10 Best Family Beaches in Alabama [for 2023]
Alabama, better known as the Yellowhammer State, offers a pleasant surprise with its stunning white sandy beaches and delectable ocean breezes that rival the beauty of the Caribbean. This remarkable destination presents an ideal opportunity for families to create everlasting memories as they bask in the sun-kissed shores.
Alabama’s pristine shorelines are home to a vibrant array of marine life including whales, dolphins, and a multitude of captivating bird species. From frolicking on the soft sand to indulging in exhilarating water activities such as swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, every moment spent at these spectacular beaches promises unparalleled enjoyment and relaxation.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable vacation, as the best family beaches in Alabama invite you to embark on an extraordinary journey filled with joy and wonder.
1. Gulf Place, Gulf Shores
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Gulf Place in Gulf Shores, Alabama is the epitome of the perfect family beach destination. With its pristine white sands and crystal blue waters, it is known for being a picturesque setting for a fun-filled day by the sea. Its wide coastline that is free of rocks and pebbles creates a safe and comfortable environment for children to play and explore.
The gentle waves that grace the shoreline are ideal for young swimmers, allowing families to enjoy the water without worry. There are on-site showers and restrooms for you, making it convenient for families with children to shower and attend to their needs. Adventurous families can try parasailing, riding banana boats, or jet-skiing.
One can go skiing while creating unforgettable memories. Gulf Place’s proximity to some of the best family beachside hotels adds to its appeal. Families can easily find nearby accommodation, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay during their beach vacation. For added safety, Gulf Place uses a flag system to indicate swimming conditions.
These flags are displayed to warn beach visitors of any potential hazards or adverse swimming conditions, thereby ensuring the well-being of beach-goers.
2. Dauphin Island Public Beach, Dauphin Island
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Dauphin Island Public Beach is the perfect destination for families looking for a quiet and enjoyable beach experience. With its serene atmosphere and picturesque setting, it offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The beach stretches along 17 miles of pristine shoreline and offers relaxation and fun activities.
Families can relax in the comfortable cabanas, sunbathe, or enjoy a nice picnic while feeling the gentle breeze off the Gulf of Mexico. Dive into the book. The soft white sand invites you to build sand castles or engage in kid-friendly beach games. Covered picnic tables are convenient, shady spots where families can enjoy their meals. For those who want to explore nature, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary is a must-see.
This unique sanctuary has a marine forest, which provides shelter to various species of birds. Families can start keeping birds to have fun and watch and learn about different species of birds in their natural habitat. It is important to note that the beach is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing families to plan their day accordingly. And you must be careful of the strong currents in the water and take the necessary precautions to swim safely.
3. Cotton Bayou, Orange Beach
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Located in Orange City, Alabama, this white sandy beach is the perfect family beach. With its pristine beach and ample facilities, it is the perfect place for relaxation and adventure. Onsite restrooms and showers ensure convenience, while free parking takes any hassles away.
The beach’s attractions cater to a variety of interests, making it an excellent choice for families. From exhilarating boarding and sailing experiences to thrilling diving expeditions, there is something for everyone. Diving enthusiasts will especially appreciate The Lulu, a shipwreck located on an artificial reef, which offers a unique underwater exploration opportunity.
For an experience to remember, take a scenic cruise and watch the playful dolphins in their natural habitat. To top it off, the beach is lined with two beach boardwalks, which provide a picturesque backdrop to catch the breathtaking sunset. With these exceptional features, this beach in Orange City is truly one of the best family beaches in Alabama.
4. Gulf State Park Main Beach, Gulf Shores
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This pristine beach boasts a spectacular white sandy beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. The crystal clear water beckons you to take a dip and enjoy various water activities like swimming and surfing. This beach has a beautiful pavilion, which provides shaded shelter where families can relax and You can enjoy the breathtaking views.
The surrounding environment is impeccably clean, adding to the overall charm of the beach. Convenience is key at Gulf State Park. With a nearby parking area, getting to the beach is hassle-free, allowing families to spend more time enjoying the sun, sand, and surf. The 1540 feet long jetty is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Amenities like restrooms ensure that you have easy access to the amenities you need, while the picnic area provides a great place for families to gather and savor their meals. does. The Beaches Gulf Adventure Center offers. Here, families can partake in exciting activities such as ziplining, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
You’ll delight in the Backcountry Trail, a hiking trail that winds through the park’s stunning landscapes. Exploring this trail allows families to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty and potentially spot wildlife like deer and alligators. With its many activities and amenities, Gulf State Park ranks as the best family beach in Alabama standing.
5. Fairhope Beach, Fairhope
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Fairhope Beach, located in the charming town of Fairhope, Alabama, is a hidden gem that offers an idyllic setting for a peaceful family getaway. This serene beach is highly recommended for families seeking a relaxing and enjoyable beach experience. With its calm waters, gentle waves, and spacious shores, Fairhope Beach is one of the state’s finest family-friendly beaches.
