Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Public Beach Access Points

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Public Access Points along with parking information, beach safety, and Fort Morgan Beaches.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Public Beach Access Points

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, have 32 miles of gorgeous white-sand beaches! There are multiple public beach access points and a few private ones that you will want to be aware of.

We want to ensure you have the best possible beach vacation on the Alabama Gulf Coast! A few minutes of preparation can make your beach day amazing.

Beach Access Parking Fees

Beach Parking fees vary depending on the beach you are visiting. Gulf State Park Beach Access is different from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach beach access.

Gulf State Park uses parking kiosks that are available in the parking lots. Gulf Shores recently switched to using the ParkMobile app which you will need to access on your cell phone.

Please make sure you pay for parking and can show proof of payment. They do monitor the parking lots frequently and issue tickets for cars that do not have a parking fee paid.

Place parking passes on your dashboard or take a screen shot of the ParkMobile App just to make sure you have something available.

Gulf Shores has paid parking from March 1st through November 30th every year. Paid parking hours are from 7 am to 2 am.

Make sure to look at the rates for personal vehicle or passenger vans depending on the parking lot.

Free Parking Locations

Free locations include on-street parking in the following locations:

• East 1st Avenue
• East 1st Street 
• East 2nd Street
• West 1st Avenue
• West 2nd Avenue
• West 1st Street
• West 2nd Street
• West 5th Street North of Beach Boulevard
• West 12th Street

Beach Rules

One thing to know is the beach rules vary a little bit between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We suggest checking the beach rule signs before heading down to the sand so you know the current regulations.

This goes for visitors and locals. Better to be safe than have the wrong story from your beach trip.

Beach Tents and Shelters - There are very specific rules when it comes to beach tents and umbrellas. The easiest covering to use is a single pole beach umbrella.

Tents and Shelters with multiple poles must be placed behind the guard stands and pole markers. This allows lifeguards to have an unobstructed view of the shoreline and emergecy vehicles to have access if needed.

Anything left on the beach an hour after sunset through sunrise will be removed and disposed of by beach patrol.

Not Allowed on the Beach items include:

• Glass or breakable containers
• Drones
• Tobacco, e-cigarettes, vape
• Fireworks, sparklers, lanterns
• Holes larger than 12 inches (depth + diameter)
• Overnight camping
• Golf carts, motorized vehicles

Rental Chairs and Umbrellas

Beach rental chairs and umbrellas are available at many of the public beach access points from different vendors.

There is usually a beach attendant available who can show you the current available spaces and set you up for the day.

If you want to set up rentals ahead of time you can use one of these rental packages. They will deliver and pick up the beach equipment at your location in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Ft. Morgan, or Perdido Key.

Four person beach gear rental - Beach cart, 4 backpack beach chairs, 2 umbrellas, a Coleman cooler, and 2 beach tables.

Two person Beach Gear Rental - 2 backpack beach chairs, umbrella, Coleman cooler, and beach table.

Baby Beach Package - 2 backpack beach chairs, baby tent, basket of kids beach toys, personal beach table

Watersports and Games Package - 2 backpack beach chairs, boogie boards, sports ball package, tower paddle board, umbrella, paddle ball, bocce ball, ring toss, cornhole, and personal beach table

Pets

Dogs and other pets are not allowed on the beaches in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Gulf State Park.

Dogs are allowed on the beaches of Fort Morgan since it is part of the county.

Gulf Shores Public Beach Access Points

There are multiple public beach access points in Gulf Shores. Our favorite beach access point is Gulf Place Beach.

Gulf Place Beach Access

Gulf Place is the main public beach access in Gulf Shores. Located near the Pink Pony Pub and The Hangout.

This is one of the best family-friendly beaches you will find! There are beach volleyball courts on the west side of the beach.

There is a kids playground near the beach bathrooms that is a lot of fun.

Amenities - Public restrooms, playground, beach access mats, beach rinse showers, open-air pavilions with park benches

Gulf Shores 4th Street Public Beach

This beach is accessible from the pedestrian crossing beach access.

Amenities - beach access

Gulf Shores 5th Street Public Beach

There is a boardwalk to the beach, parking on the north side and also on the south side of Bahama Bob's.

Amenities - outdoor showers, path to the beach

Gulf Shores 6th Street Public Beach

There is a boardwalk to the beach, outdoor shower, and a handicapped-accessible restroom at this beach access point.

The turn into the parking area is tight right at the stoplight. It is easy to miss it if you are not paying close attention to how close it is.

