10 Best Beaches in Alabama
Whether you’re after relaxation, family fun, or outdoor adventure, Alabama offers the best coastal experiences.
Alabama’s Gulf Coast is home to some of the best beaches in the South. I love how fine the sand is compared to most beaches around the world. Over the years, Alabama beaches have become some of my favorite spots for relaxation and fun. I've been writing about Alabama for 30 years and have have become an expert. Combined with my beach reviewing experience (and actually living less than a mile from the beach for half a decade), I can definitely help you find the best beach!
With soft white sand and warm Gulf waters, I think that Alabama delivers a cool mix of family-friendly fun, natural beauty, and laid-back charm. I've been to some pretty unique coastal destinations that end up being hard to forget!
With most beaches just a few hours from major Southern cities, it’s easy to plan the best kind of weekend or vacation escape.
Which Alabama beach will you choose? If you’re searching for the best mix of sand, sun, and relaxation, these destinations deliver.
Orange Beach - 30 miles from Pensacola Airport
Orange Beach in Alabama has to be one of my favorite coastal escapes.
Every time I visit I’m amazed at how vibrant and joyful the experience feels.
We drove just under an hour east from Mobile to Orange Beach. For the night, we stayed right on the sand at Best Western Premier – The Tides ($185, beachfront balcony).
Orange Beach has the kind of sand that feels like powder under your feet. The clear turquoise water (see the photo!) makes it look like a dream.
One of the coolest things for me is that it balances romantic sunsets for couples and exciting activities for families. I think it’s a beach that works for everyone. I've gone with friends and they agreed. We've had some of the most amazing afternoons here
Everything was affordable compared to my hometown of Austin TX which was a big plus.
Dauphin Island Beach: The Edges of the Map
Next we drove about 2 hours 20 minutes west from Orange Beach, looping around Mobile Bay to Dauphin Island.
Known as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama,” the island stretches about 14 miles long with soft, sandy beaches.
That night, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Mobile.
We drove onto Dauphin Island over the long bridge that skims just above the water, the kind that makes your palms sweat a little.
Dauphin Island Public Beach (entry $5 per car, $3 per pedestrian) was wide and flat. The sand had that soft, almost silty feel that my feet loved.
The waves were gentle and slow. I felt relaxed just looking at the ocean rolling in.
Lunch was at Skinner’s Seafood (it closes at 5 so we almost missed it!). The air smelled like garlic butter and the fryers were working overtime. I ordered a shrimp basket, crispy, peppery, with a squeeze of lemon, and sat outside where gulls tried to convince me I owed them a piece.
Whether it’s a romantic weekend, a family beach trip, or just an affordable escape into nature, Dauphin Island, Alabama is an exceptional destination.
Florida Point Beach: A Dune Between Worlds
We left Dauphin Island Beach and drove 30 minutes to Fort Gaines, where we rolled onto the Mobile Bay Ferry ($18 per car, $6 per passenger).
The 40-minute crossing gave us pelicans, dolphins, and wide views of the bay before docking at Fort Morgan.
From there it was another one hour east along the Gulf coast to Florida Point Beach in Orange Beach.
Florida Point Beach in Orange Beach, Alabama, is another one of my favorites.
We love that it’s tucked right at the end of Perdido Pass Bridge, near the Alabama–Florida line, which makes it both easy to find and exciting to explore.
I think the wide, white-sand shoreline is absolutely amazing! It stretches out so far that even on busy days it feels peaceful.
My favorite experience here is watching the boats drift through Perdido Pass while the waves crash along the jetties. It’s such a cool and unusual view compared to other Gulf beaches.
For me, the absolute best part is how Florida Point Beach feels both hidden even though it’s right near the heart of Orange Beach.
I also loved how family-friendly it was, with shallow water near the shore and plenty of space my son to play while we relaxed. I stayed vigilant as always, but in a relaxed sort of way.
Fort Morgan Beach: History Wrapped in Salt Air
We drove about 45 minutes west from Orange Beach along Highway 182 until the road literally ended at Fort Morgan Beach.
