7 Best Beaches In Alabama
Whether you're planning a multigenerational trip or a quiet weekend away, here are the best beaches in Alabama.
Don’t let Florida have all the fun when it comes to seaside stays. While Alabama may not see quite as many days of rays as the Sunshine State, its temperate climate and tiny bit of border along the Gulf of Mexico make it an ideal location for your next beach vacation. The beaches tend to be quieter here, but the beauty certainly isn't muted. White sand beaches, crystal-clear blue-green water, and friendly dolphins frolicking in the surf are part of the landscape. Wild dunes, a cornucopia of shells, and a healthy population of gulls and pelicans are also part of the natural splendor that awaits year-round. For the best weather, visit in spring, summer, or fall, but there's no bad time to visit.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach destination (with ice cream shops and go-kart tracks galore!) or a tranquil escape where you’ll have miles of uninterrupted shoreline all to yourself, Alabama has an answer to your saltwater craving. Here are the best Alabama beaches.
Gulf Shores
When most folks think of Alabama beaches, Gulf Shores (and its sister town Orange Beach) are first to come to mind. Together the communities claim 32 miles of sandy coastline, much of which is dotted with condos, houses, restaurants, and attractions. With the motto “Small Town, Big Beach,” there’s plenty of room to roam once you hit the sand and evermore to explore in the way of restaurants, bars, shops, and activities, but you’ll never feel far from the slowed-down pace of a tiny beach town. After a day in the surf, grab lunch or dinner at The Hangout, the famed restaurant and music venue known for hosting the annual Hangout music festival. Explore the area by water with an experienced guide from Wild Native Tours. From your kayak, you may have a front-row seat to dolphins, manatees, turtles, and birds.
If you can’t bear the thought of leaving once vacation comes to an end, you may consider checking local listings for a beach house. After all, the town was named the number one place to buy a beach home in the United States by Vacasa in 2022.
thehangout.com, 101 East Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
wildnativetours.com, Oyster Bay Marina, 4159 County Road 6, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Orange Beach
Often referred to as the little sibling of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach tends to be quieter and a bit more laid back. The beaches are equally beautiful and the same opportunities for boating, parasailing, and other watersports exist, but there may be fewer go-kart tracks, arcades, and ice cream shops to choose from when you’re seeking offshore fun. Despite its slower pace, there’s still plenty to see and do here.
The Wharf offers a fun mix of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment year-round, including weekly live music and special events. For a friendly date night out, head to Cobalt under the Perdido Bay Bridge, where your gorgeous view of the water will be rivaled only by the coastal fare on your plate. Or head to casual beachfront hangout and restaurant The Gulf for fresh seafood in a convivial, barefoot-friendly atmosphere.
alwharf.com, 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561
cobaltrestaurant.net, 28099 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL 36561
thegulf.com, 27500 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Gulf State Park
If it’s your first time visiting the area, spend time traversing the 28 miles of paved trails at Gulf State Park. Soak in the sun on the beach, hike, paddle, or cast a line in the park's freshwater lakes. To see everything the park has to offer, stay the night at The Lodge at Gulf State Park. Book a Gulf- or lake-view room with bunk beds for the kids. In addition to beach access, guests can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes to discover the area. Whether you stay the night or not, visit the hotel's Woodside Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy live music and backyard games while you're there.
alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park, 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
lodgeatgulfstatepark.com, 21196 East Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
woodsideatgsp.com, 20249 State Park Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Dauphin Island
This barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico is known for its unique blend of historical and natural attractions. Located just three miles south of Mobile Bay, the island is connected to the rest of the state by a bridge, but ferry rides are the more popular mode of transportation to and from the destination. With 14 miles of sugar-soft sand and only 2,000 residents who call the island home, Dauphin Island is as serene a sanctuary as any introvert could hope for.
Wildlife is the primary population of Dauphin Island, and you can learn all about the species that call the island home at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and Dauphin Island Sea Lab. For a glimpse into the long history of this remote spot, visit Indian Shell Mound Park, a well-preserved archaeological site with shell mounds dating to 1100 AD, or Historic Fort Gaines, which dates to 1821.
townofdauphinisland.org/things-to-do/audubon-bird-sanctuary, 213 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
disl.edu, 101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
outdooralabama.com/activities/indian-shell-mound-park, 830 Desoto Drive, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
fort-gaines.com, 51 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
Fairhope
The charm of this Alabama coastal town isn’t replicated anywhere else on Earth. While waterfront views are abundant all over town thanks to the surrounding saltwater estuary and sparkling Mobile Bay, the beach isn’t necessarily the main draw here. Though the shallow water and gentle waves do make it a great place to introduce toddlers and little ones to the open water.
Spend an afternoon popping in and out of antique stores, bookshops, and boutiques in quaint downtown Fairhope, then finish a perfect day by taking in the sunset at the appropriately named waterfront eatery Sunset Pointe.
sunsetpointefairhope.com, 831 North Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532
Fort Morgan
Designated as a National Historic Landmark, this peninsula located 20 miles from Gulf Shores at the inlet of Mobile Bay is another marvelous mecca for history buffs and nature lovers. The fort at Fort Morgan was initially built to protect Mobile Bay in 1834 and has been active during four wars. Today, you can learn all about the area’s impactful history at the official historic site.
Fort Morgan is also a glittering gem for wildlife enthusiasts hoping to spot coastal creatures in their natural habitat. It’s known as a major stopover for migratory birds, and it's also home to three species of sea turtles. You can enjoy both, plus vast swathes of pristine, untouched beaches and coastal barrier habitat at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.
ahc.alabama.gov/properties/ftmorgan/ftmorgan.aspx, 110 Highway 180 West, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
fws.gov/refuge/bon-secour, 12295 State Highway 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Related: 8 Secluded Gulf Coast Beaches for a Little R&R
Point Clear
Grand Hotel
Situated on the shore of Mobile Bay, this coastal town is known for its views. First-timers need to experience the Southern elegance and tradition at The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa; their famous breakfast buffet is decidedly worth the splurge in calories. For a fine dining experience, reserve a table at The Wash House Restaurant for local coastal dishes, then satisfy your sweet tooth at Punta Clara Kitchen with homemade candy and treats. The family-owned business has been around for four generations and still uses original family recipes to make fudge, cakes, divinity, and pralines.
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ptlak-the-grand-hotel-golf-resort-and-spa-autograph-collection/overview/, One Grand Boulevard, Point Clear, AL 36564
washhouserestaurant.com, 17111 Scenic Highway 98, Point Clear, AL 36564
puntaclara.com, 17111 Scenic Highway 98, Point Clear, AL 36532
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Alabama beaches warm?
In summer, Gulf waters are warmer than beaches on the Atlantic Coast. The water in Gulf Shores stays in the 70s and 80s from May through October. The water at Alabama’s Gulf beaches is also calmer, with smaller, gentler waves.
What month is hurricane season in Gulf Shores?
The National Weather Service says hurricane season in the Gulf Shores, Alabama, runs from June 1 through November 30.
What wildlife will you see in Gulf Shores?
Alabama’s coast is home to lots of wildlife. On a beach day, you may see sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, rays, jellyfish, and migrating birds. Sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs from May to October.
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