The scenic Gulf Coast.

With easy access to roughly 60 miles of the Gulf Coast, one of the most fantastic retirement benefits of moving to Alabama is that it offers its visitors and residents stunning views. The Gulf Coast stretch of the Gulf of Mexico is less well known to the residents of other states.

That could be one of the reasons the beaches here are often unobstructed, extremely clean, and offer spectacular views of the Gulf shores. Many tourists visit the beaches during peak vacation season from May to October.

So, if you want to visit here to get an idea of the state, plan something for the other months. The best sites to check out in Alabama are Orange Beach, West Beach, and the park at Dauphin Island.