Beaches in Alabama
By VacationIdea Staff | Affiliate Disclosure
-
Does Alabama have a large coastline?
- Alabama doesn’t have a large coastline,
but its 32 miles of white sand and blue water south of Mobile are spectacular.
-
What makes Alabama’s coastline special?
- Visitors can enjoy breathtaking seascapes and rich wildlife in the
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.
- The area also offers a laid-back atmosphere and fun activities on
Dauphin Island.
-
Where can families enjoy beach activities in Alabama?
- For family-friendly fun, lively beach destinations such as Gulf Shores
provide plenty of entertainment and outdoor activities.
Best Time to Visit Beaches in Alabama
- April to June – Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and great for swimming and sunbathing.
- June to August – Peak season with warm waters, lively beach vibes, and family fun.
- September to October – Warm weather, fewer visitors, and ideal for peaceful beach days.
- November to March – Cooler but quiet, perfect for beach walks and enjoying scenic views.
- Early May – Great for enjoying mild weather before summer crowds arrive.
1.Orange Beach, Alabama
Swim in clear waters and enjoy exciting water sports.
© George/stock.adobe.com
-
Where is Orange Beach located?
- Orange Beach is located on Alabama's Gulf Coast and is one of the most beautiful beaches along this stretch of the U.S. coastline.
-
What makes Orange Beach special?
- The beach features miles of powdered-sugar sand, perfect for relaxing in the sun and enjoying scenic coastal views.
-
When can visitors see sea turtles at Orange Beach?
- From May to October, visitors have the opportunity to watch sea turtles lay eggs along the shore.
-
What water access does Orange Beach provide?
- The beach offers access to the bayous and bays north of Perdido Pass, allowing visitors to explore beyond the coastline.
-
What activities are available at Orange Beach?
- Visitors can join a fishing charter, take a dolphin-watching tour, play a round of golf, or go birdwatching on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail.
-
Where can visitors find a map of Orange Beach?
2.Cotton Bayou Beach
Relax on soft sands and enjoy a family-friendly beach escape.
© Darryl/stock.adobe.com
-
Where is Cotton Bayou Beach located?
- This nice small beach is nestled among popular condominiums at the intersection of Highways 182 and 161 in Orange Beach, Alabama.
-
What activities can visitors enjoy at Cotton Bayou Beach?
- The beach is a perfect place for various activities or simply relaxing and people-watching.
-
How close is the beach to parking and amenities?
- The beach is close to the parking lot and offers essential amenities such as restrooms and outdoor showers.
-
What should visitors know about crowd levels?
- This beautiful white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico can get crowded at times, so it is best to arrive early to find a good spot.
-
Is Cotton Bayou Beach family-friendly?
- Yes, the shallow water makes it a great place for kids to play, but dogs are not allowed on the beach.
-
Why is Cotton Bayou Beach popular for weddings?
- The beach is a very popular spot for wedding pictures due to its scenic white sand and coastal beauty.
-
What is the address of Cotton Bayou Beach?
3.Dauphin Island Beach
Walk along peaceful shores and explore historic Fort Gaines.
© swambolt/stock.adobe.com
-
Where is Dauphin Island located?
- Dauphin Island is a small barrier island on the Alabama coast, located along the Gulf of Mexico.
-
Why is Dauphin Island considered a great family holiday destination?
- The island is known for being quiet and peaceful, with miles of powder-fine white sand, making it a perfect getaway for families.
-
What activities can visitors enjoy on Dauphin Island’s beaches?
- The long and narrow beaches are perfect for strolling along the surf, making sandcastles, or simply cooling down in the water.
-
Are there parks and recreational areas on the island?
- Yes, along the beaches, visitors will find lovely parks shaded with ancient oaks as well as public golf courses.
-
Is Dauphin Island pet-friendly?
- Yes, it is the only pet-friendly beach in the area, allowing visitors to bring their furry friends.
-
What are the fishing opportunities on Dauphin Island?
- The island is known for great off-shore fishing, making it a popular spot for anglers.
-
Is there live music on Dauphin Island?
