Gulf Place is the main hub of Gulf Shores Public Beach, a must-visit beach with sugar-white sand, volleyball courts, a kid's playground, and so much more.
Gulf Place - Gulf Shores Public Beach
If you are visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast and looking for the perfect beach for the entire family, you will love Gulf Place, which is the main public beach in Gulf Shores!
This is the stretch of beach we have been returning to week after week since moving to Gulf Shores.
A beach vacation would not be complete without time spent at an amazing beach spot. This is one of the best family-friendly beaches in the area.
The beach is large and offers easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and facilities, including the Hangout Restaurant and Pink Pony Pub.
Gulf Shores is famous for its white sand beaches, and that's for a reason! There is nothing like walking barefoot in the soft sand while enjoying views of the Gulf.
The City of Gulf Shores did major beach restoration work to help restore the beach from previous storm damage in Fall of 2023.
Why you will love Gulf Place Gulf Shores
There are fantastic amenities for locals and visitors.
- Four accessibility beach mats for wheelchairs
- Beach volleyball courts
- Restrooms and beach rinse showers
- Lifeguards and beach patrol are available during the summer season (No lifeguard on duty from October through February)
- Beach rinse showers
- Open-air pavilions
- Large grassy area perfect for relaxing
- Sandcastle building
- Chair and umbrella rentals are available during the summer season
- Paved sidewalks for walking
- Polar Bear Dip on January 1!
There is a fantastic outdoor kids play area next to the beach with shade structures!
Gulf Shores Public Beach Photos
November 2023 - Stormy seas and rain at Gulf Place Beach
November 2023 - Holiday star light added to help celebrate the holiday season.
October 2023 - Sunrise over the Gulf State Park Pier in the distance
One thing to know about sunrise in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the location of the sun compared to the Gulf of Mexico will depend on the time of year you visit.
August 18, 2023 - Sunrise over the condos in the distance. You can see the difference in the sun placement compared to the picture above here in October.
The beach accessibility mats are located near the accessible parking spaces making it easier to access the beach.
If you have mobility restrictions that prevent you from walking on the sand there are multiple benches spread along the paved walkway that are great for relaxing with a view of the Gulf Shores Public Beach.
Including a couple of areas with a shade structure perfect for hot summer days. We find ourselves relaxing on the benches just watching the beach activity many days.
If you see the purple warning flag for dangerous marine life keep an eye out on the sand for jellyfish.
We have only seen them a few times in the sand but it is worth keeping an eye out so you don't unexpectedly step on one.
Gulf Shores Beach Parking
A new parking fee app exists for Gulf Place Beach and Gulf Shores public beaches.
Gulf Shores has replaced the parking lot pay machines with the ability to pay on your phone or with the Park Mobile App.
Hopefully, this will make paying for parking at Gulf Place Beach a lot easier.
4 hours of parking is $5.40
7 hours of parking is $15.40
Gulf Place Beach Rules
Tent and shelter regulations
Tents and shelters are defined as any tent, shelter, canopy, cabana, windscreen, or other supported ground cover or enclosure and shall also mean the frame, support, poles, guy lines, and other support features for a tent or shelter when the covering is not attached.
Tents and shelters larger than 7 feet by 7 feet and taller than 4 feet are not allowed on public beaches unless the tents/structures are placed in the designated area at Gulf Place.
Prohibited Items
- Pets are not allowed on any of the sand beaches in Gulf Shores.
- No glass or breakable containers
- No Alcoholic beverages
- No fishing
- No tobacco or e-cigarettes
- No motorized vehicles
- No digging holes deeper than 12 inches, remember to fill holes before leaving.
- No fires, grills, or cooking devices
- No fireworks, sky lanterns, or sparklers
- No drone operation
- No Solicitation
- No walking or standing on the sand dunes
- No entering the water when there are double red flags.
- No structures or equipment can be left on the beach.
Gulf Place Events
Throughout the year there are many events held at Gulf Place including the Shrimp Festival, free concerts, yoga, and more.
Some of the great events throughout the year include:
- Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon - Sept
- The Annual National Shrimp Festival - October
- Big Beach Marathon - January
- Sand in my Boots Music Festival from Morgan Wallen - May 2025
Beach Flag Warning System
Yellow Flag - Medium hazard = moderate surf and or currents.
Purple Flag - Marine pests are present; exercise caution.
Red Flag - High Hazard = High surf and/or strong currents.
Double Red Flag - Water closed to the public = It is illegal to enter the Gulf of Mexico.
We suggest signing up for the daily surf conditions text messages during your stay on the Gulf Coast.
