The beginning of summertime ushers in memories of warm and sunny days at the beach: the smell of Coppertone, sand in your shoes and beach towels that never seem to dry properly from the continuous fun in the crashing waves. Summer vacation is nothing without a trip to the beach, and here in the Bay area, we are fortunate to live within easy reach of the beautiful Alabama white sand and surf.
If you think you know our little stretch of paradise inside and out, think again. No matter how many summer days you’ve spent by the salty water, there are always new places to discover. The MB staff has scoured the sandy shores for the best places to dine, shop and explore. Whether you like to spend your days taking on the great outdoors, listening to live music with a drink in hand, shopping ‘til you drop or digging into a coastal plate, we’ve got you covered. Pack your beach bag, put on your sunscreen and crank up the engine. It’s time to hit Alabama’s beaches!
Places to Explore on Alabama’s Beaches
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
20499 Oak Road East // Known as “The Little Zoo That Could,” the new facility has tons of wildlife and is the perfect place to embrace your adventurous side.
Coastal Segway Adventures
21101 State Highway 135 // Zip through Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park as you experience nature.
Cotton Bayou
25900 Perdido Beach Blvd. // This public beach access point is a convenient place to enjoy the sandy shores. With restrooms, outdoor showers and a handicap-accessible boardwalk, it’s also the most accessible.
Concerts at the Wharf
23101 Canal Road // Grab tickets to a show for an open-air, musical party with national headliners.
Ferris Wheel at the Wharf
23101 Canal Road // One of the tallest in the southeast, this Ferris wheel is the best way to catch a breeze in summer!
Fort Morgan
51 Highway 180 West // The guardian of Mobile Bay since 1834, this historic fort is full of Civil War history come to life. It’s also a great stop to see migratory birds!
The Fun Boats Dolphin Cruises and Sea Life Experience
Get up close to the Gulf’s dolphins and marine life on this two-hour cruise. Feeling brave? Participate in an optional water fight on board!
Gulf Shores Bike Rentals
Rent bicycles, e-bikes, trailers for kids and more for your own adventure on wheels!
Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier
20800 East Beach Blvd. // If casting a reel if your activity of choice, there’s no better place to be than the second-longest and Alabama’s only public Gulf pier. With 2,448 feet of fishing space, rods and reels for rent and a two-hour Angler Academy for novices, you’re sure to nail a catch (or three).
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
24037 Perdido Beach Blvd. // Find miles of paved trails for hiking and biking through protected ecosystems just steps from the sand.
Johnson’s Beach
13233 Johnson Beach Road, Pensacola // Visit the sandy shores of this National Park beach for a day in the sun and see the undisturbed natural landscapes in Perdido Key.
Lagoon Pass Park
1660 West Beach Blvd. // With access to both the Gulf and Little Lagoon Pass, this public beach access point is the perfect location to take the whole family. The little ones will love wading in the shallow, calm water!
OWA and Tropic Falls Indoor Waterpark
1501 S. Owa Blvd. // With a theme park full of thrilling rides, an indoor water park, shopping, restaurants and more, OWA is the perfect break from the beaches.
Pure Aloha Adventures
Enjoy stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge on Little Lagoon in Gulf Shores.
Waterville USA
906 Gulf Shores Parkway // Twenty acres of pure fun with a waterslides and amusement rides, serving up thrills since 1986.
Where to Eat on Alabama’s Beaches
Coastal Orange Beach
25722 Perdido Beach Blvd. // Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner on the patio or drinks at the bar, complete with your own seaside view.
Cobalt the Restaurant
28099 Perdido Beach Blvd. // Pull up the car or the boat to enjoy a meal under the Perdido Pass Bridge and catch a sunset while you’re there.
Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar
25753 Canal Road // This hidden gem serves up tried-and-true dishes and eclectic offerings.
Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar
26029 Canal Road // You can’t go wrong with a basket of hot fried shrimp at this longtime local favorite.
The Flora-Bama Yacht Club
17350 Perdido Key Drive // Grab a bushwacker (or two) and have a ball at this institution that is as fun as it is legendary.
GT’s On The Bay
26189 Canal Road // Indulge in a wide-ranging menu as you catch a breeze overlooking Wolf Bay.
The Gulf
27500 Perdido Beach Blvd. // Nosh on fresh seafood and American classics at this novel outdoor venue made from old shipping containers.
The Hangout
101 East Beach Blvd. // Bring your dog, chill on the beach and enjoy live entertainment as you indulge in a cold drink and lunch at this vibrant hang out spot.
LuLu’s Gulf Shores
200 East 25th Ave. // Embrace island time with a cheeseburger and scenic ICW views at this colorful restaurant perfect for the whole family.
Luna’s Eat & Drink
25689 Canal Road // Grab a beer with lunch and unwind inside or play a game on the grassy courtyard.
OSO at Bear Point Harbor
5749 Bay La Launch Ave. // Dine on classic coastal fare and complete the experience with good music and a great view.
Pink Pony Pub
137 East Gulf Place // Party late into the night with drinks and bar bites in this pink shack by the water.
Picnic Beach Bar & Grill
128 East 1st Ave. // Good vibes, good food and a laidback, family-friendly atmosphere makes this restaurant the perfect fit for family vacation without leaving home.
Shipp’s Dockside Grill
27075 Marina Road // Enjoy a bushwacker and watch the boats come to dock at the oyster bar in Orange Beach Marina.
Tacky Jack’s Orange Beach
27206 Safe Harbor Drive // Hang out and watch the boats go by at this classic Orange Beach joint.
Villaggio Grille
4790 Main St. // Replicate a slice of coastal Italy at this Italian-meets-seafood restaurant nestled inside The Wharf.
Voyagers
27200 Perdido Beach Blvd. // Taste the chef’s seasonal menu, featuring local produce, fresh seafood and more, in an elegant beachside dining room.
Zeke’s Restaurant
26619 Perdido Beach Blvd. // Dine with a view of Cotton Bayou and Zeke’s marina, where the chef will cook your catch!
Where to Shop on Alabama’s Beaches
Archipelago
4830 Wharf Parkway // Combine comfort with classic flair at the premier men’s clothing store at The Wharf.
Blalock Seafood
24822 Canal Road // The one-stop shop for fresh seafood and the perfect bottle of wine to pair with it.
Blue Lagoon
27267 Perdido Beach Blvd. // Upscale swimwear from the best brands that really fit. Located in Sanroc Cay Shopping Center.
Gourmet World Market
3800 Gulf Shores Parkway // Dive into the ocean of international food at this market that has deli meats and cheeses, dumplings and pierogi, imported chocolates, sweets, sandwiches and more.
Gulf Coast Arts Alliance
225 E. 24th Ave. // This non-profit organization has an art gallery and gift shop that features the works of more than 50 local and regional artists.
Lucca
4776 Main Street // Explore a plethora of stylish options and find the ideal outfit for any occasion at this chic women’s boutique at The Wharf.
The Orange Beach Store
25777 Perdido Beach Blvd. // Want to rep the OB everywhere you go after your trip is over? This shop sells verified Orange Beach paraphernalia to show your love.
Ron Jon Surf Shop
22723 Perdido Beach Blvd. // From sunscreen to straw hats, board shorts to bikinis, this shop has everything you need for the perfect beach day (and more to remember it by).
The Salty Palm
30410 W 1st St. // This locally owned and operated boutique is a beach mainstay, offering coastal apparel for women, men and kids, home items, jewelry, accessories, local art and more.
Souvenir City
217 Gulf Shores Parkway // Grab merch to properly commemorate your time on the shore at this classic family-owned shop.
