The Best Beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama
Alabama’s coast line may be small but it also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country – if miles of sugary white sand and blue green water are your thing. The two main coastal cities are Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Both cities have all the amenities and activities that you need to make a great vacation. There are several smaller areas but most of the condos, restaurants and shopping will be found in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. All of the beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast are beautiful but here are my favorite choice for the best beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama.
Planning a great family vacation? Then check out our Locals Guide to Family Time in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tips
When you’re looking forward to a great beach trip, being prepared can be more important than the location. We always try to pack light in our beach bag but we also don’t want to forget the sunscreen, towels, and umbrella. My other essentials include vinegar, toys, and a small cooler. (add tunes to beech supplies)
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Best time to visit
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are beautiful year round but I prefer August and September for the most fun. September is less crowded and the water is still warm. Sure, every 5-10 years you’ll have to evacuate for a hurricane but on other years the weather can be perfect. If your vacation is mid-summer then I like to plan my beach breaks before 10 am or after 2. Mid-day can be very hot and bright. If you do go mid day then make sure you have plenty of sunscreen, water and shade.
Beach Safety
Besides getting sand in your suite, the beaches are generally safe. However, there can be drownings and lightning strikes. Please follow flag warnings and know your swimming ability. If you have kids consider life jackets – puddle jumpers are great. Red Flags mean no swimming and carry a fine if caught. Usually the waves are calm but at times they can be dangerous and have an undertow. Most areas do not have lifeguards, please use personal responsibility. Boat accidents happen too.
Gulf of Mexico Wildlife
The Gulf also has some not so friendly wild life. Jellyfish and Man of Wars can be a real pain and can cause an allergic reaction that can be a lot of trouble. We keep vinegar or sting spry to help. Do not rub sand on a jellyfish sting. Sting Rays can cause a very nasty injury and ER visit – shuffle your feet when walking. Sharks are common in the gulf but rarely mess with people (once every 10 years or so there is a problem). It’s always good to remember that the Gulf of Mexico is a wild place, not a swimming pool. Just pay attention and you’ll have a wonderful time.
Sunburns
Sunburns happen to unsuspecting tourists (and forgetful locals) by the tens of thousands every year. Nothing will ruin your vacation faster than a blistering burn day one. Plus — skin cancer and … gasp … wrinkles! Aim for reef safe sunscreen and apply often. Also use SPF clothing and a hat. If you still get burned then try these tips to minimize the damage and get better faster. I spend the first 20 years of my life on the beach and worked my college summers as a gulf lifeguard. I’ve spent the last 10 as a physician assistant. I know sunburns – the myths (hot water – what ?? burn a burn??) and what works (cool water). I love Solar Recovery Spray and I don’t go to the beach without it.
Now that you’re prepared. Here are …
The Best Beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama (and surrounding area – Ft. Morgan and Perdido Key)
Gulf Front Beaches (waves and sand) in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores Public Beach
This is the classic Gulf Shores Beach. It’s undergone many changes over several decades but the most recent update has really been great. This area has a wheelchair access mat (west beach side), playground, wonderful boardwalk, restroom facilities and lot of room to stroll. If you get hungry grab a bite at the hang-out or cross the street to DeSoto’s.
To get there: Straight in to the parking area at hwy 59 and beach road or go a block west and park there. There is a fee – usually $5..
Lagoon Pass
This beach on the west side of Gulf Shores has a little bit of both worlds. You get a choice between being on the Gulf with sand and waves or you can head to the lagoon. We love the lagoon side. The lagoon side can be really relaxing and has minimal waves. One of our favorite activities is finding and racing hermit crabs. It’s also beautiful. Most days we find dozens and the kids have a blast taking care of them and making sand mazes for them to race through. The current on the opposite side can be swift and swimming through the pass it a bad idea.
To get there: Go West from Hwy 59 and Beach road. Go …. miles. Parking is on your right just before lagoon pass bridge
Perdido Pass
This is another section of beach that can give you access to both Gulf Side water and back bay areas. There are restrooms and usually a flavored Ice truck. If you want big white beaches and the Gulf then you’ve got it here. If you want to take a right and go hang out under the bridge (instant shade) – you’ve got that too. Usually someone has brought a ladder and the kids spend their time jumping from the base of the bridge.
To get there: Heading toward Florida on beach road turn right to the parking area.
State Park
This beach area is an oldie but a goodie. It boasts long stretches of beautiful sand and gulf waters with good bathroom facilities in the parking area. If your main focus is beach then this is a very good spot. There is a small fee for parking. When you tire of sand and waves you can also explore the pier for a small fee.
To get there: From hwy 59 go East between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
161 Beach (Cotton Bayou)
This easy access beach is just East of Hwy 161 in Orange Beach. It’s probably one of the easiest access points in the area and where I like to go if I’m looking for a quiet place to sit and read early morning or late afternoon.
Any of the multiple Beach Access Points in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
All along Hwy 59 there are several beach accesses. Some have restrooms and a small amount of parking. Some are fee based. These make great bases for short stops. Beach accesses are 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13 streets.
