Fairhope is a delightful seaside resort town situated on the picturesque shoreline of Mobile Bay in Alabama. It offers great dining options, nature preserves, and numerous activities to explore during weekend or weeklong getaways.
Whether you prefer strolling through nature, spotting wildlife, or relaxing on a nearby beach, Fairhope has something for everyone.
The city is known for its rustic charm, cute cafes, galleries, brunch spots, boutiques and the Fairhope Municipal Pier. Other attractions worth visiting in Fairhope include delicious family-run restaurants, the historical buildings of Oak Hollow Farm and the Rock Creek Golf Club.
Here’s our ultimate girls’ getaway guide to Fairhope, Alabama, with all the tips you need to plan an unforgettable girls’ trip!
Best Hotels In Fairhope For A Girls’ Getaway
Despite its small size (pop 22,477 as of 2020), Fairhope has many accommodation options. From boutique hotels to budget-friendly options just a short drive from the city, there is something for every accommodation, desire, and budget.
These are eight of the top-rated hotels in Fairhope. We’ve organized them below by luxury, mid-range, and budget.
Luxury Fairhope Hotels
- Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa – This high-end resort provides a full-service spa, three dining options, a 36-hole golf course, tennis courts, one indoor pool, and two outdoor pools. Situated near the main attractions of Fairhope, this hotel is perfect for an indulgent girls’ getaway.
- Magnolia Springs B&B – This bed and breakfast is located in Magnolia Springs, close to a boardwalk and the Tanger Outlet Center. The B&B offers a complimentary full breakfast, has a garden and free self-parking. The rooms are individually furnished and feature premium bedding.
Mid-Range Fairhope Hotels
- Hampton Inn Fairhope – This hotel is located in Fairhope, within walking distance of Fairhope Avenue, Mobile Bay and Fairhope Municipal Pier. The hotel has multiple room options, including rooms sleeping between one and four people and a studio suite. The Hampton Inn also has golfing on-site, tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and a gym.
- Holiday Inn Express Fairhope – With rooms that sleep up to six people with two queen beds and a sofa bed, this hotel is an excellent option for larger groups. They also have rooms that sleep four and two people. The hotel is in the city center with easy access to Fairhope Avenue and Windmill Market.
- Homewood Suites – Located just outside the city, this hotel is a great place to stay with just a short journey into the city. This hotel features rooms with up to eight people and studio options with a kitchen. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and complimentary self-parking.
Budget Fairhope Hotels
- Hilton Garden Inn – Located in Daphne, just a short drive outside the city, this city is a great location to explore Fairhope and further afield. The hotel has 124 rooms, a fireplace in the lobby, an on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi.
- Holiday Inn Express and Suites Spanish Fort Area – This hotel offers rooms that sleep up to six people, city-view rooms and a suite option. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, a breakfast buffet, and a snack bar/deli.
- Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham – With a terrace, a gym and free self-parking, this hotel is an excellent option for a trip by car to Fairhope. Located in Daphne, this hotel is close to Fairhope, the Marietta Johnson Museum, and Fort Conde Museum.
Things To Do In Fairhope On A Girls’ Getaway
Fairhope is a city located in Baldwin County, Alabama, situated on the eastern shoreline of Mobile Bay. As of 2020, the city’s population is 22,500. Despite its small size, Fairhope offers plenty of attractions to visitors.
The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including stunning sunsets and scenic beaches, contributing to its peaceful way of life. Downtown Fairhope is a treasure trove of charm and history, featuring picturesque shops, cafes and galleries lining its streets.
Whether you prefer strolling through nature preserves, spotting wildlife, or relaxing on a nearby beach, Fairhope has something for everyone.
Here are ten fun things to do in Fairhope on a girls’ getaway!
1) Take a stroll down Fairhope Avenue
Fairhope Avenue is an excellent place for a leisurely walk, as it offers an array of independent stores, bookshops, art galleries, and fashion boutiques. No matter what you’re looking for, whether it’s a handbag, an unusual gift, or a local souvenir to remember your trip, you’ll find a store that suits your taste and style.
2) Visit a local brewery
Try one or more of the 15 local beers on tap at the Fairhope Brewing Company.
3) Get outside and explore nature
Get out into nature and take your girl gang on a walk through the Village Point Park Preserve, the Gator Alley Boardwalk, or the Weeks Bay Reserve.
4) Take a walk down Fairhope Municipal Pier
The Fairhope Municipal Pier is a famous landmark in the city, offering ample open space, stunning views of Mobile Bay and opportunities for wildlife spotting and fishing.
5) Rent a bike and explore the city
Exploring downtown on foot is an option, but bike riding can provide a unique and enjoyable experience. You and your friends can relish the stunning views of Mobile Bay, ride down roads flanked by moss-draped oak trees, and appreciate the city’s natural beauty.
