Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access provides easy access to one of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast of Alabama.
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Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access
Locals and tourists enjoy this great access point to the gorgeous white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Even on chilly days which do happen rarely, you can still enjoy walking Cotton Bayou Beach.
There are boardwalks leading over the sand dunes making it easy to access this beautiful white sand beach.
There is a small picnic area next to the beach comfort station with a few picnic tables. This is a great place to stop for lunch or a snack before heading out to the beach.
There are two boardwalks that lead from the parking area to Cotton Bayou Beach. The access on the right if you are facing the water includes a few wooden stairs down to the sand.
The access from the boardwalk to the left has stairs along with a ramp leading down to beach-accessible mats.
Both entrances have beach toy exchange boxes. Cotton Bayou Beach does not have shade, so you may want to bring a small umbrella or beach tent.
One thing to know is that tents or canopies can not be placed south of the marker posts/flags. Make sure you keep an eye on where you are placing your sun cover.
Please also make sure you are aware of current beach conditions. There is a flag warning system to alert to days with jellyfish, riptides, and other potential dangers.
You can sign up for beach alert texts by texting "ALBEACHES" to 888-777 to receive daily beach conditions via text message or you can call 251-968-SURF (7873).
Parking
There is a parking fee to access the Cotton Bayou Beach Access in Gulf State Park. Make sure to pay at the parking pay station/kiosk if you do not have an annual pass or veterans pass (Must be picked up at the park headquarters).
Make sure to place your receipt on your car's dashboard! Parking attendants do make sure that parking passes have been paid.
$10.00 - All day for personal vehicle
$15.00 - All day for passenger vans
$30.00 - All day for vehicles with a trailer, buses, or large RVs
$100.00 - Annual pass parking decal
- Purchase an annual pass from Park Headquarters
- Valid for one calendar year with expiration on December 31st, annually
Veterans - Free parking
- Obtain an annual pass parking decal from Park Headquarters
- Valid for one calendar year with expiration on December 31st, annually
There are beach toy exchange boxes at both entrances. If you are not going to use your beach toys again you can leave them in the box for another family to enjoy.
Please do not leave them sitting in the sand or on the beach. There are turtles that nest in this area and we want to keep the beach clean.
Why you will love Cotton Bayou Beach
- Soft white sand beaches
- Public Restrooms
- Outdoor showers
- Close to many of the most popular condominiums and vacation rentals
- Look for dolphins frolicking in the water
Things to know when planning a visit to
Address - 25900 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States
6.8 miles east of Alabama Highway 59 and .1 mile east of Orange Beach Blvd. (AL Hwy 161).
Located at the intersection of Highway 182 and Highway 161.
Next to The Tides Hotel Orange Beach
Nearest Airport - Pensacola Airport
Accessibility - There are wheelchair-accessible beach mats off of the left entrance to the beach if you are facing the beach.
The right entrance to the beach has stairs leading down to the sand.
Pets - Dogs are NOT allowed on the beach.
Parking - There is a nice-sized parking area next to the beach with multiple accessible parking spaces. Please make sure to pay for parking! They do patrol the parking lots.
Restrooms - The beach pavilion has restrooms/bathrooms available for visitors.
There is a Pepsi and a Coke vending machine near the restrooms that takes dollar bills or coins.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Gulf State Park Pier - The fishing pier offers great fishing, sunset views, and the chance to look for sharks and wildlife.
The Gulf - Check out this fantastic restaurant made with shipping containers.
Orange Beach Waterfront Park - This great Orange Beach Park is open year-round with picnic shelters, barbecue grills, two restrooms, kids' park, and a fishing pier.
Alabama Point East - This beach access is located near the Perdido Pass Bridge and offers epic beach access.
Shell Beach Access Point - This beach access is east of the Perdido Pass Bridge and offers access to the Eastern most part of Gulf State Park's beaches.
Wharf Amphitheater - Check out the great concerts and events at this outdoor concert venue.
Cobalt - Check out this great restaurant located near Perdido Pass. The food is fantastic.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Best Cheeseburgers in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach - The best cheeseburgers you will want to try on the Gulf Coast.
Things to do in Gulf Shores + Orange Beach with Kids
Gulf State Park Fishing Pier - epic fishing, wildlife viewing, access to hiking trails, white sand beaches, and a great restaurant.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - Fun for the entire family!
Best couples thing to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - The perfect activities and things to do for couples enjoying a getaway.
Fine dining in Orange Beach - Where to go for a great date night or celebration in Orange Beach.
What's New in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores - Check out all of the new restaurants, attractions, hotels, and things to do in town.
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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