Are you looking to experience the incredible sun, sand, and surf on the Southeast coast? Alabama is home to 60 miles of pristine shoreline along the Gulf Coast. We’re going to share with you the top Alabama beaches so you can watch spectacular sunsets, catch some fish, and stroll boardwalks during your next trip to the sea.
The best beaches in Alabama have something for everyone including watersports, peace and quiet, and wildlife. A vacation or staycation in Alabama offers picturesque sugar-white sand beaches, beautiful trails, remote lakeshores, and so much more. Let’s check it out!
1. McFarland Park Beach, Florence
Located on the banks of the Tennessee River, McFarland Park Beach is a popular spot for all kinds of beachgoers including families and leashed pets. Enjoy fishing, relaxing, or taking the boat out.
When you’re not hanging out at the small sandy sea, there are plenty of other activities. Play on the playground, walk the trails, get active on a sports court, or have a picnic. Best of all, all activities can be enjoyed free of charge!
Florence has average daily high temperatures ranging from 50F in the winter to 92F in the summer. Most days in Florence are warm and humid, perfect beach day weather!
There are many ways to spend your beach vacation in Florence. Established in 1826, there are various cultural and historical events throughout the year, including a phenomenal Mardi Gras celebration. To spend the night, camp out at McFarland Park’s campground.
2. Gulf Shores Main Public Beach, Gulf Shores
We want to tell you about all the things you can do at the Gulf Shores main public beach, but it’s hard to find anything that you can’t do!
This beach has it all including sandy beaches, clear water, and perfect scenery. You can also find restrooms, showed, and lifeguards on duty. The beach is easily accessible from the nearby parking lot, which requires a small fee, and there are lifeguards and beach attendants to help you with your beach needs.
Gulf Shores beach is not pet-friendly, but the surrounding parks and boardwalks are happy to welcome your furry friends. Hang out at beach bars, have lunch at one of the picnic areas, or play some sports. The opportunities are endless!
The weather in Alabama Gulf Shores is consistently warm with an average temperature of 62F during winter and 90F during summer. Talk about perfect beach weather!
3. Waterfront Park, Orange Beach
Just steps away from the beaches of Wolf Bay, the Waterfront Park in Orange Beach is a crowd-pleaser. One of the most popular beaches in Alabama, there are free parking spots, public restrooms, picnic shelters, and beautiful scenery that makes for the perfect photo.
Waterfront Park allows grills, pets, and large groups — ideal for a full beach adventure with family or friends! You can even book large events with the city if you want the space to yourself.
Orange Beach offers incredible beach weather year-round. Average monthly highs range from 60F in cooler months to 90F in warmer months.
Away from the beach, Orange Beach features plenty of attractions to explore! It’s a beautiful city full of history and culture to discover during the day. In the evening, there’s a vibrant night scene that many visitors appreciate.
4. Romar Beach, Orange Beach
Romar Beach sits within and offers beach access from Gulf State Park, a 6,500-acre area behind the Gulf Shores beach community. While the beach doesn’t offer many amenities like public restrooms, the beach experience is well worth the visit!
The opportunities are endless at Romar Beach and the state park. Spend time at the beach which boasts 3.5 miles of sandy shore, fishing opportunities including classes, volleyball, and boat rentals. At the park, you can come across wildlife, visit the nature center, and wander hiking trails.
There are parking fees to get into the state park. If you want to spend the night, the park has a campground with tent or RV sites and cottages for rent.
While pets aren’t permitted on the sand, they are welcome in many areas of the park.
5. West End Beach, Dauphin Island
West End Beach is located in Dauphin Island, a top family-friendly beach destination. Dauphin Island is home to history, wildlife, and lots of fishing opportunities.
West End Beach is a 12-acre day-use park that offers an incredible beach experience and sunset views. The public beach access requires a small parking fee during peak season and no cost during the low season. Enjoy basic amenities including restrooms, food vendors, beach chair rentals, and beach wheelchairs.
Spend your time at West End Beach swimming, sunbathing, or strolling the beach. For an adventure, rent a boat to explore the water. If you visit during the summer, be sure to check out a Sunset Concert hosted by Dauphin Island.
6. Fort Morgan Beaches, Gulf Shores
Fort Morgan is an unincorporated community and hidden gem located west of the Gulf Shores well worth visiting. While the Fort Morgan State Historic Site is known to provide a stunning wedding backdrop or photo session, the beaches in the area offer a tranquil experience.
Get away from crowds at Fort Morgan beaches which are simple but offer the perfect spot to relax or go deep-sea fishing. Make sure to stay into the evening for picturesque sunset scenery. Feel free to bring your pet, too!
Away from the beach, explore historical attractions in Fort Morgan. The area is a historic site that’s full of local history that delves into the military and civilian history of the area. There are also plenty of trails to walk and restaurants to dine at.
7 . Point Clear
The sugar-white sand of Port Clear, Alabama beaches are calling your name. Point Clear was established in 1820. It was originally a pine forest that was later cleared to make room for a hotel, which blossomed into the small beach town of about 2,000 residents we know today.
