From groomed public beaches with full amenities to pristine stretches of undeveloped coastline inside a national wildlife refuge. Here's where to find the best sand on Alabama's Gulf Coast.
Gulf Shores Beaches
The heart of the Alabama coast — easy access, full amenities, and the widest selection of public beach entries.
Gulf Place (Main Public Beach)
GULF SHORES
Hwy 59 at the Gulf · Paid parking
Gulf Place, known as the Gulf Shores Main Public Beach, is the city's premier coastal destination located where Highway 59 dead-ends into the Gulf of Mexico. This popular spot features sugar-white sands and extensive amenities, making it a hub for both relaxation and high-energy beach activities.
Key Amenities & Features
Recreation: Professional-grade volleyball courts, a playground, and a large grassy "Town Green" area
Facilities: Restrooms, changing rooms, and outdoor freshwater rinse showers
Accessibility: 20-foot-wide concrete promenade and four Mobi-Mats for wheelchair and stroller access to the hard-packed sand
Safety: Lifeguards seasonally (March–October) with a strict flag warning system
Parking & Fees
~$5 for 4 hours or $15 full day via ParkMobile app or pay-and-display machines
Enforced 7 AM – 2 AM
Local Tip: Fills fast in summer and during Hangout Music Festival — arrive early
Overnight: All gear must be removed daily; items left an hour after sunset will be discarded
Pets: Dogs welcome in grassy areas but not on the sand
Tents: Limited to 7'×7'×4' or smaller except in designated areas
Nearby Attractions
The Hangout: Famous restaurant and entertainment venue
Pink Pony Pub: Local landmark for beachfront dining
Various shops and eateries line the Gulf Shores Parkway just steps from the sand
13th Street Public Beach
GULF SHORES
1499 W Beach Blvd · Paid parking ($15/day)
The 13th Street Public Beach Access is a favored "hidden gem" for those looking for a quieter, more relaxed environment compared to the central Gulf Place Main Public Beach. Known for its wide expanses of soft white sand and open views of the Gulf, largely unobstructed by high-rise buildings.
Key Features & Amenities
Easy Access: Well-maintained boardwalk and dune walkover to the shoreline
Facilities: Outdoor shower and restrooms
Safety: Seasonal lifeguard station
Recreation: Nearby volleyball nets and designated areas for beach tents
Parking Information
$15 all-day parking across West Beach Blvd from the access point
Pay via ParkMobile app or on-site pay stations
Gulf Shores residents with a valid beach parking pass park free
Why Choose 13th Street?
Low Crowd Density: Much less crowded than the "Hangout" area — ideal for families or couples
Photography: No shadows from tall buildings makes it one of the best spots for sunset photos
Cleanliness: Highly rated for pristine conditions with ample trash and recycling bins
Photo coming soon
6th Street Public Beach
GULF SHORES
699 W Beach Blvd · ~6 blocks west of Hwy 59
The 6th Street Public Beach Access is located approximately six blocks west of the main intersection where Highway 59 dead-ends into the Gulf. Often less crowded than the main Gulf Place Public Beach.
Amenities & Accessibility
Boardwalk: Wooden boardwalk over the dunes with handicapped-accessible restroom and entrance
Showers: Beach rinse shower available for washing off sand
Safety: Seasonal lifeguard services March through September
Parking Information
Small paved lot on-site — $15 all-day parking
Gulf Shores residents with a valid Beach Parking Pass park free
Heads up: The turn into the lot is tight and right at a stoplight — easy to miss
Lagoon Pass Beach
GULF SHORES
1660 W Beach Blvd · ~3 mi west of Hwy 59
Lagoon Pass Beach, officially known as Little Lagoon Pass Park, is a quiet coastal spot offering access to both the shallow, calm waters of Little Lagoon and the open waves of the Gulf of Mexico. A unique two-for-one beach experience.
Quick Facts & Logistics
Parking: Small paid lot on the north side — $15 all-day (valid until 2 AM)
Amenities: Public restrooms, outdoor showers, and water fountains
Pro Tip: Lot fills quickly in peak season — arrive early
Best Activities
Family Beach Days: The lagoon side is a hidden gem for young children — shallow, calm water with no undertow
Fishing: Prime spot for redfish, flounder, and speckled trout in the brackish pass waters
Paddling: Ideal launch point for kayaking and paddleboarding the 10-mile lagoon
Wildlife: Excellent birdwatching — herons, pelicans, and sometimes dolphins in the channel
Visitor Experience
A peaceful alternative to the crowded main beaches. A bridge spans the pass — walk under it to transition between the lagoon side and the Gulf beach, where a lifeguard is typically on duty during busy season.
Orange Beach Beaches
Wide stretches of sand, well-maintained public access points, and some of the best dune systems on the coast.