Address: Dauphin Island Beach, 1501 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
4.Fairhope
Stroll along scenic piers and enjoy charming downtown vibes.
© forestpath/stock.adobe.com
-
Where is Fairhope located?
- Fairhope is a small, bohemian town located on the shore of Mobile Bay, a large estuary that connects with the Gulf of Mexico.
-
Does Fairhope have beaches?
- Yes, despite its location on the brackish waters of the estuary, Fairhope has a few small yet lovely beaches that visitors can enjoy.
-
Where is the main beach in Fairhope?
- One of the town’s beaches is located north of the popular pier, offering a scenic and peaceful waterfront experience.
-
Are there picnic areas near the beach?
- Yes, just behind the beach, on a high bluff, there is a nice grassy area perfect for picnics, with wonderful views of the ocean and large trees for shade.
-
What is the climate like at Fairhope’s beaches?
- The area has a lovely breeze that helps cool the summer heat, making it a comfortable place to relax.
-
Is Fairhope Beach good for families?
- Yes, the waves are always moderate, and kids love playing in the calm waters.
-
Where can I find a map of Fairhope?
5.Florida Point Beach, Alabama
Explore unspoiled dunes and swim in crystal-clear waters.
© Darryl/stock.adobe.com
-
Where is Florida Point Beach located?
- Florida Point Beach is located just 3 miles from Perdido Pass Bridge in Orange Beach, Alabama.
-
How long is Florida Point Beach?
- The beach is a 6,000-foot-long stretch of fine white sand along the turquoise waters of Florida Point.
-
What amenities are available at Florida Point Beach?
- The beach features a popular boardwalk, several picnic areas, and a few outdoor showers.
-
Is Florida Point Beach crowded?
- The beach is very popular, but visitors seeking a more secluded spot can take a stroll among the dunes to find a quieter area.
-
Is parking available at Florida Point Beach?
- Yes, parking at the beach access is free.
-
Where can I find more information about Florida Point Beach?
Address: Florida Point Beach, Orange Beach, AL 36561
6.Fort Morgan Beach, AL
Tour a historic fort and relax on secluded sandy shores.
© Lacey Newman/stock.adobe.com
-
Where is Fort Morgan Peninsula located?
- The Fort Morgan Peninsula extends west from Gulf Shores, offering a secluded beach experience away from the more crowded tourist spots.
-
Why is Fort Morgan Peninsula a great beach destination?
- It is perfect for visitors who want to escape beach bars and souvenir shops and enjoy a more peaceful and private shoreline.
-
Is Fort Morgan Peninsula part of a wildlife refuge?
- Yes, a large section of the peninsula is located within a protected wildlife refuge, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
-
How far is the nearest store from the beaches?
- The beachfront is about an hour’s drive from any store, but the privacy it offers makes it worth the isolation.
-
What do the beaches look like?
- The beaches are pristine, covered with fine white sand, and offer a clean, untouched environment.
-
Is there a fee to access the beaches?
- No, the beaches are free to access, although finding them can be a bit tricky.
-
Are the beaches open to the public?
- Most of the beaches are part of private hotel accommodations, so public access points may be limited.
Two public beach access points are within the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, 1.5 miles after the visitors center. There is an unnamed public beach access at the end of the peninsula, outside the Fort Morgan State Historic Site. Fort Morgan Beach Map
7.Gulf Shores Main Beach, AL
Enjoy lively beach vibes and explore local waterfront dining.
© Courtesy of BJ Ray - Fotolia.com
-
What makes Gulf Shores a popular beach destination?
- White sand beaches and clear turquoise waters attract thousands of visitors to Gulf Shores on the Alabama coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
-
What activities can visitors enjoy at Gulf Shores?
-
What is unique about the sand at Gulf Shores?
- The sand is made almost entirely from quartz that washed down from the Appalachian Mountains thousands of years ago. It is soft and cool underfoot and makes a funny squeaking sound when walked on.
-
What kind of beachside activities can visitors find?
- There is plenty of action, from volleyball games to charming beach bars offering food and drinks.
