Shell Beach Access is fairly new, the expanded parking area is now part of Gulf State Park and is paid parking. (Passes available) It's just to the east of Perdido Pass Bridge with a hard sand parking lot, there is a lifeguard stand, garbage cans, no restrooms, or running water, but there are port-a-potties. The walk down to the waters edge is approximately 200 yards and the beach white sandy beach stretches 1/2 mile to the west at Perdido Pass and stretches uninhabited for another half mile to the east, but continues on miles into Florida after that. Today we saw sandpipers, osprey, seagulls, heron, dolphins, jumping fish and crabs. We were practically alone on a sunny, warm, peaceful day in paradise. Bottom line: It's a nice spot, kinda of the regular tourist radar. It's clean, expansive and has some nice shells and wildlife. read more