The Best Beaches
in Alabama
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Temporary Closure of Gulf Place Public Beach
Due to the Hangout Music Festival, May 20-22, Gulf Shores’ Gulf Place public beach and some parking lots will be temporarily closed.
- Monday, May 9: East Gulf Place parking lot closed through May 25
- Monday, May 16: Public beach access at Gulf Place closes
- Thursday, May 26: Public beach parking and access points will return to normal
- Throughout the festival, the following beach access points will remain open: W. 4th St., W. 5th St., W. 6th St., W 10th St., W 12th St., W. 13th St., Little Lagoon, and Gulf State Park
- Access to West Beach is available through Windmill Ridge Rd. or by taking W. 1st Ave. to W. 3rd St.
- Access to Orange Beach is available through Gulf State Park, Canal Rd. or by taking E. 1st Ave. to E. 2nd, 3rd, or 4th St.
Seas The Day
Want a getaway to relax in the sun? There’s a beach for that. Feel like parasailing or playing volleyball? There’s a beach for that, too. In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the name tells the story – miles of pristine white quartz sand washed by blue-green Gulf waters. With kids building sandcastles in the summer and snowbirds strolling the shoreline in winter, Gulf Shores beaches are a year-round attraction, whether you came to swim, sunbathe, get in some yoga at sunrise or take a romantic walk at sunset. Beaches at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach all share the scenic beauty and windswept vistas beloved by travelers from across the nation, but each offers something unique and special as well.
Find Your Perfect Beach in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Find your perfect beach in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Cotton Bayou- A Gulf State Park beach area
Gulf Shores 4th Street Public Access
Shell Beach Access
Gulf Shores 13th Street Public Access
Lagoon Pass Beach
Branyon Beach Access
Romar Beach-A Gulf State Park beach area
Gulf Shores 12th Street Public Access
Gulf Shores 5th Street Public Access
Gulf Shores 6th Street Public Access
Gulf Shores 10th Street Public Access
'Tis the Sea-Sun
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, volleyball, watersports 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
Gulf State Park
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).
Orange Beach and 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.
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.
Beach Safety Tips
- You can get too much of a good thing, so 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.
- Keep off the dunes, dude. They preserve natural habitats. Beach boardwalks and walkovers are plentiful and will get you to the shore.
- Take nothing but pictures and leave only footprints. Clean up after yourself and don’t forget your beach chairs and towels.
- Observe and obey the Beach Warning Flag System
