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Alabama’s Gulf Coast features miles of pristine white quartz beaches with vibrant waters. These beaches are perfect for sunbathing on the shore and splashing in the ocean with your family and friends. To help you plan a fun day in the sun, here’s a list of the best Alabama beaches with public access that you can explore:
1. Gulf Place Beach
One of the best public access Alabama beaches is Gulf Place Beach. This beach has open-air pavilions, showers, restrooms, and a large, grassy “Town Green” for visitors. It’s also one of the most accessible beaches in the area, with three beach access mats located at the Gulf Place West entrance and one beach access mat located at the Gulf Place East entrance for wheelchairs. The City of Gulf Shores provides seasonal lifeguard services in protected public swimming areas at this beach.
2. Shell Beach
Shell Beach offers easy access to the easternmost part of Gulf State Park’s Alabama beaches. You can find this beach east of Perdido Pass Bridge. For a small fee, you can have access to beautiful white sand beaches and dunes. This family-friendly beach is a popular spot to find seashells along the shore. Whether you’re looking for a place to go surf fishing or just lay out in the sun and relax, Shell Beach is great for both fun and relaxation.
3. Alabama Point East
Located just 0.3 miles east of Perdido Pass Bridge is Alabama Point East. This public access beach offers more than 6,000 feet of beach, dunes, picnic areas, and boardwalks. It also features outdoor showers and restrooms for visitors. When you visit Alabama Point East public access beach, you can borrow life jackets for free for your children and anyone who isn’t a strong swimmer. Just make sure you remember to return them before you leave.
4. Cotton Bayou
Cotton Bayou is a small beach area situated at the intersection of Highways 182 and 161. This public access beach is full of activity and offers plenty of beach fun. There’s an ADA beach access mat at the east ramp for wheelchairs as well as outdoor showers and restrooms for visitors to use. Cotton Bayou is another one of the Alabama beaches in the Gulf State Park area.
5. Gulf State Park Pavilion
If you’re looking for natural, uncrowded Alabama beaches, head 6 miles east of Highway 59 to Gulf State Park Pavilion. Spend time among the sand dunes and sea oats for a beautiful beach day. There’s plenty of room for families to spread out and enjoy their own space on the sand. The beach pavilion features a snack bar, shady seating, private showers, air-conditioned restrooms, and even a large fireplace for chilly days. This is also a popular spot for surf fishing.
Where to Stay for Your Alabama Beaches Vacation
These are some of the best Alabama beaches on the Gulf Coast that you can visit during your vacation. Maximize your time at the beach by staying close by! Here at iTrip Vacations Alabama Beaches, we offer a great selection of vacation rentals along the Gulf Coast in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Explore our Alabama beaches vacation rentals and start planning your next beach getaway today!
