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Foley, AL

Foley, a rapidly growing city in Baldwin County, Alabama, serves as a retail and entertainment hub on the Gulf Coast, offering a blend of historic downtown charm and modern family-friendly attractions near the beach.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Foley is a city in the southern United States, officially named Foley, Alabama. It holds the status of a principal city in the Daphne-Fairhope-Foley metropolitan area . Administratively, it is located in Baldwin County, a region in the southwestern corner of Alabama known as the "American Riviera" for its beautiful Gulf Coast beaches and resort communities .

Historical Names and Nicknames

Foley is known by two key nicknames:

Date of Foundation and Age

The city was founded by John B. Foley, a businessman from Chicago . After purchasing tens of thousands of acres in the area, he financed the construction of a railroad spur, leading to the establishment of a train depot in 1905 . The town grew enough to warrant a post office that same year and was officially incorporated in 1915 . As of 2026, Foley is 111 years old.

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Foley is located in southwest Alabama at coordinates 30°24'20"N, 87°40'53"W . It sits on the Gulf Coastal Plain, just a few miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. The city center has an elevation of approximately 24 meters (79 feet) above sea level . Geographically, it is an inland city transitioning into a commercial hub for the nearby beach communities.

City Type and Economic Specialization

Foley is primarily a commercial, retail, and tourism service center. Its economy is driven by several key sectors:

Population and Demographics

Foley is one of the fastest-growing cities in Alabama. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population was 20,335 . By July 2024, estimates placed the population at 28,043, a dramatic increase of 36% since 2020 . This rapid growth classifies it as a small but quickly emerging city. The demographic profile in 2020 was: White alone (78.0%), Black or African American (6.3%), Hispanic or Latino (9.3%), and Two or More Races (6.9%) . A notable 32.3% of the population is aged 65 years and over, highlighting its appeal as a retirement destination .

City's "Business Card" (Briefly)

Foley is a dynamic Gulf Coast city where small-town history meets large-scale, modern entertainment. Located just minutes from the Alabama beaches, it serves as the region's go-to hub for shopping at Tanger Outlets and family fun at the OWA parks and resort. Visitors and new residents alike discover a community proudly calling itself "The Heart of the American Riviera."

Geography

Nearby Beaches and Coastline

While Foley itself is not on the coast, it is the primary gateway to the famous Alabama beaches. Located just a short drive south are the popular resort towns and beautiful white-sand beaches of:

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Foley has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by very hot, humid summers and mild, wet winters. It enjoys a significant amount of sunshine throughout the year, even during its wettest months .

Average Temperatures by Month

The climate is defined by its warm to hot temperatures for most of the year. The data below shows the average daily maximum and minimum temperatures .

Month Avg. Max Temp (°C/°F) Avg. Min Temp (°C/°F)
January 16 / 61 8 / 46
February 18 / 64 11 / 52
March 21 / 70 13 / 55
April 24 / 75 17 / 63
May 28 / 82 21 / 70
June 31 / 88 25 / 77
July 32 / 90 26 / 79
August 32 / 90 26 / 79
September 30 / 86 24 / 75
October 27 / 81 19 / 66
November 21 / 70 13 / 55
December 18 / 64 11 / 52

Precipitation and Humidity

The city receives abundant rainfall, totaling approximately 1,282 mm (50.5 inches) per year .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Landmarks and Attractions

[OWA]

OWA is a massive 520-acre entertainment and resort destination that has become a major draw to the area . Opened in 2017 and owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, it features several distinct areas .

[Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit]

Housed in a historic train depot built in 1909 to replace the original that burned, this museum is a tribute to the city's origin story . John B. Foley financed the railroad that connected his town to the outside world, and the depot stands as a monument to his vision . Today, it serves as the city's museum and archives, featuring railroad memorabilia and a popular model train exhibit .

[Holmes Medical Museum]

Located in downtown Foley, this unique museum is housed in the original building that was the first hospital in Baldwin County . It offers a fascinating and sometimes eerie glimpse into the history of medicine, displaying a large collection of 20th-century medical equipment, including a doctor's sled .

[The City of Foley Antique Rose Trail]

This unique attraction features a trail with over 500 varieties of fragrant roses, creating a beautiful and tranquil experience for visitors . It's a testament to the city's dedication to preserving natural beauty and providing peaceful public spaces.

[Graham Creek Nature Preserve]

For those seeking outdoor recreation, this nearby nature preserve offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and disc golf . It provides a natural contrast to the commercial attractions and allows visitors to explore the native coastal ecosystem.

Transport

Main Highways and Roads

Foley is well-connected by road, serving as a critical juncture for travel to the Gulf Coast beaches .

Airports

Public Transport

Public transportation in the area is provided by BRATS (Baldwin Rural Area Transit System) . This county-wide service offers dial-a-ride transit, making it possible for residents without personal vehicles to travel within Foley and to other parts of Baldwin County .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Southern Comfort Food

In Foley, experiencing Southern comfort food is a must. Lambert's Cafe, known as the "Home of Throwed Rolls," offers a unique dining experience where hot, freshly-baked rolls are literally thrown to you from across the room. The menu features Southern classics like fried chicken, catfish, and chicken and dumplings . Another local favorite is Wolf Bay Lodge, a family-owned restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and Southern cuisine. Their gumbo, crab cakes, and fried shrimp are crowd favorites, all served in a charming rustic setting .

A standout dining spot is The Depot, located in a historic train depot building. This restaurant serves classic Southern dishes with a modern twist. Their fried green tomatoes, perfectly crispy and served with a zesty remoulade, are a local favorite, as is their flavorful shrimp and grits .

