My last 5 year old review focused on the summer concerts, it's time for an update!…read more I am seven years into my retirement at the all-around best beach I've ever had the pleasure to sink my toes in, and I have literally been to hundreds! First of all, let me tell you a bit about the Gulf Shores beaches themselves. There is thirty-two miles of pristine, sugar-white beaches here. Unlike anywhere else, this sand is unique because it is made of quartz, formed over millions of years from the Appalachian Mountains, which gives it that brilliant color and lets it stay cool even in the heat of the summer. With over 8 million visitors each year, this community really thrives on its tourism base. What I absolutely cherish is that when I go down there in the morning, the sands look absolutely pristine, meaning there is no trash, no clutter, no mess. They smooth it out, comb it, and groom it every single day. If anybody leaves behind a chair, toy, or tent, it is picked up and donated every day. Gulf Shores really lives up to that motto of being a small town with a big beach because the calendar is packed with world-class events. Kicking off with the Hangout Music Festival in May, the white sands turn into the ultimate summer kick-off. We also love the lively Ballyhoo Festival, and the Annual National Shrimp Festival in October brings hundreds of thousands of people to the coast for four days of seafood, art, and music. Of course, you can't talk about this area without talking about the incredible food scene, especially the fresh, local seafood right off the boats. Whether you're buying it fresh to cook at home or enjoying it at a local waterfront spot, the quality of our regional fishing is just unbelievable. Getting to enjoy iconic local catches like red snapper, grouper, flounder, and speckled trout, or seasonal favorites like tripletail and triggerfish. And the shrimp, oh yeah, fresh shrimp is fantastic and with the added benefit of our local deep-water delicious royal reds, it's a big part of what makes living here so wonderful for me. Now, while I'm talking about a truly special place in my heart, it is this town's unparalleled commitment to conservation and preservation. Specifically dear are my two absolute favorite animals, the sea turtle and the manatee. From the dedicated Share the Beach efforts that monitor the annual sea turtle nesting season from the time they lay their eggs until the babies hatch, to all the practices and the marine conservation for the manatees, or the floaty potatoes or sea cows as some people call them, this is truly a sanctuary for these gentle giants. I annually adopt Bama who winters in Crystal River, FL but comes back here every year :-) I still vividly remember my first steps on my first sandy beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I was really, really young. From the beaches of my home in Los Angeles to over a decade living in Cape Cod, all those experiences, including my many sandy beaches throughout the Caribbean, from coast to coast in Mexico, the Mediterranean, and Central America, it has been an amazing journey. I now find myself in a place that I call home in many ways, just as magical as many of those moments were over these sixty-plus years throughout my life. Bottom line: Whether you are just visiting for the week or lucky enough to call this place home, the way the small-town charm blends with these expansive, pristine shores makes it the ultimate beach destination. It is the perfect blend of warmth, beauty, and almost endless possibilities, and I am proud to say this is my little slice of paradise.

These are the cleanest, most beautiful beaches I have EVER experienced. There was lost of Jelly…read morefish on our 2025 vacation, but it wasnt a deal breaker as its not always like that. The sand is pristine white, and the waters are the most tranquil aqua blue color you ever seen. There are SO many shells. I didnt see super large ones, but MORE than enough for each person to get a zip lock baggie FULL to bring home. The people are so very kind and helpful. I absolutely love it here. Also, I have to use a wheelchair 75% of my walking. So if you are disabled, you can take your wheelchair to the edge of the boardwalk, and walk a very short distance with a bit of help right to the shore. It was no trouble for me with my son to assist me. Highly recommend checking this place off your bucket list!

Relish the sights along a peaceful water side view secluded distant from tourist crowded beach…read morehustle & bustle Offering a peaceful relaxing pace for enjoying sunsets & fun activities ranging from fishing, swimming other recreational activities & a dock for enjoying bird watching & sunsets along the waterside. Each day dusk till Dawn locals & tourists alike gather enjoying their day's activities starting with watching a sunrise rise above the water from the docks beach side or comfort within their cars. Convenient parking is limited so early arrival is suggested unless parking farther away & enjoying a brisk walk is your desire. Fishermen are prevalent along sandbanks opening their day's casting lines anticipating catching sand or speckled trout & other species including redfish flounder & Spanish mackerel. Salinity levels attributed via the Gulf flowing in breeds great conditions offering diverse catches. Abundant sandbanks & shallow depths makes finding that special spot. Anglers visiting will find disappointment dock fishing here offering no opportunities for a catch as fish have no interest within that spot & looking down into clear waters it is evident. It is rare observation docks offer good fishing opportunities. Stick with the shore or distant banks. Swimmers & water recreationalists enjoy shallow water devoid from undertows & deep depths offering least anxietal thoughts of common dangers found within the Gulf. From my observations kayaking seems favored most amongst water recreationalists outside of swimming. Distant from fisherman & swimmers upbank an observation dock is available offering bird watching enthusiasts anticipating to spot gulls, terns,brown pelicans & other shore birds. An illustrated sign for bird identification is posted for non enthusiasts wishing to identify birds sighted. Coin-op binoculars are absent so I recommend anyone wishing for up close views to bring binoculars & keep their cameras handy. Who knows? Maybe you might sight a non native or least common birds here. For additional resources go to Alabama Birding trails site & download their coastal birding trails pdf. Happy Watching. day enjoyed by all until tomorrow's fun filled with new & consistent visitors alike. Be sure to like on FB & tell a friend https://m.facebook.com/littlelagoonpass/

