Orange Beach

Orange Beach is a city on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. It has beautiful white sand beaches, but is quieter and cheaper than the Florida beaches nearby.

By plane
You can fly into nearby airports such as Mobile, AL or Pensacola, FL. Private and corporate planes are served by the Jack Edwards Airport in Gulf Shores. Other options include Montgomery, AL and New Orleans, LA - both of which would require a three-hour drive.

By car
The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas are easily reached from Interstates 65 and 10 as well as US Hwy 98. All three intersect with Alabama Hwy 59 (also known as Gulf Shores Parkway) which leads directly to Gulf Shores.

Distance from major cities: Atlanta, GA, 370 miles; Birmingham, AL, 274 miles; Jackson, MS, 245 miles; Memphis, TN, 480 miles; Nashville, TN, 450 miles; New Orleans, LA, 214 miles; St. Louis, MO, 632 miles.

By ferry
A ferry service is available between nearby Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island. The ferry landing is approximately 25 miles west of Hwy 59 on West Fort Morgan Road.

By boat
Boaters can reach Gulf Shores and Orange Beach via the Intracoastal Waterway. The Tennessee-Tombigbee provides a link between the Intracoastal and numerous ports in the midwest. In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, boaters will find numerous marinas available.

By foot
Plenty of accommodations are located directly on the beach. Guests can walk right out and enjoy the sand and water. Some are located within easy walking distance of restaurants and shops.

By car
The cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are connected by two main east-west highways. The most southern one is Highway 182 (known locally as Beach Blvd). It runs along the beach and offers great views of the water. Highway 180 (known locally as Canal Road) runs along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Highway 59 terminates at the public beach in Gulf Shores where it connects with Beach Blvd.

Do
The best thing to do in Orange Beach is enjoy the beaches. There are plenty of places to park at most public beaches. Some offer facilities and picnic tables. There are many beach access area that provide pedestrian access only. These are best if you are staying nearby and don't need a car to get to the beach. It is best to be aware of the Beach Warning Flags that tell you whether it is safe to go into the Gulf of Mexico.

There is an unlimited amount of water sports activities available in Orange Beach. Take your pick between waverunners, catamarans, parasailing, sailboats, boogie boards etc. at any of the numerous rental places along the beach.


 * Orange Beach Public Beach Access at Cotton Bayou, Romar Beach, and Alabama Point. Beaches are full of activity and conveniently located near bars and restaurants. Arrive early for a good spot.