Families can create lasting memories as they indulge in a quiet picnic on the shore, build elaborate sand castles with their kids, frolic with the kids in the shallow water, and enjoy flying kites together.
To enhance the experience, it is advisable to pack a delicious lunch for the whole family, as there is only a small restaurant within walking distance of the beach. By planning ahead, families can fully enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Fairhope Beach during their vacation.
6. Alabama Point Beach, Orange Beach
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Alabama Point Beach, also known as Point East, Perdido Pass, and Florida Point. This beautiful beach stands out among the rest, with pristine white sandy beaches that resemble sugar and turquoise-colored waters. It is the epitome of an ideal family beach destination in Alabama.
With its shallow and clear waters, these calm waters are safe for children to swim and play in, providing peace of mind for parents. The beach is meticulously maintained, ensuring cleanliness and a pleasant environment for all. Teens visiting this beach will find plenty of thrilling activities to enjoy.
They can go on snorkeling adventures, explore the underwater world, and encounter marine life. For adrenaline-rush seekers, surfing opportunities await them in the rolling waves. You are important to note that where the beach is gradually falling into the sea, there is an abrupt drop-off followed by a shallow area.
This serves as a precautionary reminder not to venture too far into the water without proper precautions. Nevertheless, Alabama Point Beach remains an exceptionally family-friendly destination, offering a delightful combination of natural beauty, safety, and exciting experiences for all ages.
7. Lake Lurleen Beach, Coker
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The Beach at Lake Lurlene in Alabama is an excellent choice for families looking for a memorable and enjoyable weekend getaway. This beautiful beach is equipped with a range of activities suitable for all ages, ensuring a fun-filled experience for all. Here you have the opportunity to bask in the sun while your kids build sand castles And enjoy swimming in the cool water. For added safety, there is a designated area with a rope marking the shallow sections where swimming is permitted.
Nearby picnic tables and public grills make it easy for you to prepare and enjoy a meal together. Restrooms and showers are available for your convenience, so you can freshen up after a day of beach activities. The beach at Lake Lurleen offers a variety of recreational activities.
You can enjoy paddle boating, fishing, and canoeing, providing opportunities for adventure and exploration on the water. A notable feature of this beach is its pet-friendly policy, so you can bring your four-legged family members along. Can bring. It is important to keep them on a leash at all times, ensuring the safety and comfort of all tourists here.
8. West End Public Beach, Dauphin Island
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West End Public Beach in Dauphin Island is the ultimate destination for a memorable family beach vacation in Alabama. This pristine beach offers a picturesque environment that will leave you in awe. It is especially ideal for families with young children, as the clear and shallow water presents a safe and enjoyable environment for them to play.
The absence of pebbles further adds to the comfort and enjoyment. For older kids, the presence of a waterslide adds an exciting element to their beach experience. Safety is a top priority here, as West End Public Beach boasts the presence of lifeguards, making it one of the best family beaches in Alabama.
And a rope-off area here ensures it’s even safer to swim in the crystal clear waters. However, be aware that parking spaces are limited, so it is advised to arrive early to secure the best spot.
9. Fort Morgan Beach, Gulf Shores
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Fort Morgan is a remarkable historical site that offers visitors a unique opportunity to travel back in time. However, it is not just its historical significance that makes it a highly recommended destination. Fort Morgan is one of the best family beaches in Alabama, making it an ideal beach destination.
It has an exquisite stretch of wide white sandy shores and crystal-clear emerald waters. Whether you prefer to relax on the sunbeds to sunbathe and tan or enjoy an idyllic picnic with your family, Fort Morgan’s facilities have you covered? You will nd onsite changing rooms, showers and There are convenient facilities like toilets.
For adventure seekers, equipment rentals are available at Fort Morgan Beach, including tents for shade on hot sunny days, as well as kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards for water-based recreation.
Plan your trip to Fort Morgan When preparing, it’s important to pack everything you’ll need, including water, food, and other essentials. It’s worth noting that there are limited local stores in the area, and those that are available can be quite expensive. Hence, being well-dressed ensures that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience without any discomfort.
10. East End Beach, Dauphin Island
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East End Beach is a hidden treasure, away from the bustling crowd and noise of the city. It is a quiet and secluded beach. The secluded nature of the beach ensures small crowds, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful day near the water. One of the highlights of this beach is its breathtaking sunset views, which create a picturesque setting for relaxation.
In addition, the beach is adorned with an abundance of shells, providing a delightful activity for children who love to collect them. Families will especially appreciate the opportunity to watch dolphins swimming by in the distance, enhancing the overall tranquility of the beach.
To ensure a comfortable experience, it is recommended to wear aqua shoes while swimming due to the small pebbles on the sea floor. Since no lifeguards are present, it is important to closely supervise your children while swimming. East End Beach is truly the epitome of a serene haven, offering an unforgettable experience away from the noise and crowd of the city.