6) Visit the Grand Hotel Resort
If you and your girls aren’t staying at the Grand Hotel Resort, you can still explore one of the most loved hotels in the area. The hotel has ample exploring grounds and is excellent for a good meal. If you visit in the afternoon, you can witness the daily cannon firing and enjoy afternoon tea in the Grand Hall.
7) Explore the French Quarter
The French Quarter boasts stunning courtyards with beautiful fountains and numerous shopping opportunities. You must try the famous beignets or the muffaletta sandwich while there.
The French Quarter in Fairhope was constructed in 1994 to commemorate the French settlers’ history in Mobile. This historic and quaint downtown section is a great place for everyone to experience the rich culture that the French brought to Alabama.
8) Watch a Mardi Gras Parade
Suppose you are lucky enough to visit the city over the Mardi Gras celebrations. These celebrations, which take place all around the south, are unique and a must-experience.
9) Charter a boat
If you’re interested in fishing, sailing, or just spending time on the water, a charter boat company is available to take you and your friends on a nautical adventure. You can sail around Mobile Bay or take a trip to the Gulf for a deep-sea fishing excursion.
10) Visit a beach
North Beach Park features a white sandy beach, paved walking trail, pier, playground equipment, pavilions, benches and a duck pond – all with exceptional views of Mobile Bay.
Best Villas In Fairhope For A Girls’ Getaway
If you are looking for a more affordable high-end rental or somewhere where all your girls can relax together on your Fairhope girls’ getaway, here are seven top-rated luxury villas that are less pricey but still have all the required amenities for an incredible stay:
- Downtown Fairhope Loft – 2 bedroom / 1 bath / Sleeps 5
- Downtown Fairhope Studio – 1 bedroom / 1 bath / Sleeps 4
- Meet Me in Fairhope – 3 bedroom / 2 bath / Sleeps 5
- Two Bedroom Cottage – 2 bedroom / 1 bath / Sleeps 6
- Cheerful Two Bedroom Cottage – 2 bedroom / 1 bath / Sleeps 6
- Bay House – 4 bedroom / 2 bath / Sleeps 19
- Sweet Home Alabama – 4 bedroom / 3 bath / Sleeps 8
Best Dinner Spots In Fairhope
Fairhope has vibrant summers, mild winters, and friendly folks, it’s the perfect setting for a charming dining experience. Its location is on the shore of Mobile Bay, providing restaurants with access to the freshest seafood around.
Here are ten of the best restaurants in Fairhope:
- Sunset Pointe – This restaurant is a beloved spot among locals and tourists. It is known for its seafood-based menu, with its Eastern Shore Bouillabaisse being the standout dish, packed with fresh fish and shellfish. It is located in a peaceful area away from the hustle and bustle, where visitors can savor delicious food and beverages and magnificent sunsets.
- Thyme on Section – Thyme on Section is a restaurant that offers delicious Southern cuisine. It is located between East Bay Clothing and the Hampton Inn. Thyme’s head chef has over 20 years of experience in the industry and is excited to share their modern interpretation of Southern cuisine with the guests. The restaurant prioritizes sourcing fresh ingredients from local suppliers, ensuring that their dishes are made with the best seasonal produce, no matter the time of year.
- Dragonfly Foodbar – This restaurant is situated in Downtown Fairhope and offers a unique blend of Mexican and Asian cuisine. Though the place may appear modest from the outside, it is actually quite spacious and has a significant amount of outdoor seating. The restaurant is popular among young customers and has a friendly staff.
- Gambino’s Italian Grill – The Gambino Family has been offering the finest Italian classics, steaks, seafood, entertainment, and atmosphere for nearly 50 years. A visit to Gambino’s feels like a warm invitation to a cozy Italian family home. They aim to make you feel cared for and well-fed with delicious food, engaging conversations, and some wine.
- Southern Roots – This restaurant is owned by The Grand Hotel. It offers an elegant yet relaxed dining experience by providing amazing service, a stunning atmosphere, and dishes created by top chefs. They focus on using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients grown in their own estate, resulting in farm-to-table cooking at its finest. Their dining room is magnificent, as expected from a restaurant in The Grand Hotel.
- Sage – Maritza and Nader have combined their business understanding and love for authentic ethnic cuisine to create Sage, a fusion of Lebanese, Latin American, and North American cultures.
- Sunflower Cafe – Sunflower Café provides a healthy dining experience in a charming, casual environment. They cater to those with dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. They source their ingredients from certified organic, sustainable, and ethical farms whenever possible. Additionally, their meat options are always free of GMOs, hormones, preservatives, and other harmful additives.
- The Bone and Barrel – The Bone And The Barrel restaurant is a popular spot among locals, situated in the heart of downtown Fairhope. The restaurant’s unique atmosphere pays tribute to great music, vintage memorabilia, and amazing art while serving daily lunch and dinner. You can enjoy live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night while indulging in their iconic eats.
