If you’re headed for Alabama’s Gulf Coast with visions of beach time dancing in your head, you’re probably thinking of a few specific stretches of sand. But there are a few others you might find worthy of investigation.
The Gulf Place in Gulf Shores, the long stretches of sand in front of the cabins and condos of the Fort Morgan peninsula and Orange Beach, Dauphin Island’s public beach and of course the areas around Gulf State Park’s pavilion and pier — these are mainstays, but they’re hardly the whole story. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism invites visitors to 15 public beaches in the area, and even that doesn’t cover the whole story.
Here are a few favorites that are just a little less commonly known, or a little more out of the way.
West End Beach
You won’t pass this beach on the way to anything: It’s at the far western end of the developed portion of Dauphin Island. If you want to see for yourself whether the island lives up to its claim to be Alabama’s Sunset Capital, this is the place to go. Parking is $3, with a $3 per person park use fee for visitors age 13 or older. There’s an air conditioned restroom and chair rental vendor, among other amenities. If you time it right, you can enjoy some special events. Family movies start at dusk on Thursdays and Fridays: “Encanto” on June 30, “Jaws” on July 1, “E.T.” on July 7, “The Croods” on July 8, “Trolls” on July 14,” “Parent Trap” on July 15, “Frozen” on July 21, “Teen Beach Movie” on July 22, “Moana” on July 28, “Ed” on July 29, “A Simple Wish” on Aug. 4, “The Little Mermaid” on Aug. 5, “Ella Enchanted” on Aug. 11 and “Andre” on Aug. 12. The Sunday Sunset Concert Series will present a concert by The Pine Hill Haints 6-8 p.m. on July 31. Concert admission is $5 for 13 and older. There are no lifeguards; pets, glass containers, grills, fires and overnight camping are prohibited. 3000 Bienville Blvd. www.townofdauphinisland.org.
Alabama Point East and Shell Beach
As you cross the high-rise bridge that takes you over Perdido Pass on your way toward Florida, the distracting view of the Gulf might distract you from a couple of small but noteworthy state beaches. Alabama Point East, at 27853 Perdido Beach Blvd., offers “offers more than 6,000 feet of wide beach, sand dunes, boardwalks, picnic areas, restrooms, and outdoor showers,” according to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism. You also get a sometimes entertaining view of boat traffic coming through the pass. Parking for Shell Beach is just a smidge further to the east. Both are overseen by Gulf State Park. www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park/beaches.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Driving past the main park area on Ala. 180, you can almost forget that it includes beach. What you see from the road are coastal woodland habitats. But if you follow the trails through those, or park along Mobile Street for closer access, you can experience what the refuge describes as “some of Alabama’s last remaining undisturbed coastal barrier habitat.” It’ll change your view of what a natural beach can be, encompassing “dunes, swales, wetlands, maritime forests and scrub habitats.” It’s a popular place for birding, and park features include a canoe and kayak launch on Little Lagoon. For park policies and other information, visit www.fws.gov/refuge/bon-secour.
Pirates Cove
We’re cheating a little with this one, maybe. Like LuLu’s or the Hangout or the Flora-Bama, Pirates Cove is more of a beach business than a beach — but it is a very beachy business. Unlike those better-known spots, its location to the north of “Pleasure Island,” across the water north of Ono Island and Bear Point, and its family ownership have preserved its off-the-beaten-path feel. Bring the dog. Have a burger or a pizza. Have a bushwacker. Enjoy the idea that the picturesque cove to the north really was, once upon a time, a refuge for coastal scoundrels. Savor the view to the south, and the distance from the tourist-oriented bustle of the places you can see in the hazy distance. If you’re coming by land, which is the second-best way to get there, it’s at the end of Baldwin 95 in Josephine. piratescoveriffraff.com.
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Perdido River
Now we’re cheating a lot. Alabama’s magnificent Perdido River Canoe Trail won’t give you salt water or the soothing crash of a surf. You’ll find no Bushwackers here unless you bring them, and that would be quite an effort. But it provides access to nearly 20 miles of winding coastal blackwater river lined with sand and gravel beaches. It’s an experience you just don’t get in other parts of the state, and if you dragged a kayak all the way down I-65 you should give it serious thought. If you want to picnic or spend a little time swimming or just stretch your legs, the next opportunity is never far away. Logjams can occur, but under most conditions the river is suitable for beginner and intermediate paddlers; there are no rapids. www.alabamacanoetrails.com/perdido.
Fort Morgan
The main attraction is the fort, obviously, but paying the park access fee also gains you access to the beach that curls around the tip of the Fort Morgan Peninsula. It’s a popular area for birders and fishers, but it also offers relative solitude for anyone who’d like to go for a walk at land’s end. Fort Morgan is a dog-friendly site but pets must remain leashed. The dune complexes and marshes are protected endangered species habitat; the Fort’s website advises that while it’s okay to walk along the beach near the dunes, visitors should not walk on them or in the marsh areas. The site also says that “Caution should be used in using the beaches as no lifeguards are present. Please be aware that all beaches close at sundown.” www.fort-morgan.org.
Fairhope Pier Park
The Fairhope Municipal Pier and Park, on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, offers a completely different vibe than beaches to the south. That’s no bad thing, and the park’s large sandy beach offers a fine view of the sunset across the bay. Features include the Beach Park Tree Trail in North Beach Park. Unlike most coastal beaches, this one is backed by grassy, tree-shaded areas that make it a superb picnic spot. 4 N. Beach Road. www.fairhopeal.gov.