Sign up to receive daily beach conditions and warning flag status by texting ALBEACHES to 888777. At the end of your vacation, opt out of the text alerts by texting STOP.
For additional weather alerts and warnings for the local area, text ALERTBALDWIN to 888777. At the end of your vacation, opt out of the text alerts by texting STOP.
Additional Public Beach Access Points
There are multiple Gulf Shores' beaches access points depending on where you are staying in town or if you want to explore new areas.
Cotton Bayou (Orange Beach)- This gorgeous section of beach is part of the Gulf State Park beach area. It offers outdoor showers, accessible boardwalk, restroom, and epic beach access.
Gulf State Park Fishing Pier - There is easy beach access near the pier with a large paid parking lot.
Gulf State Park Pavilion (Gulf Shores) - The beach pavilion has air-conditioned restrooms, private showers, a snack bar, shady areas, and so much more!
Romar Beach (Orange Beach) - Part of the Gulf State Park beach area this beach is located near Phoenix V and Seaside Beach Club. Parking is available.
Alabama Point East (Orange Beach) - Part of Gulf State Park beach area this beach is located .3 miles east of Perdido Pass Bridge and has a great wide beach along with sand dunes, picnic areas, and restrooms.
Shell Beach (Orange Beach) - Gulf State Park beach area on Perdido Beach Boulevard across from The Caribe resort. There is a portable restroom and parking available.
Branyon Beach Access (Gulf Shores) - Located at the intersection of Highway 182 and Campground Road this beach area has limited parking.
Gulf Shores 4th Street Public Beach (Gulf Shores) - This beach is accessible from the pedestrian crossing beach access.
Gulf Shores 5th Street Public Beach (Gulf Shores) - There is a boardwalk to the beach, free parking on the north side and also on the south side of Bahama Bob's.
Gulf Shores 6th Street Public Beach (Gulf Shores) - There is a boardwalk to the beach, outdoor shower, and a handicapped-accessible restroom at this beach access point.
Gulf Shores 12th Street Public Beach (Gulf Shores) - There is no parking at this beach access point. Restrooms and showers are available.
Gulf Shores 13th Street Public Beach (Gulf Shores) - This beach access point has free parking along the street, showers and a restroom.
Lagoon Pass Beach (Gulf Shores) - This beach access point has a fishing pier, outdoor showers, a water fountain.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Beach - Parking is located along Mobile Street off of Fort Morgan Road. This beach access point does not have facilities but offers great wildlife refuge access. There are facilities at the refuge office when it is open.
Call 251-981-SURF (7873) for current beach conditions in Orange Beach
Wheelchair Accessibility - Three beach access mats are located at Gulf Place, and one beach access mat is located at East Gulf Place near the resident parking area.
Wheelchair users can access the beach from multiple areas. Access mats are located at the west end of the Gulf Place Public Beach parking area, at West 2nd Street, and at the east end of Gulf Place Public Beach near the Pink Pony.
Plus Size Seating - There are benches that are really comfortable along the boardwalk
Dress Code/Suggestions - Beach ware, casual, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses
Pets - Pets are NOT allowed on the public beach!
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Pink Pony Pub - You can't miss this hot pink beach bar
The Hangout - Trust me you will know when the Hangout is open and having fun!
Sunliner Diner - This retro-feeling diner offers fun for the whole family.
DeSoto Seafood Kitchen - Enjoy a local favorite near the beach.
Souvenir City - Take a picture in the mouth of the shark entrance or with the pirate ship back door before shopping for great Gulf Coast gifts.
Crico's Pizza & Subs - This local Gulf Shores Pizza shop is a favorite.
November 2023 - The city of Gulf Shores worked hard on beach restoration, as seen in the photo above. They have built the beach up and extended it.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - The zoo is a great family friendly adventure perfect for all ages! Make sure to check out their animal encounters for an opportunity to learn more about sloths, giraffes, and more.
The Wharf Ferris Wheel - One of the most popular attractions in Orange Beach, Alabama. Enjoy stunning views of the Gulf Coast. Don't miss all the fun at The Wharf in Orange Beach.
Unique Things to do in Gulf Shores - There are so many amazing and unique things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!
Best Pizza in Gulf Shores - Check out our favorite local pizza restaurants.
Best Ice Cream in Gulf Shores - Check out all of the best ice cream shops in Gulf Shores you do not want to miss.
Gulf Shores Breakfast Restaurants - The best of the best breakfasts including southern comfort food, diner classics, and more.
Best Coffee Shops in Gulf Shores - Check out all of the different coffee shops in Gulf Shores, Alabama
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 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!
Check out our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.
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