The incredible Gulf shore beaches are at least a third of why they call it “sweet home, Alabama” — but there are also some stunning lake beaches in the state’s interior well worth visiting. From soft sands and gentle surf to freshwater oases in the midst of forestlands, here are a few beaches in Alabama not to miss.
Top Beaches in Alabama
Alabama Beaches
Gulf Shores Beach
Easily one of the most famous beaches not just in Alabama, but in the entire American South, Gulf Shores Beach is always teeming with activity. This is thanks to its year-round temperate climate and 32-mile stretch of white sands unlike you’d ever imagined. Because it’s so popular, this beach also offers the convenience of ample amenities, such as restrooms, benches, shaded areas to sit, and more. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or even just meandering along the surf line with you beach cruiser.
Things to do Near Gulf Shores Beach
As its name implies, the Gulf Shores Beach is located along the city line of Gulf Shores, Alabama. This is a beloved tourist destination and residential area alike. Some family-friendly local to-dos include the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Waterville USA, a 20-acre water park that gives you even more opportunities for splish-splashing fun.
West Beach
Close to the main public Gulf Shores Beach, West Beach offers a slightly less touristy but no less attractive beach area. It subtracts the amusement park rides and nightlife in favor of serene sandy stretches and epic sunset opportunities. The backdrop to this beach is, instead, a line of luxury homes that will have you considering taking out a second mortgage. But who needs to when you can just stay nearby in your vacation home on wheels?
Things to do Near West Beach
All the goodness of Gulf Shores is still within easy reach of this beautiful beach, as is the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, which provides habitat for migratory birds, sea turtles, and Alabama beach mice in its 7,000+ acres of untouched wilderness. Here are some nearby campgrounds to consider.
Orange Beach
A smaller city on Alabama’s Gulf coast, Orange Beach is known as a base camp for those looking to get into some serious water sports. There are also numerous beach access points, including a fishing pier and picnic areas at Waterfront Park.
Along with the oceanfront views and access available on the south side of the community, the north side enjoys a second waterfront along Wolf Bay and Portage Creek. This includes The Wharf, a waterfront amusement area with shops, restaurants, carnival rides including a Ferris Wheel, a marina, an amphitheatre and more.
Things to do Near Orange Beach
While you’re in town, we highly recommend you check out the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum, which is situated inside an authentic century-old schoolhouse and pays homage to the rich Native American heritage of this place, as well as the seafaring industries that made the community what it is today. Plus, Gulf State Park is immediately adjacent to town.
Romar Beach
Okay, we promise not every single beach on this list is going to be an Orange-Beach area access — but Romar Beach is the kind of hidden gem you’ll thank us for including. Although it as yet doesn’t have amenities like outdoor showers or on-site restrooms, Romar Beach offers untouched white sands and an endless blue sea and sky along the horizon. Despite the ease with which this beach can be accessed, it tends to be one of the less crowded options. This makes it a great destination for those looking for a quiet sunset or a romantic day with their sweetheart.
Things to do Near Romar Beach
Yet again, this stunning stretch of oceanside is located close to the community of Orange Beach and within the greater Gulf State Park area. If you’re in need of a bigger city’s resources, Mobile is only an hour and change away.
Fort Morgan Beach
Located at the tip of the peninsula of Mobile Point, Fort Morgan Beach is a beautiful stretch of sealine located in the shadow of the historic fort of the same name. Because of its strategic location, this fort was important in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864, and also played a part in World Wars I and II as well as the Spanish American War. Today, however, it’s a sleepy seaside community that also happens to boast some incredibly beautiful beaches!
Things to do Near Fort Morgan Beach
It’s worth taking a break from sunbathing to check out the Fort Morgan Historic Site, where you can learn more about this structure’s role in our nation’s military history. The community is also connected to the next spot on our list, Dauphin Island, by way of ferry. Here are some RV-friendly area campgrounds to consider!
Dauphin Island
A unique island destination that doesn’t require venturing that far from home (for many Alabama residents, anyway), Dauphin Island sits in the Gulf just off the shore of Alabama proper. Much of its oceanfront is blessedly undeveloped, offering an au naturale escape from the hustle-bustle of mainland cities.
