Foley, Alabama Travel Guide

Discover Foley, Alabama, a hidden gem with Southern charm, rich history, and modern attractions, perfect for family trips and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Foley, Alabama is a delightful blend of Southern charm, rich history, and modern attractions. Nestled in Baldwin County, this city is known for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Foley offers a unique experience with its blend of historic sites, outdoor activities, and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can explore the city's history at the Foley Railroad Museum, which is housed in a restored train depot. The museum offers a glimpse into the city's past and is a fun stop for train enthusiasts. For those who love the outdoors, the Graham Creek Nature Preserve is a must-visit. The preserve features miles of trails, kayaking, and bird-watching opportunities. It's a perfect spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Alabama. Foley is also home to the OWA, a family-friendly entertainment and shopping complex. Here, you can enjoy thrilling rides, live performances, and a variety of dining options. The Tanger Outlet Foley is another popular destination, offering great shopping deals from many top brands. Whether you're looking to relax or seek adventure, Foley has something to offer every visitor.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Foley.

Visit the Foley Railroad Museum early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a more personal experience.
Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the trails at Graham Creek Nature Preserve.
Check the event schedule for OWA to catch live performances and special events during your visit.
Take advantage of the shopping deals at Tanger Outlet Foley, especially during holiday sales.
Try local Southern cuisine at one of Foley's many charming restaurants for an authentic dining experience.

Explore Foley: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Foley

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Gulf Shores Public Beach

Experience the sugar-white sands and turquoise waters of Gulf Shores Public Beach, a vibrant coastal paradise with endless opportunities for fun and relaxation.

4.8

Fort Pickens

Explore Fort Pickens: A historic landmark on Pensacola Beach offering a glimpse into military history and coastal defense.

4.8

Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Island National Seashore

Explore a historic landmark offering a blend of military history, outdoor recreation, and stunning coastal scenery on Pensacola Beach.

4.8

Saenger Theatre Pensacola

Experience the grandeur of the Saenger Theatre Pensacola, a beautifully restored historic venue hosting diverse performances in the heart of downtown.

4.7

Best landmarks in Foley

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Dauphin St

Experience the vibrant heart of Mobile: history, dining, nightlife, and cultural events converge on historic Dauphin Street.

4.6

Groovy Goat

Foley's ultimate destination for food, sports, and games, located in the heart of OWA Parks & Resort. A guaranteed fun time for all ages!

4.0

Lambert's Cafe

Experience Southern hospitality and delicious comfort food at Lambert's Cafe, home of the famous 'throwed rolls' in Foley, Alabama.

4.6

OWA Parks & Resort

Experience thrills and relaxation at OWA Parks & Resort in Foley, Alabama, with amusement rides, water park fun, dining, and entertainment for everyone.

4.4

Best restaurants in Foley

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Lambert's Cafe

Discover the joy of Southern comfort food at Lambert's Cafe in Foley - where every meal is an unforgettable experience with throwed rolls!

4.6

LuLu's Gulf Shores

Discover family-friendly fun at LuLu's Gulf Shores - where fresh seafood meets lively entertainment in a vibrant coastal setting.

4.3

Original Oyster House Boardwalk

Experience fresh seafood delights at Original Oyster House Boardwalk in Gulf Shores - A coastal dining gem with stunning waterfront views.

4.4

Wolf Bay Restaurant at Foley

Experience mouthwatering seafood dishes at Wolf Bay Restaurant in Foley - where fresh catches meet warm hospitality.

4.4

Best bars in Foley

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Lambert's Cafe

Experience the joy of Southern comfort food and the unique tradition of throwed rolls at Lambert's Cafe in Foley, Alabama.

4.6

The Gulf Bowl & Captain's Choice Seafood Restaurant

Explore the ultimate family-friendly entertainment venue in Foley, featuring bowling, laser tag, delicious seafood, and more fun activities for everyone!

4.3

Groovy Goat

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Groovy Goat in Foley, AL, where great food meets fun arcade games and sports excitement.

4.0

Local and Company Food+Drink

Discover the taste of Alabama at Local and Company Food+Drink, where culinary excellence meets a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for every occasion.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Foley

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The Office Lounge

Experience the ultimate sports bar atmosphere at The Office Lounge in Foley, Alabama, where great food, drinks, and entertainment meet.

4.3

Scuttlebutt Pub

Experience the lively atmosphere of Scuttlebutt Pub in Foley, Alabama – a perfect blend of Southern hospitality, delicious food, and refreshing drinks.

4.5

The Tavern of Bon Secour

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Foley, Alabama at The Tavern of Bon Secour, your destination for dancing, drinks, and fun.

3.9

Doc Holliday's

Discover the lively nightlife of Foley at Doc Holliday's – a premier night club and bar offering great drinks and an energetic atmosphere.

4.6

Best shops in Foley

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Tanger Outlets Foley

Discover unbeatable deals at Tanger Outlets Foley, your ultimate shopping destination in Alabama with over 90 brand-name stores.

4.5

Foley Riviera Square

Discover endless shopping and dining options at Foley Riviera Square, the premier shopping destination in Foley, Alabama.

4.5

Ross Dress for Less

Discover unbeatable fashion deals at Ross Dress for Less, your go-to destination for stylish clothing in Foley, Alabama.

4.2

South Baldwin Shopping Village

Explore South Baldwin Shopping Village: A charming shopping destination in Foley, Alabama, featuring local shops, grocery stores, and delicious dining options.

