Gulf Shores / Pensacola West KOA

The coasts of Alabama are popular travel destinations, and its no wonder why. The coastal parks lining the Gulf of Mexico are strikingly beautiful, with unbeatable views of the water and a slew of wildlife that call the coastal preserves home. Gulf State Park is a lovely example of what you can see when you aim to bring your RV rental for a road trip through the southern part of Alabama. Guests may take guided tours with park rangers to learn about the ecosystem, and there is even a nature center on-site. The beaches and seaside pavilions are quite convenient while you are trying to cool off, and concession stands ensure you won't go hungry during your visit.

Perdido Key State Park and Big Lagoon State Park are two more fabulous parks along the coast that are perfect places to spend some time enjoying the summer weather. Both parks are only a few minutes’ drive from Lillian despite being in Florida, making it easy to take your campervan rental to spend some time along the water. Perdido Key State Park is found on a barrier island on the Florida panhandle, home to exotic white sand beaches and breathtaking seascapes. Great big dunes tower over the water, with epic views especially when the sun is rising or setting. Big Lagoon State Park is a great place for boating, canoeing, and kayaking, all while observing and photographing the migratory birds that call the park home. Hiking paths, camping spaces, observation towers, and swimming areas also help to make the park a memorable place to visit.

Directly across the water from Big Lagoon State Park is one small sliver of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which spans almost the entire Gulf Coast, featuring a series of barrier islands. These undeveloped natural sanctuaries are fascinating places to spend the day, reconnecting with nature, and fostering an appreciation for the local wildlife species. There are two major campgrounds found on the protected seashore, but most of the areas are only reachable by boat.

If you want to head into a city center and take a break from the great outdoors and epic beaches of Alabama, a quick ride into Pensacola with your Lillian RV rental will surely do the trick. With highly-rated bars and seafood restaurants along the bayfront in town, Pensacola is an ideal place to eat locally sourced food and get a taste of the coastal nightlife. During the day, you can visit the Historic Pensacola Village, which consists of over 20 properties and historical sites in the heart of the city. People of all ages love to take a guided tour through the many churches, homes, and old buildings while learning about the legacy and local history of Pensacola.

The Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum is another wonderful place where the history of Pensacola is on full display. You can climb the 177 steps to the top of this lofty structure to delight in enchanting views of the bay and city, all while learning about the history of the lighthouse and the town. Along with Fort Barrancas and the National Naval Aviation Museum, there are lots of fascinating attractions within a small area here. The National Naval Aviation Museum is home to over 4,000 artifacts, planes, and other relevant information regarding the naval aviation of the United States military. There are flight simulators and other fun activities to enjoy when you take a tour of this impressive facility in Pensacola.