Wondering where to plant your beach umbrella? You'll find a variety of public beaches, each special in it's own way and each offering a different experience. Try 'em all and see which fits you best.
Whether you're an expert swimmer or just a polliwog, you'll want to be familiar with the new Beach Warning Flags in Orange Beach and the Gulf State Park.
| Beaches |
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Comprised of 95% quartz, Alabama’s beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Renowned for their
color, quality, grade and magnificent water, you’re destined to lose track of time exploring our shore.
| Alabama Point | Orange Beach |
| There must be something magic about this stretch of Gulf and the pass leading into the back bays. The water here always seems to be that glistening turquoise you see in magazines. This is a spot for serious relaxation. Located just .3 miles east of Perdido Pass Bridge, Alabama Point offers more than 6,000 feet of wide beach, large sand dunes, and a 225-foot boardwalk. It's a bit of a walk out across the dune line, so pack lightly and focus on the simple pleasures.
This park offers some of great views of incoming and outgoing charter boats... if you can keep your eyes open. |
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| Cotton Bayou Public Beach | Orange Beach |
| This small beach area is found at the intersection of Highway 182 and Highway 161. Nestled between some of the most popular condominiums in the area, there's always plenty of people-watching and activity. There is ample free parking and the beach is easily accessible.
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| Romar Beach | Orange Beach |
| This beach area - with a limited amount of free parking - is easy to get to. It's perfect for a quick beach stroll or an impromptu picnic. It's located 6.8 miles east of Highway 59. |
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| Gulf State Park | Gulf Shores |
| This un-crowded, natural beach is located six miles east of Highway 59, among the sand dunes and sea oats. There's lots of room to spread out, making it a great place for families with lots of gear. Surf fishing is a popular activity here. Facilities are at a minimum, so be sure to pack everything you might need.
A small parking fee is charged, but there are plenty of spaces, and lots of room for large vehicles and RVs. |
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| Gulf State Park - Lake Shelby Recreation Area | Gulf Shores |
| If you're looking for a little lakefront beach activity, try basking by Lake Shelby. This 6000-acre freshwater lake is perfect for swimming, water skiing, boating and picnicking. The recreation area boasts 100 picnic tables, playgrounds, a snack bar and bathhouse. You can even purchase a fishing license.
A small entry fee is charged, but you can stay all day and get your money's worth. |
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| Gulf Shores Public Beach | Gulf Shores |
| If you're looking for volleyball-playing, beach-bar-hanging good times, this spot - where Highway 59 dead-ends into the Gulf - is for you. For a small fee, you get all-day, up-close parking, making it easy to unload your gear. When you're hungry or thirsty, just drag yourself out of your chair and up to one of the many beachside restaurants, serving up great food and entertainment. Beach attendants, three open-air pavilions and a picnic area are available.
You may want to arrive early to get a prime parking spot. |
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| Gulf Shores 2nd Street Public Access | Gulf Shores |
| Easy access to the beach, just two blocks west of Highway 59. Parking is free and it's just a quick walk to the hub of Gulf Shores public beach. |
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| Gulf Shores 4th Street Public Access | Gulf Shores |
| This is a pedestrian crossing only, which is perfect if you're staying in a property nearby. |
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| Gulf Shores 5th & 6th Street Public Accesses | Gulf Shores |
| Located five and six blocks west of Highway 59, you can park and walk the boardwalk to the beach. An outdoor shower makes it handy to spray off before you hop back in your car. The 6th Street access offers a handicapped-accessible restroom. |
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| Gulf Shores 13th Street Public Access | Gulf Shores |
| Park for free just across the street or walk over if you're renting nearby. A boardwalk leads to the beach and outdoor shower. |
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| Lagoon Park | Gulf Shores |
| Lagoon Pass is a shallow waterway connecting Little Lagoon to the Gulf, 2.9 miles west of Highway 59. You'll find restrooms, an outdoor shower and water fountain on site, with parking on the northeast side of the Lee Callaway Bridge. |
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| Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Beach | Fort Morgan |
| Want to commune with Mother Nature? Then take a hike…down Pine Beach Trail. Put the top down and enjoy the drive about ten miles down Highway 180. The trail meanders two miles through an enchanted forest of palmettos, live oaks and Spanish moss - past Gator Lake and Little Lagoon - to a spectacular ridge of dunes and a pristine, all-natural beach.
Along the way, you'll see an astounding variety of birds and other wildlife. Don't feel like walking? You can park along Mobile Street for easy beach access without the exercise. The refuge office is close by if you would like more information. |
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