The Gulf - Seek Alabama

In the Water

Head out—the water’s fine. Check out some great places to get in the water near the Alabama coast.

Lagoon Pass Park

Gulf Shores, AL

This Gulf-side white-sand beach is a great place to relax by the water. Found on West Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores, the park offers a great beach experience for locals and visitors. The park is open from dawn to dusk.

Bohemian Park

Fairhope, AL

This Fairhope hidden gem is a great place to spend time out by the water, swimming, kayaking or canoeing. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a place to take the family, this is a great spot to explore.

Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access (Gulf State Park)

Gulf Shores, AL

Looking for an accessible beach experience that still offers a beautiful view? The Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access within Gulf State Park is the perfect spot to explore. Enjoy the white sand beach with boardwalks designed for easy beach access and a ramp that leads to ADA-accessible beach mats.

Fairhope North Beach Park

Fairhope, AL

Near the Fairhope Municipal Pier lies a large beach with plenty of space to run around and spend time in the water. The beachside park and pier features picnic tables, a playground, walking trails and so much more.

May Day Park

Daphne, AL

This Daphne, AL location is a great place to enjoy time in the water. May Day Park features bayfront and beach access, a pier and boardwalk, boat launches and plenty of space to let loose.

Fort Morgan Beach Access

Fort Morgan, AL

Enjoy public access to Fort Morgan’s beaches and reflect on the history of the historic site. Visit their website for additional information on rules, regulations and locations to specific regional access points.

*The Gulf is a partially enclosed oceanic basin, meaning there are sea creatures, including sharks and jellyfish, in the water. Please be aware and obey displayed flags. Pets are not allowed on Gulf Shores or Orange Beach beaches.

From the Water

Cast a line and reel in a catch near the Alabama coast.

Perdido Pass

Orange Beach, AL

Head on out near the Alabama-Florida border and fish at Perdido Pass. This excellent fishing spot is a great place to catch redfish, sheepshead, flounder and so much more.

Lake Shelby Pier

Gulf Shores, AL

Just because you’re down near the coast doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy freshwater fishing as well, and Lake Shelby is the perfect place to do that. Catch bass, bream, redfish and so much more at this popular location within Gulf State Park.

Mobile-Tensaw River Delta

Southwest Alabama

This National Natural Landmark is a great place to freshwater fish. The Mobile-Tensaw River Delta is where the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers converge. With more than 20,300-acres of water, the delta has many great places to fish on the water and off its coast.

Dixey Bar at Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan, AL

Enjoy a legendary fishing experience on this sand bar off Fort Morgan. Whether you choose to surf fish or inshore fish, you can catch a number of fish, including kingfish, marlin and snappers.

Fairhope Municipal Pier

Fairhope, AL

Spend time in Fairhope at the municipal pier. While there’s no cost to visit the pier, a license is required to fish. The pier is a great place to catch redfish, flounder, spotted seatrout and more.

Mullet Point Park

Fairhope, AL

This popular Baldwin County spot offers plenty of space to cast a line. Whether you’re fishing red drum, spotted seatrout or something else, there are so many fish to catch.

Meaher State Park

Spanish Fort, AL

Found within the Gulf State Park system is Meaher State Park. The park offers numerous freshwater fishing in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. Amenities at the park include a pier for fishing access and various events for the whole family.

Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island, AL

This peaceful and quiet island is a great place to fish. With plenty of opportunities along the island, including The Little Billy Goat Hole Pier, anglers can come home with a big catch of fish, like redfish, mahi mahi, snappers and others. There are also plenty of boat launches and deep-sea fishing charters on the island.

Gulf State Park Pier

Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf Shores is home to a large, popular fishing pier—perfect for saltwater catches like redfish, sheepshead, catfish and king mackerel. Part of the Gulf State Park, the pier has a concession area, comfort stations and plenty of amenities to help make for a perfect day fishing at the Gulf.

Cedar Point Fishing Pier

Coden, AL

Looking for a place where the whole family can enjoy fishing? This Coden pier is a great place to explore. Enjoy no admission fees, 24-hour access and no fishing license requirements for Alabama residents.

*Please check Outdoor Alabama’s state regulations before fishing, including necessary licenses and saltwater and freshwater creel and size limits. 

On the Water

Get ready to launch out on the waters.

Bartram Canoe Trails

Baldwin County, AL

Explore the upper and lower Mobile-Tensaw River Delta on Alabama’s Bartram Canoe Trail. There are six day-use and six overnight trails ready for riders. Campsites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis in the upper delta region and by reservation only in the lower. Whatever length canoe trip you’re looking for, you’ll find it in the rivers, streams and lakes of this breathtaking delta.

