Fort Morgan Beach
Gulf Shores, AL

A quiet stretch at the far western tip of the Alabama coast, in the shadow of the nineteenth century fort that shares its name. It sits far enough from the high rises of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach that locals still consider it their own.
Far enough from the Gulf Shores high rises that locals still consider it their own, pairing the beach with the nineteenth century fort is genuinely worth the small entry fee.
How we score beachesCombine the beach with a stop at the fort itself, which is genuinely worth the small entry fee.
Dogs are allowed on leash on Fort Morgan's public beach only within a designated stretch between the Engineer's Wharf and the fishing pier, with a fine for straying outside it.
Alabama's Gulf coast gets properly hot and humid from June through September, with hurricane season running the same stretch. Fall brings milder temperatures and thinner crowds, a combination that makes it a favorite local season here despite cooler water.
More Gulf Coast beaches

Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key, FL · Gulf Coast
Fine quartz sand that stays cool underfoot even in summer, sloping gently into calm Gulf water, and consistently rated among the best family beaches in the country.

Clearwater Beach
Clearwater, FL · Gulf Coast
A lively Gulf-front strip with a fishing pier, a nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60, and calm, shallow water that makes it an easy family favorite.

Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach, FL · Gulf Coast
Sugar-white sand within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, with dunes protected from development and water clear enough for snorkeling near the jetties.
