Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama

The Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, offers epic fishing, wildlife viewing, access to hiking trails, white-sand beaches, and a great restaurant.

Gulf State Park Pier

***The Gulf State Park Pier re-opened Monday, August 19, 2024***

The Pier will reopen to sightseers and anglers on Monday, Aug. 19, at 7 a.m., as the renovation work that began in November 2023 has been completed.

Did you know the Gulf State Park Pier is the longest fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico at 1,540-foot long. That being said a portion of the pier was damaged during Hurricane Sally and is not currently open!

You may also see the pier called the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier, depending on what sites or brochures you read.

We love visiting the pier for sunrise and sunset. Especially now that we live in the area and it is so close to us.

Locals and tourists can enjoy epic views of the Gulf of Mexico while exploring the pier.

people fishing and looking over the pier with a cooler in the walkway

One thing to know is there are always people fishing along the pier. You will want to be on the look out for fishing poles and lines flying through the air as they cast out into the water.

Most people are pretty aware of what their poles are doing but every once in a while you will need to step out of the way of a flying line.

I say this because it is really easy to rush to the edge when someone points out a great shark or other wildlife.

Make sure you are always aware of what is happening around you! Especially if you have kids with you.

There are rules about cleaning fish, how long fish can sit on the pier, and so on but we all know that things happen.

If you have kids or you are sensitive to fish dying while flopping around on the pier it can be hard to enjoy wandering down the pier.

I would suggest hanging out towards the front of the pier closer to the waves and shoreline.

Fishing

Locals and Visitors can enjoy fishing off of the Gulf State Park Pier. It offers accessible rail fishing, a tackle and bait shop, and great views.

Daily anglers who pay the $10.00 daily parking fee will also receive one daily pier fishing permit included with their parking. Make sure to look at your receipt to get the portion you need to take to the pier attendant at the admission window! This only covers 1 person fishing. All other anglers in the vehicle will need to purchase a daily pier fishing permit.

Daily Pier Fishing Permits -

Daily: $9.00
Weekly: $41.00
Monthly: $81.00
Semiannual: $161.00
Annual: $321.00

This fee does not include an Alabama saltwater and/or pier fishing license which can be purchased online.

Children 11 years old and under fish for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

The pier offers nearly 2500 feet of fishing space.

Fishing License - an Alabama fishing license is required! Make sure to check with the staff to find out which license you need.

Rod & Reel Rentals - 4 hours for $10, or all day for $20

Fish Species found at the Pier (some are seasonal) - Sheepshead, Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Florida Pompano, King Mackerel, Whiting and more!

fish cleaning station at Gulf State Park Pier

Fishing Regulations (Make sure to check on site for additional rules)

Single-line trolley fishing is permitted (2 lines prohibited); Trolley fishing on the octagon is prohibited. Trolleys may not be left unattended.
Catch must be placed in container within 10 minutes.
No bait cutting on benches, tables, hand rails, or trash cans.
ONE (1) rod in the water at a time per fisherman; rods may not be left unattended.
No more than 6 hooks per Sabiki style bait rigs.
Balloon rigs must be bio-degradable.
One crab ring per fisherman (may not leave unattended, crabbing and fishing at the same time is prohibited).
Alabama Administrative Code 220-5-.13(2) – Failure to comply with reasonable conditions of occupancy and use of Alabama State Park facilities as prescribed and posted by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, for the protection and administration of State Park facilities and resources and the promotion of public health, welfare, safety or conveniences shall be unlawful.

great blue heron with a fish in its mouth on the Gulf State Park Pier

Bait And Tackle Shop

Bait Shop Hours -

This indoor retail area has souvenirs, bait, tackle, poles, and fishing gear.

picnic benches on the covered deck with people looking out at the water

ByWater Beachside Beach Bar & Grill

The Beachside Bar and Grill offers "indoor seating" sort of. They have covers that drop down the sides of the pier to block out the rain or wind.

Hurricane sally damage on Gulf State Park pier with wood and rails missing

boat working on the gulf state park pier on a sunny day — Repairs being made to the Gulf State Park Pier, January 2024

Repairs being made to the Gulf State Park Pier, February 2024

Repairs from Hurricane Sally

Repairs for the Gulf State Park Pier started on November 13, 2023! The pier will remain closed during the renovation process.

The pier reopened to the public in August 2024.

The Gulf State Park Pier was damaged during Hurricane Sally and currently as of fall 2023 is only open to the halfway point.

The September hurricane collapsed a 200-foot section near the octagonal fishing area at the south end of the pier.

That being said the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources along with Alabama State Parks has secured permits, designs, and approval for repairs of the pier.

The pier was also damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. This hurricane damaged the old pier which was replaced with the current new pier.

sunset views over the beach with condo construction in the background

Why you will love Gulf State Park Pier

Epic Sunrise and Sunset Views
White Sand beach
Look for sharks and wildlife from the pier.
Family friendly things to do in Gulf Shores

sunset with pink clouds over the water with gulf shores skyline in the background

Things to know when planning a visit to Gulf State Park Pier

Address - 20800 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Located within Gulf State Park

Phone - Park Headquarters 251-948-7275.

Entrance Fee - $2.00 if you are just going to sightsee and walk the pier.

Parking - The parking area next to Gulf State Park Pier is a PAID Parking lot!!!! Please make sure to pay at the pay station/kiosks that can be found in the parking lot AND put the receipt on your dashboard!

Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted for payment. The machine does not dispense change.

$3.00 - 2 hours for personal vehicle

$5.00 - 4 hours for personal vehicle

$10.00 - All day for personal vehicle

$15.00 - All day for passenger vans

$30.00 - All day for vehicles with trailer, buses or large RVs

$100.00 - Annual pass parking decal

Purchase annual pass from Park Headquarters
Valid for one calendar year with expiration on December 31st annually

Veterans - Free parking and Sightseeing entrance + Discounted fishing permits

Obtain an annual pass parking decal from Park Headquarters
Valid for one calendar year with expiration on December 31st annually

Hours - The pier is open 24 hours per day

Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.

walkway leading up to the gulf state park pier

Accessibility - The pier is wheelchair accessible with a ramp leading up to the main area. There is an incline leading up to the pier.

There are no benches on the walkway up to the pier. There are hand rails and you can lean against the railing if you need a break.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual

Pets - Pets are not allowed on the Gulf State Pier.

Restrooms - Comfort stations are available at the midpoint of the pier

Alcohol is prohibited on the pier.

NO bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or roller skates are allowed.

brown pelican with the Gulf of Mexico in the background

Restaurants and Attractions nearby

The Lodge at Gulf State Park - You can stay at this Hilton property just down from the pier.

FoodCraft - Enjoy one of our favorite restaurants just down the street from the pier.

Wade Ward Nature Park - located in the heart of Gulf Shores right off of Highway 59! This great nature park has elevated boardwalks over wetlands perfect for wildlife and bird watching.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge - Another great bird watching spot just down the road.

Island Pancake House - Enjoy breakfast and lunch with a gorgeous view of the Gulf.

Additional Gulf Coast Articles

Best free things to do in Gulf Shores - Check out the local playground, public beach access points, and so much more.

Epic breakfast restaurants in Orange Beach - Don't miss these local breakfast hot spots with delicious brunch/breakfast options.

Donut Shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Start your morning with a sweet treat!

Best local coffee shops in Gulf Shores - Grab your favorite coffee or tea at one of our favorite local coffee shops.

Best Ice Cream Shops in Gulf Shores - If you are looking to cool down on a hot day make sure to check out these epic local ice cream shops.

Bottlenose dolphin jumping out of a wave on the Gulf of Mexico

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours

These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.

Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here

Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.

Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here

Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasaiing Trip Here

Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here

Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Gulf of Mexico views with Turquoise Place condo and white sand beach

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging

If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have stayed at each of these lodging options:

The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan): This resort offers beachfront condos with amazing amenities and a great spa. Don't miss dinner at Coast Restaurant.

Use Code - GULFJOURNEY for a discount when booking with Spectrum Resort.

Turquoise Place Luxury Vacation Rentals (Orange Beach): This is our favorite resort in the area! It offers luxury amenities, epic beachfront views, and unbelievable condos.

Use Code - GULFJOURNEY for a discount when booking with Spectrum Resort.

Springhill Suites Orange Beach: Located next to The Wharf, it is an excellent location near shopping and dining. We enjoyed their gorgeous pool.

The Lodge at Gulf State Park: Located on the beach in Gulf State Park, this Hilton Hotel offers epic beach views, a sustainable hotel experience, and great restaurants.

The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.

Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!

We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.

Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!

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