The Best Beaches To Explore in The Gulf Shores Area

Clock Icon 8 minutes read
Update Icon Nov 16, 2021

If you are looking for some of the gulf shore’s best beaches in the Alabama area, you will not be disappointed. This section is home to several coastal destinations that provide an excellent view of the Gulf of Mexico.

So whether you are aiming for a day trip or a weekend vacation, here are some terrific spots to explore while in Alabama.

Gulf Shores Best Beaches

The ideal time to visit some of the best beaches on the Gulf Shores is between March through May and September to November. These times could be less crowded with tourists during the warmer summer months and less expensive when staying overnight in local accommodations.

June, July, and August traditionally have the most rainfall, but that does not stop visitors to this area. These months also offer some entertaining festivals and events for locals and tourists to enjoy.

The 10 Best Beaches In the Gulf Shores

Take a look at these ten remarkable choices that reside in Alabama for a quick and easy beach vacation or a fun day trip.

Gulf Place – Gulf Shores Main Public Beach

Gulf Shores Public Beach, Alabama (Photo Credit: Darryl Vest)

As one of the more popular hot spots in Alabama, the Gulf Shores Main Public Beach is located at 101 Gulf Shores Parkway and is wheelchair accessible. In addition, there are public washrooms and showers on-site.

There are 32 miles of white, sandy beaches to explore when visiting Gulf Place, with eight different access points for public use. There is an appointed lifeguard on duty between March and October with protected swimming areas for patrons.

The Gulf Shores offers various amenities, including eateries with tasty seafood, watersports, picnic facilities, and some local attractions. Be sure to take in the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo before you head home from the beach. 

Little Lagoon Pass Park

If you are looking for a terrific place to take the family for a day at the beach, the Little Lagoon Pass Park could be the perfect destination. It is at 1660 West Beach Boulevard, just three miles west of Highway 59. Public restrooms, outdoor showers, and a water fountain are available on the north side.

Visitors to Little Lagoon Pass Park can enjoy the shallow waters that connect Little Lagoon to the Gulf, with breathtaking views from sunrise to sunset. In addition, it houses a fishing pier for anyone wanting to relax and try their hand at catching fresh fish.

For the more adventurous fisherman, Little Lagoon Trail offers three kayak launches for anyone looking to paddle through the 10-mile stretch, which is home to many fresh and salt-water fish.

Cotton Bayou

Cotton Bayou, Gulf Shores (Photo Credit: Beach Images)

For a small beach area that is closer by and can provide a relaxing setting, Cotton Bayou is at 26026 Perdido Beach Blvd in Orange Beach, Alabama. It is handicap accessible, so everyone has a chance to take in the Gulf views.

With restrooms and outdoor showers available, you can spend hours at the beach watching people, soaking up the rays, or taking a dip in the warm waters. Then, try your hand at fishing with one of the many charters, like Orange Beach Fishing Charters and Guides that leave right from the local area.

Orange Beach

Orange Beach, Gulf Shores (Photo Credit: Island Rentals LLC)

White sandy beaches are an iconic feature of Orange Beach for the ultimate beachside experience. Located along the Gulf of Mexico, it attracts many water sport and fishing enthusiasts.

There is much more to take in when visiting Orange Beach, though. There is something exciting to do for everyone in the family, with dolphin charters, amusement parks, and helicopter tours from Hang Ten Helicopters or other local companies.

As one of the more popular places to visit, there are numerous events and festivals year-round in Orange Beach to enjoy.  

Gulf Shores Public Beach 13th Street Access

For anyone looking at an ideal spot to experience some sand dunes, the Gulf Shores 13th Street Access is a terrific place to explore. Located at 1499 West Beach Blvd, visitors can enjoy free parking as they take in the seaside views. Additionally, there are on-site washrooms and showers available.

The 13th Street Access Public Beach has ample space to relax on the sand or play in the water without worrying about overcrowding. As one of the cleanest beaches in the Gulf Shores area, you can enjoy the silky white sand as you stroll over the dunes at sunset.

Gulf State Park

Gulf Shore State Park, Alabama (Photo Credit: Jacob Boomsma)

If you want a beach day that has everything you need, the Gulf State Park Pavilion is the spot for you. It is easy to locate at 22250 East Beach Blvd. However, you will have to pay for parking when visiting this area of the Gulf Shores.

Its newly constructed beach pavilion has air-conditioned washrooms and private showers. Luckily, there is a snack bar on-site, so you do not have to pack any food in for the day if you prefer to grab it while visiting. The Gulf State Park is one of Gulf Shores’ best beaches for several reasons.

This natural beach offers shady spots to sit if you need to get out of the sun for a while and a large fireplace to warm up if you spend a few chilly evening hours there. The two miles of sandy white beaches and 28 miles of trails throughout the park give beachgoers something else to do besides soaking up the sun.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Gulf Shores (Photo Credit: Danny E Hooks)

With over 7,000 acres of breathtaking scenery, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge sits just west of the Gulf Shores at 12295 State Highway 180 W. It is home to several species that thrive in its natural habitat of the coastal shoreline.

This refuge area includes five miles of exquisite beaches to explore while taking in the sights and sounds of the local flora and fauna. The undisturbed coastal barrier habitat offers a natural home for over 360 bird species and other endangered and threatened species. If you are an avid bird watcher, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a terrific place to spend your day.

There are opportunities to fish within the refuge or spend time on the water in your canoe or kayak. If you are lucky, you may spot some sea turtles or alligators during your visit.

Robinson Island

For anyone who wants to venture out for a boating day trip, Robinson Island is a terrific stop along the way. It belongs to a group of four islands within the Perdido Pass and is only accessible by boat, canoe, kayak, or even jet ski. Visitors can rent one from one of the many Orange Beach area amenities.

It is one of the most popular islands in Orange Beach and is similar to its neighbor Bird Island for its many natural inhabitants.

There are enforceable laws in place to keep Robinson Island clean and enjoyable for both visitors and the flora and fauna that live there. Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the surrounding waters or on the island. These regulations are due to the endangered and protected species of the area.

Gulf Shores Public Beach 10th Street Access

For an enjoyable beach that is not too crowded, the public beach at the 10th Street access can be an ideal spot. You will find it on West 10th Street Beach Blvd and has parking across the street. This attribute can often make some beachgoers skip this location, giving you a more serene visit if you are willing to walk a short distance with your beach gear.

It has washrooms and showers on-site, making it a great spot to spend hours picking shells or taking in the view. Although it is not as crowded as other access points along the Gulf Shores, you may want to get there earlier in the day to find your perfect place to set up.

Alabama Point East

Alabama Point East, Gulf Shores (Photo Credit: Beach Images)

Situated just east of the Perdido Pass Bridge, the Alabama Point East showcases over 6,000 feet of pristine beach coastline. It sits at 27853 Perdido Beach Blvd and has parking on-site, but you may need to get there early to get a spot.  

It is a great place to spend your day at the beach with dunes, picnic areas, boardwalks, restrooms, and showers available. Additionally, they have a food truck right at Alabama Point, along with a place to grab cold refreshments while enjoying the hot sun.

There are lifeguards on duty, and it is wheelchair accessible. You have the option to rent beach chairs and umbrellas if you do not want to bring along your own gear.

Plan Your Visit To The Best Gulf Shores Area Beaches

If sandy white beaches are on your list of vacation points, then the best beaches in Gulf Shores, AL, should be on top of your final destinations. With so much to see and do, visitors to Alabama can relax on the sand, try watersports, or enjoy some local attractions.

You cannot go wrong when you choose one or more of these ten best Gulf Shores Area beaches on our list.