Amenities - Outdoor shower, accessible restrooms, boardwalk to the beach entrance

Gulf Shores 12th Street Public Beach

There is no parking at this beach access point. Restrooms and showers are available.

Amenities - Outdoor shower, restroom

Gulf Shores 13th Street Public Beach

This beach access point has free parking along the street, showers and a restroom.

You will need to cross West Beach Blvd to access the beach. Please be careful crossing the road. People may not be paying attention and zoom right past you.

Amenities - street parking, outdoor showers, restroom

Lagoon Pass Beach

This beach access point has a fishing pier, outdoor showers, restroom, and a water fountain.

Amenities - Restroom, water fountain, lagoon and Gulf beach access

Gulf State Park Beach Access Points

Gulf State Park has multiple beach access points. You will need to have a Gulf State Park Parking Pass or pay for parking at one of the parking kiosks.

There is a $10 daily parking fee to access the park beaches. The parking fee can be paid at the parking kiosks. Make sure to display your receipt in your locked vehicle.

Gulf State Park sells a yearly beach access pass at their park headquarters. This is a great way to skip the parking pay stations and know that you are covered.

United State Military Service Members active, former, and veterans can receive a free parking decal at Gulf State Park headquarters. Make sure to bring proof of service and Valid ID.

Please check the beach safety flags to be aware of any warnings and current water conditions.

Branyon Beach Access

Located at the intersection of Highway 182 and Campground Road this beach area has limited parking across the street from the beach.

Amenities - Boardwalk to the beach

Gulf State Park Fishing Pier

There is easy beach access near the pier with a large paid parking lot.

Amenities - Restrooms on the pier, large parking lot, beach showers, ByWater Beachside Beach Bar & Grill located on the pier.

Gulf State Park Pavilion

The beach pavilion has air-conditioned restrooms, private showers, a snack bar, shady areas, and so much more!

Amenities - air conditioned restrooms, indoor private showers, large beach, covered and uncovered picnic area

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.

Amenities - Restrooms, food trucks (during the busy season), multiple beach access points, outdoor showers

Shell Beach - Orange Beach

Gulf State Park beach area on Perdido Beach Boulevard across from The Caribe resort.

Amenities - There is a portable restroom and parking available.

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.

Amenities - restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, vending machine for drinks, snow cone truck (during busy season).

Romar Beach

Part of the Gulf State Park beach area this beach is located near Phoenix V and Seaside Beach Club. Parking is available.

Amenities - Restrooms, paved parking lot, outdoor showers

Orange Beach Public Beach Access Points

Orange Beach beach access is via Gulf State Park beaches accept for the resident only beach access.

Fort Morgan Beach Access Points

Fort Morgan beach access is a bit interesting. There are state laws that designate that the public can legally walk in the water or wet sand at the water's edge BUT that does not mean there is public parking or easy access to the beach.

Public Baldwin County Beach Park

This is the only county beach park on the peninsula located at the west end of Morgantown subdivision. The county beach's public access boardwalk to reach the beach is only 10 feet wide.

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.

Amenities - There are no facilities

Accessible Beach Access Points - Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Multiple beach access points in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have fantastic beach access mats. The beach mats are blue and provide access closer to the middle of the beach.

• Gulf Place Beach - West 2nd street
• Gulf Place Beach - East end near Pink Pony
• Cotton Bayou Beach

Check Current Beach Conditions

Please look for the beach safety flags everytime you visit the beach. They can change during the day!

Lifeguards are stationed on most of the public beach areas during the busy season.

Daily Text Messages - 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.

Call for Beach Flag Updates 

For beach conditions in Gulf Shores, call 251-968-SURF (7873).
For beach conditions in Orange Beach, call 251-981-SURF (7873).

It is extremely important to be aware of rip current hazards even on days the water looks amazing.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Resident Beach Access

Residents of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have specific parking areas that can be accessed with their resident beach parking passes.

Please make sure you have a current beach parking pass! They do patrol the resident parking area to make sure it is only permitted vehicles in the lot.

Gulf Shores Residents - East Gulf Place Parking Area

The East Gulf Place Parking area is across from Gulf Island Grill and is for residents with a permit only.

Gulf Shores Residents need to have a current hurricane re-entry/beach parking decal in their windshield to park for free. You can pick up a beach parking decal at the City of Gulf Shores Store on Hwy 59.

Orange Beach Residents - Next to CoastAL Restaurant

There is designated Orange Beach Resident parking in the same parking lot that CoastAL restaurant uses.

Orange Beach Residents can get their beach resident pass at Orange Beach City Hall.

Orange Beach Resident Passes do not apply to residents on Ono Island.

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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