Things to Know Before Your Vacation
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Nestled along the shores of the Gulf is a magical place where the warm turquoise waters lap against sugar-white sand beaches, where the salt spray and sea breeze are exhilarating, and where the hospitality is as warm as the sun. Before you pack your bags and head for the coast, here are a few things to know about Alabama’s Beaches. From understanding the unique personalities of each beach town to knowing when to visit and what to expect once you’re here, these local tips will help you settle into the laid-back rhythm of the area
Welcome to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, two seaside towns among the country's fastest-growing vacation destinations.
Get To Know Alabama's Beaches Before You Visit
Where Are Alabama’s Beaches?
Where Are Alabama’s Beaches?
Alabama’s Beaches sit along the state’s southern Gulf Coast, right where Alabama meets Florida. This beautiful stretch of shoreline includes three beach towns – Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.
Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan are charming beach communities alive and vibrant, with a good mix of the young and old bringing excitement to the area. You'll find unique attractions, incredible dining experiences, fantastic lodging options, and adventure on and off the water.
Things to Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Things to Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
There is more to Alabama’s Beaches than its long stretch of white beaches, so much more that a single weekend won't be enough time to take it all in. Beyond the sugar-white sands, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan are full of attractions, coastal adventures, and local spots that make every visit special no matter your interest.
For family fun, visit noteworthy attractions like Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or The Track or beat the head with indoor activities. Then, cool off with exciting watersports like Jet Skiing and parasailing or explore the waterways by boat or aboard a cruise. If you’re a golfer, bring your clubs to one of the incredible golf courses in and around the area. And anglers will love the endless fishing opportunities our area offers.
The Beaches Here Are Beautiful
The Beaches Here Are Beautiful
The Alabama Gulf Coast boasts 32 miles of pristine beachfront, with 15 public-access beaches stretching along the shoreline. Many have picnic areas, restrooms, and showers, making them perfect for a full day by the water. Also, for our wheelchair travelers, there are several public beaches with ADA-accessible beach mats that allow visitors to easily roll over the sand.
Most beach access points require paid parking through parking kiosks, and prices start at $10 a day, depending on your vehicle size.
Finding the Best Seafood
Finding the Best Seafood
When you get hungry, try one of the many excellent local restaurants serving the freshest Gulf seafood. From shrimp and oysters to fish and crab, your tastebuds will thank you for dining out at the restaurants on Alabama’s Beaches.
But seafood is not all we have to offer. You’ll find more than just fresh catches at the restaurants along the beach as our area also boasts finger-licking barbecue, mouthwatering burgers, and delectable desserts. If you visit during the spring and summer, plan to dine before 5 pm or after 8 pm to avoid longer wait times at restaurants.
Explore Alabama’s Gulf Coast Outdoors
Explore Alabama’s Gulf Coast Outdoors
Alabama's Beaches offer endless adventure on both land and water. With countless waterways to explore, each beach town has fantastic places to paddle either by kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Look up, and you might spot ospreys, eagles, and great blue herons soaring overhead.
On land, take a hike on the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge trails through maritime wetlands and forests, over sand dunes, and to the nesting ground of loggerhead sea turtles on one of the most secluded beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Enjoy hiking and biking trails along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and the Fort Morgan Road Trail – both perfect for all ages. Gulf State Park is another great place to spot wildlife, kayak and paddleboard, and even ride through the trails on a Segway tour.
Getting Around Alabama’s Beaches is Easy
Getting Around Alabama’s Beaches is Easy
Our area is easy to travel to by car from many Southeastern states thanks to its proximity to I-I-10 and I-65. If you fly into the destination and do not have a vehicle, you can rent a car at the Gulf Shores, Pensacola, or Mobile airports to get around the area. There are also local taxi and shuttle companies that can transport you throughout the destination.
Plan to bring a bike or rent one at one of the many rental shops during your stay. You can also take advantage of the free bike share program when exploring Gulf State Park. You’ll find everything you need close by, and traveling via two wheels is a fun way to get around.
