13 Best Beaches In Alabama, US: Complete Guide 2022
Alabama is known for its many natural and historical monuments spread out over the different beaches available. Alabama‘s beaches aren’t far behind either. They offer some of the most incredible and authentic beach getaways possible, with a couple of twists that make their many vacation spots unique.
If you’re looking for pristine coastlines, jaw-dropping crystal-clear waters, and Instagram-worthy beaches, we might have the perfect suggestions for you. So, if you’re thinking of visiting the best beaches in this state, check out our list of the best beaches in Alabama. Go for it!
Contents
- 1. Gulf Shores Main Public Beach – Gulf Shores
- 2. Orange Beach
- 3. Gulf State Park
- 4. Alabama Point Beach – Orange Beach
- 5. Robinson Island–Orange Beach
- 6. Cotton Bayou Beach – Orange Beach
- 7. Fort Morgan–Gulf Shores
- 8. Florida Point Beach – Orange Beach
- 9. Fairhope
- 10. Romar Beach–Orange Beach
- 11. West End Public Beach – Dauphin Island
- 12. West Beach–Gulf Shores
- 13. Dauphin Island – Dauphin Island
Gulf Shores Main Public Beach – Gulf Shores
101 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 968-2040
Gulf Shores Main Public Beach is among the most popular beaches in Alabama and is a must-see for any vacation planned in Gulf Shores.
Why is this beach recommended?
Alabama’s most iconic seaside destination has it all: long expanses of sandy terrain, a lively community on and near the beach, extensive amenities, and the relaxing splashes of the shoreline.
The beach has undergone several renovations, providing more access points and trails for all visitors. There’s plenty of room for fun outside and in the sun, like beach volleyball.
What is the best advice?
Plan a vacation to Gulf Shores between May and October for a private getaway when the coast isn’t as busy as usual.
Recommended hotel nearby: The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
2. Orange Beach
29348 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-6810
Orange Beach’s eight-mile-long stretch of sand is among the most beautiful beaches in Alabama, and you won’t want to miss it.
Why is this beach recommended?
Everything in Orange Beach is a natural work of art when it comes to being picturesque. This place is popular with travelers is the myriad of fun things to do and see. You have front row seats to see flyboarding, sailing boats, and other recreational activities at sea.
Orange Beach does not run out of things to do, and fishing is another of the most popular sports in the area. There are bike lanes and hiking trails available for those who want to relax in relaxed surroundings.
What is the best advice?
When you’re done with the abundant amenities of Orange Beach, Adventure Island Amusement Park and Arcade are close by for a great place to hang out with friends and family.
Recommended hotel nearby: Best Western Premier – The Tides
3. Gulf State Park
20115 State Park Rd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-7275
In Alabama, the Gulf State Park is the safest beach for children, with many services to keep the little ones entertained.
Why is this beach recommended?
Gulf State Park offers many amenities for children. The nature center gives kids something to explore, and the beach pavilion has picnic tables to enjoy a nice meal when the sun goes down.
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The available pool is designed for children who want to practice swimming when the waves on the coast are too unstable. Overall, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day on Alabama’s beaches.
What is the best advice?
Consider taking a spin on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, by bike or on foot, if you’re looking for a relaxing sunset experience.Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG Hotel
Alabama Point Beach – Orange Beach
27853 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(800) 252-7275
Alabama Point Beach is one of Alabama’s premier precise water beach destinations.
Why is this beach recommended?
Located near Perdido Pass, Alabama Point Beach combines pleasant scenery with crystal clear waters. You cross a wooden promenade that receives the fresh breeze in just the right amount for a lovely walk to move around the place.
This place is also a fantastic place to capture panoramic photos, and from time to time, you will be able to witness how dolphins rise on the horizon of the coast.
What is the best advice?
Alabama Point Beach has free parking, and the beach itself is rarely crowded, so you can rest easy when looking for a nearby parking space in Orange Beach. Perdido Beach Resort
Robinson Island–Orange Beach
Off Marina Road
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-1063
Robinson Island offers a secluded yet cohesive travel experience in Alabama.
Why is this beach recommended?
Accessible only by boat from Off Marina Road, Robinson Island is one of Alabama’s trade secrets. This paradise loves water sports, and the city maintains the natural ecosystem well.
One of Alabama’s must-see beach spots is Bird Island, and it’s known to be an excellent spot for seabird watching. Here you can see how wading herons build their nests on this island.
What is the best advice?
As Robinson Island is cut off from the central Alabama coastline, services are almost non-existent. If you plan to go there, make sure you make a list of everything you need and take it with you.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites – Orange Beach
Cotton Bayou Beach – Orange Beach
25900 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 948-7275
Cotton Bayou Beach is one of the prettiest beach spots in Alabama, located just outside Gulf State and Orange Beach.
Why is this beach recommended?
The best thing about Cotton Bayou Beach is its pristine scenery, ideally situated between two iconic Alabama cities. The coast, therefore, has easy access to many amenities that surround the sea.
There is space for both physical and leisure activities. Whether you want to surf, go fishing, or lay back reading books, the majestic landscape has room for whatever you desire.
What is the best advice?
