Alabama probably doesn’t top the list of all the states you’d think of for beaches. But with over 60 miles of coastline along its southern border, it has plenty of spots for you to stretch out on the sand. That’s not even counting the hundreds of miles of shoreline along the bayous, rivers, and lakes. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama’s southernmost cities are popular destinations for water sports enthusiasts.
There long stretches of sand lined with cafes, restaurants, and amusements is where you can kick back and watch people take to the waves by board or boat. Even if you’re not planning to travel all the way down south, you can still enjoy relaxing by the water on one of these beaches in Alabama. From the Gulf Of Mexico to river and lakeside beaches, family-friendly spots and beach-party fun to secluded escapes and wildlife hubs, there’s more to Alabama’s beaches than you might expect.
Alabama Beaches
20 Best Beaches In Alabama
1- Gulf Shore Beach
Gulf Shore Beach is a sprawling swathe of white sand right at the heart of Gulf Shores City.
There’s loads of space to spread out, so it rarely feels overly cramped even at busier times.
Running the length of the town centre, Gulf Shore Beach is super convenient to get to and has plenty of parking, making it ideal for family outings.
There are many restaurants and cafes just across the street and even a few restaurants on the sand for a perfect sea view with your meal.
Go to 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States.
2- Branyon Beach
Branyon Beach stretches from the east end of Gulf Shores City to the west end of Orange Beach City.
Tucked right between the two cities, Branyon Beach is conveniently located while maintaining a quieter, more rural atmosphere.
You can enjoy the conveniences and comforts of both resort cities while enjoying the scenic environment tucked between the sea and Gulf State Park.
Being more on the outskirts of the two cities, Branyon Beach tends to stay quieter than the more city centre options.
Branyon Beach is at one end of several trails leading through Gulf State Park.
It’s the perfect place to rest before or after heading off for a hike through the park.
Head over to 22249 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States.
3- Romar Beach
Romar Beach is the perfect choice for anyone planning a family day out.
It has all the amenities you need, from cafés and restaurants to toilets, showers, and plenty of parking close enough to the town’s centre to make it perfect for spending a couple of hours between sightseeing.
What makes it particularly attractive for kids is the various entertainment options they can enjoy once they start getting bored of the beach.
The thrilling Adventure Island theme park and Fat Daddy’s amusements arcade are just across the street.
Find Romar Beach at 24450 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, USA.
4- Cotton Bayou Beach
Cotton Bayou Beach runs along the west end of Orange Beach.
It’s the closest seafront beach to the city centre, making it incredibly convenient to get to.
You’ll have plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants within reach.
Being so central, it can get busier than other options.
However, the beach is wide enough to provide plenty of space so that even more crowded days don’t feel too cramped.
Go down to 25900 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States.
5- Alabama Point East
Just across the Perdido Pass from Orange Beach, Alabama Point East is a quieter option for those who want peace without straying too far from the city centre.
Separated from the main town by the Perdido Pass, the worst of the crowds don’t usually make it this far along.
Along with the beach’s soft sand for relaxing, there are also fields of dunes and beach grass to explore.
The main downside is that there are few amenities like cafes and bars along this part of the beach, so it’s not as ideal for long, lazy days on the sand.
Cross over to 28105 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States.
6- Perdido Beach
Much of Perdido Beach is over the border in Florida, but its west end lies in Alabama.
Just eking into the neighbouring city, it has a few more amenities and conveniences nearby than Alabama Point.
The main attraction of this beach is the Flora-Bama beach bar.
This lively bar and grill is known across the states for straddling the border between Alabama and Florida.
It has various stages hosting live music daily, making it the ideal beach-party destination.
Wander to 29603 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States.
7- Robinson Island
If you’re looking for adventure, consider hopping on a boat and sailing across to Robinson Island.
One of the little islands nestled in the heart of Orange Beach’s bayou, Robinson Island is a pleasant change of pace from the typical seafront beaches.
It’s a popular destination for fishing and kayaking, so even though it’s a bit more out of the way, the little island often gets quite busy.
The stretch of soft white sand along its southern tip is still a great place to relax and enjoy the city views.
Sail across to Alabama 36561, USA.
8- Orange Beach Waterfront Park
The beach area of Orange Beach Waterfront Park is relatively small and more suited to paddling, fishing, and launching kayaks and canoes than swimming.
However, there are plenty of amenities on the grassier area to provide the perfect setting for a laid-back afternoon by the water.
The park has picnic and barbeque areas and a playground, ideal for family fun.
There’s even an art gallery where you can admire local artworks or participate in workshops.
The park is at 26425 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States.
9- Childress Point
Childress Point is ideal if you want somewhere more remote and secluded to escape it all.