International Flavors

Foley's culinary scene also includes excellent international cuisine. For Mexican food, Vallarta Mexican Restaurant is a popular choice with its vibrant decor and sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, and the house special, Vallarta Parrillada—a mix of grilled meats and seafood . For Italian cuisine, Portabella's offers a cozy atmosphere and classic dishes like lasagna, chicken marsala, and seafood pasta, best finished with a slice of their decadent tiramisu .

Sweet Treats

No culinary adventure is complete without dessert. Sweet Tooth Cafe and Bakery offers a variety of homemade desserts, including cakes, pies, and cookies, with their signature "Sweet Tooth Cake" being a must-try . For a refreshing treat, Gelato Joe's serves up a variety of gelato flavors, from classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous options like pistachio and tiramisu .

Farm-to-Table Freshness

For those who appreciate fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, Foley has farm-to-table options that highlight Alabama's produce. The Brick Oven focuses on using fresh, local ingredients, with their wood-fired pizzas being a standout, topped with locally-sourced vegetables and meats . Similarly, Magnolia Blossom Cafe, located in a charming historic building, offers a menu filled with dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, including carefully crafted salads, sandwiches, and daily specials .

Farmers Market Experience

The Foley Farmers Market, held every Tuesday from 3 PM to 6 PM at the city hall complex, offers an abundance of fresh produce, homemade jams, artisanal bread, and craft items from local vendors. Interacting with farmers and artisans provides great shopping opportunities and insights into the community's culture .

Unique Dining Experiences

Foley also offers unique dining experiences. The Copper Kettle Tea Bar is a quaint tea room with vintage decor, offering a variety of teas along with light bites like scones, sandwiches, and quiches, perfect for a leisurely afternoon tea . For a fun family night out, The Gulf Bowl combines dining with entertainment, serving burgers, pizzas, and seafood right next to its bowling lanes .

Craft Beverage Scene

While technically located in nearby Fairhope, the Fairhope Brewing Company is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike, crafting refreshing beers using local grains . For spirits, the Coastal Alabama Distilling Company crafts premium vodka distilled using locally sourced corn .

Museums

Holmes Medical Museum

The Holmes Medical Museum, located in the heart of downtown Foley at 111 W Laurel Ave, offers a unique glimpse into the history of medical practices from the early 20th century . Housed in the former site of Baldwin County's first hospital, which operated from 1936 to 1958, the museum is preserved to look much like it did during its operational years .

Key Exhibits and Artifacts:

What sets the Holmes Medical Museum apart is its deep connection to the local community. Many of the items on display were donated by local residents, and the museum is filled with stories of the doctors, nurses, and patients who walked its halls .

Plan Your Visit:

Sport and Sports Legends

Major Sports Facilities

The Foley Sports Complex is a premier athletic facility in the city, featuring 16 soccer fields . This expansive complex allows Foley to host large-scale tournaments, most notably the annual Southern Shootout soccer tournament, which has become the "kick off event" for the high school soccer season in Alabama .

Major Sporting Events

Foley is the host city for the Southern Shootout, one of the largest high school soccer tournaments in the state. Founded in 2001 with just 12 teams, the 2026 tournament featured more than 100 teams from across Alabama and several from out-of-state, with over 150 games played over three days . The event draws significant crowds, with 3,000 to 4,000 people in attendance, including college coaches, creating what participants describe as "the closest thing soccer players get to that Friday Night football feel" .

Local High School Sports Teams

The Foley Lions, representing Foley High School, compete in a variety of sports within the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA). The Lions field teams in football, basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, volleyball, golf, tennis, cross country, track and field, wrestling, and flag football .

Sports in Nearby Communities

While Foley itself does not have major professional sports teams, the city's location in Coastal Alabama places it within driving distance of professional sports in Mobile and the Florida panhandle. The Foley Sports Complex's success in hosting events like the Southern Shootout demonstrates the city's importance as a hub for regional sports tourism .

Universities and Academic Institutions

Higher Education in Foley

Foley is home to Fortis College-Foley, a small, for-profit college focused on career-oriented education. Located at 200 East Laurel Avenue, the college offers programs in healthcare, business, technology, and skilled trades . With a total enrollment of approximately 20 students, Fortis College-Foley prides itself on providing hands-on training and personalized instruction to prepare students for success in the workforce upon graduation .

The most popular majors at Fortis College-Foley lead students toward careers in healthcare and technical fields. The college maintains a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, ensuring personalized attention for each student .

Colleges and Universities Near Foley

For a wider range of higher education options, residents and students in Foley have access to 23 colleges within a 100-mile radius, enrolling a total of nearly 90,000 students . The nearest college is Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, located just 4.7 miles from Foley . Other notable institutions in the area include:

Medical School Relationships

South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Foley maintains limited relationships with two osteopathic medical schools: the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, indicating its role in clinical education for medical students .

Healthcare Institutions

South Baldwin Regional Medical Center

South Baldwin Regional Medical Center is the primary hospital serving Foley and the surrounding area. Located at 1613 N McKenzie St, this medical center is a 112-bed facility with 10 bassinets and employs 608 full-time personnel .

Key Services and Capabilities:

The hospital maintains limited relationships with the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, serving as a clinical training site for medical students .

Holmes Medical Museum

While no longer an active medical facility, the Holmes Medical Museum at 111 W Laurel Ave preserves the history of healthcare in Foley. Housed in the building that served as Baldwin County's first hospital from 1936 to 1958, the museum offers visitors a chance to see what a early 20th-century hospital looked like, complete with original equipment, surgical instruments, and patient rooms .

Walk-In Medical Care

For non-emergency medical needs, Foley Walk In Medical Care provides convenient access to healthcare services. Located at 1440 N MCKENZIE ST, this practice specializes in Internal Medicine and Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) with two providers on staff. The facility offers language services in Hindi and provides telehealth services for patient convenience .

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