Skip to main content
  • Visitors
  • Meetings
  • Sports
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • RV Parks & Camping
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Sportscation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores
    25 Rainy-Day Activities
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Snowbird Events
    Fall in Orange Beach
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love On Alabama’s Beaches
    Voyagers Restaurant Orange Beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Family Vacations
    • Couples Getaway
    • Beach Safety
    • Weather
    • Getting Here
    • Welcome Centers
    • Photographers
    Family Vacation Gulf Shores
    10 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    10 Cheap & Free Things To Do
    Paddle boarding Orange Beach
    11 Things to Do with Teens
    The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores
    Thrilling Amusement Parks in Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • RV Parks & Camping
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Sportscation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores
    25 Rainy-Day Activities
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Snowbird Events
    Fall in Orange Beach
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love On Alabama’s Beaches
    Voyagers Restaurant Orange Beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Family Vacations
    • Couples Getaway
    • Beach Safety
    • Weather
    • Getting Here
    • Welcome Centers
    • Photographers
    Family Vacation Gulf Shores
    10 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    10 Cheap & Free Things To Do
    Paddle boarding Orange Beach
    11 Things to Do with Teens
    The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores
    Thrilling Amusement Parks in Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Meetings
  • Home
    All Home
    • Plan Your Conference
    • How Can We Help
    • Why Our Beach
    • Services
    • FAQs
    • Getting Here
    • Restaurants
    • Things to Do
    • Calendar of Events
    Meeting in Gulf Shores
    Five Tips to Becoming a Confident Speaker
    beach bag, gulf shores
    How to Pack for a Meeting at the Beach
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions for Your Next Workcation
    All Plan Your Conference
    • All Meeting Spaces
    • Unique Meeting Spaces
    • Accommodations
    Meetings and conventions on Alabama's beaches
    5 Unique Meeting Spaces at the Beach
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    Non-Traditional Meeting Spaces on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
    Meeting at The Lodge
    Which Social Media Networks Help Meeting Planners the Most
    All Meeting Spaces
  • Reunions & Weddings
    All Reunions & Weddings
    • Meeting Planner Toolkit
    Gulf State Park Orange Beach
    3 Meeting Tips To Make Your Next Gulf Coast Meeting a Success
    Hashtag Events Happening in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
    5 Ways Social Media Can Help Meeting Planners Communicate & Educate Attendees
    Meeting Ballroom on Alabama's Beaches
    How to Increase Attendance at Your Next Conference
    All Toolkit
    • Connect With Us
    • Submit RFP
    • Subscribe Today
    Woman relaxing on the beach in Alabama
    Tips for Maintaining a Work-Life Balance as a Meeting Professional
    AmyPeralta
    “From the Desk of…”: Q&A with Sales Manager Amy Peralta
    MaryStatkewicz
    “From the Desk of…”: Q&A with Meetings Sales Manager Mary Statkewicz
    All Contact Us
  • Stories
    All Stories
Sports
    • All Events
    • Book Lodging
    • Perfect Game World Series
    • Gulf Shores High School
    • Beach Races
    • Orange Beach High School
    Family Lodging Gulf Shores
    Budget-Friendly Planning Tips for Sports Parents
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    4 Spots to Fuel Up for the Game
    Teens playing on Alabama's beaches
    What to Pack for Your Sportcation?
    All Events & Special Rates
    • All Restaurant Sponsors
    • On-the-Go Dining
    Grab n go Gulf Shores AL
    On the Go Dining
    Orange Beach, Lunching For Less - Teaser
    Budget-Friendly Meals for the Whole Team in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Crab claws at Pink Pony in Gulf Shores, AL
    Places to Grab the Best Crab Claws on Alabama's Beaches
    All Restaurants
    • All Attraction Sponsors
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    7 Quirky, Must-Visit Places in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    The Factory Trampoline Park
    5 Action-Packed Activities Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    What to Do When Your Tournament is Rained Out
    All Attractions
  • Business Sponsors
    All Business Sponsors
  • Facilities
    All Facilities
    • Facility Info
    • Leisure Events
    • Our Services
    • Planner Toolkit
    • Contact Us
    • Newsletter
    • Future Sports Tourism Development
    Baseball player
    Get to Know the Beach's Best Sports Facilities
    Man running a race
    Event Planner Resources for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    NCAA Softball Gulf Shores
    Start Planning Your Sportscation to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    All Bring Your Event
  • Sponsors
    All Sponsors
  • Blog
    All Blog
Sand castle - gulf shores and orange beach al

Beaches

in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Find Your Perfect Beach

Scroll to Continue

In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the name tells the story – miles of pristine white quartz sand washed by blue-green Gulf waters. Please be advised that there will be no lifeguards on duty on Gulf Shores and Orange Beach public beaches from October through February. During this time, beach patrol and response will be limited. Always check the beach flags and surf conditions before entering the water, and never swim alone. Help keep Alabama's Beaches pristine by practicing responsible tourism and following beach rules & regulations. 