-
Which is better: Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
- It depends on personal interests. Orange Beach is known for being quieter, while Gulf Shores offers more activities.
-
When is the best time to visit Gulf Shores?
- To avoid summer crowds and heat, the best times to visit are mid-March through May and September through mid-November.
Address: W Gulf Pl, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Gulf Shores AL Events:
- National Shrimp Festival - Gulf Shores, October 10th through 13th, 2024
- Independence Day Celebration - Gulf Shores, 4th of July
8.Gulf State Park
Hike scenic nature trails and explore pristine beaches.
© Eric/stock.adobe.com
-
Where is Gulf State Park located?
-
What can visitors do at Gulf State Park’s beaches?
- Visitors can enjoy relaxing in the sun, cooling off in the surf, listening to seagulls, or collecting sea shells.
-
Where are the beach access points in the park?
- Some beaches are located in Gulf Shores, near a charming pavilion, while another access point is at Orange Beach.
-
What recreational activities are popular at Gulf State Park?
- The park’s beaches are great for surf fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the sand.
-
Does the park offer any guided activities?
- Yes, park staff organize fun activities every summer, such as geocaching, guided nature walks, and stargazing.
-
Are there accommodations within the park?
- The park offers 20 cabins and 11 lakeside cottages next to the golf course, just a short drive from the beach.
Address: Gulf State Park, 20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
9.Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Spot diverse wildlife and explore serene nature trails.
© Corey/stock.adobe.com
-
Where is Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge located?
-
What is the purpose of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
- The refuge provides protected feeding and resting areas for a variety of migratory birds and serves as a sanctuary for diverse native plants and animals.
-
What makes Bon Secour unique?
- It is one of the largest undeveloped coastal land areas in Alabama.
-
What are the divisions of the refuge?
- The refuge is divided into Perdue, Sand Bayou, Fort Morgan, Little Point Clear, and Little Dauphin Island.
-
What types of habitats are protected within the refuge?
- The refuge protects various habitats, including beaches, scrub forests, sand dunes, freshwater swamps, salt and freshwater marshes, and uplands.
-
What endangered species can be found at Bon Secour?
- The refuge is home to endangered species such as the Alabama beach mouse and sea turtles, including the green, loggerhead, and Kemp's ridley turtles.
Address: 12295 Alabama 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
10.West Beach, Alabama
Walk along quiet shores and enjoy stunning sunset views.
© Amy/stock.adobe.com
-
Where is West Beach located?
- West Beach is situated on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, stretching towards Mobile Bay, and is located near the popular beaches of Gulf Shores.
-
How does West Beach compare to Gulf Shores?
- West Beach is less touristy, offering a quieter and more relaxed beach experience compared to the busy beaches of Gulf Shores.
-
What kind of development surrounds West Beach?
- On one side, West Beach is lined with luxury condos, private homes, hotels, and restaurants, while on the other side, it meets the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
-
Is West Beach open to the public?
- Yes, miles of fine white sandy beaches are open to the public.
-
What natural features are near West Beach?
- The beach is separated from Mobile Bay by a small lake called Little Lagoon, offering a unique coastal landscape.
-
What wildlife can be found near West Beach?
Address: West Beach, West Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures and fewer crowds. |
The Lodge at Gulf State Park – A sustainable beachfront resort in Gulf Shores. |
Explore Gulf State Park Beach – Enjoy scenic trails, white sand, and wildlife. |
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with hot weather and lively beach activities. |
Turquoise Place by Spectrum Resorts – Luxury condos with ocean views in Orange Beach. |
Visit Orange Beach – Great for family-friendly fun, water sports, and dolphin tours. |
Fall (September-November) – Warm waters with fewer tourists. |
Perdido Beach Resort – A popular resort with private beach access. |
Attend the Annual Shrimp Festival – A must-visit event in Gulf Shores every October. |
Winter (December-February) – Mild temperatures, great for relaxation and solitude. |
Caribe Resort – A waterfront stay with indoor pools and lazy rivers. |
Walk Along Dauphin Island Beach – A peaceful getaway with stunning sunsets. |
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents: