Beaches & Parks

Unwind at These Beaches & Parks in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Beyond

The coast of Alabama sits along the Gulf of Mexico and boasts one of the most beautiful shorelines in the country. Hidden gem beach destinations, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, boast white sand and clear turquoise waters with less density and fewer crowds compared with some popular Florida beaches. You’ll find wide-open stretches of sand to unwind and relax with your family, whether right outside the door of your vacation rental home or just a short trek away.

Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park features two miles of beaches, an inland lake, hiking and biking trails, a learning center, fishing pier, picnic pavilions, and more. There is a ton to do at this state park, whether you want to visit the beaches or not. You can rent kayaks to paddle the waters, go on a parasailing adventure, bike the backcountry trail, or wander the butterfly garden.

Perdido Key State Park

Perdido Key State Park is known for its rolling sand dunes covered with sea oats that lead you to the shoreline. This park is great for swimming, sunbathing, and just enjoying the scenery, plus it’s a great spot for surf fishing.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Boasting 7,000 acres, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is Alabama’s last remaining undeveloped coastal habitat. This park is home to hundreds of native and migratory bird species, and it is an important stop for neotropical migratory songbirds during the fall and spring. Even if you’re not into birdwatching, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful park to visit for hiking, beach-going, and more.

Gulf Shores Beach Information

There are 8 public beach access points in Gulf Shores:

Lagoon Pass
West 13th Street
West 12th Street
West 10th Street
West 6th Street
West 5th Street
Gulf Place West
East Beach

Beach Flag Warning System

The public beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have a beach warning flag system that indicates conditions throughout the day.

Green Flag: low hazard; calm conditions, exercise caution
Yellow Flag: medium hazard; moderate surf and/or currents
Red Flag: high hazard; high surf and/or strong currents
Double Red Flag: water closed to public
Purple Flag: dangerous marine life

Leave Only Footprints Initiative

In an effort to ensure the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach remain beautiful for generations to come, the Leave Only Footprints Initiative provides tips and advice to keep our beaches clean. First, be sure to pack in everything that you brought out with you, including any food scraps and beach gear.