You may want to park earlier in the day as the car park is free but fills up quickly just before noon.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Island House Hotel at Doubletree by Hilton
Fort Morgan–Gulf Shores
110 State Highway 180
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 861-3000
Across the bay from Dauphin Island
Fort Morgan is an island off the coast of Gulf Shores, and its alluring beaches have plenty of history and luxury behind them.
Why is this beach recommended?
Fort Morgan is named after the historic 1834 fort, and the island has only gotten better since then. The beach peninsula has become an excellent place for a quiet and serene getaway.
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The beach area is accessible to the general public, especially if you have a hotel reservation. It rarely gets crowded throughout the year, so there’s no need to worry about getting a well-deserved break.
What is the best advice?
Although there are hotel accommodations in Fort Morgan, services near the beaches are a rarity. It is best to prepare everything you need when you head there.
Recommended hotel nearby: The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
Florida Point Beach – Orange Beach
27853 Perdido Beach Boulevard
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(800) 252-7275
Florida Point Beach is on the list of Alabama beaches for those who want a quiet vacation.
Why is this beach recommended?
Florida Point Beach’s selling point is its pure white sands along the mile-long peninsula. After soaking up the sunshine, it is also part of the Gulf State Park, another good destination.
Surprisingly, Florida Point Beach is among Alabama’s low-key beach destinations, despite being in the coastal region of the city. Since its neighbors are typical tourist spots like Gulf Shores, it’s an excellent option for those who want to relax without straying too far from the city.
What is the best advice?
Florida Point Beach offers free beach parking, but you may want to park early in the morning before visitors to neighboring beaches fill up the limited spaces.
Recommended hotel nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites Orange Beach
9. Fairhope
161 North Section St.
Fairhope, AL 36532
(251) 928-2136
Fairhope Beach, located on the waterfront of the art city, is preferred by bathers as the best swimming beach in Alabama.
Why is this beach recommended?
What makes Fairhope Beach a safe beach for swimmers is the minimal surf. In addition, there is a wide range of public facilities and shops for all types of tourists.
Some of the activities you can do in these calm waters are bird watching, surfing, speed boating, and scuba diving. There are a couple of trails available to take in the fantastic scenery of Fairhope Beach for the more sedate.
What is the best advice?
In March, the City of Fairhope holds its annual Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. Consider planning your trip around this time if you fancy a photo-filled getaway.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Fairhope – Point Clear, an IHG Hotel
Romar Beach–Orange Beach
24522 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Romar Beach is another of Alabama’s beautiful beaches and demonstrates how simple it can be enough for a day at the beach.
Why is this beach recommended?
The compact size of Romar Beach, oddly enough, is already sufficient to relax on the sandy paths of this tourist destination. This location is close to the Gulf State Park, making it an easy option for those who like to spend their time in privacy without being too far from amenities.
Also, the area is mostly untouched, with only plans to install more services in the future. In any case, you will be able to enjoy the best of nature if you spend your time here.
What is the best advice?
Though limited, Romar Beach’s free parking is a great way to settle in on any trip to Alabama. Parking is also close to the condominiums near Romar Beach, which can be convenient.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach
West End Public Beach – Dauphin Island
3000 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
(251) 861-5525
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West End Public Beach is one of Dauphin Island’s best sand destinations, rivaling beaches in neighboring Alabama cities.
Why is this beach recommended?
Here, leisure and beauty come together to offer a truly relaxing vacation experience. The number of people who visit it tends not to overcrowd the beach, and at the same time, there are enough services to keep you comfortable and carefree.
They are open seven days a week and can welcome visitors at most hours. If you like golf, there is a public golf area nearby.
What is the best advice?
There may be a “Sunset Concert” to meet your party and music needs, and they occur on one Sunday of every month. The price of admission goes up to $2 for this reason, so take note.
Recommended hotel nearby: The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
West Beach–Gulf Shores
W Beach Blvd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
If you want a quiet Alabama beach experience without leaving the comforts of Gulf Shores, then West Beach is the place for you.
Why is this beach recommended?
West Beach offers a memorable Alabama getaway experience with its pristine sands and clear waters and the convenience of Gulf Shores restaurants and facilities.
Crowds rarely flock to West Beach, making it a great place if you want to stay relatively private with your friends and family and do outdoor activities together. Restaurants and condos are also close, so you don’t have to worry about where to go next.
What is the best advice?
Near West Beach is the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to more than 360 different species of birds. It’s another great place to visit and learn if you happen to be in the area.
Recommended hotel nearby: Best Western Premier – The Tides
Dauphin Island – Dauphin Island
1011 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
(251) 861-5525
Dauphin Island is nicknamed the “Sunset Capital of Alabama” and prides itself on being one of the best beaches in Alabama.
Why is this beach recommended?
Dauphin Island offers all the support for camping on the island. No other beach in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores offers anything like it, making Dauphin Island a severe contender for the best beach to go to for a unique vacation experience.
They have a whopping 14 miles of scenic scenery thanks to the pristine coastline, and the beach is perfectly safe for both pets and family to walk on.
What is the best advice?
If you want to learn something while on vacation, visit the Fort Gaines site on Dauphin Island. Established in 1821, this now historic landmark still features real, authentic cannons.
Recommended hotel nearby: Holiday Isle
If you’ve been left wanting more, check out America’s Best Beaches. Pretty! By the way… What do you think of the best beaches in Alabama? Do not forget to leave your impressions in the comments. We read! Montgomery
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