Alabama is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. The white sand beaches that stretch miles down the Gulf Coast attractions thousands of people every year. In other parts of the state there are secluded bays and coves just waiting to be explored. Below we will cover some of the best beaches and Alabama beach towns all across the state.
Beaches in Alabama by City
1. Orange Beach — Orange Beach
Orange Beach is a coastal city located in Baldwin County and possibly the most popular destination during summer months when you want to enjoy a day at the beach. It is situated along the Gulf of Mexico on the easternmost point of Alabama’s coastline and has grown as a place to go due to its white sandy beaches and wide range of outdoor activities.
Orange Beach Main Attractions
- swimming
- surfing
- kayaking
- fishing charters
Orange Beach Tip
Before you head out into the waves, check the waters as certain times of the year jellyfish enjoy making their way closer to the shoreline and their sting can be quite painful. Also bring a large umbrella if you have one to get a little shade on the beach (there are rentals available if needed)
Address: 29348 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL 36561 | (251) 981-6810 | Website
2. Fort Morgan Beach — Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is well known for having some of the best beach towns in the state. Fort Morgan Beach is one of those locations and also boasts some of the best white sand and crystal clear waters.
For those who enjoy playing in waves or having a relaxing day by dipping your toes in the sand, Fort Morgan Beach is the ideal spot. The gentle surf makes it perfect for all ages to jump into the water too cool down or play. Other water activities at Fort Morgan include parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, and more.
Fort Morgan Beach Tip
If you’d rather stay dry then there’s plenty to do too. We highly recommend taking a walk down the boardwalk which offers great views over Mobile Bay or explore historic Fort Morgan itself. No matter what your preference may be, Fort Morgan Beach has enough activities and entertainment for your family to enjoy.
Address: 110 State Highway 180. Gulf Shores, AL 36542 | (251) 861-3000 | Website
3. West End Public Beach — Dauphin Island
West End Public Beach on Dauphin Island, Alabama is a beautiful spot for you to spend a day. Located on the western tip of the island, West End Public Beach easily is one of the best beach towns in the state due to the scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay. The white sand and coast is perfect for swimming or relaxing in the sun, while shallow waters make it an ideal spot for fishing or kayaking. You can also take advantage of nearby restaurants, shops, and countless activities and attractions.
Swimming here is considered safe as long as you adhere to the posted warnings regarding rip currents and other potential hazards like jellyfish stings (occurs at random times throughout the year).
West End Public Beach Tip
One of the main attractions we recommend if planning a visit here is to try one of the dolphin tours which takes you out into the gulf for a day of marine life.
Other amazing nearby attractions include:
- Alabama Aquarium
- Audubon Bird Sanctuary
- Dauphin Island Pier
- Historic Fort Gaines
- Island Miniature Golf
- Quarles Skate Park
Address: 3000 Bienville Boulevard. Dauphin Island, AL 36528 | (251) 861-5525 | Website
4. Gulf Shores Main Public Beach — Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores Main Public Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand and water also located within the Gulf Shores of Alabama. The beach offers plenty of activities for you such as swimming, dolphin cruises, beach games, or just sunbathing. If you get tired of the sand, you can also enjoy a day on the boardwalk lined with local shops, restaurants, and carnival games. For the kids you can even have their faces painted by local artists.
There are several parking areas and access points to the beach with public restrooms and showers so you can rinse off after the day. Lifeguards due patrol the area during peak hours to ensure safety for all guests. Gulf Shores Main Public Beach is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway by the sea!
Address: 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy. Gulf Shores, AL 36542 | (251) 968-2040 | Website
5. Dauphin Island Beach — Dauphin Island
As one of the more popular beach towns in Alabama, Dauphin Island has several beautiful beaches for you to explore. It is known for its white sands, greenish blue waters, and access to restaurants up and down it’s coast. The beach stretches for miles providing plenty of space to enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and sunbathing.
Dauphin Island Beach Tip
Dauphin Island Beach has something for everyone, but also is the perfect place for you to take your partner for an unforgettable romantic experience. With its stunning views and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a great place to rekindle your flame.
Address: 1011 Bienville Boulevard. Dauphin Island, AL 36528 | (251) 861-5525 | Website
6. Robinson Island — Orange Beach
Robinson Island is an artificial island located just off the coast of Orange Beach, Alabama. It was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of a larger project to help protect and stabilize the shoreline from eroding due to storms and waves. The island is approximately four acres in size, but still a very popular place you should experience if in the area.
Although it can only be accessed by boat, you’ll enjoy the trek for a whole different atmosphere away from the shore. In the summer times it can get quite crowded with the younger generation parking up their boats next to each other for a party on the sea.
When their isn’t a party happening, many people also come for bird watching since many species make Robinson Island their home throughout different times of year. The waters around Robinson Island have been known to be very calm, but can become dangerous if strong winds or storms occur during your visit.
Address: Marina Road. Orange Beach, AL 36561 | (251) 981-1063 | Website
7. Fairhope Beach — Fairhope
Fairhope Beach is another popular vacation spot we highly recommend you visit. Located on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, this destination has the best scenic views of the bay as well as easy access to some of the area’s best beachline shores. The beach itself is made up of boardwalks and sand that stretches for miles and miles.
If you enjoy fishing this may be the best place to do so. You’ll often see most anglers casting off of the pier. There are also many public parks located around the area where you can relax in between trips to the sandy beach.
Fairhope Beach Tip
Check the beaches local website as you may get lucky and come on a week where the area is hosting an event like concerts or seasonal festivals. No matter what you’re looking for when visiting Fairhope Beach, you definitely won’t be disappointed.
