While you enjoy visiting our beautiful shores, keep in mind that our beaches have local wildlife residents. Several species of wildlife make their homes in the sand, plants and dunes of our coast. Please do your part to keep their homes safe while you enjoy your time frolicking in the waves. Here are a few ways to do just that: Give nesting areas some space. Even if you don’t see birds, that doesn’t mean eggs and nests may not be [...]
How do you know if it’s going to be a safe day for swimming at the beach? Actually, it’s pretty simple to find out. Call 251-968-TIDE (8433) or 251-981-SURF (7873) to check surf conditions in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The beach warning flag system is color-coded. Just think of the flags as traffic signals. Of course, red means stop. If a red flag is flying, that indicates high surf with strong currents. It’s dangerous even for experienced swimmers. High [...]
In just 10 or 15 minutes, you can go online and book an amazing spring visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Whether it’s a long weekend or a full week, you and your family get to enjoy all the sun, sand and surf our area provides. It takes about that same amount of time to pack up your chairs, cooler, beach toys and umbrella after your day on the sand. And it’s important you do that. If you’ve visited [...]
It’s spring on the Alabama coast and that means folks will be getting out the boats and hitting the waterways. It’s also a good time for boating safety reminders before launching into the season. First, check local weather forecasts for conditions before you take off. Storms come up fast on the Gulf Coast, so boaters should stay aware. If you notice darkening clouds, rough winds or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water. Second, use [...]
Are you a beachcomber who delights in finding a perfectly shaped seashell while walking the shoreline? Do you know the names of any of those awesome finds? We can help with that! One type of shell you’ll often see on Alabama beaches is a bittersweet, with an easily identified fan shape, ridges and scalloped center. These shells have teeth-like indentions along the inside of the pointed end and are usually white with brown or reddish colored lines. Coquina shells are [...]
When you visit our beaches, it’s important to know the rules and restrictions. Leave Only Footprints regulations prohibit leaving any items overnight on public beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In addition, several items are prohibited anytime on the beach, including: Glass containers Metal shovels or excessive digging Litter Tents or structures larger than 12 x 12 Overnight camping Fireworks Loud music Fires Pets Vehicles The reason for many of these restrictions concerns safety, others are for the comfort [...]
Want to build a sandcastle while visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? We’re all for it. In case you need some tips, we got some from experts. First, find the perfect spot. It should be close to the water to get that firm, wet sand, but not so close your creation will get washed away. Experienced sandcastle builders know the sand must be wet to make a good form. Second, put those sand buckets and shovels to good use. Fill [...]
It’s Carnival season on the Alabama coast, bringing a partying atmosphere to our already festive location. Parades will roll in on Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 in Orange Beach, and again on Mardi Gras Day (Feb. 13) in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We love welcoming visitors to enjoy the revelry, but we ask that you use environmentally friendly practices while here. Let’s deal first with the beads, many of which end up in the streets or in trash [...]
The Alabama sea turtle nesting season is coming to an end. By the end of October, thousands of hatchlings will have made their way to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. We appreciate all the volunteers and visitors who kept an eye out for nests and tracks during visits to the beach. Let’s be honest: there are not many things that match the feeling of watching dozens of the little guys waddling their way through the sand to [...]
You love visiting the beautiful Alabama beaches for a vacation, so why not help protect it even when you’re back home? You can do that when you use environmentally-friendly practices all year long. Check out these small choices that can make a difference by reducing your carbon footprint. First, use canvas bags instead of plastic ones when you shop at a grocery store or dollar store. Shoppers use 500 billion (that’s billion with a “b”) plastic bags each year. It’s [...]
