Gulf Shores Beaches

Photo courtesy of Gulf Shores Beach Days. All rights reserved.

Alabama’s coastline runs along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and isn’t very long. Nonetheless, Alabama beaches are lovely, particularly Gulf Shores beaches.

Photo courtesy of gulfshores.com. All rights reserved.

Gulf Shores Alabama Beaches

Gulf Place

Gulf Place is Gulf Shore’s main public beach. It’s located where Highway 59 dead ends at the Gulf of Mexico. This beach has lots of amenities and is very popular, so you may want to arrive early if you want a good parking spot. Gulf Place Beach has parking, beach attendants, three open-air pavilions with picnic areas, volleyball nets, a beach bar and restaurant, restrooms and showers.

Gulf Shore 2nd Street Public Access

Gulf Shore 2nd Street public access beach has free parking, a handicap accessible restroom, an outdoor shower, and a covered pavilion with picnic tables.

Gulf Shore 4th Street Public Access

This is a pedestrian only beach access crossing, which is perfect if you’re staying nearby.

Gulf Shores 5th Street Public Access

Located a bit west of the actual beach, you can park and walk the boardwalk to the beach. This beach has an outdoor shower.

Gulf Shores 6th Street Public Access

Located six blocks west of the beach, you can park and walk the boardwalk to the beach. This beach has a handicap accessible restroom and an outdoor shower.

Gulf Shore 13th Street Public Access

This public access beach on the Gulf of Mexico has free parking, a boardwalk, and outdoor showers.

Photo courtesy of Alabama State Parks. All rights reserved.

Gulf State Park Pavilion

This natural beach is located among the sand dunes and sea oats. Surf fishing is a very popular activity. With lots of room to spread out, it’s a great place for families with lots of gear. The pavilion is a brand new beach pavilion with air-conditioned restrooms, private showers, a snack bar, plenty of shady spots to sit and eat, and even a huge fireplace for chilly days. There is a $6 fee to park all day ($12 for large vans), but there are plenty of spaces, and lots of room for large vehicles and RVs.

Lagoon Pass Beach

Lagoon Pass Beach is on a shallow waterway that connects Little Lagoon to the Gulf of Mexico. This beach has free parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, and a water fountain.

To many joyful beach experiences!

— Lisa Dworkin