The Alabama Guide
Orange Beach, AL
Alabama's easternmost beach town, set between the Gulf and back bays, with Perdido Pass, charter fishing and wide public beaches.
82 places This weekend in Orange Beach
Today in Orange Beach
- Sunday Showers And Thunderstorms Likely 77°
- Sunday Night Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy 66°
- Monday Mostly Sunny 78°
Forecast: National Weather Service
Tides
- High 1:45 AM 1 ft
- Low 1:14 PM -0.2 ft
Predictions: NOAA CO-OPS
Orange Beach is the eastern half of Alabama’s beach coast, a mix of high-rise condos on the Gulf and older fishing communities tucked along Cotton Bayou, Terry Cove and Wolf Bay. Water is the point here in every direction. Perdido Pass connects the back bays to the Gulf, and the town is one of the busiest charter fishing ports on the coast, with a large artificial reef program offshore for fishing and diving. Away from the beach, the town has invested in parks, trails and the arts.
Spend a day on the sand at Alabama Point or Cotton Bayou, then book a dolphin cruise, charter or paddleboard rental for some tours and experiences. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail runs through the woods between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, and the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach offers glassblowing demonstrations and classes. Local history lives at the Indian and Sea Museum. Dinner means Gulf seafood at waterfront spots on the bays, and the town has its share of breweries and bars for a cold drink after the beach. On calm mornings, the back bays are glassy and ideal for paddling.
Orange Beach questions, answered
What do the beach flags mean in Orange Beach?
Orange Beach uses the standard Alabama beach flag system. Yellow means moderate surf or currents, red means high hazard with strong currents, and double red flags mean the water is closed; it is illegal to enter the Gulf within city limits under double red. Purple means dangerous marine life such as jellyfish. Call 251-981-SURF or text ALBEACHES to 888777 for daily flag updates.
Where are the public beaches in Orange Beach?
Alabama Point, beside Perdido Pass, is the largest public beach, with parking, restrooms and views of boats heading offshore. Cotton Bayou, Romar Beach and Shell Beach are smaller public accesses along Perdido Beach Boulevard. Parking fills early on summer weekends, so arrive in the morning.
What is Orange Beach known for besides the beach?
Fishing. Orange Beach is a major charter fishing port, and its artificial reef zone is one of the largest in the country, drawing anglers and divers. The town also has a strong arts and recreation streak, with the Coastal Arts Center, the Backcountry Trail and a busy sports complex. The back bays are great for kayaking and paddleboarding on calm days.
How do I get to Orange Beach?
Pensacola International (PNS) is the closest airport, about 45 minutes to an hour away. Mobile Regional (MOB) is about an hour and a half. By car, take I-10 to the Foley Beach Express, then Alabama 161 or Perdido Beach Boulevard (Alabama 182). From Pensacola, you can also drive west through Perdido Key on Florida 292.
When is the best time to visit Orange Beach?
Fall is the sweet spot, with warm water and fewer crowds from September through October. Spring brings mild weather and good fishing. Summer is busiest and hottest, and hurricane season runs June through November. Winter is quiet and cool, popular with long-stay visitors.
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