The Little Lagoon Pass Park is a great spot for taking in the sites and accessing the beach. The…read moreLittle Lagoon Pass is located three miles west of Highway 59 on West Beach Boulevard (Highway 182). There's restrooms, a fishing pier, an outdoor shower, and water fountain on site. Paid parking is located on the northeast side of the Lee Callaway Bridge. The cost to park is $5 for up to four hours or $10 all day but, as it is with all the city and state park and beach areas that have paid parking, residents with window stickers park free. What's you'll find here is a protected beach on the north side of the pass that is popular with local beachers and fishermen and a nice spot on those days when the surf on the Gulf is too rough or currents are dangerous. Lagoon Pass is a shallow waterway connecting Little Lagoon to the Gulf and is in regular need of dredging. There seems to be a floating dredging barge there quite often. On the southern end if the pass is the Gulf of Mexico with a very nice stretch of the white powdery sand with lifeguards on duty. You can park and cross the street to this area or you can walk by the pass under the bridge. Bottom line: The area is well maintained and is normally less crowded than many of the other beaches. http://facebook.com/littlelagoonpass/

Imagine this, you walk onto a beautiful white sand beach where waves of crystal clear water is…read morewashing across the shoreline and as far as the eye can see there are no other people in sight, the sun is out and the temps are in the low 80's this must be paradise or maybe a deserted island? This turned out to be quite the find especially in the off-season, it's rare to be able to enjoy such a place with an unobstructed view and isolation except for a few birds chasing sand crabs and bait fish. If you only focus on the beauty it hard to believe you're only a stone's throw from civilization. The only thing missing was a beach covered in beautiful shells and maybe a few well placed palm trees to add a little shade and some ambiance. Well there were some small shells and a slight breeze so I was happy happy happy to steal a line from Bob Ross, I think this is a scene he would of painted, maybe add a little "Yellow Ochre" and a touch of "Phthalo Blue" yeah I think those would complete the painting. There are a few amenities here, a restroom, a few pop machines and two extremely long board walks to get you from the parking lot to the sugar sand. I don't know if I've really ever experienced a perfect day I know I've been blessed to have had so many great ones but this is a bucket list place that I wasn't expecting. I think this is how everyday should be...

Great spot when looking for a beach in Orange Beach. Plenty of parking (paid) to find at this…read morelocation and easy on/off access to the highway. Amenities include onsite restrooms, picnic shelters, and usually a few food trucks for refreshments. You do have to walk for a little ways to get to the actual beach so those who have mobility issues might want to pass on this location. Once you get to the beach though, beautiful white sugar sand will be waiting for you. I was very impressed with the beach, very clean and awesome sand quality. The waves were a little rough on the day that we went but there is a side off of the gulf that is adjacent to the canal that has calmer water if you want to go swimming. The canal offers fun views of various boats going in and out of the harbor. Lifeguards are sometimes on duty at this location but not all of the time. This beach is basically in the middle of the action in OB. You are within a short distance of many great restaurants, shops, and bars and the Florida state line. Beach was never too crowded when we went and that was at the height of Spring Break season. Great time at the ocean!

We had an extremely rude gate women yell at my teenage friend because we were picking up our…read morefriends and she said that we disobeyed her by letting our friends in the car and she yelled at the car in a deep voice to GET OUT OR else then ran after our car. Not expectable she fully screamed and we were being extremely respectful the whole time!

