Alabama Gulf Coast Beaches
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Is it the water or the sand that makes Alabama Gulf Coast beaches so spectacular? Everyone seems to have their own opinion. But with miles of sparkling turquoise Gulf waters and stunningly white sand that's so soft it squeaks under your feet, you don't have to choose.
Wondering where to plant your beach umbrella? You'll find a variety of public beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama - each special in its own way and each offering a different experience. Try 'em all and see which fits you best.
There must be something magical about this stretch of Gulf and the pass leading into the back bays. The water here always seems to be that glistening turquoise you see in magazines. This is a spot for serious relaxation. Located just .3 miles east of Perdido Pass Bridge, Florida Point offers more than 6,000 feet of wide beach, sand dunes, boardwalks, picnic areas, restrooms, and outdoor showers. Parking is free, and there are two separate parking areas. It's a bit of a walk out across the dune line, so pack lightly and focus on the simple pleasures. This park offers some of great views of incoming and outgoing charter boats… if you can keep from dozing off.
This small beach area is found at the intersection of Highway 182 and Highway 161. Nestled between some of the most popular condominiums in the area, there's always plenty of people-watching and activity. There are restrooms and outdoor showers on site. There is ample free parking and the beach is easily accessible.
This beach area - with a limited amount of free parking - is easy to get to. It's perfect for a quick beach stroll or an impromptu picnic. It's located 6.8 miles east of Highway 59. Future plans call for restrooms and outdoor showers, but currently there aren't any.
This un-crowded, natural beach is located six miles east of Highway 59, among the sand dunes and sea oats. There's lots of room to spread out, making it a great place for families with lots of gear. Surf fishing is a popular activity here. A brand new beach pavilion features 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.
If you're looking for a little lakefront beach activity, try basking by Lake Shelby. This 900-acre freshwater lake is perfect for swimming, water skiing, boating and having a picnic. The recreation area boasts picnic tables and pavilions that are available for rental. You can even purchase a fishing license. A small entry fee is charged, but you can stay all day and get your money's worth.
If you're looking for volleyball-playing, beach-bar-hanging good times, this spot - where Highway 59 dead-ends into the Gulf - is for you. For a small fee, you get all-day, up-close parking, making it easy to unload your gear. Beach attendants, three open-air pavilions and a picnic area are available. There are also restrooms and showers on site. This is a popular spot, so you may want to arrive early to get a prime parking spot.
Easy access to the beach, just two blocks west of Highway 59. Parking is free and there�s plenty of it. A handicapped-accessible restroom, outdoor shower, and a covered pavilion with picnic tables are on site.
This is a pedestrian crossing only, which is perfect if you're staying in a property nearby.
Located five and six blocks west of Highway 59, you can park and walk the boardwalk to the beach. An outdoor shower makes it handy to spray off before you hop back in your car. The 6th Street access offers a handicapped-accessible restroom.
Park for free just across the street or walk over if you're renting nearby. A boardwalk leads to the beach and outdoor shower.
Lagoon Pass is a shallow waterway connecting Little Lagoon to the Gulf, 2.9 miles west of Highway 59. You'll find restrooms, an outdoor shower and water fountain on site, with parking on the northeast side of the Lee Callaway Bridge.
Want to commune with Mother Nature? Then take a hike... down Pine Beach Trail. Put the top down and enjoy the drive about ten miles down Fort Morgan Road (Hwy 180). The trail meanders two miles through an enchanted forest of palmettos, live oaks and Spanish moss - past Gator Lake and Little Lagoon - to a spectacular ridge of dunes and a pristine, all-natural beach. Along the way, you'll see an astounding variety of birds and other wildlife. Don't feel like walking? You can park along Mobile Street for easy beach access without the exercise. This is a wildlife refuge, so there are no facilities available. The refuge office is close by if you need park information.
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*The above information is from the
Alabama's
Gulf Coast website. Be sure to visit their site for
more detailed information.
About Allen Johnson – aka
The Beachman
Attain that ultimate goal
My passion for real estate guides everything I do. It
brings me joy to help my clients achieve their real estate
dreams. Let me help you attain that ultimate goal here
in beautiful Pleasure Island which includes the areas
of Gulf
Shores, Orange
Beach, Fort
Morgan and Perdido
Key Florida.
The secret to my success is no secret at all
To me the real estate business is simple. The secret to
my success is no secret at all. I treat my customers like
family. I strive to be consistent and thorough when working
with clients. I know the market and the properties for
sale. And, most importantly, I love what I do. Real estate
here on Paradise Island and the surrounding areas is not
just my profession; it's my passion.
I can help make your dreams a reality
Whether you are selling property, buying a place to build
your dream home, purchasing a vacation getaway, seeking
a real estate investment or interested in development
opportunities, I bring the experience and knowledge you
desire. Whatever your needs, I can help make your dreams
a reality. Call me at (251) 609-1574 or Email
Me to discuss the possibilities. Check out my favorite
picks, or perform a custom search for
Gulf Shores real estate or Orange
Beach Real Estate.
Licensed in Alabama and Florida.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Area Info
Climate
The Gulf Coast Area has a mild climate with an average
annual temperature of 67.4 degrees. The average temperature
in January is 51.4 degrees. The average temperature in
July is 81.8 degrees. The average annual precipitation
is 67 inches, and the growing season is 292 days.
Education
Education is a fundamental block in building a bright
future. The Gulf Coast Area opened a brand new high school
during 1999 in Gulf Shores (ph. 251.968.4747). The area
has two elementary schools; they are Gulf Shores Elementary
(ph. 251.968.7375) and Orange Beach Elementary (ph. 251.981.5662).
Gulf Shores Middle School (ph. 251.968.8719) offers an
excellent curriculum in preparation for high school. All
public schools are part of the Baldwin County school system.
If you are interested in private education, you also have
the option of Bayside Academy (ph. 251.955.5211), which
includes age 3yrs – Grade 4.
Healthcare
The nearest hospital is South Baldwin Regional Medical
Center (ph. 800.580.3627) located in Foley. South Baldwin
Medical Center offers 24-hour emergency services (ph.
251.952.3400). Numerous medical professionals practice
in the area providing both family practice and specialized
care.
Airports
Corporate and Private air service is available in Gulf
Shores from the Jack Edwards Municipal Airport, with a
full Instrument Landing System and the longest paved runway
being 7000 feet. The closest commercial air service is
available in Pensacola, roughly 30 miles away, at the
Pensacola Regional Airport (ph. 850.435.1746). Major carriers
serving the airport are Continental, US Airways, Delta,
Northwest, and American. Other commercial airports are
located in Mobile (ph. 251.633.0313) and Gulf Port, Mississippi
(ph. 228.863.5951).
Shopping
The area offers many shops ranging from casual apparel
and beachwear to upscale fashion and specialty boutiques.
If you are a bargain hunter, you can find 120 factory
outlet stores in Foley.
Parks and Recreation
The nearest state park is the Gulf State Park (ph. 251.948.7275).
The 6,000-acre park area offers campsites, picnic areas,
18-hole golf course, 825 foot fishing pier, 144 room hotel
and convention center. Other parks in the area include
Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge (ph. 251.540.7720), Meyer Park
(ph. 251.968.4420), Johnnie Sims Park and Kids Park (ph.
251.968.4420), and Wade Ward Nature Park (ph. 251.968.4420).
State/Local Income Tax
For detailed information about Alabama income tax, contact
the Alabama Department of Revenue, Individual and Corporate
Tax Division (ph. 251.242.1000). In most instances, local
governments in Alabama do not levy city, town, or county
income taxes.
Property Taxes
Property (Ad Valorem) taxes are taxes on real business
and/or personal property. “Ad Valorem” means
“according to value”. For details, call the
Revenue Commissioner’s office (ph. 251.943.5061,
ext. 2840).
