Day One: Mobile, Alabama

Spend part of the day exploring the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park and the rest of the day exploring the beautiful beaches at Gulf Shores, AL, a short drive from Mobile.

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park 2703 Battleship Pkwy., Mobile, AL (251) 433-2703 or www.ussalabama.com. Explore the Mighty Battleship USS Alabama, winner of 9 battle stars in World War II. See Mach 3 A-12 Blackbird super secret spy plane and B-52 Calamity Jane, submarine USS DRUM plus 22 other aircraft and weaponry from all branches of the military.

Gulf Beaches 3150 Gulf Shores Parkway (Visitor Information Center) Gulf Shores, AL (251) 968-7511, (800) 745-SAND or www.gulfshores.com. Come enjoy 32 miles of emerald gulf water and sugar white beaches. Championship golf, fishing, dining and more. Beachfront accommodations and public beach access available.

Places to stay in Mobile, Alabama

Radisson Admiral Semmes
251 Government St.
Mobile, AL 36602
(334) 432-8000
(800) 333-3333
Rates: From $129

Courtyard by Marriott
1000 S Beltline Hwy
Mobile, AL 36609
(251) 344-5200
Rates: From $79

Fairfield Inn
950-A West I-65 Service Road South
Mobile, Alabama 36609
(251) 316-0029
Rates: From $64

Ramada Inn
850 S Beltline Hwy
Mobile, AL 36609
(251) 342-3220
Rates: From $59