A place that everyone enjoys going to is the beach. Beaches in Alabama are seen as a place of relaxation because normally it is very quiet and peaceful there.
If you ever want to visit the amazing beaches, then you must visit the Alabama Gulf Shores. When it comes to beaches in Alabama, this place has all the features like the family-friendly atmosphere, pristine white sand beaches, wildlife, and nearly perfect weather for most of the months that make Alabama a beach destination with the most pristine beaches in the United States.
Alabama includes all kinds of beaches, like beaches for families, youngsters, party animals, etc., so everyone can enjoy the beach life however they want without any hassle.
Beaches in Alabama are generally famous for the tiny granules that massage your toes as you stroll the shore. They are also famous for what local people describe as ”sugar white sands”. These beaches in Alabama are the main attraction for all kinds of water sports like surfing, parasailing, jet skiing, beach volleyball, beach bars, surf fishing, deep sea fishing, etc.
The main positive point of these beaches in Alabama is that there is no shortage of remarkable resorts that extend your peaceful vacation with golf or spa excursions. In this article, we will talk about the best beaches to visit on the Alabama coastline.
Ten Incredible Beaches in Alabama
1. Gulf Shores Main Public Beach
Gulf Shores Main Public Beach is the main public beach on Gulf Shores and is favored by the majority of tourists and locals because of its easy access points to the water and bustle of seaside activity. This place is best for a beach vacation, as you can just walk the soft sand at sunrise to see the fishermen and some local wildlife.
Be sure to take a stroll on the public pier and watch pelicans challenge local fishermen for their catch. With lots of pedestrian access points, the beach has undergone major changes like walking paths, wheelchair-accessible mats, greenspace, an amphitheater, and restrooms.
This beach is clean and it is the meeting point for many water excursions in the area. The vacationer will enjoy these beaches not just because they are litter-free but for the ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable travel. The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach community took various steps to protect beaches in Alabama from garbage and other harmful waste.
If you get homesick and want to get the comfort of home then you can always rent a condo in the area which keeps you close to the beach and nearby some local restaurants and activities.
2. Fairhope Beach
If you are looking for an active beach crowd and a variety of things to do besides making dunes or lying on the beach, this is the perfect beach for you. Fairhope Beach is known for its relaxing ambiance and crowd.
The minimal waves and tides make this beach a casual place to swim and play some water sports. The park near the beach has an entrance fee but it is worth it to enjoy all things together, i.e., shops, gardens, Fairhope Pier, etc.
Fairhope is a pedestrian-friendly town that you can enjoy with small eateries and boutiques. There are also many nature trails and walking paths around if you do not want to spend the full day at the beach. When you visit this beach, you can also enjoy lunch and dinner at the local culinary institution.
There are also many spas, resorts, and golf clubs to make your visit more memorable, and these places have a rich history and luxury accommodations. You can make a very fun and knowledgeable day out of it, which is a very positive factor for any kind of person.
3. Fort Morgan Beach
Fort Morgan Beach is said to be one of the most unique beaches in Alabama, a small, quaint Fort Morgan peninsula. This beach is surrounded by a historic fort which was an active military site during some wars, including the Civil War.
It is more remote than other beaches, and it is about 20 miles outside of the downtown Gulf Shores area, but it is worth the scenic drive. Fort Morgan Beach is not used as a public beach, it can only be accessed by paying the entry fee to the fort complex.
When you visit this beach there is no need to spend the full day on the beach, you can make a fun day out of it by combining some historical sightseeing. The quiet beach is a good alternative to some of the more crowded public beaches and is located at a little distance from gulf shores.
Most of the area of this beach is part of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, so you will also get to see many species of birds and other animals. If you want some home-like feeling then you can always rent condos and beach houses according to your comfort. This beach will be a good weekend gateway for anyone with many good experiences.
4. Cotton Bayou Beach
The Cotton Bayou Beach is a small stretch of beach nestled between two highways, two broadways, and condominiums. This hidden retreat also has the same pure white sand as other orange beach area waterfront locations, but it is not as crowded as other public beaches.
There are also outdoor showers, recreation opportunities, and plenty of nearby bars and restaurants for beach snacks. If you are looking for a place to chill and enjoy a party at night, then this beach is for you; you can enjoy occasional parties, but remember, parties do not always take place, but they are organized on certain occasions.
This beach is convenient for its public beach access points, so visitors can enjoy the pulse of Orange Beach and many other amenities by staying at the resorts, condos, beach houses, etc.
It does require paid parking, but it’s worth it when you see the sunset, and that movement will make your day full of joy.
5. Romar Beach
This Romar Beach is one of those beautiful beaches that has an iconic beach scene day by day with kites, sandcastles, and volleyball, and it is one of the best locations to observe stunning Gulf Coast Shores sunsets. This beach requires paid parking but has easy access and is also a perfect location if you are looking for an afternoon picnic area by the water or a post-dinner beach stroll.
This beach may be small for some people, but that factor is one of the main reasons why people like it: it offers a cozy and peaceful environment.