Parking kiosks are now in place at most beaches. You can find more information about parking in Gulf Shores and parking in Orange Beach.

For those looking for wheelchair-accessible beach access points, there are three beach mats located at Gulf Place and one located at Cotton Bayou. 

Filter
Areas
  • Gulf Shores (9)
  • Orange Beach (3)
General
  • Wheelchair accessible (2)

Gulf Shores 4th Street Public Access

Gulf Shores

This is a pedestrian crossing beach access only, which is perfect if you're staying in a property nearby. Before you...

Keep Reading
Visit Website
Gulf Shores 4th Street Public Access

Cotton Bayou- A Gulf State Park beach area

Orange Beach

This small beach area is found at the intersection of Highway 182 and Highway 161. Nestled between some of the...

Keep Reading
Visit Website
Cotton Bayou- A Gulf State Park beach area

Branyon Beach Access

Gulf Shores

This small beach access is located at the intersection of Highway 182 and Campground Road. There is limited free parking...

Keep Reading
View More
Branyon Beach Access

Gulf Shores Main Public Beach (Gulf Place)

Gulf Shores

If you are looking for volleyball-playing, beach-bar-hanging good times, this spot - where Highway 59 dead-ends into the Gulf -...

Keep Reading
Visit Website
Gulf Shores Main Public Beach (Gulf Place)
Watch the 360-degree video for Gulf Shores Main Public Beach (Gulf Place).
Includes a 360-degree video for Gulf Shores Main Public Beach (Gulf Place).

Alabama Point East-A Gulf State Park beach area

Orange Beach

Located just .3 miles east of Perdido Pass Bridge, Alabama Point East offers more than 6,000 feet of wide beach...

Keep Reading
Visit Website
Alabama Point East-A Gulf State Park beach area
Watch the 360-degree video for Alabama Point East-A Gulf State Park beach area.
Includes a 360-degree video for Alabama Point East-A Gulf State Park beach area.

Gulf State Park Pavilion

Gulf Shores

This uncrowded, natural beach is located six miles east of Highway 59, among the sand dunes and sea oats. There...

Keep Reading
Visit Website
Gulf State Park Pavilion
Watch the 360-degree video for Gulf State Park Pavilion.
Includes a 360-degree video for Gulf State Park Pavilion.

Lagoon Pass Park

Gulf Shores

The Little Lagoon Pass Park is a great spot for taking in the sites and accessing the beach. The park...

Keep Reading
Visit Website
Lagoon Pass Park

Gulf Shores 5th Street Public Access

Gulf Shores

Located five blocks west of Highway 59, you can park on the north side and walk the boardwalk to the...

Keep Reading
Visit Website
Gulf Shores 5th Street Public Access

Shell Beach Access

Orange Beach

Located east of Perdido Pass Bridge, Shell Beach offers an easy access to the eastern most part of Gulf State...

Keep Reading
Visit Website
Shell Beach Access

Gulf Shores 10th Street Public Access

Gulf Shores

This is a Beach Access only. There is parking across the street from this location. Temporary Restroom facilities are available...

Keep Reading
Visit Website
Gulf Shores 10th Street Public Access

Gulf Shores 12th Street Public Access

Gulf Shores

This location has beach access, temporary restroom and showers. No parking. Before you break for the beach, familiarize yourself with...

Keep Reading
Visit Website
Gulf Shores 12th Street Public Access

Romar Beach-A Gulf State Park beach area

Orange Beach
Temporarily Closed

This beach area is easy to get to. It's perfect for a quick beach stroll or an impromptu picnic. It's...

Keep Reading
Visit Website
Romar Beach-A Gulf State Park beach area

Gulf Shores 6th Street Public Access

Gulf Shores

Located six blocks west of Highway 59, you can park and walk the boardwalk to the beach. An outdoor shower...