Along with its opportunities for sunbathing and simply enjoying the sand and surf, this island and its beaches are known among birders thanks to its Audubon Bird Sanctuary, where migratory birds gather their strength between journeys. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Estuarium also offers an incredible living marsh boardwalk and multiple aquariums to check out. Long story short: there’s no way you’re going to get bored here, even if you’ve had your fill of beach days!
Things to do Near Dauphin Island
The town is home to an old defensive structure, 19th-century Fort Gaines, which features original cannons and a blacksmith shop among other attractions. Dauphin Island is also less than an hour’s drive from Mobile. It offers a rugged getaway opportunity within easy reach of larger Alabama communities, making it the perfect place for an RV trip.
Lake Martin Beach
As epic as Alabama’s Gulf coast beaches may be, they’re not the only option in the state for those in need of a beautiful waterside getaway! Central Alabama’s Lake Martin is surrounded on many sides by access points and wildernesses, including the nearly-1,500-acre preserve and campground that is Wind Creek State Park.
One of the best-known beaches along this lake’s miles of shoreline is the D.A.R.E. Park Beach, located at the end of Youngs Ferry Road just west of Dadeville. Soft white sands and green treetops in the background make for a stunning array of natural scenery.
Things to do Near Lake Martin Beach
Only a short way from this beach, hikers can access the Smith Mountain Fire Tower, which offers both an opportunity to stretch your legs and get a sweat up as well as some breathtaking views of the countryside. It’s all located less than two hours away from Birmingham.
Lake Lurleen State Park
Although not a beach in the traditional, sandy sense, the many shorelines inside Lake Lurleen State Park are an attractive place to while away some time waterside. To top it off, its 23 miles of multi-use hiking trails at a variety of difficulty levels make it a great option for landlubbers, too. Paddling is a popular option on the lake itself, and paddle boats are available to rent on-site, which makes it that much easier!
Things to do Near Lake Lurleen State Park
Lake Lurleen is located in the east-central part of Alabama, only an hour or so outside of Birmingham and very close to Tuscaloosa. This part of the state is ripe with other things to see, do, and explore; here are some campgrounds to consider for the journey!
The Best Alabama Beaches for RVers
Cotton Bayou Beach
Smaller than Gulf Shores but no less magnificent, the Cotton Bayou Beach stretches 3.5 miles long and is a smaller portion of the larger Gulf State Park, which offers access to the Shelby Lakes along with its Nature Center and other amenities.
The beach itself is equipped with showers, boardwalks and — best of all — free parking. There are also fishing charters available from this location that can take you out into the Gulf to try your hand at reeling in a little bit of dinner!
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
Gulf State Park features an onsite campground, making it an ideal place to set up camp as you explore the area.
Things to do Near Cotton Bayou Beach
Explore the rest of Gulf State Park, which has so much to offer for the entire family, including a specific Dog Pond for those traveling with pups who love to get wet! The nearby city of Orange Beach offers plenty of seafood restaurants, shops, and a general quaint southern beach city feel.
Alabama Point East Beach
Another gorgeous Gulf State Park beach area, Alabama Point East Beach is located just a hop, skip and a jump east of Perdido Pass Bridge. It features more than a mile of beautiful, wide, sandy shoreline including both flat, sun-bathable areas and dunes. Boardwalks, restrooms, outdoor showers and picnic areas make this beach an easy place to while away a sunny afternoon. The calm waters are lovely for swimming in, but do keep in mind that jellyfish can sometimes be found in these waters!
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
As mentioned before, the state park is home to a wonderful RV campground. This makes it easy to stay near all the action in your home on wheels.
Things to do Near Alabama Point East Beach
Again, this beach is also a property of Gulf State Park, which has plenty of other amenities and areas (including campgrounds!) worth checking out. Plus, this is about as far east as you can get in Alabama without hitting the Florida state line — and the Sunshine State’s panhandle in particular is known for its incredible emerald-watered beaches as well as a proliferation of fresh seafood.
Planning an RV Trip to Alabama
An RV trip is the ideal way to see all of these amazing Alabama beaches. Make sure to see the best state parks and campgrounds the state has to offer while you’re there. Also, be sure to check out our guides to Birmingham, Mobile, and Tuscaloosa — though there are plenty of other great cities to stop and enjoy along the way.
