Situated Between Mobile And Pensacola Is A Quaint Alabama City With Eclectic Restaurants And Outdoor Adventure

If you're searching for Southern charm and small-town vibes, Alabama is the place to be. More specifically, if you're looking for a getaway that offers not only lots of fun local dining but plenty of time outdoors, then head just half an hour east from Mobile, across the bay, to Robertsdale. This quaint town, with a population of just around 7,600, was officially incorporated in 1921, following its founding in 1905 after the construction of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Famous past residents have included Apple CEO Tim Cook and Janie Ledlow Shores, who, in 1974, became the first woman to serve on the Alabama Supreme Court.

Nowadays, Robertsdale is home to everything from a train yard-style restaurant to a peaceful lake ideal for kayaking or tubing. Conveniently situated around an hour from Pensacola, Florida, on your way into town, be sure to also stop at its historic Buc-ees, the legendary gas station chain with cult favorite eats. Its Robertsdale location was the Texas chain's very first introduction to Alabama.

Despite being a small town, Robertsdale has several diverse dining options, whether you're looking for homey Southern dishes or lively Mexican restaurants. For a quirky diner experience, the Derailed Diner offers an array of smash burgers, sandwiches, and bacon-topped buffalo chicken, along with milkshakes and more. The restaurant is known for its eclectic decor adorned with toy cars and trucks, vintage posters and gas company signs, and booths designed to look like the back of a pick-up truck. If you're craving a hot dog, Wacked Out Weiner has set up shop in Robertsdale since 2019, garnering a 4.8 rating on Google. The eatery serves Nathan's all-beef hot dogs. Opt for menu options like the LA Chicago Dog, which comes with three types of relish, onions, and mustard, or the Frito Pie Dog, topped with house-made chili, cheese, onions, Frito chips, and sour cream. Alternatively, build your own hot dog from over 40 toppings.

At Pedros Tacos and Tequila Bar, find Mexican classics like tacos and enchiladas, plus dishes like carnitas-loaded burgers and birria ramen, all in a festive atmosphere complete with live music and cocktails. If you're craving all-you-can-eat Southern fare, head to Magnolia Blossom Cafe, rated a 4.5 on Google with over 1,000 reviews (at the time of writing). Serving breakfast and lunch daily, buffet items vary, but typically include dishes like fried chicken and dumplings, pork chops, and ham. Though if you're craving dishes like crawfish, oysters, or crab, head around 25 minutes away to Daphne, a Gulf Coast haven with unmatched seafood.

You'll find plenty of picturesque lakeside escapes in Alabama, like Lake Jordan in the Coosa River. In Robertsdale, you'll find the Styx River, which runs for 26 miles through Baldwin County and is a prime spot for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Head to the family-run Styx River Canoe and Tube Rental, which has been around since the '80s, to book one of their 4- or 11-mile trips along the river. If you're looking for more waterfront fun, the Perdido River Canoe Trail is easily accessible from Robertsdale, just 40 minutes away, and offers canoeing and kayaking, along with an 18-mile hiking trail and camping.

Robertsdale is also home to a number of different parks and green spaces, whether you're looking for peaceful bike paths or sports courts. Garrett Park houses various softball, baseball, and multi-purpose fields, along with a playground and picnic tables. Within the park, you'll find a children's splash pad park, ideal for cooling off on warmer days. For walking and biking, head to Honeybee Park, which connects to a 1.7-mile pathway. Rated a 4.2 on AllTrails, past visitors say the trail is paved and well-lit, although it does cross a highway at one point, so caution is needed.