Heritage Park is a six-acre park in the heart of downtown Foley, Alabama that serves as the city's gathering place for community events, local history, and outdoor recreation. It is free to visit, open daily from dawn until midnight, and is one of the best free things to do in Foley for families and visitors exploring the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Here are my top finds for Foley, Alabama:
🏨Hotels: Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, America's Best Value Inn & Suites
🐬Dolphin Tours: I personally love Cruise OB and Southern Rose
📍Tours: Glow in the Dark Kayaking Experience at OWA
✨What's New in Foley, AL
Heritage Park
Heritage Park is located in the heart of Downtown Foley with great restaurants nearby. It is one of my favorite places to wander and walk around. Every season brings a new festival or event to the park.
The holidays are amazing in Heritage Park with Foley's City Christmas Tree lighting event. The spring and fall are filled with food festivals, live music, and so many fun events.
John B. Foley Park
John B. Foley Park, named after the city's founder sits alongside Heritage Park. This charming downtown park is recognized for its iconic fountain, beautiful trees, seasonal flowers, walking paths, and the Centennial Clock Tower.
It is a peaceful spot for a morning walk or a break between exploring downtown Foley shops and restaurants.
The park serves as the backdrop for several popular annual events including Art in the Park on Mother's Day weekend and Christmas in the Park during the holiday season.
Foley Depot Museum an Model Train Exhibit
Located inside Heritage Park, the Foley Depot Museum and Model Train Exhibit is a free museum that explores Foley's rich railroad heritage.
The historic depot building houses local history artifacts and an impressive model train exhibit that is a hit with visitors of all ages. It is one of the most unique free attractions on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
There are multiple train cars outside of the train museum that can be explored.
Centennnial Plaza
Centennial Plaza was built inside Heritage Park to honor Foley's centennial in 2015. There are commemorative bricks along with connecting walking paths. This is a great spot for family photos.
Visit Foley Visitor Center
The City of Foley Visitor Information Center is located in the heart of downtown Foley within the Heritage Park area.
Events at Heritage Park
Heritage Park and John B. Foley Park are the hub for Foley's most popular annual events throughout the year.
Fall
- Midday Melodies - A live music event held outdoors near the fountain in Heritage Park. Pick up lunch from a nearby Foley restaurant and spend the afternoon listening to live entertainment.
- Foley Witches Ride - A downtown ride that ends with an after-party at Heritage Park. Riders must be over 21 and female, and proceeds benefit community organizations.
- Tacos & Tequila Festival - An annual food and drink festival
Holiday Season
- Christmas in the Park - Carols, the lighting of the city Christmas tree, a visit with Santa, and awards for the Christmas Tree Decorating Contest. Hot cocoa and snacks are served, and admission is free.
- Let It Snow - A holiday marketplace in the park with a snowy wonderland, music, and food.
Spring and Year-Round
- Mudbugs and Margaritas Crawfish Festival - An annual spring crawfish festival held at Heritage Park.
- Foley BBQ and Blues Cook Off - An annual BBQ and blues music festival held each spring at Heritage Park supporting local education and community initiatives.
- Music and a Movie in the Park - An evening of live music, family activities, and a movie under the stars. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
- Art in the Park - An annual juried fine arts and crafts festival hosted by the Foley Art Center.
- Event Train Days at the Foley Railroad Museum - Free rides on the Charles Ebert Express II through the park on select days. The train does not run every day, so check the museum schedule before you go.
Why you will love Heritage Park
- Free to visit - open daily from dawn until midnight
- Six acres in the heart of downtown Foley
- Home to the free Foley Depot Museum and Model Train Exhibit
- Centennial Plaza built to honor Foley's 100th anniversary
- Adjacent to John B. Foley Park with iconic fountain and Centennial Clock Tower
- Picturesque pavilion available for events and gatherings
- Hub for Foley's most popular annual events all year long
- Visit Foley Visitor Center on site for local attraction information
- Walking distance to downtown Foley shops and restaurants
- Perfect for families, history lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts
Things to know when planning a visit to Heritage Park in Foley
Address - 125 E. Laurel Avenue
Hours - Dawn until Midnight
Accessibility - There is accessible parking around the park. There are paved pathways through the park.
Plus Size Seating - The park has picnic tables in different areas. If you are going to a midday concert you can bring your favorite chair.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual. Wear comfortable walking shoes. During summer months bring sunscreen and water. For evening events bring a blanket or lawn chairs.
Pets - Pets must be on leashes while in the park.
Parking - There is parking on the street and around the park.
Foley Restaurants and Attractions nearby
OWA Foley AL - A full entertainment destination with rides, attractions, dining, and more just minutes from Heritage Park.
Stacey's Olde Tyme Soda Fountain - Foley - A Foley landmark serving up classic soda fountain treats since 1927, right in downtown Foley.
Coastlands Coffee - Foley - A great coffee stop in Foley within easy reach of Heritage Park.
Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q - Foley - Great Southern BBQ in Foley.
Cheeseburger Randy's - Foley - A great Foley burger spot close to downtown.
Portabella's Italian Restaurant - Foley - A great Italian dinner option in Foley.
Gypsy Queen Java - Foley - A charming downtown Foley coffee shop.
Local and Company - Foley - A great local dining spot in Foley.
Additional Alabama Gulf Coast Articles
The Wharf Orange Beach - Shopping, dining, the giant Ferris wheel, live music, and more at Orange Beach's most popular entertainment destination.
Gulf State Park - Gorgeous beaches, hiking and biking trails, fishing, and camping along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park - Tour the legendary WWII battleship and explore military aircraft and exhibits in Mobile, Alabama.
Flora-Bama - The legendary beach bar right on the Alabama-Florida state line. A Gulf Coast bucket list stop.
Annual Events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - A month-by-month guide to festivals, events, and things to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast all year long.
Bellingrath Gardens - Stunning gardens in Mobile, Alabama with incredible seasonal blooms and historic home tours.
Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with Kids - The best family-friendly activities on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
What's New in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - New restaurants, attractions, and things to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast, updated regularly.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasailing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have personally stayed at each of these lodging options (except Margaritaville, coming 2027!):
Use code GULFJOURNEY at checkout with Spectrum Resorts and Beachball Properties and Lucky Bird Vacations for an exclusive discount!
🏖️ Beachball Properties - Vacation houses and condos throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount. Book with Beachball Properties
🏖️ The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - Beachfront condos with amazing amenities, a spa, and the incredible Coast Restaurant on-site. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book The Beach Club
🏖️ Turquoise Place (Orange Beach) - Our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic Gulf-front views, and stunning condos. Truly unforgettable. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book Turquoise Place
🏨 The Tides Hotel (Orange Beach) - Gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and top-notch customer service. Book The Tides
🏨 Island House Hotel (Orange Beach) - Right on the beach with epic views from every room. Book Island House
⛺ Timberline Glamping (Orange Beach) - Stay in an amazing glamping tent with a private bathroom, right next to Gulf State Park. Book Timberline
🏨 The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Beachfront Hilton hotel in Gulf State Park offering epic views, sustainable practices, and great on-site restaurants. Book The Lodge
🏨 Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf with a gorgeous pool. Perfect location for shopping and dining. Book Springhill Suites
🔜 Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach (Coming 2027) - The highly anticipated Margaritaville resort is coming to Orange Beach! The first phase opens in 2027 and will include beachfront cottages, bungalows, condos, pickleball courts, and an entertainment district.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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