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Getting Here

Alabama's Beaches

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Whether by car, plane or ferry, it’s easy to travel to and get around Alabama's Beaches.

Fly Direct to Alabama's Beaches

Driving to Alabama's Beaches is so last year. Our destination now offers direct flights to and from six major US cities through Allegiant Airlines. All direct flights are two hours or less and land at Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF), just three miles from the beach. There's so much you can do with all the time you'll save!

Getting to Alabama's Beaches

By Car

Our beaches are in close proximity to two major interstates: I-10 and I-65.

Cities like Atlanta, Memphis, Nashville, Chicago and Houston are all within a day’s drive of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. And, we are just a few hours away from cities such as New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Birmingham and Jackson. EV charging is also available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Highway 59 & Baldwin and Foley Beach Express

Highway 59

From I-10, take exit 44. This roadway takes you through several communities, including the City of Foley, home to the OWA Amusement Park and Tanger Outlets. For a faster alternative and fewer stoplights, visitors can choose the Beach Express route.

Baldwin Beach Express

For a fast and efficient drive to the beach, take the Baldwin Beach Express. Originating at exit 49 on I-10, the roadway leads you right into the heart of Orange Beach at Canal Road. A toll is no longer required.

By Plane

If flying is more your speed, we have several nearby options to get to the Gulf.

Beginning in May 2025, six major US cities will offer direct flights to our destination, with a flight to Gulf Shores International Airport on Allegiant Airlines. The airport is just two miles north of our beautiful beaches, making it an extremely convenient way to easily travel into our area.  You can find departure and arrival times as well as returning flight times from GUF here. Please note that times are listed in CTS. Getting to Alabama's Beaches has never been easier with direct flights to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!

Most major airlines service Mobile Regional and Pensacola International Airports.

Mobile Regional Airport is located in Mobile, Ala., less than a two-hour drive from the beach. Served by most major airlines, they offer several daily non-stop flights. 

Pensacola International Airport is about an hour away in Pensacola, FL. They also offer non-stop flights from many major cities, including several seasonal flights for spring and summer. 

Many flights are seasonal and are subject to change. Please contact your airline for updates and other information.

By Ferry Transportation

The Mobile Bay Ferry connects SR 193 on the west side of Dauphin Island with SR 180 at Mobile Point on the east side of Fort Morgan.

Ferry departures vary by season. Visit HMS Ferries or call 251-861-3000 for the most up-to-date information.

  • Loading on Dauphin Island is at 111 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, AL 36528
  • Loading on Fort Morgan is at 110 State Hwy. 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Getting Around Alabama's Beaches

Car Rentals

Mobile Regional Airport
•    Avis: 251-633-4743
•    Budget: 251-633-1231
•    Dollar: 251-634-1231
•    Enterprise: 251-968-6290
•    Hertz: 251-633-4000
•    National: 251-633-4003

Pensacola International Airport
•    Avis: 850-433-5614
•    Budget: 850-432-9744
•    Dollar: 850-434-5432
•    Hertz: 850-432-2345
•    National: 850-432-8338

Gulf Shores International Airport
•    Enterprise: 251-943-3888

Rideshares, Shuttles, and Taxis

There are plenty of local taxi and shuttle companies that are available anytime, day or night, for your convenience. Both Uber and Lyft also operate in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Maps
Regional Map of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

Location Map

Gulf Shores, Alabama map

Gulf Shores Map

Orange Beach, Alabama map

Orange Beach Map

 

EV Charging

Gulf Shores offer three EV charging locations and Orange Beach offers seven locations. Check out our EV charging page for exact locations and more information.

Overflow Parking

Car Parking

Many of our area lodging providers limit the number of parking spaces available for individual rental units. If you need additional parking and your lodging provider cannot accommodate your extra vehicles, there are several paid parking locations available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Orange Beach Locations:

All About Storage 251-923-0090
Gulf Coast Rental Co. 251-510-7226
Storage Depot 251-981-3376
U-Own-It Boat & RV Storage 251-981-7867
The Wharf Storage 251-351-9658
City of Orange Beach Finance Office 251-981-6096

 
Gulf Shores Locations:
 
Pleasure Island Parking 251-677-1899

Please contact the individual business for pricing and availability. For the safety of your vehicle, we do not recommend parking overnight at any public beach access points nor at any of the large shopping complexes. 

RV and Boat Storage

Gulf Shores Locations: 

Docs RV 251-968-4511
Gulf Breeze 251-968-8884
Gulf Coast RV 251-968-6494
Gulf State Park 251-948-7275
Island Retreat 251-967-1666
 

Orange Beach Locations:

Gulf Coast Rental Co. 251-510-7226 (Boat trailer only) 
The Wharf Storage 251-351-9658 
Storage Depot 251-981-3376 (Boats only) 

Please contact the individual business for pricing and availability. For the safety of your vehicle, we do not recommend parking overnight at any public beach access points nor at any of the large shopping complexes. 

Premium Parking

Parking Lot P2851 (Boats and RVs) 
25150 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561
Parking Lot P2652 (Cars only) 
532 West Beach Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Parking Lot P2852 (Cars only) 
24151 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach AL 36542

Premium Parking locations and rates are subject to change. Please visit PremiumParking.com for updates and other information.

The Car Drive to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

The Beach Express makes it quick and easy to cruise down to our coastal white sand beachside for a weekend vacation. From 1-10, take exit 49 for the Baldwin Beach Express. View the video to learn more about the road trip here. 

How to Save Time Getting to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Once you hop off I-65, I-10 or Highway 98, the Gulf Shores Parkway and Beach Express make it easy as key-lime pie to cruise straight down to the beach.

The Car Drive to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
How to Save Time Getting to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Start Planning

If you’ve haven’t finished planning your vacation or weekend getaway, it’s never too late! Explore our list of things to do and restaurants and book the perfect lodging right on our site!

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