Here, the 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay still echoes in the brick walls of Fort Morgan State Historic Site ($8 adults, $5 kids).
Fort Morgan Beach on Alabama’s Gulf Coast is located at the very tip of the Fort Morgan Peninsula, near Gulf Shores, which makes it feel secluded.
I think the soft white sand and calm Gulf waters make this one of the most underrated beaches in Alabama. It’s peaceful, spacious, and just perfect for a weekend getaway.
My favorite experience is exploring the historic Fort Morgan itself before heading down to the beach. If you are planning a day trip, this will give you such an unusual blend of fascinating history and spectacular natural beauty.
I loved how quiet and romantic Fort Morgan Beach felt compared to the busier tourist beaches nearby.
For me, one of the coolest things is watching the ferries cross the bay toward Dauphin Island. It’s an awesome sight that adds a unique touch to the beach day.
Whether you’re into history, nature, or just a peaceful escape, Fort Morgan Beach is an exceptional Alabama beach to visit.
Gulf Shores Main Beach: Classic, Crowded, and Joyful
From Fort Morgan Beach, we drove about 30 minutes east back along AL-182 to reach Gulf Shores Main Beach.
This one is the hub. You'll find wide sugar-white sand, volleyball courts, showers, pavilions, and the backdrop of Gulf Shores’ restaurants and shops. Parking was $5 for 4 hours ($10 all day) and lifeguards were on duty in season.
Gulf Shores Main Beach provides the best mix of excitement and relaxation.
We love that it’s right in the heart of Gulf Shores, near restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
I think the wide stretch of soft white sand is absolutely spectacular. You can spread out with family, enjoy a romantic stroll, or just soak up the sun with the lively atmosphere around you.
My favorite experience was swimming in the clear Gulf waters while hearing live music drifting from nearby venues. It gave the whole day a unique and joyful vibe.
We had some of the best seafood just steps away from the beach, and it made the whole outing feel like a complete coastal experience.
For me, one of the coolest things about Main Beach is that it hosts exciting festivals and events throughout the year, which adds so much energy to the area.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
From Gulf State Park, we drove about 25 minutes west along AL-180 to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (7,000 acres!).
The trails here felt a world away from the bustle of Gulf Shores.
I loved the quiet dunes and salt marsh. We hiked along the Jeff Friend Trail (one-mile loop). We had views of Little Lagoon, and spotted herons and ospreys overhead. Admission was free.
That evening we returned to Gulf Shores to stay at The Lodge at Gulf State Park ($179, beachfront).
I loved bringing a picnic and sitting by Little Lagoon. It was such a simple idea, but it turned into one of my favorite, most peaceful afternoons ever.
Walking along the sand dunes at sunset was absolutely amazing, with vibrant skies and the sound of waves creating a romantic and unforgettable moment.
Romantic Evenings at West Beach, Alabama
From Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, we drove about 20 minutes east (12 miles) back toward Gulf Shores to reach West Beach, the narrow peninsula stretching for 6 miles between the Gulf and Little Lagoon.
West Beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is one of my favorite spots for a laid-back coastal escape.
We love that it stretches west from the main public beach area, giving you miles of soft white sand and Gulf waters to enjoy without the bigger crowds.
I think this beach is one of the most underrated in the area, like a hidden gem tucked away from the busiest parts of town.
For me, one of the best things about West Beach is that it can be both affordable or a splurge. You can bring a picnic or head to one of the nearby local restaurants for fresh seafood.
I also loved how romantic the evenings were here, with magical sunsets that painted the sky in vibrant colors and turned the beach into pure coastal dreamland.
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or solo, West Beach is an absolute best-kept secret in Gulf Shores that always leaves me wanting to return.
Fairhope
We drove about 1 hour north from Dauphin Island to Fairhope, perched on Mobile Bay’s eastern shore.
Fairhope doesn’t have a beach in the traditional sense, more like a shoreline. But I’m including it because it gave me something that felt beach-adjacent: breeze, beauty, and a place to exhale.
I walked down the Fairhope Municipal Pier (1,448 feet long, free to walk), watching locals cast their lines like it was a slow dance.