Beating the Traffic
Beating the Traffic
A little planning goes a long way – knowing when and how to arrive can help you spend more time on the beach and less time in the car. There's no doubt that Alabama's Beaches are rapidly growing in popularity. There are two main roads into the towns— Alabama Highway 59 and the Baldwin/Foley Beach Expressway. The expressway is usually a bit faster and connects directly to I-10 at Exit 49. Most accommodations have check-in times around 3 or 4 pm, so plan to arrive a little earlier to beat traffic!
Traffic is lightest early in the morning and later in the evening, especially on weekends. Using a navigation app to check real-time traffic updates can also help you choose the best route and make your drive easier.
You Can Rent Almost Anything
You Can Rent Almost Anything
There’s no need to panic if you leave something behind. Alabama’s Beaches make it easy to rent or buy just about anything you need once you’re here. Anything recreational, from bikes to paddleboards, can be purchased or rented at numerous rental locations. You can also rent electric beach chairs to venture off the mats and onto the sand.
Local grocery stores and big-box retailers give you easy access to extra sunscreen, groceries, and over-the-counter medications.
Want to get ahead? Place a grocery order in advance to stock your condo (especially helpful if you have kiddos in your party). You can order online with Walmart, Publix, or Rouses, or let The Beach Moms concierge service get your condo or beach house ready for you by doing your shopping. The Beach Moms will stock your pantry and fridge and even help arrange excursions. All you have to do is arrive and relax.
Brush Up On The Beach Rules
Brush Up On The Beach Rules
Together, we can help keep Alabama’s Beaches as beautiful and welcoming as the people who visit them. Some of our fondest memories come from spending time on the beach with our friends and family, but there are some basic rules and beach safety you should know.
Leave Only Footprints is a local initiative that helps keep the beach pristine for everyone to enjoy. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to take all belongings and trash with them at the end of the day. If you’re on the beach at night, avoid using flashlights, as they can disorient nesting sea turtles. You can pick up a free turtle-safe flashlight cover at our Welcome Center.
Plan Your Beach Trip Like a Local
Plan Your Beach Trip Like a Local
Planning a trip can feel overwhelming, but Alabama's Beaches have many resources to help with your trip planning! Request a free vacation guide, sign up for our monthly newsletter, and check out all the deals in the area. You’ll find everything you need on our website, including what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and other important information.
When you arrive, stop by our Welcome Center for insider tips from friendly locals who know the area best. Locals staffing the facilities are knowledgeable and offer great advice. They’ll help you discover locals’ favorite restaurants, unique things to do, and hidden gems to make your visit memorable.
Best Times to Visit Alabama’s Beaches
Best Times to Visit Alabama’s Beaches
Every season has its own magic on Alabama’s Beaches. Winter days are mild and peaceful, perfect for quiet strolls along the shore or watching the sunset with a light jacket and a cup of coffee in hand. Spring brings new life to the coast — wildflowers bloom, the water warms, and local events start filling the calendar again.
Summer is made for family beach days, fresh seafood, and nights spent listening to live music by the water. By fall, the pace slows down, the air feels softer, and the sunsets seem to linger just a little longer.
It’s Always Festival Season Here
It’s Always Festival Season Here
There’s always something happening on Alabama’s Beaches, no matter the time of year. From music and seafood to art and community traditions, festivals here bring people together to celebrate coastal life.
You might catch the sounds of the Hangout Music Festival filling the air, taste your way through the world-famous National Shrimp Festival, catch beads at a Mardi Gras parade, or spend a weekend exploring local markets and concerts at The Wharf Amphitheater.
Each event adds its own flavor to the season, and around here, the fun doesn’t stop when summer ends; it just changes rhythm.
Alabama's Beaches
These blogs are written by the destination experts at Alabama's Beaches. From the best restaurants and hidden gems to tips and tricks for making the most of your stay, our knowledgable team has the lowdown on our area.
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