From cozy cottages to large resorts, this small town has you covered for your next beach vacation. Whether you’re looking to swim, relax, enjoy golf, or check out local events – Point Clear has it all.
The average daily high temperatures in Point Clear hover around 85F in warmer months and get down to 55F in cooler months.
8. Fairhope Pier and Park, Fairhope
Fairhope Pier and Park is located in Fairhope, Alabama at the West end of Fairhope Avenue. The 1,448-foot pier was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina and has been rebuilt to be better than ever. It’s designed for strolling and casting a rod, featuring benches, restrooms, covered areas, a marina, and a restaurant.
In the park, you can find a beautiful rose garden, walking trails, and a sandy beach. You can also come across numerous shops and cafes. There are also spaces to have a picnic. Feel free to bring along your leashed pet, too.
This less-busy beach area situated along the Alabama gulf coast provides incredible ocean views and perfect sand without huge crowds.
9. May Day Park, Daphne
Find it all at May Day Park in Daphne, Alabama! This charming park just outside of Mobile is the perfect place to launch your kayak, play on the beach, break for lunch, and play on the playground. A whole family could happily spend the entire day here and never run out of things to do!
This beautiful park allows pets, too. Dog-friendly beaches in Alabama are hard to come by, and this is one of the few. May Day Park also offers free parking all year long.
The weather in Daphne is warm year-round with daily average highs ranging from 57F during winter to 86F during summer.
10. Village Point Park Preserve, Daphne
Village Point Park Preserve is the largest park in Daphne, Alabama. It’s also home to Bayfront Park, a waterfront park with a beach. While the site is Daphne’s newest preserve, the park’s history dates back to the 18th century.
Mobile Bay, Alabama beaches are known for their incredible beauty. There are even rumors of buried treasure! Wander around the beach and pier at Bayfront Park, too.
With something for everyone, the area offers walking trails, bird sightings, and one of Alabama’s largest oak trees. You can even get lost in a historical village. Enjoy it all for no fee!
11. Mehear State Park, Spanish Fort
Mehear State Park is at the north end of Mobile Bay on Big Island in Spanish Fort, Alabama. The park features 1,327 acres of beach on the shore of Ducker Bay. You can find rivers, creeks, lakes, and more.
At the park, there are lots of activities to experience. Catch some fish, take your boat out, or go paddling. For a unique adventure, check out the birding trail.
Are you looking to camp at the beach? Mehear State Park offers RV and tent camping. There are also cozy cottages available for those looking for a more homey experience.
To explore more of Spanish Fort, there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. The popular town of Mobile is also a short drive away.
12. Pelican Peninsula, Dauphin Island
Pelican Peninsula is a small barrier island on the south end of Dauphin Island. Often overlooked by tourists, this beach is a true beauty and known for incredible birdwatching opportunities.
There are many white sandy beaches in Alabama, but this is perhaps the most pristine. Perfect for beachcombing, birdwatching, or watching the sunset, this no-fee beach is a serious hidden gem and an ideal photo-op spot.
While there aren’t any amenities, the remote beach is perfect for those looking to enjoy a peaceful day by the sea. Pets are welcomed, too!
13. Cotton Bayou Beach, Orange Beach
A Gulf State Park beach area, Bayou Beach offers people-watching and other entertainment. Enjoy a day at the beach with basic amenities including restrooms, showers, and accessible parking.
Cotton Bayou Beach is an exquisite white sand beach with crystal blue water. Because it’s slightly further away than the more popular beaches, it’s the perfect balance of remote yet serviced.
The climate here is similar to other south Alabama locations—winter temperatures have an average daily high around 55F increasing to 90F in the summer months.
Pets are not permitted on Cotton Bayou Beach, but they are welcome in many areas of the state park. You can also go hiking, fishing, picnicking, and camping within the park.
14. Alabama Point East, Orange Beach
Also found at Gulf State Park, Alabama Point East offers flawless ocean views and a warm sandy shore. Although it’s a simple area, there’s plenty to enjoy at the beach.
At Alabama Point Beach, you can over 6,000 feet of shoreline, sand dunes, and picnic areas. There are also conveniences including restrooms and showers.
If you want to stay the night, check out camping opportunities at Gulf State Park. The park also offers trails, education centers, and fishing piers.
15. Lagoon Pass Beach, Gulf Shores
Lagoon Pass Beach is one of the hidden gems of the beaches on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Calm waters from the gulf shores of Alabama and white sand welcome even the most reluctant into the ocean to play!
The parking lot is conveniently located across a small street and requires a small fee. At the beach, fishermen enjoy hanging out at the pier. There are shallow waters perfect for little ones to splash around, too. There are also opportunities for kayaking and viewing wildlife.
Lagoon Pass Beach isn’t pet-friendly but does have nature trails nearby to explore with your pet. At the beach, you can find restrooms and showers.
Enjoy Your Alabama Beach Trip!
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a day trip to the beach, Alabama beaches offer incredible seaside experiences. From sunbathing to water activities to nearby trails and parks – there’s something for everyone. We hope we’ve helped you pick your next beach destination!