Alabama Point East
TOP CHOICE
0.3 mi east of Perdido Pass Bridge · Gulf State Park
Alabama Point East is a scenic public beach access located within Gulf State Park in Orange Beach. Situated just 0.3 miles east of the Perdido Pass Bridge, it features over 6,000 feet of wide, white-sand beach and rolling dunes.
Key Features & Amenities
Diverse Views: Both Gulf-facing (south) and pass-facing (west) beach areas — great for watching boat traffic between the Gulf and Perdido Bay
Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, shaded picnic areas, and boardwalks up to 1/4 mile long over the dunes
Safety: Free life jackets available for children and inexperienced swimmers
Activities: Prime spot for bird watching, shelling, fishing, and sunset viewing
Seasonal Info & Parking
Parking: $3/2hrs, $5/4hrs, or $10 all-day — pay at on-site kiosks (cash or card)
Spring Break: Beach under the east side of Perdido Pass Bridge typically closed late Feb–mid April due to boat traffic
Food Trucks: Often found in the parking lot during peak season (e.g. Frost Bites)
Shell Beach
ORANGE BEACH
28273 Perdido Beach Blvd · Across from The Caribe
Shell Beach is a public access point just east of the Perdido Pass Bridge, known for its abundance of seashells and a more natural, tranquil atmosphere compared to busier local beaches.
Key Features & Amenities
Beach Environment: Soft white sand, picturesque dunes, and clear turquoise water — great for beachcombing, sunbathing, and watching boats navigate Perdido Pass
Shelling: One of the best locations in the area for finding large seashells and sand dollars
Facilities: A more "natural" spot — gravel parking and seasonal portable restrooms, no permanent showers or full-time lifeguards
Accessibility: Parking lot and entrance are wheelchair accessible
Parking & Access
Managed by Gulf State Park — $10–$15 all-day for personal vehicles
Limited parking helps maintain a quieter, less crowded environment
Provides easy access to the easternmost portion of the Gulf State Park beach system
Cotton Bayou
ORANGE BEACH
Hwy 182 & Hwy 161 · Gulf State Park
Cotton Bayou is a popular, well-maintained public beach access point within Gulf State Park in Orange Beach. Known for its soft, white quartz sand and blue-green waters, it is a favored spot for families and locals alike, offering a more relaxed alternative to the highly commercialized main beach areas.
Beach Amenities & Features
Accessibility: Wooden boardwalk and ADA-accessible Mobi-Mat at the east ramp for those with mobility issues
Facilities: Public restrooms, outdoor showers, and a community toy box for kids
Safety: Lifeguards on duty March through September
Pet Policy: Dogs prohibited on the beach (fines up to $500). For pet-friendly options, head to nearby Fort Morgan.
Parking & Access
Managed by Gulf State Park — $10–$15/day for non-residents
Pay at on-site kiosks; place receipt on dashboard
Pro Tip: Lot fills fast on weekends — arrive before 10 AM in peak season
Nearby Dining & Recreation
Zeke's Restaurant: Upscale-casual spot overlooking the bayou, famous for fresh seafood like blackened cobia
CoastAL Orange Beach: Beachfront restaurant & bar with live music and local favorites like crab cakes
Cotton Bayou Trailhead: Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail just 0.3 mi away — paved paths for hiking and cycling
Romar Beach
ORANGE BEACH
24450 Perdido Beach Blvd · Gulf State Park
Romar Beach is a major entry point to the area's white-sand beaches, part of the Gulf State Park system. This site is specifically known for its convenience and is often used for small beach weddings.
Features & Amenities
Amenities: Paved parking lot (~40 spots), portable restrooms, and a boardwalk through the dunes
Activities: Popular for swimming, volleyball, picnics, and scenic sunset strolls
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible parking lot and ramp-accessible boardwalk
Nearby Condo Communities
Romar Beach Condo: Low-density, 3-story beachfront with 2BR units, outdoor pool, and private elevator
Romar Place: 11-story building with indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and fitness center
Romar House: Gated, higher-end community with Polynesian-style architecture, 700-foot private beach, and tennis/pickleball courts
Location
~6.7 miles east of Highway 59 and 1.3 miles west of Highway 161
Gulf State Park
6,150 acres of pristine coastal ecosystem, 28 miles of trails, and the legendary 1,500-foot fishing pier.
Gulf State Park Pier
MUST VISIT
20800 E Beach Blvd · 2,448 ft of fishing rails
One of the largest fishing structures in the Gulf of Mexico, reopened in late 2024 after a $13.6 million renovation. A premier destination for serious anglers and casual sightseers alike.
Visiting Essentials
Hours: Open 24/7 — staff on-site 6 AM–8 PM daily (until Memorial Day). After-hours uses an honor box system.