4.4

Explore Foley on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Foley, mapped for you.

Foley Essentials

Foley, Alabama, is accessible via several major routes. The closest major airport is Pensacola International Airport (PNS) in Florida, which is approximately 45 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Foley. Another option is Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), around 60 miles away. If you're driving, Foley is conveniently located along Highway 59, which connects to Interstate 10, making it easily reachable by car from various cities in the southeastern United States.
Foley is a small city, and many attractions are within a short driving distance. Renting a car is highly recommended to explore the area at your own pace. Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are available, but may not be as abundant as in larger cities. There is no extensive public transportation system within Foley, but local shuttle services and tour buses can take you to nearby destinations such as Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
The official currency in Foley, Alabama, is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets that may not accept card payments.
Foley is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any other place, it is advisable to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Foley does not have specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, it is always best to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance, which will connect you to police, fire, and medical services. Foley has a local police department and several medical facilities, including South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, which can handle most medical emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, especially during the hot summer months. Avoid overly revealing clothing when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do plan for alternative transportation as public transport is limited. Don't rely solely on public buses for getting around. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' A handshake is common but not always necessary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Southern cuisine, including seafood and barbecue. Don't forget to tip your servers, as it is customary in the United States.
To experience Foley like a local, visit the Foley Farmers Market for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with residents, who are often friendly and eager to share recommendations. Don't miss the Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit for a unique glimpse into the area's history. For outdoor enthusiasts, a visit to the nearby Graham Creek Nature Preserve offers hiking, bird-watching, and kayaking opportunities. Lastly, sample local seafood at one of the many family-owned restaurants for an authentic taste of coastal Alabama.

When is the best time to visit Foley?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Foley

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Foley. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey y'all
  [Hey yawl]
- GoodbyeSee ya later
  [See ya lay-tur]
- YesYup
  [Yup]
- NoNah
  [Nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [Pleez/No prob-lem]
- Thank youThanks
  [Thanks]
- Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry
  [Ex-kyooz me/Sorry]
- How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [How yawl doo-in]
- Fine. And you?Good. How 'bout you?
  [Good. How 'bout yoo]
- Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
  [Yawl speak Ing-lish]
- I don't understandI don't get it
  [I don't get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please
  [Can I see the menu, please]
- I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [I don't eat meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI'd like to pay, please
  [I'd like to pay, please]
- Help!Help!
  [Help!]
- Go away!Get outta here!
  [Get outta here!]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [Call the cops!]
- Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
  [Get a doctor!]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
- I'm just lookingI'm just lookin'
  [I'm just lookin']
- How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [How much does it cost?]
- That's too expensiveThat's too pricey
  [That's too pricey]
- Can you lower the price?Can you make it cheaper?
  [Can you make it cheaper?]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [What time is it?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [It's one o'clock]
- Half past (10)Half past ten
  [Half past ten]
- MorningMorning
  [Morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
- EveningEvenin'
  [Evenin']
- YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
- TodayToday
  [Today]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
- 1One
  [One]
- 2Two
  [Two]
- 3Three
  [Three]
- 4Four
  [Four]
- 5Five
  [Five]
- 6Six
  [Six]
- 7Seven
  [Seven]
- 8Eight
  [Eight]
- 9Nine
  [Nine]
- 10Ten
  [Ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Where's the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [Can you show me (on the map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

History of Foley

Foley, Alabama was founded in 1905 by John B. Foley, a Chicago businessman who saw the potential for agricultural development in the region. He purchased a large tract of land and began promoting the area to settlers, particularly those interested in farming. The town quickly grew as more families moved in, attracted by the fertile soil and the promise of a new life in the burgeoning community.
The arrival of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in 1905 played a crucial role in Foley’s development. The railroad provided a vital link to larger markets, allowing local farmers to ship their produce more efficiently. This development not only boosted the local economy but also facilitated further growth and settlement in the area.
During the early 20th century, Foley experienced an agricultural boom, with crops such as potatoes, cotton, and pecans becoming major commodities. The town's rich, loamy soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for farming. Foley soon earned a reputation as a prosperous agricultural hub in Baldwin County.
The Great Depression of the 1930s had a significant impact on Foley, as it did on many communities across the United States. Despite the economic hardships, the town managed to persevere. Local farmers adapted by diversifying their crops and employing more efficient farming techniques. Community spirit and cooperation helped Foley weather the difficult times.
Following World War II, Foley underwent a period of modernization and growth. Improved infrastructure, including better roads and public facilities, attracted new businesses and residents. The town expanded beyond its agricultural roots, embracing new industries and opportunities for economic development.
Historic Downtown Foley is a testament to the town's rich history and enduring charm. The area features several well-preserved buildings that date back to the early 20th century, offering a glimpse into the town's past. Landmarks such as the Foley Depot Museum and the Holmes Medical Museum provide visitors with insights into the historical and cultural heritage of Foley.
Heritage Park is a beloved community space that celebrates Foley’s history and culture. The park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the annual Flower & Garden Extravaganza and the Heritage Park Marketplace. It also features a beautiful fountain, walking trails, and the Foley Centennial Plaza, commemorating the town’s 100th anniversary in 2005.
The Foley Model Train Exhibit, located in the historic L&N Railroad Depot, is one of the town’s most unique attractions. This intricate model train display, created by local enthusiasts, reflects Foley’s rich railroad history. It serves as a reminder of the critical role the railroad played in the town’s development and continues to be a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.