The one in front of your Condo
If you rented a gulf front condo then the best beach spot is generally the one right in front of your condo. Just grab your stuff and come on down. Many condos have beach chair rentals (which are great). Staying gulf front makes the walk down easier and your beach time more enjoyable.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Beaches with Less Waves and but Keeping the White Sand
Waves and long stretches of beach with white sand are great but … lugging around kids and beach supplies down these beaches is not fun. Also when you have young kids there is no resting – you must bee on lookout at all times. Even as an adult I enjoy the beaches where I can just lay on my float and enjoy the rest. Even better – a low beach chair while the waves gently move under neath me (with an umbrella overhead at the surf-line). These beaches are great for that surf-line relaxing experience.
Gulf Shores Pass
I aim for the lagoon side, grab my beach chair and set my umbrella up on the surf-line. No worries about a wave coming and getting your book wet and the views are fabulous.
Perdido Pass
I aim here when I want a quiet place on the beach without having to bring all my stuff. We pick a spot in the shade of the bridge and just relax. The current can still be swift a short distance from shore but near the shoreline is a nice place for the kids to hand out.
Back Bay Beaches
Sometimes you don’t need white sand and green water. Some days the back bay is a better choice (especially for kiddos or large groups)/
Waterfront Park
This park is located in one of my favorite areas of Orange Beach (we even got married here). Within walking distance of the park are the library and GT’s (for a fun lunch or dinner).
Pirates Cove
Pirates cove is a drive if you’re staying at the beach but it can make a fun boat ride and a good change of pace. On your way stop by Bama’henge. Alabama’s full scale version of stone-henge. Pirates cove has great music, fabulous burgers and is a wonderful place to just sit back, watch the kids (and dogs) play and drink a bushwaker. It’s one of the few places in the area that accepts furry friends. The bathrooms are a little sketchy but it’s part of the appeal.
Flora Bama
The world famous flora bama strattles the Florida/Alabama state lines. For decades it existed as a partially falling down structure. After Ivan it was remade (and even has an elevator). The old beach bar feeling is intact. Each April the Flora Bama hosts the Mullet Toss – a huge beach party with beverages, sun, bikini’s and dead fish. If you want a quiet back bay feel to relax then go to the bar across the street. Set up your umbrella, grab a drink and watch the boats go by. To make a day out of it, go to the Sunday morning church service in the main bar then head to the back bay for refreshments.
Anchor Bar and Grill
This back bay restaurant also has a small place for boat to anchor. It’s not that big of an area but there is likely room for the kids to play in the water and sand while you enjoy some tasty treats.
State Park – Lake Shelby
Lake Shelby is located just across the beach. It has shallow brackish water, picnic areas and some playground equipment. It’s a great spot for a group gathering. I recommend finding a kayak or boat rental to explore the area. There is a lot of wildlife nearby. The Gulf State Park Trail System is great for Biking.
Best Beaches By Boat
Robinson Island
This is my favorite beach and a favorite of many locals. It’s located just off the boat ramp at boggy point. If you’re a quick paddle you can get there on kayak but a boat is better. Bird Island (just next to Robinson Island) is generally more kid friendly and Robinson is usually more of a party island.
Pirates Cove
Boaters love hanging out at Pirates Cove. Just pull up to the doc, grab some burgers and bushwackers and watch the kids and dogs play.
Islands off of East Ono
You must have a boat to get here. Usually this area is less busy than Robinson Islands but has been busier lately. Sunset Grill has wonderful Blackened Mahi sandwiches and Key Lime pie.
Ft. McRee
Ft. McRee makes a wonderful anchor point on the way to pensacola. It’s great for a longer day trip and perfect for an overnight anchor.
Wherever you drop an anchor
Just pick a place (out of traffic – and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Best Beaches For Kids
Gulf Shores Lagoon Pass
For locals driving to the beach, this is our favorite place. There are minimal waves and lots of other fun things to keep the kids busy. Just stay away from the current on the opposite side. Small parking fee.
Perdido Pass Bridge
Shady places and places to jump. Also shaved ice, bathrooms and a more typical beach around the corner.
Gulf Shores Public Beach
This area has been completely redone and now has a great playground. My favorite time of day is in the evening as the sun goes down.
Pirates Cove
Go by boat or by car. Pirates cove is great for kids and best of all it’s one of the few places you can bring your dog.
Robinson Island / Bird Island
My favorite beach for hanging out with the kids. It’s more crowded recently but still a wonderful location to spend a day on the water. There are no waves but the boat traffic can be a problem.
Orange Beach Waterfront Park
There is a wonderful art museum, glass blowing area, playground and shallow water for kids to play in. It’s nice having shade and when you get hungry – go next door for games and food at GT’s.
State Park
This is brackish water but very shallow. It’s a nice spot to bring a big group and stay for a while. The shade is a big benefit.
Flora Bama Back-Bay
My favorite time to bring the family is after Church in the morning. Enjoy low waves, get some snacks (and a beverage).
Looking for more Great Articles on Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama. Check out these.
We’re a family of 5 (Physician Assistant mom, IT project manager dad and 3 kids ages 3,6,10) taking a gap year from normal life to travel. For blog posts, locations, and more information on how we did it and how you can to click here.