- The Hope Farm – Robert and Bently Evans, a father-son duo, have combined their passions for wine and agriculture to create The Hope Farm. This farm is built on a concept that revolves around urban farming and local food, to work towards a sustainable future. The farm produces everything from scratch, including its bread and pasta, and all the proteins are locally sourced as well. Visitors can enjoy the outdoor seating on their great lawn while kids can run around and play.
- The Fairhope Inn – The Fairhope Inn is a renowned fine dining restaurant in Fairhope with a 25-year history. Their menu includes delectable dishes such as Oysters Brittany, Crawfish Beignets, Fried Eggplant Napoleon, and Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes for Sunday Brunch. The restaurant changes its menus seasonally to showcase the freshest local flavors and ingredients, featuring everything from balsamic to bacon to beets.
Best Nightlife Spots in Fairhope
Despite its small size, Fairhope offers a unique selection of bars, wine bars and breweries that are sure to make your evening unforgettable.
Here are ten of the best nightlife spots in Fairhope:
- Twist 181 – Twist 181 Lounge is an upscale cocktail lounge with a lively ambiance that guarantees a good time in Alabama.
- Fly Bar – FlyBar is a cocktail boutique specializing in unique mixed drinks. The recipes collaborate with bartenders and employees, incorporating fresh ingredients and flavor combinations.
- Tongue and Groove Drinkery – Tongue & Groove Drinkery and Wine Bar is a speakeasy-style bar that takes you back to the 1920s. The bar offers handcrafted cocktails made using the freshest ingredients. The inviting atmosphere makes you feel like you’re living the glamorous life of Gatsby himself.
- The Monkey Bar – This bar and restaurant is located in downtown Fairhope and serves craft cocktails, wine, and beer with a tropical vibe.
- McSharry’s Irish Pub – This is the only authentic Irish pub in the area, serving Irish-influenced dishes like fish and chips, Reubens, and fish tacos. The pub also has a cozy interior and a garden patio.
- Le Bouchon – This wine and tapas bar boasts an impressive selection of over 90 wines from various regions worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice just beginning to explore the world of wine, they have something to offer. Many of their wines are available by the glass, allowing you to sample a variety of flavors. In addition to their wine selection, they also have a good assortment of craft beers to choose from.
- Fairhope Brewing Company – This local brewery has over 15 beers on tap; there is also an opportunity to take a brewery tour.
- 1847 Bar – The bar named 1847 is situated in The Grand Hotel Resort and Spa. It’s a great place to retreat if you’re looking for a good bar. The bar serves Grand Garden-to-glass cocktails that are expertly crafted, as well as local drinks and signature wines. The name of the bar is derived from the year the resort opened, which was 1847.
- Bucky’s Lounge – Bucky’s Lounge is in The Grand Hotel Resort and Spa and is known for its cozy piano bar, outdoor fire pits, tapas and specialty cocktails. The lounge boasts an impressive list of drinks, including signature cocktails, handcrafted specialty cocktails, an extensive selection of bourbons, and rye, Irish whiskey, rum, tequila, and scotch.
- The Mill – If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a relaxing evening with your friends, The Mill restaurant and event venue in downtown Fairhope, Alabama, is a great option. This bar has an extensive and unique selection of wine, champagne, and regional craft beer for you to choose from. The casual atmosphere of this place makes it perfect for unwinding after a long day.
How To Get To Fairhope, Alabama
One of the things that makes Fairhope an ideal destination for a girls’ getaway is that it is easily accessible by several direct flights from around the United States.
Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) is the closest airport, which offers flights to Atlanta, Houston, Dallas and Charlotte. You can fly all around the world from any of those airports.
The airport is located just under an hour outside of the airport. You can pick up an Uber at the airport, get a taxi or rent a car.
Best Time To Visit Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope is a great city to visit for a girl’s getaway year-round. There isn’t a wrong time to visit Fairhope, but if you don’t like hot and humid weather, avoid visiting between May and August.
The best time to visit Fairhope is either in spring or fall when the temperatures are cooler than during the summer months.
Fairhope, Alabama Girls Getaway Guide Wrap Up
I hope you’ve found this Fairhope girls’ getaway guide helpful and you are now excited to visit this city with your girls!
If you have questions about Fairhope or tips for our readers, please leave these in the comments below! And suppose you’re interested in visiting other cities in the United States. In that case, you can check out all our Bachelorette party articles for inspiration or all our girls getaway guides for other trip ideas.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Fairhope, Alabama. If you have any questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below.
Want to write for We Are Travel Girls? Please visit our Contribute Page to submit your article.
Read More About Girls Getaways
- 17 Best California Girls Getaway Destinations
- Top 10 Winter Girls Getaways Destinations In Europe
- 12 Spring Girls Getaway Destinations In The USA
- Top 12 Winter Girls Getaway Destinations In The US
Author
We Are Travel Girls Co-Founder Vanessa Rivers
Connect with Vanessa Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube
Pin For Later
This article may contain affiliate links, if you purchase something using one of our links we may receive a commission. Please see our Disclosures for more information.
Leave a Reply