The Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama offers epic fishing, wildlife viewing, access to hiking trails, white sand beaches, and a great restaurant.
Gulf State Park Pier
***The Gulf State Park Pier re-opened Monday, August 19, 2024***
The Pier will reopen to sightseers and anglers on Monday, Aug. 19, at 7 a.m., as the renovation work that began in November 2023 has been completed.
Did you know the Gulf State Park Pier is the longest fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico at 1,540-foot long. That being said a portion of the pier was damaged during Hurricane Sally and is not currently open!
You may also see the pier called the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier, depending on what sites or brochures you read.
We love visiting the pier for sunrise and sunset. Especially now that we live in the area and it is so close to us.
Locals and tourists can enjoy epic views of the Gulf of Mexico while exploring the pier.
One thing to know is there are always people fishing along the pier. You will want to be on the look out for fishing poles and lines flying through the air as they cast out into the water.
Most people are pretty aware of what their poles are doing but every once in a while you will need to step out of the way of a flying line.
I say this because it is really easy to rush to the edge when someone points out a great shark or other wildlife.
Make sure you are always aware of what is happening around you! Especially if you have kids with you.
There are rules about cleaning fish, how long fish can sit on the pier, and so on but we all know that things happen.
If you have kids or you are sensitive to fish dying while flopping around on the pier it can be hard to enjoy wandering down the pier.
I would suggest hanging out towards the front of the pier closer to the waves and shoreline.
Fishing
Locals and Visitors can enjoy fishing off of the Gulf State Park Pier. It offers accessible rail fishing, a tackle and bait shop, and great views.
Daily anglers who pay the $10.00 daily parking fee will also receive one daily pier fishing permit included with their parking. Make sure to look at your receipt to get the portion you need to take to the pier attendant at the admission window! This only covers 1 person fishing. All other anglers in the vehicle will need to purchase a daily pier fishing permit.
Daily Pier Fishing Permits -
- Daily: $9.00
- Weekly: $41.00
- Monthly: $81.00
- Semiannual: $161.00
- Annual: $321.00
This fee does not include an Alabama saltwater and/or pier fishing license which can be purchased online.
Children 11 years old and under fish for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
The pier offers nearly 2500 feet of fishing space.
Fishing License - an Alabama fishing license is required! Make sure to check with the staff to find out which license you need.
Rod & Reel Rentals - 4 hours for $10, or all day for $20
Fish Species found at the Pier (some are seasonal) - Sheepshead, Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Florida Pompano, King Mackerel, Whiting and more!
Fishing Regulations (Make sure to check on site for additional rules)
- Single line trolley fishing permitted (2 line prohibited); Trolley fishing on the octagon is prohibited. Trolleys may not be left unattended.
- Catch must be placed in container within 10 minutes.
- No bait cutting on benches, tables, hand rails, or trash cans.
- ONE (1) rod in the water at a time per fisherman; rods may not be left unattended.
- No more than 6 hooks per Sabiki style bait rigs.
- Balloon rigs must be bio-degradable.
- One crab ring per fisherman (may not leave unattended, crabbing and fishing at the same time is prohibited).
- Alabama Administrative Code 220-5-.13(2) – Failure to comply with reasonable conditions of occupancy and use of Alabama State Park facilities as prescribed and posted by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, for the protection and administration of State Park facilities and resources and the promotion of public health, welfare, safety or conveniences shall be unlawful.
Bait And Tackle Shop
Bait Shop Hours -
This indoor retail area has souvenirs, bait, tackle, poles, and fishing gear.
ByWater Beachside Beach Bar & Grill
The Beachside Bar and Grill offers "indoor seating" sort of. They have covers that drop down the sides of the pier to block out the rain or wind.
Repairs from Hurricane Sally
Repairs for the Gulf State Park Pier started on November 13, 2023! The pier will remain closed during the renovation process.
The pier reopened to the public in August 2024.
The Gulf State Park Pier was damaged during Hurricane Sally and currently as of fall 2023 is only open to the halfway point.
The September hurricane collapsed a 200-foot section near the octagonal fishing area at the south end of the pier.
That being said the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources along with Alabama State Parks has secured permits, designs, and approval for repairs of the pier.
The pier was also damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. This hurricane damaged the old pier which was replaced with the current new pier.
Why you will love Gulf State Park Pier
- Epic Sunrise and Sunset Views
- White Sand beach
- Look for sharks and wildlife from the pier.
- Family friendly things to do in Gulf Shores
Things to know when planning a visit to Gulf State Park Pier
Address - 20800 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Located within Gulf State Park
Phone - Park Headquarters 251-948-7275.
Entrance Fee - $2.00 if you are just going to sightsee and walk the pier.
Parking - The parking area next to Gulf State Park Pier is a PAID Parking lot!!!! Please make sure to pay at the pay station/kiosks that can be found in the parking lot AND put the receipt on your dashboard!
Cash, credit, debit cards are accepted for payment. The machine does not dispense change.
$3.00 - 2 hours for personal vehicle
$5.00 - 4 hours for personal vehicle
$10.00 - All day for personal vehicle
$15.00 - All day for passenger vans
$30.00 - All day for vehicles with trailer, buses or large RVs
$100.00 - Annual pass parking decal
- Purchase annual pass from Park Headquarters
- Valid for one calendar year with expiration on December 31st annually
Veterans - Free parking and Sightseeing entrance + Discounted fishing permits
- Obtain an annual pass parking decal from Park Headquarters
- Valid for one calendar year with expiration on December 31st annually
Hours - The pier is open 24 hours per day
Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.
Accessibility - The pier is wheelchair accessible with a ramp leading up to the main area. There is an incline leading up to the pier.
There are no benches on the walkway up to the pier. There are hand rails and you can lean against the railing if you need a break.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual
Pets - Pets are not allowed on the Gulf State Pier.
Restrooms - Comfort stations are available at the midpoint of the pier
Alcohol is prohibited on the pier.
NO bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or roller skates are allowed.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
The Lodge at Gulf State Park - You can stay at this Hilton property just down from the pier.
FoodCraft - Enjoy one of our favorite restaurants just down the street from the pier.
Wade Ward Nature Park - located in the heart of Gulf Shores right off of Highway 59! This great nature park has elevated boardwalks over wetlands perfect for wildlife and bird watching.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge - Another great bird watching spot just down the road.
Island Pancake House - Enjoy breakfast and lunch with a gorgeous view of the Gulf.
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