Known as the “Gateway to the Gulf,” Mobile, Alabama, lives up to its title by providing access to beautiful beaches within a short drive of the city limits.
Mobile’s strategic location allows locals and visitors to choose from a variety of beach options. Whether you’re looking for the perfect location for a picnic, a walk, or somewhere just to sit down and relax, there’s at least one great spot waiting for you.
If you’re here for a vacation and looking for some outdoor activities, look no further! In this article, we share some of the top beaches near Mobile, AL – great locations to spend the day with family or friends.
Credit: Image by Anton Sharov | Unsplash
Dauphin Island Public Beach
Dauphin Island Public Beach is the most popular beach in the area. This barrier island is the closest beach to Mobile, AL, just 40 minutes south of the city.
Located on the island’s west end, this beach is quiet and not crowded, one of the reasons locals love to spend time here.
Access to the beach island is easy because of a bridge that connects it to the mainland. There are plenty of activities to enjoy on the island, including crabbing, fishing, shelling, paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, and, of course, swimming.
Facilities include free Wi-Fi, a free boat launch, picnic areas, a playground area, a dump station, and a boardwalk that connects you to a secluded beach section.
Credit: Image by frank mckenna | Unsplash
Gulf Shores Beach
Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a destination loved by generations of families for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, stunning sunset vistas, delicious local food, and exciting outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and biking.
If you are looking for a place where you and your kids can have a picnic and play volleyball, Gulf Shores Beach is the perfect place for your next vacation.
The beach lies at the dead end of Highway 59 at the Gulf. There is convenient all-day parking on site for a small fee and plenty of restaurants, shops, activities, and nightlife around the area.
Some of the facilities include a volleyball court, picnicking area, three open-air pavilions, lifeguards, restrooms, and showers.
Credit: Image by Tommaso Teloni | Unsplash
Orange Beach
Aside from its eight-mile-long stretch of white, sugary coastline, Orange Beach is a popular destination for the many fun activities it offers, such as sailing, flyboarding, sunset dolphin cruise, and diving down to the state’s first deliberately sunk ship wreckage.
Make sure to explore the shops, entertainment, and restaurants at The Wharf. This venue boasts one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the Southeast, a full-service marina, and a 10,000-seat amphitheater.
Credit: Image by Solé Bicycles | Unsplash
Gulf State Park Beach
Tucked between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is Gulf State Park, a 6,000-acre expanse popular for its two-mile-long stunning beach. Natural sand dunes and sea oats adorn the surroundings.
There are lots of activities to enjoy here, including surf fishing, paddle-boarding, zip lining, and kayaking. Explore the six distinct ecosystems at Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, where you can catch a glimpse of a bobcat, a white-tailed deer, or an alligator.
For delicious grab-and-go beach food, alcoholic beverages, and local live music by the sunset, you must check out Bywater Beachside Restaurant. For fine dining, Foodcraft and Perch both offer Gulf-front dining by the patio and live music.
Credit: Image by Constante Lim | Unsplash
Fairhope Municipal Pier and Beach
Aside from being home to many renowned illustrators and novelists, Fairhope, Alabama, boasts a spacious sandy beach with the most breathtaking sunsets in the region.
Located next to the Municipal Pier of Fairhope, the beach offers plenty of facilities and activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and speed boating. There’s a beautiful park where you can have a relaxing stroll while your kids are having fun in the playground area.
Fairhope Municipal Pier is a calm and tranquil place great for watching sunsets, enjoying stunning views across the bay, and fishing (but you’ll need a saltwater fishing license).
There are restaurants, boutiques, a rose garden, picnic tables, a duck pond, a boardwalk, and a pier, where you can spot coastal birds like pelicans.
Conclusion
Despite its location on the coast, there are no beaches in Mobile, Alabama. However, it does offer convenient access to many of the most incredible beaches in this part of the country.
Locals are fortunate not to have to travel far to enjoy the white sand and clear waters of the highly-rated beaches that offer stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
If you’d like to explore the beautiful homes in Mobile, AL, give us a call today at (251) 270-6400, and let’s start discussing your options. You may also send us an email at hollie@localpropertyinc.com for any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Mobile's beaches?
May is one of the best times to visit the beaches near Mobile, AL. Around this time, the weather is idyllic, with a high temp in the low 80s and nights in the high 60s. The water temperature is in the high 70s, perfect for swimming. There are also fewer visitors during this month than in summer.
Are there any beachfront accommodations available?
Yes, one of which is The Lodge at Gulf State Park, which rests on the Gulf Coast. This eco-friendly resort is part of the 6,150-acre Gulf State Park, boasting 28 miles of trails and a freshwater fishing lake.
Are there any water sports rental facilities at the beaches?
Definitely! In Gulf Shores alone there are paddle board rentals, double and single kayak rentals, jet ski rentals, and banana boat rides.
Can I bring my pets to these beaches?
Absolutely! Although not all of the beaches near Mobile, AL, allow pets, Gulf Shores Beach, Orange Beach, Gulf State Park Beach, Fairhope Municipal Pier and Beach, and the beach at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge are some of the pet-friendly beaches in the area where you can bring your furry companions.
