Orange Beach – Alabama, USA
- 4, 24522, Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, Baldwin County, Alabama, 36561, United States
- http://www.cityoforangebeach.com/
- Orange Beach, AL 36561
Beaches in Alabama – White Sand Shores, Warm Gulf Waters & Southern Coastal Charm
Alabama’s Gulf Coast may be small in size, but it delivers some of the best beaches in the entire Southeast.
Known for their powdery white sand, emerald-green water, and warm, welcoming atmosphere, the beaches in
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking
for a peaceful Gulf Coast getaway.
From lively beachfront attractions to nature preserves, fishing piers, and quiet stretches of untouched shoreline,
the beaches in Alabama offer a beautiful combination of relaxation, fun, and Southern hospitality.
Why Visit Beaches in Alabama?
- Pure white sand and amazingly soft beaches
- Warm, swimmable Gulf waters most of the year
- Family-friendly atmosphere & tons of activities
- Dolphin cruises, fishing, kayaking & parasailing
- Beautiful nature preserves & wildlife areas
- Calm, shallow water perfect for kids
Best Beaches in Alabama
These are the top beaches across Alabama’s Gulf Coast, from lively hotspots to quiet natural retreats:
Gulf Shores Public Beach
Alabama’s most popular beach — wide white sand, boardwalk, restaurants, and perfect family atmosphere.
Orange Beach
Scenic, clean, and calm with great water sports, fishing charters, dolphin tours, and beachfront condos.
Gulf State Park Beach
Pristine natural shoreline with hiking trails, bike paths, and one of the longest fishing piers on the Gulf.
Fort Morgan Beach
Quiet, peaceful, and historic — great for nature lovers, fishing, birdwatching, and sunsets.
Dauphin Island
A laid-back barrier island with calm waves, natural beaches, and a strong wildlife & conservation feel.
Where to Stay Near Alabama’s Best Beaches
Gulf Shores
- Beachfront hotels & family resorts
- Great access to attractions, shops, and restaurants
Orange Beach
- Luxury beachfront condos
- Fisherman-friendly marinas & dolphin tour docks
Fort Morgan
- Quiet beach houses & rentals
- Best for remote, peaceful stays
Dauphin Island
- Beach cottages, small inns & water-view rentals
- A nature-focused, slower pace
📅 Best Time to Visit Alabama Beaches
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Summer (June–Aug) | Hot weather, warm water, peak travel season |
| Fall (Sept–Oct) | Warm water, fewer crowds, ideal weather |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Perfect temps, great for families & activities |
| Winter | Quiet, peaceful, lowest hotel rates |
🌡️ Alabama Beach Water Temperatures
- Summer: 82–86°F (very warm)
- Fall: 76–84°F
- Spring: 70–78°F
- Winter: 54–65°F
🚗 How to Get to Alabama’s Beaches
✈️ By Air
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) — closest airport
- Mobile Regional Airport (MOB)
- Gulf Shores Airport (private flights)
🚗 By Car
- Highway 59 — main route into Gulf Shores
- Highway 182 — beachfront road connecting Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
🐶 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Alabama
- Dauphin Island: the most dog-friendly beach in Alabama
- Fort Morgan: pet-friendly areas along the peninsula
- Orange Beach: dogs allowed at designated parks & trails
What to Pack for Alabama Beaches
- Sunscreen & sunglasses (very strong summer sun)
- Beach umbrellas or tents
- Cooler with drinks
- Water shoes for shells
- Light breathable clothing
- Bug spray (evenings)
⭐ Best Alabama Beaches by Category
Best for Families
- Gulf Shores Beach
- Orange Beach
Best for Nature Lovers
- Gulf State Park
- Dauphin Island
Best for Quiet Beaches
- Fort Morgan
- Dauphin Island
FAQs About Alabama Beaches
What is the nicest beach in Alabama?
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the most popular, but many travelers consider Gulf State Park the cleanest and most beautiful.
Are Alabama beaches good for swimming?
Yes — the Gulf is warm, clear, and calm during most of the year.
Which Alabama beach has the clearest water?
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores often have the clearest, brightest blue water.
Is Dauphin Island worth visiting?
Absolutely — it’s quiet, natural, and perfect for birdwatchers and peaceful beach days.
Explore All Alabama Beaches Below
Gulf Shores Beach – Alabama, USA
- 333 Perdido Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Gulf Shores Public Beach, Alabama, USA
- 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- https://www.gulfshores.com/things-to-do/gulf-shores-main-public-beach-gulf-place/
- (251) 968-2040, +1 251-968-2040
- Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Public Beach
- 1501 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
- http://dauphinisland.org/public-beach/
- Dauphin Island, AL 36528
West End Public Beach
- Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
- (251) 861-5525, +1 251-861-5525
- Dauphin Island, AL 36528
Branyon Beach
- 22249 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Alabama Point East
- Caribe Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- http://www.alapark.com/alabama-state-parks-contacts
- (800) 252-7275, +1 800-252-7275
- Orange Beach, AL 36561
Dauphin Island East End Public Beach
- Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
- http://dauphinisland.org/east-end-landing/
- 51 Bienville Blvd
South Beach
- Alabama 36532
Orange Street Pier-Beach
- Alabama 36532
Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access
- 25900 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- https://www.gulfshores.com/things-to-do/cotton-bayou-a-gulf-state-park-beach-area/
- (251) 948-7275, +1 251-948-7275
- Orange Beach, AL 36561
Orange Beach
- 27100 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- http://orangebeachcondo.com/
- (859) 250-1110, +1 859-250-1110
- Orange Beach, AL 36561
North Beach
- Alabama 36532
Dauphin Beach
- Dauphin Island, AL 36528
Bridgeport Beach
- Alabama 36726
Hernando Beach
- Dauphin Island, AL 36528
Orange Beach
- 29348 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- Orange Beach, AL 36561
Gulf State Park – Florida Point
- Orange Beach, AL 36561