Perdido Canoe Trails

Baldwin County, AL

The popular Perdido Canoe Trail on Perdido River in Baldwin County offers plenty of sandbars, designated camping trails and a 19-mile extraordinary boating trip. No matter your level of experience or length of venture, the trail is a great place to launch and enjoy time on the water.

Boggy Point Boat Ramp

Orange Beach, AL

Launch a boat into the Gulf from Orange Beach at the Boggy Point Boat Ramp. This easy-access ramp offers two ramps, three courtesy docks, restrooms and plenty of parking spaces.

Chickasabogue Park

Eight Mile, AL

Near downtown Mobile is Chickasabogue Park, a boat launch that offers plenty of amenities and trails—including an RV campground, playground, a beach off the Mobile Bay and 17 miles of hiking and biking trails. Here, you can do it all.

Coastal Boating Access

Costal Alabama

Launching out into the Gulf in Alabama is easy, with 36 state-owned, public-access boat launches—16 in Mobile County and 20 in Baldwin County. This means there is plenty of space to launch out and explore the Gulf and Delta on boat, kayak, canoe or paddleboard.

Explore on Land

Head out on one of our favorite trails near the Alabama coast.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Gulf Shores, AL

Open year-round during daylight hours, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a great place to bike, walk, run or observe nature. The trail system is formed by 26 paved trails over 28 miles, meaning there is plenty of space to head out and explore.

Gulf State Park Trail System

Gulf Shores, AL

Head out on the ADA-accessible, multi-use trails and explore the 6,150 acres of Gulf State Park. This trail system is comprised of 27 trails that surround the park’s perimeter. There are a variety of trail surfaces, including paved, unpaved and a boardwalk.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Gulf Shores, AL

The Bon Secour National Wildlife refuge offers numerous trial opportunities of varying difficulty levels. French for “safe harbor,” this refuge protects wildlife and plant life, creating an outdoor experience that everyone (and everything) can enjoy.

Graham Creek Nature Preserve

Foley, AL

This 600-acre nature preserve in Foley offers 10 miles of trails, including two ADA-accessible boardwalks and multiple disc golf courses. The preserve’s mission is to protect both native plants and wildlife.

Village Point Park Preserve

Daphne, AL

Village Point Park Preserve is a great place to head out on a stroll and go nature watching. With a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail for guests’ enjoyment, this popular coastal journey is a great way to get outside.

Historic Blakeley State Park

Spanish Fort, AL

Near the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta is the Historic Blakeley State Park, a popular attraction for both locals and visitors. The park has plenty of hiking and biking opportunities and is praised for its diversity.

The Eastern Shore Trail

Daphne and Fairhope, AL

Explore 22 miles of varied-surface trails, from asphalt and elevated boardwalks to low bridges on the Eastern Shore Trail. This trail connects North Daphne and South Fairhope, making it the perfect option for those who enjoy walking, running or biking.

Knoll Park

Fairhope, AL

Perfect for birdwatching, Knoll Park lets visitors enjoy and admire the beauty of nature. The park is also beside Fairhope Municipal Pier, allowing guests to enjoy countless amenities, including picnic tables, a duck pond and more.

For the Family

Find the best family friendly adventures on the coast.

Gulf State Park Campground

Gulf Shores, AL

Within Gulf State Park is one of the state’s largest campgrounds, boasting 496 improved full-hookup campsites with paved pads and 8 primitive tent-only sites. The campground is a great place to bring the whole family. Campers are also encouraged to use the 28 miles of multi-use trails on site.

Lake Shelby Picnic Area

Gulf Shores, AL

Grab the family and head on out to Lake Shelby. The area has numerous amenities, including boat and kayak launches, canoe and kayak rentals, a playground and more. And with grills and picnic tables, there’s no better way to end an outing here than with a feast.

Dog Pond at Lake Shelby

Gulf Shores, AL

Looking for a place your dog can enjoy the coastal sunshine, too? Lake Shelby’s Dog Pond at Gulf State Park is the one to head to. Just be sure to their rules and regulations, which are on their website.

Interpretive Center at Gulf State Park

Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf State Park has created Alabama’s most environmentally friendly building, and they are using it as a way to educate children and adult guests about their methods and park. Learn how the facility produces its own electricity and learn about the park’s nine ecosystems.

Centennial Park

Daphne, AL

Take the family out to Centennial Park in Daphne. The park has a playground, gazebo and picnic area, offering plenty of space for the kids to run around and play and a place to rest and snack.

Bayfront Park

Daphne, AL

Bayfront Park in Daphne offers beach access that is accessible to the whole family. With a pier and boardwalk, families can enjoy all that the area has to offer. The park also connects to Village Point Park Preserve with a connector trail, the Al Guarisco Boardwalk & Trail.