If you've ever driven down Highway 59 toward the beach with a car full of excited kids and a trunk that’s somehow already bursting at the seams, you know the exact moment the realization hits. You forgot the sunscreen. Or the specific brand of coffee your spouse needs to function. Or maybe you just realized that three beach towels aren't going to cut it for a family of five. That’s usually when you start looking for the Target in Foley AL.
It’s sitting right there at 2410 S McKenzie St.
Most people think of a Target as just another big-box retailer, but the Foley location is a bit of a localized phenomenon. It’s the gateway. Situated just north of the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach city lines, it serves as the final staging ground for thousands of tourists every single week. It’s also the primary hub for locals who want to avoid the high-tourist markups found closer to the water. It’s a weirdly high-stakes environment for a retail store.
What to Expect at the Foley Target
The first thing you’ll notice is the layout. It’s a fully-fledged Super Target, which matters immensely when you’re trying to stock a vacation rental for seven days. You aren't just getting clothes and electronics; you’re getting a full-service grocery department.
The produce section here is surprisingly robust for a beach-adjacent store. Usually, stores in high-tourist corridors let the fresh stuff slide because people are mostly buying chips and beer. Not here. You can actually find decent avocados and organic greens. Honestly, if you’re staying in a condo with a kitchen, stopping here instead of the smaller markets on the island will probably save you about 20% on your total food bill.
Parking can be a bit of a nightmare on Saturday afternoons. Since Saturday is the universal check-in day for almost every rental management company in Baldwin County (think Meyer or Kaiser), the lot becomes a sea of SUVs with out-of-state plates. If you can, try to hit this location on a Tuesday morning. It’s like a different world.
The store also features a CVS Pharmacy inside, which is a lifesaver if you realize you left a prescription back in Birmingham or Nashville. They are used to out-of-state transfers. Just make sure you call ahead because the pharmacy line during the peak of summer can get a little backed up.
Navigating the "Beach Tax" and Saving Money
There is an unwritten rule in coastal Alabama: the closer you get to the sand, the more expensive a bottle of water becomes. By shopping at the Target in Foley AL, you are essentially bypassing the "beach tax."
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Prices here are standard Target prices. They aren't inflated just because the store is ten miles from the Gulf of Mexico. This is particularly true for things like:
- Inflatable rafts and beach toys.
- Heavy-duty coolers.
- Brand-name sunscreens (Sun Bum, Neutrogena).
- Adult beverages and mixers.
If you wait until you get to the convenience stores in Gulf Shores, you’ll pay double. It’s basically a math problem at that point.
The Drive-Up Experience in Foley
Let’s talk about the Target Drive-Up service. In a town like Foley, where the traffic on Highway 59 can move at the speed of a sun-baked turtle during the summer, this service is everything.
You can place your order while you're still an hour away—maybe while you're passing through Bay Minette or Loxley—and have it ready by the time you reach the store. You pull into the designated spots, tap the app, and someone brings out your groceries and beach gear. You don't even have to unbuckle the kids. It’s the single best way to handle the "forgotten items" list without losing two hours of your vacation time wandering the aisles.
One pro tip: Check the "In-Stock" status on the app specifically for the Foley location. Because this store services such a high volume of people, they do run out of high-demand items like specific sizes of swim diapers or certain types of portable fans.
Why Locals Shop Here Instead of Nearby Options
Foley isn't lacking for shopping. You’ve got the Tanger Outlets right down the road, a massive Walmart across the street, and various local boutiques. So why do the locals choose Target?
It’s the vibe. Even when it’s busy, the Target in Foley feels more organized than the surrounding competitors. The aisles are wider. The lighting doesn't feel like it’s trying to interrogate you. For the people who live in Magnolia Springs or Elberta, this is their "nice" store.
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The Starbucks inside is also a major draw. It’s often faster than the standalone Starbucks locations in the area, which get absolutely slammed by the morning beach traffic. If you need a caffeine hit before tackling the final leg of the drive, this is your best bet.
Common Misconceptions About This Location
People often assume that because it’s a "beach" Target, it won't have standard household goods or seasonal items like coats or heavy bedding. That’s not true. Remember, Baldwin County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the entire Southeast. People live here year-round.
The store maintains a full inventory of home goods. If you’re a "Snowbird" arriving in January for a three-month stay and you realize your rental doesn't have enough blankets, this Target has you covered. It doesn't just pivot to boogie boards and flip-flops.
Another misconception is that the store is impossible to visit during the summer. While it is busier, the management here is seasoned. They know the cycles. They staff up heavily from May through August. You’ll see more registers open here than you might see at your local Target back home. They know how to move a crowd.
Planning Your Visit: Timing is Everything
If you want the best experience at the Target in Foley AL, you have to think like a local.
- Avoid Saturdays between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This is the "Changeover Window." It’s when 40,000 people are leaving the beach and another 40,000 are arriving. It’s chaos.
- Monday is the restocking day. If you want the freshest selection or the newest limited-edition releases, Monday morning is your friend.
- Use the South Entrance. Most people try to turn in at the main light on Highway 59. It’s a trap. Use the side entrances off the back roads if you’re coming from the north to avoid the light cycles.
Sustainable Beach Shopping
One thing we’ve seen lately is a push for more sustainable beach gear. The Foley Target has started carrying more eco-friendly brands, which is a big deal for our local ecosystem.
When you shop here, look for the reef-safe sunscreens. The Gulf of Mexico has a delicate balance, and the chemicals in traditional sunscreen can actually hurt the local marine life. Target carries several brands that are oxybenzone-free. It’s a small choice, but when a million people visit a year, those small choices add up.
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Also, consider buying a high-quality reusable cooler rather than the cheap styrofoam ones. Those styrofoam coolers are the bane of our local beaches. They break apart, and the pieces end up in the water. Target’s selection of Igloo and Yeti-style coolers is excellent, and they’ll last you for years of trips.
Beyond the Aisles: The Foley Community
This Target isn't just a building; it’s a major employer in Foley. Many of the staff members have been there for years. They know the best local spots to eat that aren't tourist traps (ask them about the best BBQ in town—they’ll probably point you toward something off the beaten path).
The store also participates in local community events and school fundraisers. When you shop here, you’re supporting a business that is integrated into the fabric of Baldwin County. It’s not just a stop on a map; it’s a part of the neighborhood.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
To make your visit to the Target in Foley AL as seamless as possible, follow these steps:
- Download the Target App and set Foley as your "My Store" at least 24 hours before you arrive. This ensures the pricing and inventory you see are accurate for this specific location.
- Place a Drive-Up order for your "heavy" items—cases of water, soda, laundry detergent, and bulk snacks—to save your energy for the beach.
- Check the weather. If rain is in the forecast for the beach, everyone goes to Target. If it’s a beautiful sunny day, the store will be empty. Plan your shopping for the sunniest part of the day to avoid the crowds.
- Sign up for Target Circle. Since you’re likely buying in bulk for a week-long stay, the 5% savings or the accumulated rewards can actually pay for a couple of dinners out during your trip.
- Bring your own bags. While Alabama doesn't have a bag ban, using your own reusable bags makes it much easier to carry groceries up three flights of stairs at a condo.
Shopping at this location is basically a rite of passage for a Gulf Coast vacation. It’s the place where the "real world" ends and the "vacation world" begins. By being smart about when and how you shop, you can get through the aisles and onto the sand with way less stress and a lot more money in your pocket.
Stop in, grab a Starbucks, pick up that forgotten swimsuit, and get down to the water. The beach is waiting.