Alabama Beach Vacations

The Gulf Shores area consists of several beaches, of which the Main Public Beach, also called Gulf Place, is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. The beach is close to the town’s many seafood restaurants, bars, and shops. What’s more, the public facilities have been upgraded at the beach, providing all you need for a comfortable and funfilled day.

Orange Beach is set on the easternmost point of Alabama’s Gulf coast, bordering Florida. This family-friendly beach is known as a watersport hub and for its fishing – cast a line either from the beach or from one of the piers. The town also features an entertainment district called the Wharf, where you can spend the evening after a day on the beach.

This hidden gem is often bypassed by visitors. However, if you’re looking for a quiet, relaxed, and low-key destination, Dauphin Island could be your top pick. It has a pet-friendly beach, and is a birdwatcher’s paradise: it’s part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail and features a bird sanctuary. And the city of Mobile is within an hour’s reach, in case you need a taste of urban life.

The Fort Morgan peninsula, a unique destination, features a historic fort surrounded by water and beaches on three sides. The fort can be accessed for a small entrance fee. The quiet and serene beach is a good place to get away from the crowds, and since much of the area belongs to the Bon Secour Nature and Wildlife Refuge, it’s also a great spot to enjoy nature and watch birds and other animals.

At Gulf State Park, you’ll find beautiful, undeveloped beaches and plenty of opportunities to get active and explore the natural surroundings. Head out on the various hiking and biking trails, check out the nature center, outdoor classroom, and fishing lake, or go ziplining, paddleboarding, or kayaking.

Alabama’s beaches’ wide range of watersports appeals to travelers wanting to get active. Popular activities include snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, parasailing, jetskiing, fishing, and dolphin watching.

Get close to nature at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. These 7,000 acres of protected land are home to the endangered Alabama beach mouse, several bird species, and loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, and green sea turtles.

This small piece of paradise in the back bays near Orange Beach can only be reached by boat. Visiting the island and enjoying its serene scenery, beaches, and waters makes for a perfect day trip.

Seafood is the specialty at most Gulf restaurants. Select your favorite dish from the menu, or have your own catch cooked for you! The area’s wide variety of restaurants range from simple to chic, suiting everyone’s preferences.

The area hosts many popular festivals, such as the Wharf’s Boat and Yacht Show, the Hangout Music Festival, the National Shrimp Festival, the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival, and the annual Oyster Cook-Off. Enhance your experience by planning your trip around these events.

Pack enough swim clothes to wear every day, and some light clothes you can wear around the beach or for having drinks at the boulevard.

Be sure to protect your skin by using sunscreen with a protection factor, and protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses or a hat.

Nothing beats lying on the beach and reading a book or flipping through your favorite magazine while listening to some summer tunes on your headphones.