found nowhere else on our island. The granite stones that make up several of the staircases inside this former Civil War soldiers’ home are also naturally beautiful and can be used like bleachers to seat larger groups for a family photo. Lastly, the beaches of Fort Morgan also provide the perfect coastal setting. Be mindful of Fort Morgan’s posted hours of operation. Be careful not to get locked in! The fort closes at sunset but consider staying on the grounds as long as you can before the sun goes down. The shots you’ll get when those rays get long and stretched may just be some of the best ones you’ll catch anywhere on the island. If you’re looking to increase your Instagram followers, the pictures you get at our beloved Fort Morgan may just do it!
- Perdido Pass
The waters of Perdido Pass are filled with marine wildlife. If you’re wanting to snap some pictures of sea turtles, dolphins and maybe even a manatee as they pass by, Perdido Pass is a great place to start. Located just off Alabama Highway 180, also known as Perdido Beach Boulevard, Perdido Pass at Alabama Point offers both a recreational beach and a man-made park-and-view area. This is not only one of our favorite places to take Instagram-worthy pictures of the aquatic wildlife that encircles our island home, but we love to fish here, too! In addition to providing a fisherman with the opportunity to cast into schools of whatever hungry species happen to be swimming by, the swiftly rushing waters that push through the pass and under the bridge at Alabama Point create an ever-changing, never-disappointing looking glass view into the underwater world that surrounds us. If pictures of marine wildlife are what you’re hoping to get while you’re visiting Orange Beach, be sure to check out Perdido Pass.
- Caribe C Penthouse 14 Balcony
If you’re planning on visiting Perdido Pass, why not just go ahead and stay there? Check out Caribe C Penthouse 14. What an amazing view! Unlike our other suggestions, you’re going to have to plan ahead to get a great shot from here. This fabulous penthouse unit stays booked much of the time, so if this one makes your list of must-see Instagrammable places, be sure to call ahead to reserve it. From this balcony, you’ll see out over the Gulf of Mexico as well as have great views of our back bays in Orange Beach. On sunny days your view will seem endless, but there is nothing like catching a shot of a vivid rainbow arching across a fall sky over the Gulf right after a heavy rain. Caribe C Penthouse 14 will provide plenty of opportunities to take great pictures, but it is an amazing beach home, itself. We are sure you and your family will love staying with Sunset Properties at Caribe C Penthouse 14. We are equally sure your Instagram followers will love seeing all the amazing pictures you take while you’re here.
- Gulf State Park Pier
Another great place to catch some wonderfully sharable Instagram pics is the Gulf State Park Pier. With its ever-changing views, you’re sure to see something new each time you visit. Because the Gulf State Park pier extends out into The Gulf of Mexico some 1500 feet, the marine life you will see underneath changes with the depth of the water. The waves change as well. Usually as you reach the end of the pier, the tumbling, rolling waves become little more than rising and falling water. However, when the wind is blowing, the water can whitecap and create amazingly interesting picture opportunities. For an unmatched view of the Gulf Shores skyline and beach, look back inland from the end of the pier. Early morning and late day lighting can offer one-of-a-kind pictures that you will want to share with your followers. Additionally, the architecture of the pier, itself, is pretty interesting. Look past the concrete to the way the pier is constructed. The cold, clean lines of the pier contrasting against the warmth of the water and sand will make any Instagrammer smile.
- The Ferris Wheel at The Wharf
How do you feel about heights? If taking pictures from over 100 feet up appeals to you, then The Ferris Wheel at The Wharf absolutely must be on your list. For breathtaking views of our island home, visit The Wharf in Orange Beach and ride the only Ferris Wheel for miles around. To be exact, the Ferris Wheel at The Wharf is 114 feet tall, has 24 gondolas and can hold up to 140 people. At night, you will witness one of the most vivid light shows anywhere as the wheel becomes its own light show experience. Taking pictures of the Ferris Wheel is almost as much fun as taking them from it. Another great Instagrammable venue at The Wharf is their ice-skating rink. A rare find in South Alabama, an ice-skating rink makes a great holiday backdrop for pictures. Starting in mid-November, The Wharf will kick off the holiday season by having Santa stop by for pictures and opening its ice-skating rink. Be sure to put The Wharf on your Instagram venue list. You won’t be disappointed!
- The Public Beach in Gulf Shores
What would a trip to Gulf Shores be without at least one Instagram post from The Public Beach? Pretty much since the invention of cameras, folks have been visiting our beautiful white sandy beaches in Gulf Shores and taking pictures. Located at the end of Alabama Highway 59, also called Gulf Shores Parkway, the Public Beach in Gulf Shores has been a photo favorite for more years than most of us have been living. Photography methods may have changed, but our beaches remain one of our all-time favorite places to take pictures. Whether you choose The Gulf of Mexico as your backdrop or you prefer the sea oat covered dunes in your pictures, you’re sure to catch something memorable. Several of our favorite local pubs and restaurants line our beach boardwalk. Instagramming a shot of the famous Pink Pony Pub will surely get you several likes. The world-famous Hangout is also located right in our public beach area. With so many photo opps at The Public Beach in Gulf Shores, we are sure you will find just the perfect one to post.
At Sunset Properties, we celebrate vacations and memories. We know your vacation memories are some of the most special ones you make throughout your life. We also know you love sharing pictures of your travels. These are a few of our favorite spots to take pictures and we would love to hear what yours are. Also, we want to remind you that we are a family owned, family operated vacation rental management company and we specialize in helping families choose their perfect vacation homes. From our condos located near Fort Morgan, to our luxury beach homes located along the Alabama Gulf Coast, to our cozy condo located in Park City, Utah and down to our vacation home near Walt Disney World, we love helping our guests plan their perfect getaway. Give us a call at 251.543.1370 or email us at info@sunsetproperties.com for all your vacation rental needs. We guarantee you’ll find some Instagrammable moments we haven’t even thought of!
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