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    Home » Alabama » Gulf Shores » Things to Do

    Gulf State Park Pavilion

    Modified: Apr 19, 2026 · Published: Apr 25, 2025 by Tammilee · This post may contain affiliate links

    Gulf State Park Pavilion is a great beach access area and picnic spot in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.

    Beach Pavilion building at sunset with pink and blue skies looking over the sand dunes

    Gulf State Park Pavilion

    Contents show
    Gulf State Park Pavilion
    Events at Gulf State Park Pavilion
    Why you will love the Gulf State Park Pavilion
    Things to know when planning a visit to Gulf State Park Pavilion
    Restaurants and Attractions nearby
    Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
    Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging

    Gulf State Park Pavilion is one of our favorite Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Beach access points. There is a large parking lot, easy beach access, and a covered picnic area for relaxing.

    Another benefit is the indoor bathrooms with showers! If you are visiting Gulf State Park and looking for a fantastic beach location, you will love the beach pavilion.

    This is a great family-friendly beach area with lots of space to move around. The parking lot is pretty close to the beach access so you don't need to drag your beach stuff to far.

    The covered area is perfect for taking a break from the hot sun.

    TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
    🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
    📍Tours
    ✨What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

    Covered picnic tables near a large outdoor fireplace, Gulf of Mexico in the distance

    Events at Gulf State Park Pavilion

    If you plan to host an event or wedding at the Beach Pavilion please make sure you reach out to the parks event planner for help with the rental process.

    Fireworks - You can see fireworks over the Gulf State Park pier on the 4th of July.

    No fireworks, balloons, or wishing lanterns are allowed at the Picnic Pavilions.

    Weddings - There are specific rules and regulations for having a wedding in Gulf State Park! Make sure you have checked the rules and filled out the permits. They do check to make sure that everything is done correctly.

    Fires - The fireplace can be used when the pavilion is rented. There are no other fires allowed. If you wish to use the fireplace, there is an additional $50 event charge. You must provide your firewood. They will clean up the ashes after the event.

    Gulf of Mexico shoreline with white sand beach, people on the beach, building and the sun in the background

    Why you will love the Gulf State Park Pavilion

    • Easy Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Beach Access
    • Covered picnic area with shade
    • Air-conditioned restrooms with indoor private showers
    • Great access to the Gulf of Mexico
    Interpretive Center and Beach Pavilion at Gulf State Park Sign

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

    Address - 22250 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

    Hours - 7 am to sunset, 7 days a week

    boardwalk leading to accessibility mats in between two palm trees
    Shark wooden sign with a guard tube next to accessibility mat leading onto the sand with Gulf of Mexico in the distance

    Accessibility - There are accessibility mats out to the sand.

    Plus Size Seating - I would bring a beach chair with you. There are also picnic tables under the pavilion shelter.

    Dress Code/Suggestions - Beach wear, sunscreen! Be prepared for the Alabama Gulf Coast sun!

    Pets - The beach is not pet-friendly. The closest pet-friendly beaches are in Fort Morgan, Alabama.

    Pay here sign welcome to Alabama's Gulf State Park

    Parking Fees - There is a large paid parking area in front of the beach pavilion. You will need to pay the parking fee at the parking meter and place the ticket on your dashboard.

    Daily Parking Rates:

    $10.00 - All day for personal vehicle

    $15.00 - All day for passenger vans

    $30.00 - All day for vehicles with trailers, abuse,s or large RVs

    Annual passes can be purchased at the State Park headquarters.

    Rules - No glass containers are allowed in the Beach pavilion parking lot, in the pavilion, or on the beach.

    Bathroom with sinks, mirrors, and shower stalls

    Bathrooms & Showers - There are outdoor showers near the boardwalk entrance. There are also indoor bathrooms and free showers.

    Looking over white sand to the Beach Pavillion in the background

    Restaurants and Attractions nearby

    Wharf Amphitheater - Check out the great concerts and events at this outdoor concert venue.

    Best Gulf Shores Mexican Restaurants - The best Mexican restaurants that locals and visitors love.

    Tiki Boats Orange Beach - Fun Tiki Boat Tours you can take in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

    Topsail Steamer Gulf Shores - offers amazing customized steam buckets that you can cook at home or in your vacation rental!

    Signs pointing off a post to Beach Pavilion, Fort Morgan, Education Pier, The Lodge, Bon Secour, and more
    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, 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 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 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.

    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, Sanibel and Captiva Island, and more.

    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!

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

    Check out our Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.

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