Address: 161 North Section St. Fairhope, AL 36532 | (251) 928-2136 | Website
8. Alabama Point Beach — Orange Beach
Alabama Point Beach stretches for miles along the coast of Mobile Bay, providing plenty of room for swimming, sunbathing and other activities. We recommend coming here if you have a family as its shallow waters make it perfect for kids and those looking to take a dip without having to worry about strong currents or waves. It’s also a great spot for fishing enthusiasts as there are plenty of fish species that can be caught here including redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more.
From the shoreline you can see small islands off in the distance as well as large ships sailing by on their way into port at nearby Dauphin Island. The sunset over Mobile Bay is especially breathtaking from this vantage point. For those looking to stay overnight at Alabama Point Beach there are several options available such as camping sites with RV hookups or cabins that provide basic amenities like electricity and running water. There are even some luxury beach homes available if you’re looking for something a bit more romantic or upscale during your stay here!
Alabama Point Beach Tip
A popular activity at Alabama Point Beach are their boat tours which will give you an up close view of all that this beautiful stretch of coastline has to offer. From dolphins playing around offshore to seabirds soaring above your head! You might even catch sight of some rare marine life such as sea turtles or manatees if you’re lucky.
Address: 27853 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL 36561 | (800) 252-7275 | Website
9. Cotton Bayou Beach — Orange Beach
Cotton Bayou Beach is a rather unknown beach located in the Gulf Shores of Alabama. It’s often been called one of the best kept secrets in the area due to its secluded location away from the crowds found at other popular beaches along the coast. The beach stretches nearly two miles long and can be accessed from either side by driving down Highway 59 or taking a ferry ride across Mobile Bay.
You’ll find plenty to do on this picturesque stretch of coastline including sunbathing on the pristine white sand beaches or snorkeling around coral reefs just offshore. There are also several hiking trails which take you through the natural dunes that lead up to scenic overlooks of Mobile Bay and beyond. At sunset, you can watch dolphins playing in the surf while enjoying some local seafood favorites such as fried shrimp po’boys or oysters cooked over an open fire.
Cotton Bayou Beach is also home to many species of wildlife native to this region including sea turtles and pelicans who start to make an appearance late spring through summer months.
Address: 25900 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL 36561 | (251) 948-7275 | Website
10. West Beach — Gulf Shores
Situated on the northern end of Gulf Shores coastline, West Beach offers an array of activities and attractions to enjoy while taking in the beauty of its surroundings. From parasailing to jet skiing, paddle boarding to fishing, there’s no shortage of activities and attractions to find.
The beach itself isn’t overly crowded either since it tends to be quieter than other nearby spots like Orange Beach or Pensacola Beach. This makes for a more peaceful experience and allows you to truly relax and sunbathe. When you are ready to play, West Beach also provides activities such as:
- volleyball courts set up along the shoreline where people can get together for some friendly competition
- kayaking tours which provide an opportunity to explore estuaries full of wildlife such as dolphins and manatees
- stand-up paddle boarding classes too if you’re feeling adventurous enough
During certain times throughout the year West Beach hosts live music concerts right on the sand, making sure your day doesn’t lack fun or entertainment! They also have several concession stands located around its perimeter which offer delicious food items like burgers & fries or ice cream cones. These local shops also sell souvenirs so you won’t forget about your trip to West Beach.
Address: W Beach Blvd. Gulf Shores, AL 36542 |
11. Romar Beach — Orange Beach
Romar Beach is a beautiful beach located in Orange Beach, Alabama. It is situated on the Gulf of Mexico and offers an incredible view of the white sand beaches, emerald green waters, and breathtaking sunsets. The area has become a popular destination for families looking to enjoy some quality time together by the sea.
There are also plenty of activities available such as volleyball courts, fishing piers, kayaking tours, parasailing trips, jet skiing rentals and more. One unique feature about Romar Beach is its abundance of wildlife, including birds such as ospreys and pelicans who can be seen soaring above looking for food. You may even spot dolphins swimming near-by or whales breaching during migration season in late summer/early fall months. Turtles have been known to nest here too so watch out for those little ones when visiting.
Romar Beach provides visitors with all kinds of opportunities for relaxation and recreation making it an ideal place to spend a day away from home.
Address: 24522 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL 36561 | Website
Alabama Beaches Map
11 Best Alabama Beaches
1. Orange Beach
2. Fort Morgan Beach
3. West End Public Beach
4. Gulf Shores Main Public Beach
5. Dauphin Island Beach
6. Robinson Island
7. Fairhope Beach
8. Alabama Point Beach
9. Cotton Bayou Beach
10. West Beach
11. Romar Beach
Beach Towns in Alabama
Guide to Beaches in Alabama
In total there are about 55 miles of gulf shore coastlines to enjoy. Many compare Alabama’s beach vibe to that of Florida. In the summer time the area gets packed with locals and tourists who want to enjoy the white sand and resort accommodations. The two most popular areas are the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Although they can get crowded, they by far have the most attractions and things to do.
The best time to visit are late spring to early fall as the temperatures range between 80-95 degrees. The cool breeze off the coast give a much needed relief to summer time heat.
As far as wildlife around the beach, many enjoy heading out on a charter to catch great white sharks, blacktip sharks, bull sharks, and dolphins. It’s rare because of all the people, but you may even come across an alligator from time to time tanning on the warm sand or swimming in the water. Lifeguards will warn you if they are seen as it’s best to get out of the water asap!
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