Located on the very outskirts of Gulf Shores and tucked away behind the trees, you really have to know this beach is here to find it.
The beach is most easily reached via the Jeff Friend Trail, which loops through the forest.
You won’t find any amenities here, so make sure to come prepared if you plan to spend an extended stay.
Go to 13900 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States.
10- Admire Lagoon Pass
Located east of Gulf Shore Beach, Lagoon Pass is where the water of Little Lagoon flows into the Gulf of Mexico.
Between the beach and the neighbouring Lagoon Pass Park, you can enjoy the best of both the sea and lake waterscapes.
It’s a little away from the main tourist beach so you can enjoy more peace and quiet.
However, you’ll also have to stroll back towards the town to find amenities and refreshments.
Head to W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA.
11- Fort Morgan Beach
Just west of Fort Morgan, Fort Morgan Beach is a quiet, scenic stretch of sand curving around the end of the peninsula.
Along with being a peaceful place to relax, Fort Morgan is a popular fishing spot.
The beach curls around the historic Fort Morgan military base, with many old fortifications open to be explored.
It’s also the perfect spot to admire the sunset, as the view to the west across the sea is entirely unobstructed.
Fort Morgan is along Unnamed Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States.
12- Dauphin Island Beach
Hop across to Dauphin Island, and you’ll be treated to a petite slice of paradise.
The tiny island has several beaches to choose from, with Dauphin Island Beach being the closest to the town centre.
The long stretch of sand is backed by a lush wildlife sanctuary, providing a lovely relaxing environment.
No need to worry about getting bored. Just beyond the east end of the beach are the remains of the historic Fort Gaines, along with a small aquarium.
Go down to 109 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, United States.
13- Pelican Peninsula
Jutting off Dauphin Island, Pelican Peninsula is more popular for walking than sunbathing.
Leading away from the main town, it’s ideal if you’re after a quiet spot.
Shallows and tide pools run along Pelican Peninsula, making it a hotspot for wading birds and waterfowl, so it’s one of the best beaches in Alabama for birdwatching.
Find the beach at Dauphin Island, AL 36528, United States.
14- West End Beach
Extending along the westernmost point of Dauphin Island, West End Beach is the best family option on the island.
Although it’s on the fringes of the town, the beach has all the amenities you’ll need, including toilets, a café, and parking.
If you follow the beach to Sandy Point in the early evening, you’ll be treated to a stunning sunset over the Gulf Islands.
Head to Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, United States.
15- Orange Street Pier-Beach
Heading along the bay to the leafy city of Fairhope, Orange Street Pier Beach is a scenic little stretch of sand tucked amongst a quaint residential neighbourhood.
Although the beach is small, several bars, cafes, and restaurants are nearby.
There are several piers along the beach, as it is a popular fishing spot.
There’s also a public boat ramp if you want to head out on the water.
Go to Alabama 36532, United States.
16- Fairhope North Beach
Further north is Fairhope’s main beach, Fairhope North Beach.
It is a bit bigger, has a few more dining and shopping options nearby, and is another popular fishing location with several more fishing piers.
North Beach Park runs along the back of the beach, providing a shady area to retreat to when the Alabama sun is at its hottest.
North Beach is at 4 N Beach Rd, Fairhope, AL 36532, United States.
17- Josephine Beach
The tiny town of Josephine is just north of Orange Beach.
Josephine Public Beach may be small, but it’s far enough from the busy tourist areas to keep it pleasantly quiet.
Josephine Beach is a popular fishing spot amongst the locals, as evidenced by the various fishing huts jutting out into the water.
Go to 6802 Shore Dr, Elberta, AL 36530, United States.
18- Bridgeport Beach
Heading further inland, Bridgeport Beach sits along the banks of the Alabama River.
It’s well removed from the nearest town, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for somewhere quiet.
Although this means there are no shops or cafes nearby, make sure you bring everything you’ll need.
Find Bridgeport Beach at Alabama 36726, United States.
19- Lake Martin Beach
Perched on the shore of a large lake and backed by a huge reserve, Lake Martin Beach is particularly scenic.
It’s ideal for relaxing before or after a hike around the forest.
Although removed from the nearest town, the beach has toilets and various facilities serving the surrounding campsites.
Head out to Dadeville, AL 36853, United States.
20- Guntersville Beach
Guntersville Beach is tucked between the Tennessee River and Lake Guntersville State Park.
When not relaxing on the sand, you can explore the hiking trails or take a boat or kayak out on the water.
The park campgrounds are next to the beach and offer plenty of amenities.
The beach is small, so it can get crowded during busier periods.
However, there are various picnic spots and leisure areas to retreat to escape the hustle and bustle.
Guntersville Beach is at Aubrey Carr Scenic Dr, Guntersville, AL 35976, United States.
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