Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach has been named as one of the most charming small towns in Alabama by World Atlas. You may be surprised by another town in Baldwin county which also made the list.

The southern and New England states are known for their quaint and charming small towns. Baldwin County has been a territory of Spain, France and England before becoming a U.S. county in 1809. Those nationalities had an influence on the small towns throughout the large county in Alabama.

As World Atlas stated, "Belonging to the Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, and Chickasaw peoples, who are historically linked to the Deep South, Alabama carries an easy southern charm that threads through its towns and waterways."

Many communities across the Yellowhammer State look adorable at first glance. These selections bring that appeal into focus with varied backdrops, from the soft beaches along the Gulf of Mexico to quiet corners near the Appalachian Mountains.

The Most Charming Small-Town List of Alabama Includes:

• Selma
• Mountain Brook
• Troy
• Anniston
• Orange Beach
• Elberta
• Dauphin Island
• Fort Payne

The article added: Alabama’s sense of place grows from its landscapes, communities, and layered history. The towns above reflect this in different ways. Dauphin Island brings coastal quiet, while Orange Beach adds boardwalks, family outings, and steady waterfront activity. Selma highlights civil rights landmarks, and Anniston and Elberta blend museums, outdoor sites, and creative installations. Troy places art and regional history on shared ground, and Mountain Brook adds gardens, zoos, and shaded creek paths. Fort Payne anchors the northeast with canyons, waterfalls, and museums tied to its industrial past.

The list was originally written by Aman Goyal of World Atlas on November 28, 2025.