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Sugar-sand beaches, aquamarine waters, leaping dolphins, and gorgeous sunsets. Welcome to Alabama’s coastal paradise, with 32 miles of white quartz sand on the Gulf of Mexico. That’s why Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, two adjacent towns right on the coast, belong on every must-go vacation list. Whether you’re seeking a lively scene complete with beach volleyball or a quiet stretch of sand for peaceful beachcombing, you’ll find it here.

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Target these beaches for lively scenes where community meets coast.

Beach Pavilion, Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park boasts more than 3.5 miles of beautiful beaches, and its signature stretch of shore is found at the . The shoreline here is wide and uncrowded, dotted with sand dunes and waving sea oats. And the amenities are first class: a striking open-sided shelter provides the perfect spot for a shaded picnic, a large fireplace adds coziness on cool days, and a seasonal concession stand serves up snacks and drinks. Plus, in fall 2024, brand-new air-conditioned bathrooms with showers are set to open.

Cotton Bayou, Gulf State Park

If you like being in the middle of the action, try the beach at , situated in Orange Beach. This spot draws more people since it’s in the heart of Orange Beach, near popular restaurants, attractions, and shopping. Like the Beach Pavilion, the amenities here are also top-notch, with bathrooms, showers, and ADA-accessible beach mats.

Gulf Place Beach, Gulf Shores

Stroll directly from a downtown restaurant or your vacation rental to the sand at one of Gulf Shores’ easy-access town beaches. One can’t-miss option: Gulf Shores’ Main Public Beach, a.k.a. . Sand seekers flock to this lively spot at the end of Highway 59 for beach volleyball, picnics on the palm-shaded Town Green, and daiquiris on the deck of the beachfront Pink Pony Pub. Lifeguards are on duty during the high season, and four ADA beach access mats ensure everyone can enjoy the scene.

More Solitude

Head to these beaches for a quieter experience, whether you want to stroll the shoreline or nap on a bed of sand.

Branyon Beach, Gulf State Park

Just west of the Beach Pavilion, you’ll find intimate —a little tougher reach because of limited parking and all the more peaceful for it. Best plan: bike there on the Gopher-Tortoise Trail. Check out the park’s program for rides of three hours or less, or rent a bike from in Orange Beach. You can also walk an easy mile from the state park campground. A boardwalk leads over the dunes out to the water.

Shell and Romar Beaches, Gulf State Park

Just east of Perdido Pass Bridge in Orange Beach, almost at the Florida border, you’ll find the aptly named , which attracts beachcombers looking for giant cockles and fighting conch shells. It’s a great spot for all shell hunters and is a goldmine for young kids who will be amazed by the size and variety of shells here. For the quietest, least-crowded experience, head to , where you’ll trade bathroom and shower facilities for solitude.

Gulf Shores Beaches

The town of Gulf Shores has more than two miles of beaches with public access, so it’s easy to target a quieter patch of sand if the scene at Gulf Place (the Main Public Beach) is a little busier than you’d like. West of Gulf Place, you’ll find six more public beach access points. The beaches at 5th Street, 6th Street, 10th Street, and 12th Street offer parking, while the ones at 4th Street and 13th Street are ideal for walk-up access. Get details on each one at .

Welcome to Alabama’s Beaches, where pristine white sands meet warm Gulf waters, perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. You’ll find everything from kayaking and paddleboarding to hiking and fishing. Learn more at .