The best ways to enjoy Sunrise Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama! We are blessed with amazing sunrises that will take your breath away.
Best ways to enjoy Sunrise Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
If you are wondering where the best place to watch the sunrise is in Gulf Shores, Alabama, you have come to the right place!
One of my favorite things about living in Gulf Shores is being able to walk the beach in the morning for sunrise.
I find myself waking up at dawn and heading to the beach as often as I can. There is just something magical about starting the day with your toes in the sand watching the sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico.
Don't worry you don't have to walk the beach to get an epic view of sunrise!
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🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
✨What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Head to the Beach
Our favorite way to view sunrise in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is to head to the beach. Even living here, we find ourselves heading to the beach early in the morning to watch sunrise.
One thing to know is the sun direction over the beach changes during the year. During the winter you will find the sun directly over the Gulf of Mexico.
During the summer the sunrise is past the beach and over the Intracoastal Waterway. You can still enjoy the pink golden hour light of sunrise but will not see the actual sun crest over the water.
If you have mobility restrictions and don't want to walk on the sand we suggest heading to Gulf Place Beach in Gulf Shores. There is a paved walkway with benches right next to the beach perfect for viewing sunrise.
Sunrise Tip - Drop by Lickin Good Donuts in Gulf Shores or City Donuts in Orange Beach and pick up some fresh donuts and breakfast sandwiches to take with you to the beach. They open early!
Enjoy the Gulf State Park Pier
Want to see the sunrise over the water in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach? Head to the Gulf State Park Pier and enjoy epic views.
Make sure to look for sharks and other marine life while checking out the pier. The pier is normally open well before sunrise giving you the opportunity to find the perfect spot.
Be mindful of early morning fishing and people moving around with fishing poles and carts.
This is one of the top things to do in Gulf State Park.
Waterfront Vacation Rentals and Hotels
If you are staying in a beachfront rental you can enjoy walking out to see the sunrise over the beach or from your balcony.
We have stayed at Turquoise Place in Orange Beach multiple times before moving to Gulf Shores and love the epic sunrise views from the balcony.
You can enjoy a hot cup of coffee and stay in your comfy pajamas to enjoy these great views which makes it even more amazing.
Gulf Shores Sunrise Tips
Check the weather - We suggest checking the weather right before you head out. It changes so quickly here. Some mornings we head to the beach even if the weather report says it is going to be cloudy.
We have found that the weather shifts quickly and it is worth checking it out if you want to spend time on the beach.
The photo above was taken on a day that the weather report said it would be cloudy.
Check the sunrise time - Confirm what time sunrise is and then plan time to arrive early! Don't forget to set your alarm so you have time to get ready and head out to see sunrise.
First Light - I highly suggest arriving 20-30 minutes before the designated sunrise time. This will give you the opportunity to see the first rays of light crest over the horizon (as seen in the photo above).
Some of our best sunrise photos in Gulf Shores have been right before the official sunrise time. This also gives you time to get to the waters edge or a location that you have a clear view of sunrise.
You may have to get up a few days in the row if you are here on vacation to get the best sunrise photos.
Every morning is a new surprise when it comes to sunrise! Some days it is bright and vivid and other days it is calm and muted.
I know it means setting an alarm early but trust me it is so worth it! If you are not a sunrise person don't worry there are epic sunsets in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach too.
Summer Solstice (June Solstice) - Friday, June 20, 2025. The longest day of the year
Winter Solstice (December Solstice)- Saturday, December 21, 2024, the shortest day of the year
Local Time Zone - Central
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Waterville USA - This 20 acre waterpark and amusement park is filled with fun things to do.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - They offer amazing animal encounters! This little zoo is packed with fun.
The Wharf Ferris Wheel - One of the most popular attractions in Orange Beach, Alabama. Enjoy stunning views of the Gulf Coast. Check out all of the fun events, shopping, and restaurants at The Wharf.
LuLu's Gulf Shores - One of the most popular restaurants for locals and visitors. Enjoy great food and fun!
The Hangout - Enjoy the epic fun atmosphere right next to the Gulf Shores Beach.
Additional Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Articles
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
Orange Beach Restaurants on the Beach - The best Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Restaurants on the Beach and or with a Waterview!
Epic breakfast restaurants in Orange Beach - Don't miss these local breakfast hot spots with delicious brunch/breakfast options.
Best Donuts Orange Beach - Check out all of the best places to grab a doughnut or beignet.
Things to do in Foley, AL - Don't miss all of the fun to be had in nearby Foley including the amazing Homes Medical Museum and the Railroad Museum.
Things to do in Fairhope, AL - The top things to do in Fairhope, Alabama, include attractions, dining, sunset, wildlife, nature preserves, and so much more!
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, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
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 Parasailing 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 personally stayed at each of these lodging options (except Margaritaville, coming 2027!):
Use code GULFJOURNEY at checkout with Spectrum Resorts and Beachball Properties for an exclusive discount!
🏖️ Beachball Properties - Vacation houses and condos throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount. Book with Beachball Properties
🏖️ The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - Beachfront condos with amazing amenities, a spa, and the incredible Coast Restaurant on-site. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book The Beach Club
🏖️ Turquoise Place (Orange Beach) - Our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic Gulf-front views, and stunning condos. Truly unforgettable. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book Turquoise Place
🏨 The Tides Hotel (Orange Beach) - Gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and top-notch customer service. Book The Tides
🏨 Island House Hotel (Orange Beach) - Right on the beach with epic views from every room. Book Island House
⛺ Timberline Glamping (Orange Beach) - Stay in an amazing glamping tent with a private bathroom, right next to Gulf State Park. Book Timberline
🏨 The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Beachfront Hilton hotel in Gulf State Park offering epic views, sustainable practices, and great on-site restaurants. Book The Lodge
🏨 Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf with a gorgeous pool. Perfect location for shopping and dining. Book Springhill Suites
🔜 Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach (Coming 2027) - The highly anticipated Margaritaville resort is coming to Orange Beach! The first phase opens in 2027 and will include beachfront cottages, bungalows, condos, pickleball courts, and an entertainment district.
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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