Quite simply, the beaches in Gulf Shores - Orange Beach are among the finest in the United States. Our large, unspoiled white sand beaches and clean, sparkling Gulf waters offer a natural escape that is unmatched. While the beauty of our beaches is known far and wide, first time visitors to our shores are often pleasantly surprised at how "big" the beaches are and how much "space" they find there. Often, you will find several hundred yards of sand between the boardwalks or structures and the ocean. In summary, there is alot more beach to be shared by the visitors to our fair shores than most other popular beach vacation destinations. Addtionally, there are a large number of public access areas, so that everyone can enjoy them. Below, we offer a visitor's reference guide to the many public beach access points in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Alabama State Parks Beach Pavilion
The largest of the public access points in Gulf Shores, the Alabama State Parks Beach Pavilion is located on the main beach road (Hwy. 182) approximately six miles east of Hwy 59 and offers over 10,000 feet of gulf beach. The large pavilion and beach area offers picnic tables, showers, and a refreshment center. Lifeguards are on duty May through Labor Day. A small parking fee is charged. Open Daily from 8 a.m.- sunset.

City of Gulf Shores Public Beach
The Main Beach - what most people are referring to when they say the Public Beach, even though the Pleasure island area offers public access in several locations. Where Highway 59 meets Hwy 182 (the Beach Road) is the entrance to the most popular public beach. The Main Beach is where you'll find the boardwalk, gazebos, showers, water fountains, public restrooms and plenty of shops and amusements within walking distance. Formerly know as "the Hangout", the city's traffic control measures now require parking passes to park in the parking areas for this beach, but most find that the $2.00 is a small price to pay for the convenience. For those who would prefer to skip the $2.00 per day parking fee, Public parking is available just across the street from both exits that is free of charge.

The Beach @ the Little Pass
The "Little Pass", located on West Beach is named such because it is a shallow passageway where Little Lagoon meets the Gulf and its sigfnicantly smaller than "The Pass" at Alabama Point. This is one of the smaller public access areas, but also one of the more interesting, due to the rapid flow of water between these two bodies of water. There is a foot bridge over the Pass, ideal for watching those who decide to enjoy the "rapids" first hand. Jumping from this foot bridge into the waters below is prohibited :-)

Like the "free beach" there is no charge to park, but there is very limited space. However, it does offer handicap accessible restroom facilities, a water fountain and vending machine.

Alabama Point, also known as Perdido Pass marks the western end of the island. The Point offers visitors a little more room, with more than 6,000 feet of white sandy beaches, large sand dunes, paved parking, and a 225-foot boardwalk. Alabama Point lacks many of the conveniences of the other public access areas but the interesting scenery makes it worth checking out and its a must for those seeking a little more "elbow room".

The "Free Beach" is called such because its actually an access point that connects with the "Main Beach" and has parking that is just as convenient as the Main Beach, but there is no $2.00 parking charge or passes required. The parking area is on the beach side just a few blocks west of the Main Beach. Don't count on getting one of these spots, though, there are only about 30 parking spaces and they are gone quickly. The free beach does have a Gazebo with water fountains and outside showers, but no bathrooms. You'll have to walk a few hundred yards to the Main Beach's facilities for restrooms. Recently, the wooden boardwalk from the Main Public Beach has been extended all the way to the pavilion at the Free Beach.