The bay was calm, the kind of calm that gives you permission to slow your thoughts.
I ate at Panini Pete’s just a few blocks from the pier. The muffuletta panini was warm and briny with olive tapenade, and the fries had a dusting of herbs that made them smell like a summer garden. .
Fairhope Beach may not be the biggest, but for a relaxing and exceptional experience, it’s absolutely one of the best choices on the bay.
Gulf State Park: Where Nature and Beach Blur
From Gulf Shores Main Beach, we drove just 5 minutes east (2 miles) into Gulf State Park (6,500 acres, entry free but parking $5/day).
The highlight was the Fishing and Education Pier, stretching 1,540 feet into the Gulf, the longest in Alabama.
We walked along the pier ($3 entry), watched anglers reel in pompano, and spotted dolphins offshore.
Then we relaxed on the park’s quieter stretch of beach before checking into The Lodge at Gulf State Park ($179, eco-friendly, right on the sand).
Gulf State Park in Alabama is one of my favorite places to experience both the beach and nature.
We love that it’s located right between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, making it super convenient while still feeling like a out-of-the-way spot.
I think the two miles of pristine white-sand shoreline are absolutely amazing. It’s the kind of beach that feels both vibrant and peaceful at the same time.
I loved how the park offers over 25 miles of biking and hiking paths through forests, lakes, and dunes. It honestly felt magical to see so much variety in one place.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway, an active adventure, or just a relaxing beach day, Gulf State Park is an exceptional Alabama treasure that truly offers the absolute best of everything.
Cotton Bayou Beach: A Pocket of Peace
From our stay in Orange Beach, we drove just 5 minutes east to Cotton Bayou Beach, a clean, family-friendly public access right along Highway 182.
We love that it’s right near the intersection of Highway 161 and Perdido Beach Boulevard, which makes it super easy to find and really convenient for a quick stop if you don't want to spend a full day by the water.
I think this beach is a solid choice for families because it’s smaller, more relaxed, and feels like a hidden, cool spot compared to the busier stretches of sand nearby.
What I enjoy most is that you don’t have to stress about parking since there’s a public lot right there, and it’s just a few steps before you’re on the soft sand. You can drag along as many sand toys as you want!
We had such a fun time swimming in the calm, clear Gulf waters!
For me, the coolest part is that Cotton Bayou still feels unusual in its simplicity, almost like a secret beach that locals want to keep quiet.
We brought a picnic once, and it was an amazing idea. The mix of good food, gentle sea breeze, and spectacular ocean views made it my favorite afternoon.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a romantic stroll, or just an affordable family outing, Cotton Bayou Beach is an exceptional choice that always leaves me with the best memories.
Local tip:
If you see single red flags on the beach, they represent a high hazard with high surf and strong currents. You won't be able to go in the water for your safety. Yellow flags, on the other hand, mean that there's medium hazard and you have to be cautious! I like to check the Orange City X page in the morning before we head out for any alerts. They're really good at keeping it updated!
Conclusion
After exploring so many of Alabama’s beaches, I can honestly say each one feels like its own special slice, offering something unique, joyful, and unforgettable.
From the vibrant energy of Gulf Shores Main Beach to the peaceful magic of Dauphin Island and the spectacular nature at Bon Secour, every destination gave me a different favorite memory.
We love how affordable and family-friendly these spots are, yet they also carry a romantic charm that makes them perfect for a dreamy weekend getaway.
For me, the absolute best part is the variety. You can find boardwalks, quiet sands, unusual wildlife, and some of the most magical sunsets anywhere on the Gulf Coast.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little of both, Alabama’s coastline is filled with underrated treasures just waiting to be discovered.
Every visit reminded me that the coolest, most spectacular experiences don’t always require long-distance travel or a large budget.
Sometimes the best gems are right nearby, ready to turn an ordinary trip into something truly exceptional.
Additional Resources:
- Alabama’s Official Travel Guide for Orange Beach
- Town of Dauphin Island — Beaches
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
- Gulf Shores — Cotton Bayou (Gulf State Park Beach Area)
- Alabama State Parks — Gulf State Park
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