Location: 20800 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Fees & Permits
Sightseeing: $3/day adults — free for veterans and kids 11 and under
Fishing: $10/day adults, $7 for veterans and campground/lodge guests, free for kids 11 and under
Parking: $15 all-day — pro tip: this includes one daily pier fishing permit for the driver. Show your receipt to the attendant.
Activities & Amenities
Fishing: 2,448 feet of rail space. Rod & reel rentals $10/4 hours. Bait available at the on-site Bait & Tackle Shop.
Dining: ByWater Beachside Beach Bar & Grill on the pier — ocean views and weekly karaoke
Education: Wildlife info signs and the Angler Academy — a two-hour intro course for new saltwater anglers
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rail fishing and comfort stations at the pier's midpoint
April Fishing Report
Common catches this season: Sheepshead, Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Whiting, and Flounder.
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
AWARD-WINNING
28+ miles · 9 ecosystems · Gulf State Park
An award-winning network of multi-use trails winding through the 6,150-acre Gulf State Park. Voted "Best Recreational Trail" in the country by USA Today for three consecutive years (2023–2025), it offers access to nine distinct ecosystems.
Key Features & Activities
Diverse Ecosystems: Coastal dunes, pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes, and coastal hardwood swamps
Wildlife: Alligators, white-tailed deer, bobcats, otters, bald eagles, and ospreys
Recreation: ADA-accessible paved paths and boardwalks for walking, running, biking, and skating
Unique Stops
Butterfly Garden: A hub where four trails meet, with plants that attract vibrant butterflies
Boulder Park & Parkour Challenge: Dedicated climbing and agility areas for kids and adventurous adults
The Lookout: A shaded seating area with a slide on the Rosemary Dune Trail
Visitor Information
Access: At least six primary trailheads with parking (Rosemary Dunes, Catman Road, and more)
Hours: Open 365 days a year during daylight hours only
Rentals: Free park bike-sharing program or rentals from nearby outfitters
Camping: Primitive camping at "The Outpost" — raised canvas tents and fire pits (reservations required)
Rules: No motorized vehicles (except wheelchairs), smoking, or fires. Pets on leash. 12 mph cyclist speed limit.
Lake Shelby
LAKEFRONT
20115 State Hwy 135 · 592-acre freshwater lake
Lake Shelby is a 592-acre freshwater lake within Gulf State Park and one of the closest freshwater lakes to saltwater on the Gulf Coast — just steps from the beach across a pedestrian bridge.
Top Things to Do
Water Sports & Boating: Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Rentals on-site through Ike's Beach Service.
Fishing: Both freshwater and saltwater species — largemouth bass, bream, redfish, and speckled trout thanks to occasional saltwater intrusion. Freshwater fishing license required.
The Dog Pond: Dedicated fenced-in lakeside dog park where pets can swim and play off-leash
Picnicking & Playgrounds: Charcoal grills, picnic tables, pavilions for rent, and two playgrounds for different age groups
Hiking & Biking: Paved Lakeview Trail and the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system wind around the lake
Key Amenities & Hours
Hours: Picnic and dog park areas open 8 AM to sunset
Boat Launch: $5 fee via honor box. Motorized vessels allowed, but no personal watercraft (jet skis).
Wildlife Safety: Alligators live in the lake — stay alert, keep a safe distance, and never feed wildlife
Location & Accessibility
Located at 20115 State Hwy 135, just a short walk across a pedestrian bridge from the Gulf beaches. Features wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking.
Branyon Beach Access
HIDDEN GEM
Hwy 182 & Campground Rd · Gulf Shores
The Branyon Beach Access is a small, public beach entry point located at the intersection of Highway 182 and Campground Road. Known for its serene, secluded atmosphere, it provides a quieter alternative to the more crowded central public beaches.
Key Details & Features
Location: Directly across from the entrance to the Gulf State Park Campground
Access: Wooden boardwalk over the scenic sand dunes directly onto the beach
Safety: Traffic light at the intersection helps pedestrians cross Hwy 182 safely
Crowds: Typically less crowded — great for privacy, sunbathing, or sunrise watching
Amenities & Limitations
Parking: Very limited free parking across the street — arrive early or use alternative transport
Facilities: No permanent restrooms, showers, or foot-washing stations. Closest facilities are at the Gulf State Park Pavilion down the beach
Lifeguards: Not staffed — this is a "natural" beach spot
Bike Access: Easily reached via the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system with bike racks near the boardwalk
Best For
Campground Guests: Ideally located for Gulf State Park Campground visitors who can walk or bike to the water
Nature Lovers: Tranquil coastal environment with natural dunes and fewer commercial distractions
Fort Morgan Beaches
The wild side of the peninsula — undeveloped coastline, wildlife refuge trails, and dog-friendly sand.
