Alabama's Gulf Coast has made a remarkable comeback after the triple whammy from the hurricanes. The coast is back. Places to play are open, restaurants are serving fresh seafood and sandy beaches await.

You may want to do more than savor time in a cottage at Gulf State Park.

• Play laser tag and mini-golf, ram bumper boats and ride go-karts at Adventure Island (www.adventure-island.com).

• Cool off at Waterville U.S.A. (www.watervilleusa.com).

• Parasail (251-981-9080) high above the ocean.

• Meet furry and friendly creatures at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org).

• Take a dolphin cruise (www.dolphinexpresscruises.com) or charter a fishing boat

(www.alabamadeepseafishing.com).

• Fly high in a biplane (www.866mustfly.com).

• Come close to Mother Nature at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (www.fws.gov/bonsecour).

• Brush up on history at Fort Morgan (www.preserveala.org/fortmorgan.aspx)

• Explore the Gulf Shores Museum (www.museumsusa.org/museums/info/1154279) or the Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum.

• Tee off at one of several area golf courses (golf.gulfshores.com) and mini-golf courses.

• Ride a go-kart and cavort at The Track Recreation Center (www.gulfshorestrack.com).

• Ride the Southeast's tallest roller coaster at The Wharf (www.thewharfal.com), a vacation destination on the Intracoastal Waterway.

• Shop at Tanger Outlet Center (www.tangeroutlet.com).

• Explore at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center (www.exploreum.net) in nearby Mobile. An exhibit with actual human bodies, "Our Body: The Universe Within," continues there through May 11.