Despite its relatively brief coastline of just over 50 miles, Alabama boasts some amazing beaches. This Southern state is tucked between Florida and Mississippi on the Gulf of Mexico, providing year-round warm weather by the water. The white sand beaches make for a perfect vacation destination to get away from the hustle of big cities like Huntsville, Birmingham, and Montgomery.
4 Best Beach Towns to Live in Alabama
The Alabama Gulf Shores is the perfect place for a vacation in the sun, even though there are only 53 miles (607 by the NOAA) of coastline. The top beach towns in the state attract retirees, young families, and tourists because of their year-round pleasant temperatures and stunning white sand beaches. Alabama’s beachfront is a …
Top Beaches and Coastal Towns in AL
The “Yellowhammer State” boasts a number of top beaches and seaside retreats. Mobile is the biggest city on the coast with around 185,000 residents. To the south and east of some favorite beach towns such as Fairhope, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach. For the island-life, visitors heads to Dauphin Island just south of Mobile off the coast, accessible by bridge.
Guide to Visiting the Beaches in Alabama
When it comes to beaches, the Alabama Gulf Shores is a dark horse in the competition for the best in the South. Despite its small size of 53 miles (607 miles according to the NOAA), the atmosphere along its coastline compares favorably to neighboring Florida.
People like these shores because they have fine white sand, nice surroundings, lots of wildlife, and almost perfect weather for most of the year. The coastlines may be modest, but they are conveniently located near some of the state’s finest lodgings, recreational areas, and dining establishments. Whether you’re searching for a lively beach town or a serene spot to spend time with the family, Alabama offers the ideal beach for you.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, two of Alabama’s most popular beach towns, have miles of public sands where sunbathers and people who like to do water sports gather all year. Public beaches in these towns do not have lifeguards present from October through February.
There are several great beaches in the Gulf Shores region, including the Main Public Beach in Gulf Shores, the Pavillion Beach at Gulf State Park, and Fort Morgan, located about 20 miles away. A few of Orange Beach’s most visited shores include Romar Beach, Cotton Bayou Beach, and the one with the same name as the city.
Robinson Island is an excellent option if you’re in need of a quiet beach. You can only get there from Orange Beach via kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or boat. Dauphin Island is as peaceful a refuge as any introvert could dream of, with 14 miles of sugar-soft sand and barely 2,000 people.
Alabama Coastal Weather
When you should go to Alabama’s Gulf Shores depends on many things, such as your ideal temperature range, how many people you want to see, and how much you want to spend on lodging. There are also more things to do in the summer because of the number of holidays, festivals, and other seasonal offerings.
Taking all of these things into account, early fall and early spring are the best times to visit because there are fewer tourists and prices are lower. During peak summer holidays like the Fourth of July, the coasts get more packed, and all amenities are higher in demand. The average high temperature is 63 °F in January, while it averages about 90 °F in July and August.
Sharks and Alligators
Along the Alabama shore, several shark species are present. Bull sharks, blacktip sharks, sand tigers, tigers, and finetooth sharks are some of the most commonly seen sharks. Great white shark sightings are rare, but they have happened in the waters off the shores of the Cotton State. In the summer, sharks are most active during the day.
The occasional sighting of an alligator on the beach is a reminder that these reptiles are a part of the local wildlife. It’s not frequent, but if you see any of them in the water, remain at least 60 feet away and don’t swim. Follow the advice of the lifeguards and read the signs to prevent coming into contact with these creatures.
Activities
These beaches are known for all the different things you can do there, from jet skiing and deep-sea fishing to trips to see dolphins. Clear blue waves and white-sand beaches in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores offer the perfect place to have fun and unwind.
This part of the United States has a rich history with many maritime and political roots, which means there is just as much to explore on land as by sea. After a day of splashing in the water, visit a historic lighthouse, walk a pier, or hike in a state park.
Accommodations
The lodging options in coastal Alabama are comparable to those in other coastal communities. In seaside towns, tourists can stay in cute cottages, modern condos, traditional hotels, or big houses, all of which are within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the beach. There are both high-end resorts and other affordable motels for visitors to choose from, making it easier for them to stay within their trip’s budget.
Alabama’s shores are wonderful jewels that every traveler to the South is sure to enjoy. Any of the state’s coasts would be ideal for a relaxing beach day, thanks to the warm waves and fine beaches.
