Alabama is a year-round vacationer’s paradise, with gorgeous white sand beaches, fabulous fall foliage, and golf courses galore. Wintertime brings pleasant mild weather on the Gulf Coast and snow skiing in the mountains in northern Alabama.

You’ll find a wide variety of Alabama vacation rentals, from seaside cottages to slope-side condo rentals, to family-sized vacation homes. You can also find Alabama pet friendly vacation rentals, which are a great option if you'd like to bring along your family pet.

Beach lovers adore the white sugar sand beaches on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Popular Alabama beach resort areas include Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and Dauphin Island.

The most well-known beach resort, Gulf Shores, boasts miles of sandy beaches, perfect for sunning, swimming, fishing, parasailing, bird watching or beachcombing. Guests of Gulf Shores, Alabama vacation rentals can also enjoy a myraid of shops and restaurants to please every taste. Gulf State Park has 2.5 miles of white sand beach, plus a fishing pier and a golf course.

Perdido Point Public Beach in Orange Beach has 2,000 feet of beautiful white sand and a boardwalk, while Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge offers a secluded beach with great wildlife viewing. The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail features road signs identifying 50 birding sites along the coast.

Alabama golf courses are both scenic and challenging. Top-notch courses include Cotton Creek, Gulf Shores Golf Club and Kiva Dunes.

Guests of Alabama vacation rentals can enjoy the mountains around Mentone, with their wooded canyons, clear streams and beautiful views. Hike in DeSoto State Park or ski at Cloudmont, with two 1,000-foot beginner/intermediate slopes available.

History buffs will find plenty to enjoy on an Alabama vacation. Visit Antebellum houses such as the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion in Mobile, explore Civil War battlefields, visit native American heritage sites, or tour historic Fort Morgan, which was completed in 1834 and saw service in four wars. Guests of Alabama vacation rentals can also take a fascinating tour of the Moundville Archaeological Park near Tuscaloosa or visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.

Whatever your interests, you’ll find the perfect Alabama vacation rental for a memorable vacation. For more lodging alternatives, try Alabama bed and breakfast inns.

If you're in the market, check Alabama investment properties on Loopnet.