it's a little farther than you want, 2-1/2 to 3 miles, but the minton nearshore reefs produce some nice fish. Red snapper, triggers, beeliners, plus pelagics - you'll need a gps at least, a fishfinder would be good.
http://www.outdooralabama.com/sites/...eef%20zone.pdf
the dixey bar produces well, but
lots of current and some big wakes, so there is risk involved. I fish from an outboard, but i have caught nice kings between the bar and the ship channel fairly close to shore (1/4 mile or less). Plenty of bull redfish and small keepers sharks (atlantic sharpnose). Not advisable with a east or northeast wind - added to the current it's just too much to fight.
We have caught king close to shore a mile or so east of the bar in 15-19 foot of water.
Perdido pass area produces well fairly close in, but too much traffic/wakes right at the pass. Just east and west of the pass will usually produce spanish fairly close to shore (plus ladyfish, hardtails, blues, etc.). Early morning is better before the para-sail boats get out - they can really crowd it especially on the west side.
If you are up to the trip the minton nearshore reefs are #1.