If you ever plan to visit this beach then you should be aware of the fact that parking is limited, so you should visit the beach only when you have booked or rented the nearby condominium, resort, beach house, etc.
One special thing about these resting places is that they will offer you a wide range of accommodations or perks based on the size of your group, which will make your stay memorable and a very pleasant experience.
6. Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island is one of Alabama’s beaches that is only a pet-friendly beach and also safe for families. This public beach is worth the weekend getaway from famous beach scenes in the Orange Beach and Gulf shore areas.
The island is 14 miles long, with long sand and ocean surf stretches. If you also want to add a little bit of knowledge to your swim, then you can take a peek at 19th-century Fort Gaines, which still features original cannons, located on this island.
You can also rent bikes or scooters to explore the beach, or you can walk on one of the trails in an area near the Dauphin Island public beach.
You can reach the island by taking the ferry from Gulf Shore or Orange Beach by taking the mobile bay ferry from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island. You can also drive to Dauphin Island from mobile by heading south and accessing the island bridge. If you want easy access to Dauphin Island, you can always book or rent a condo, resort, beach house, etc.
7. Little Lagoon Pass
This is one of the best Alabama beaches, a family-friendly public beach access area on Gulf Shores. This beach is across the street from where Little Lagoon empties itself into the gulf. It is a good option to visit if you are searching for a place that can provide both amenities like free parking, restrooms, showers, etc., and beach access.
Little Lagoon Beach is strongly recommended to those people who want to enjoy a family vacation with their family because this beach has homely vibes and believe me you are going to have a very memorable experience with your loved ones.
The shallower water of the beach is great for families with small children. There is also a small public park at Little Lagoon Pass, where you can find a spot where you can enjoy your packed lunch.
This area is close to other nearby attractions like a fishing pier or Gulf State Park pier so you can make it a full beach fun day in only one location.
8. Robinson Island
Robison Island is also known as one of the best-known secrets of Orange Beach which attracts both boaters and swimmers. This island is one of three small sandbar islands which is located north of Perdido Pass Bridge. These islands are only accessible by boats and are generally popular with locals.
It is a small piece of paradise tucked away in back bays because the habitat around Robinson Island is protected. The scenery of this island is picturesque, and the city protects the natural flora and fauna around the water. There is a restriction for visitors not to bring pet animals to the island.
The island which includes the walker and bird island are all shorebird nesting habitats so it is strongly recommended that visitors stay in beach areas and not venture inland to protect the habitat. You can easily get to Robinson Island by taking an island cruise that includes a swimming stop.
Another option to reach the island is to book a Kayak tour from coastal Kayaks which offers a day trip to the islands. This beach is a favorite, especially with vacationing families, for its convenient location near the beach lazy river, fishing docks, onsite pools, marina, and restaurants.
9. Alabama Point Beach
It has more than a mile of white sand beach access and is near the Gulf State Park since the beach is near the bridge. When you visit this beach, you get to see the front-row views of boat traffic passing through Perdido Pass, which is like a bonus for photographers.
One of the best features of Alabama Point Beach is its width which is approximately 6000 feet of the beach area to scout a spot for a fun day. You can always pack the lunch to enjoy it at one of the picnic areas. Besides relaxation, explore other activities like boardwalks and dunes at the beach.
Alabama Point Beach is usually not that crowded and the water has mild waves which are comfortable for children. Keep your eye open for dolphins that sometimes swim through the beach for an additional treat. This beach also has paid parking like many other beaches in Alabama.
What to Keep in Mind When Visiting These Beaches?
But human forces change beaches globally, but not in a positive way. These changes include bad construction practices on dunes and coastlines. At the same time, there are also some indirect human changes like plastic pollution, water pollution, and water erosion from climate change and sea level rise.
Some of the coastal management practices are designed to restore natural beach processes while some of the beaches are restored through activities like beach nourishment.
Some wild beaches in Alabama are also known as undiscovered beaches that can be developed for recreation or tourism. Preserved beaches are important biomes with very special roles in marine or aquatic biodiversity such as nesting areas for sea birds or penguins, breeding grounds for sea turtles, etc.
These pristine beaches and their associated dune are important for protection from extreme weather for human infrastructure and the inland ecosystem.
Closing Thoughts
These beaches offer a perfect weekend with a very relaxing and peaceful experience to anyone who wants to take a break from their boring corporate jobs and is tired of following the same routine.
Beaches always offer a lifestyle that any person wants, like seeing the beautiful sunrise in the morning, sitting by the water and having a peaceful lunch, and observing the stunning view of sunsets.
You will get the best experience of your life on Alabama’s beaches. It often competes with the beaches of Florida Point Beach but Alabama beaches still hold their vacationers who are looking for quality sand and surf.
Sandy beaches occupy more than half of the global coastlines. These beaches are also popular for playing an important role economically and culturally by driving local tourism industries.
You can visit all these beaches without any hassle or those who even have a phobia of water can also visit because beaches also appoint or hire a man-made infrastructure like lifeguards who always assist you if you are facing any kind of problem on the beach. There are also shacks and bars, they also have hospitality venues like camps, restaurants, bars, etc.