Best lazy River in Orange Beach! We love the Oasis. Where else can you have a wave pool, lazy…read moreRiver, bar and grill, hammocks, and more all in one place? Only at the Wharf's oasis

I like Orange Beach! My best friend and Sorority Sister has had a condo here for a couple of…read moredecades which has given me numerous options to visit Orange Beach! As others have said, yes, the beaches are bright white and the water truly is crystal blue! We've enjoyed countless fresh oysters here, especially delicious are the Murder Point Oysters when they are available, and tons of Royal Red shrimp, which are also, truly delicious! The Orange Beach area is where we charted a deep sea fishing boat for a six-hour deep sea fishing trip during Red Snapper season to celebrate a milestone birthday and it was the most memorable experience!! [Thanks so much Captain Troy Frady and Distraction Charters!!!!] We typically visit FloraBama and get scratch off lottery tickets, get a drink or two and again, some raw oysters. The Gulf is another fun place to hang out, eat, and drink - their Grouper sandwich is delicious and their bloody marys are good too! Typically, we visit Sea and Suds and enjoy the balcony area that sits above the Gulf, and we always enjoy a visit to Cobalt, which has delicious food, beautiful water views, and live entertainment. Orange Beach offers a good variety of public golf courses, too and I've played on several of them. Orange Beach is such a lovely asset to Alabama! It's just a little over five and a half hours drive from my house, and it's worth it for the lovely beaches, the friendly people, the delicious eats and the recreation!

It's a police state. Cops on every corner. got a ticket on a rented jet ski for "failure" to yield…read morewhen i crossed in front of a boat... i was OVER 1,000' in front of him easily. dont go here unless you want to get ticketed. Speed limit is 28mph... come on.

The young lady taking reservations was great, and the captain and crew were fantastic!! Giving my…read morethree kids a life time experience! Easy to get to if you are vacationing at Gulf Shores. Much better experience then last time with other organization. Would highly recommend this crew!

The people that run this are really pretty great. We went to the Tiki location. From the scheduling…read morelady to the captain to the deck hand, they were all really friendly and knowledgeable. I'd save the money on buying pictures from them though

Absolutely phenomenal park!!! I am blown away! Gorgeous landscape, beautiful sunsets, the flora and…read morefauna have me in awe. 28 miles of trails for biking and walking. I've spotted alligators, blue heron, turtles, lizards.. very cool! All the campsite hosts are friendly and our check-in was very easy and we were also greeted with welcoming service. We chose campsite number 479 right next to Mission Lake and the pedestrian bridge that takes you to the ocean. This campground is so clean, beautiful, and offers multiple bathrooms with showers and restrooms. The bathrooms are clean and the showers have enough space to shower and change. Each campsite I've seen has a dump station and water, which has come in handy. There's also Wi-Fi! There's also a restaurant on the campgrounds and tomorrow night we are going to listen to live music and have a few drinks. I've truly loved my stay here and would highly recommend it to anyone! We were only going to stay for four nights but we extended it to a week because we are having such a great time.

The campground is located in a nice area for beach access as well as great bike trails. The…read morecampground has spacious sites with full hookups. The WiFi is not adequate for the entire campground and definitely needs a major upgrade. Spend some money on the WiFi upgrade to account for the fees associated with booking a campsite.

The Gulf State Park Pier has been seriously upgraded since my last visit. It had been damaged and…read morethey have done quite a lot of repairs and updates. I had no idea that they had started charging to go to the far end of the pier as that wasn't the case when I last visited. As a veteran I get free parking and also free entrance to the pier. I never saw any signage that indicated I had to pay to walk out to the pier but I did get yelled at for just walking out on the pier past the "commercial zone" and had to show my military veteran ID to proceed. I found it odd that I was somehow magically supposed to know that there was a fee or requirement to show my veteran ID when I never saw any sign to that effect. The lady that yelled at me came out of a door so she was inside where I couldn't have seen her so they should certainly add some signs that explain what they want more clearly to avoid weird situations like this. They also have a restaurant and bar here but I would suggest eating somewhere else. The pier does seem to be a decent place to fish and I saw several people bringing in some nice sized fish. Overall this seems like a good option if you want to fish off a pier or just enjoy the great view here. If I had to pay to just walk to the end of the pier I wouldn't have done that as you can get a good enough view from the "commercial zone" where the bar and restaurant are located. Overall this is an interesting spot to check out but I just heard they have raised the price of parking so that might make this area less attractive to visit.

visited with my daughter and her friend. we had a wonderful time. we first ate at the restaurant,…read morewhich is covered and a magnificent place to view the water, beach etc out of the sun. the service was friendly and the pizza was really good. we paid $3 each to walk the pier, and it was well worth it. that amount buys you an entire day, so you can come back. the pier is long, clean and very large. lots of fishermen, and its fun to watch them. highly recommend!

We spent a few days at The Lodge in the gulf state park and yall had the BEST beach attendant named…read moreJohanna! She was super attentive and incredibly nice! We thought so highly of her that I complimented the hotel management before leaving. They explained she worked for you! Everyone needs to know this exceptional young woman. She literally went above and beyond! Truly one of the highlights of our trip! I tipped her well but tbh, she should get a raise. Service like that isn't found everyday!

Parker was very kind and awesome! He's very social and was teaching kids how to use a skim board…read more Very helpful and personable!