Bon Secour NWR Beach
FORT MORGAN
National Wildlife Refuge · Sunrise–sunset · Free
A pristine, undeveloped stretch of coastline managed as a natural sanctuary for wildlife like nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. Unlike common public beaches, it offers a "wild" experience with no restrooms or commercial amenities at the shore.
Beach Access & Parking
Mobile Street Access: The most direct public access point with a free parking lot at the end of Mobile Street — leads to a boardwalk over the dunes to the beach
Pine Beach Trail: A more scenic 4-mile round-trip approach through forests and past Gator Lake to a secluded stretch of beach
Hours & Fees: Beach and trails are free and open daily from sunrise to sunset
Regulations & Tips
No Pets Allowed: Strictly prohibited on all refuge trails and beaches to protect native species like the beach mouse
Leave No Trace: No trash cans on the beach — pack out everything you bring in
Wildlife Protection: Do not disturb nesting areas — critical site for migratory birds and sea turtles
Bicycles: Permitted on paved roads only, prohibited on refuge trails
Popular Activities
Birdwatching: Top destination for over 370 bird species, especially during spring and fall migrations
Surf Fishing: Beach fishing allowed in the Gulf with appropriate licenses
Photography: The transition from maritime forests to towering dunes offers unique natural landscapes
Pine Beach Trail
FORT MORGAN
1609 Mobile Street · Bon Secour NWR · 4 mi out-and-back
A roughly 4-mile out-and-back trail within Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, known for its diverse coastal ecosystems and a secluded beach at the end. One of the most rewarding walks on the Alabama coast.
Key Trail Details
Distance: ~3.4–4 miles total (out-and-back)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate — mostly flat, but the final 1/4 to 1/2 mile is loose sand through the dunes
Duration: Typically 1–2 hours
Pet Policy: No dogs allowed — protects endangered Alabama beach mouse and nesting sea turtles
Scenery & Highlights
Ecosystem Transition: Starts in a maritime forest of pine and oak, crosses a land bridge between brackish Little Lagoon and freshwater Gator Lake
Observation Tower: A two-story deck about a mile in with views of Gator Lake — often spot alligators and birds
Secluded Beach: Ends at a quiet, undeveloped stretch of Gulf coastline, far less crowded than public beaches
Wildlife: 360+ recorded bird species, plus monarch butterflies during migration
Practical Information
Parking: Shaded gravel lot at the trailhead
Facilities: Vault toilet about a half-mile in — no restrooms at the trailhead itself
Bring: Water, sunscreen, and bug spray — limited shade and biting flies can be present
Fort Morgan Public Beach
DOG-FRIENDLY
110 AL Hwy 180 · ~20 mi west of Gulf Shores
A quieter, more natural alternative to the bustling main beaches, located at the end of the Fort Morgan Peninsula. Known for soft white sand, abundant seashells, and being the only area in Alabama with dog-friendly public beaches.
Essential Visitor Information
Hours: Site-related areas open 8 AM–5 PM; public beach access varies by entry point
Fort Morgan Pier: Free parking near the fishing pier
Morgantown Public Access: Free lot with a boardwalk to the beach
Bon Secour Refuge: Gravel lot at the end of Mobile Street (daylight hours only)
Amenities: Natural beaches — no restrooms, showers, or lifeguards at the shoreline. Restrooms available within the historic fort grounds.
Top Activities & Features
Dog-Friendly Areas: Dogs allowed (leashed) on the bayside beach between Engineer's Wharf and the fishing pier
History Tours: Explore the 19th-century Fort Morgan State Historic Site — key role in the Civil War and both World Wars
Mobile Bay Ferry: Scenic 40-minute ride across the bay to Dauphin Island, catches near the fort
Fishing: Excellent surf and pier fishing, plus a bay-side boat launch
Practical Tips
Supplies: Stock up on food and water before driving out — local markets are expensive and major stores are 20+ minutes away
Wildlife: Watch for nesting sea turtles and occasional gators in marshy areas
Beach Safety: Rough water and rip tides where Mobile Bay meets the Gulf (Mobile Point) — swimming is typically safer on the bay side
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Beach Accessibility
Several Gulf Shores and Orange Beach public access points offer beach access mats — firm roll-out paths laid over the sand so wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers can reach the water's edge. Check with the city for current mat locations, as they are typically placed seasonally at high-traffic access points including Gulf Place and Cotton Bayou.
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Dogs on the Beach
Dogs are not allowed on Gulf Shores or Orange Beach public beaches. However, Fort Morgan beaches welcome dogs — making them the go-to destination for pet owners. Fort Morgan Public Beach at the tip of the peninsula is especially popular with dog owners. Keep your pup leashed and bring bags for cleanup.
Ready to Live Where You Vacation?
Imagine waking up to this every morning — 32 miles of white sand just minutes from your front door.
