Making a holiday to the coast of Alabama this year? Where the south coast meets the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama is home to some of the most stunning unspoiled beaches in the whole of the United States.
With its sparkling sugar white sands, shimmering water and soothing sunsets, Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. These beaches, paired with the laid back atmosphere of little town life provide the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway.
In addition to its stunning scenery, the South Coast of Alabama is also rich in history, with several historic sites, including Fort Morgan and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, offering a unique cultural experience for visitors.
For foodies, the region is a must-visit, as it’s famous for its delicious seafood, from succulent oysters to freshly caught fish. And unlike many other popular beach destinations, the South Coast of Alabama offers excellent value for money, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.
Table of Contents
- 1. Cotton Bayou Beach
- 2. Dauphin Island Beach
- 3. Gulf Shores Main Public Beach
- 4. Alabama Point East Beach
- 5. Fairhope Beach
- 6. Romar Beach
- 7. West End Public Beach
- 8. Lake Martin Beach
- 9. Fort Morgan Public Beach
- 10. Robinson Island
- 11. Gulf State Park Pavilion Beach
1. Cotton Bayou Beach
Cotton Bayou Beach is a picturesque Alabama beach, located at the intersection of Highways 182 and 161, surrounded by popular condos. It is easy to access and offers necessary facilities such as restrooms and outdoor showers.
This white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico is perfect for sunset viewing and various activities like swimming, sunbathing, walking, picnicking, and building sandcastles with kids. Although pets are not allowed, the shallow water makes it ideal for children. Additionally, it is a popular spot for wedding photography due to its beautiful scenery.
2. Dauphin Island Beach
This tiny island off the coast of Alabama in the Gulf makes a great day trip and very popular with families. There are lots of activities to choose from on the island such as visiting Fort Gaines, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
This is also a pet friendly beach so consider staying here if you bring an extra family member.
The long and narrow Dauphin Island Beach is perfect for a picturesque walk. For miles you can walk along the coast and look out into the Gulf. As you walk you there’s lots to discover too, such as beautiful parks and scenery.
This Island also hosts live events in the summer so certainly one to consider.
3. Gulf Shores Main Public Beach
The absolute classic Alabama beach town. This is what you came for, Alabama’s top beach town.
Swimming, sunbathing Surfing this beach has all the activities to enjoy your sunny holidays on. 32 miles of it to be exact.
This beach attracts thousands of visitors each year and you can see why. This is the bright white, deep blue Gulf coast people talk about.
You wont be short of something to do here, beach bars, food stalls and sports games. Also the beach is well serviced with a large parking lot and many facilities to make the day easier.
4. Alabama Point East Beach
Mentioned on the Weather Channel as one of Alabama’s best beaches due to its gorgeous white sand dunes.
This Beach is located near Perdido Pass and is a great spot for families and travellers alike. It offers a great location for surfing, fishing, boating all along the Gulf coast all while admiring the amazing scenery.
Other amenities include picnic spaces, walkways, showers sunbeds and umbrellas.
Definitely a beach to visit just for the view but take care as it can be busy at times so plan your journey.
5. Fairhope Beach
On the coast of Mobile Bay sits the small cute town of Fairhope. It sits on the edge of the estuary that connects to the Gulf of Mexico and contains some gorgeous beaches spotted within it.
The most well known North Beach Park in Fairhope is home to a paved walking trail and white sandy beach with exceptional views, making it an extremaly popular backdrop with local photographers.
On the other side a must visit is the Municipal Pier Beach. A great place to have a picnic with a view over the coast as the sun sets.
6. Romar Beach
One of Gulf State Park’s many stunning beaches is Romar Beach, which is a few miles east of Highway 59. Despite being less well know it is still impressive. Romar Beach is regarded as one of the best white sand beaches in Alabama because of its fine, white sand and turquoise, crystal-clear water.
A flight of stairs descends to one of Alabama’s the best white sand beaches and revealing an amazing view of its turquoise, crystal clear water.
Although the area surrounding the beach is largely undeveloped with plans for future development, it makes for the ideal getaway from the bustle of city life.
Romar Beach is close to several well-known attractions in addition to its natural beauty, including Shelby Lakes, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, and the Gulf State Park.
7. West End Public Beach
At the westernmost point of Dauphin Island, the West End Public Beach is a remarkable example of how art and nature can coexist. Renowned as one of Alabama’s best beaches it provides a laid-back, tranquil atmosphere in addition to a variety of public amenities.
With restrictions on dogs, littering, and overnight stays, the beach is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Residents with parking permits can park there for free, while visitors must pay a small fee.
The sugar-white sands of the beach, parks encircled by historic oaks, and a public golf course are all accessible to visitors. There are also air-conditioned restrooms, showers, lifeguards, concession stands, picnic areas, and a kiddie water slide.
8. Lake Martin Beach
Tallapoosa County’s Lake Martin is a well-liked Beach spot in Alabama that provides a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.
It’s a terrific alternative to the ocean because of its tranquil, clean waters, which are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and other water activities.
Lake Martin’s white sand beaches are ideal for picnics, games of corn hole, unwinding in a hammock, and floating around. Boating and other water sports are also available to visitors.
It is a fantastic choice for people who want to avoid the crowded coastline beaches and take a more laid-back and tranquil vacation. Lake Martin is a hidden gem in Alabama with a variety of activities and lovely surroundings that will make your vacation unforgettable.
9. Fort Morgan Public Beach
Off the coast of Gulf Shores, Alabama, on the historic island of Fort Morgan are some of the most tranquil and stunning beaches in the world. Ideal for people looking for a peaceful retreat from the crowded tourist destinations along the coast. The peninsula is largely a protected nature reserve, and its isolation—about an hour’s drive to the closest store—only adds to its appeal.
Although the beaches are public and have excellent white sand, getting to them can be challenging because the majority of them are located inside very exclusive hotels. There are two public beach access spots inside the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge close to the visitor centre, and a third is outside the Fort Morgan State Historic Site.
With its stunning scenery and lack of crowds, Fort Morgan offers a peaceful retreat for anyone in need of rest and relaxation.
10. Robinson Island
Robinson Island is a remote haven in Alabama that is renowned for its gorgeous beach and tranquil ambiance. From Orange Beach, one must use a boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard to get there.
Being a part of a park that acts as a wildlife sanctuary and safeguards the local flora and fauna, it is a well-liked attraction among local boaters and nature enthusiasts.
Robinson Island’s beach is a spotless expanse of white sand and a hidden beauty that the majority of visitors never get to see. But , remember that the island forbids glass, does not permit dogs, and expects all visitors to pick up after themselves.
The interior of the island is a protected shorebird breeding region, so it must be kept in mind that it must not be investigated. The island is still worth visiting for its beauty and tranquilly even if it could get crowded. However, as there are no facilities, you need bring your own food and drinks.
11. Gulf State Park Pavilion Beach
In Alabama, the Gulf State Park Pavilion Beach is a destination that welcomes families and provides kids of all ages with a secure and enjoyable atmosphere.
Three miles of lovely, fine-sand beaches, ideal for sunbathing, playing in the surf, watching seagulls, or gathering seashells, are found. While some of the beaches are in Orange Beach, others are in Gulf Shores, close to a gorgeous pavilion.
The beaches in the park are excellent for kayaking, surfing, or simply lazing around. The summer season is filled with fascinating activities that the park offers, such as guided nature treks, stargazing, and geocaching. The park provides 20 cabins and 11 lakeside cottages for travellers who are looking for lodging close to the golf course and a short drive from the beach.