Keep Reading
Visit Website
Gulf Shores 6th Street Public Access

Gulf Shores 13th Street Public Access

Gulf Shores

Street side parking with a dune walkover, shower and temporary restrooms. The cost is $15 all-day. Gulf Shores residents park...

Keep Reading
Visit Website
Gulf Shores 13th Street Public Access

Beaches FAQs

Are dogs allowed on the beaches? Can I bring my dog to the beach?

Pets are not allowed on our beaches. However, our destination is home to many pet-friendly accommodations, parks, and attractions. 

What is the water temperature this time of year?

Gulf temperatures vary throughout the year. Learn about average weather and water temperatures for each month.

Can I bring a tent on the beach in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach?

All tents, canopies, and EZ-Ups must be placed behind the white Leave Only Footprints flags when set up on Orange Beach and Gulf Shores’ public beaches. Umbrellas are permitted anywhere along the shore.

 

Alabama's Instagrammable Moments

'Tis the Sea-Sun

Gulf Place in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores Main Public Beach (Gulf Place)

Everyone loves Gulf Place Beach. This beach features plenty of things to do including sandy beach bars, eateries, beach boutique stores, pavilions, picnic areas, watersports, volleyball and beach hotels that let you stay and play. Highway 59 dead-ends at the main beach area, but there is public access up and down the coast. 

Gulf State Park Beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf State Park Beach

Gulf State Park offers a whirl of activities including boating, paddle boarding, fishing, from the Gulf State Park Pier, biking, golfing and camping. There’s even a play area just for dogs located at Lake Shelby on the park’s western end. From the main entrance at the Beach Pavilion in Gulf Shores, there are access points along Orange Beach (including Alabama Point East).

Cotton Bayou Beach in Orange Beach, Alabama

Orange Beach & Cotton Bayou

Cotton Bayou is set at the intersection of Highways 182 and 161 in Orange Beach and also part of Gulf State Park. Cotton Bayou is small in size but big on amenities, including outdoor showers and ample free parking. This beach is located within convenient walking distance of the primary Orange Beach condominiums.

Jet Ski rental

Shore Excursions

Some beach goers plant their towels, open a good book and start working on the ultimate tan. Others like to stir things up with parasailing, kayaking and excursions to nearby islands. If you’re staying close to shore, a flood of beach equipment rentals will be on hand – beach bikes, buggies, beach wheelchairs, paddle boards, surf and skim boards and all kinds of flotation devices. Many companies offer delivery and pick-up service.

Romar Beach Access in Orange Beach, Alabama

Beach Safety 

When visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, it is important to remember beach safety and to be respectful of animal's natural habitats. Don’t forget the sunscreen before venturing out in the warm Alabama sunshine. Take care when exploring the sand. You might happen upon a sea turtle nest or a tiny bird’s nest. Please keep off the sand dunes. They preserve natural habitats. Take nothing but pictures and leave only footprints. Observe and obey the beach flag warning system. Check our Beach Safety Page for daily updates. 

Icon of a hotel
Find Your Perfect Place to Stay
Places to Stay Search Lodging Options
icon of a guide
Where Your Journey Begins
Order a Free Vacation Guide Order a Free Vacation Guide
Email icon
News from the Coast
Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter Subscribe to Our Enewsletter

Trip Ideas

For Your Beach Vacation 

Learn More
Boating in Perdido Pass Orange Beach

Stay Smart Off-Shore with Boating Safety

Southern Charm Fishing Charter Orange Beach

Book a Charter to Catch Amberjack, Snapper, & Triggerfish

Picnic Cruise Orange Beach

Waves, Wellness, & Wine: A Girlfriends’ Getaway on Alabama's Beaches

Fishing Charter Orange Beach

Discover Endless Fishing Opportunities on Alabama’s Beaches

Little Lagoon Pass Park

Try Little Lagoon for a Day of Fun Fishing

Billfish Classic 2023

Record-Setting Marlin Caught During OB Billfish Classic

Order a Vacation Guide Subscribe to our Enewsletter
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Logo
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tik-Tok
  • Trip Ideas
  • Press
  • Partners
  • Responsible Tourism
  • 1-800-745-SAND
  • [email protected]
  • Privacy Policy
  • Employment Opportunities
Copyright 2023 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. All rights reserved.
  • Subscribe to Enews
  • Vacation Guide
  • Chat With Us