Orange Beach
Orange Beach, AL
Orange Beach sits just east of Gulf Shores along Alabama's short stretch of Gulf coast, quieter and more residential than its neighbor, with Cotton Bayou as the main public access most visitors default to. The water here runs a distinctive shade of green, calmer than the more exposed beaches further west.
Calmer, greener water than the more exposed beaches nearby makes this a real local favorite, though the strict no dogs policy sends pet owners elsewhere entirely.
How we score beachesCotton Bayou's lot fills fast on a summer weekend, but it's paid parking, not free, so keep cash or a card ready before you pull in.
Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access has a sizable paid lot. Additional public accesses are spread along Perdido Beach Boulevard.
Boardwalk crossings lead from the lots over the dune to the sand at most public accesses.
Dogs, including emotional support animals, aren't allowed on Orange Beach's public beaches at all. Only trained service dogs are permitted. A dedicated dog park and a dog pond at Gulf State Park are the alternatives nearby.
Water climbs into the mid 80s by August, warm and calm, inside the June through November hurricane season shared by the whole Gulf coast. Fall keeps the warm water with noticeably thinner crowds.
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