When visiting the coast, you can’t help but notice the beautiful sand dunes along the beach. These dunes are important for the ecosystem, environment and cities. The natural growth of sea grasses, sea oats and shrubs helps hold them together by creating a root system that keeps the sand in place. Acting as a wall, sand dunes help protect beaches and property from damage from high winds, storm surges, waves and tides. The dunes are the first line of defense [...]
You don’t have to be an expert birder to enjoy bird watching at the beach. Alabama’s coast is the last stop for many fall migrating birds heading south over the Gulf of Mexico. A few species arrive in the fall and stay for the winter. If you are here during the fall months, be on the lookout for migrating raptors. Cooper’s hawks arrive on the coast in October in large numbers. You can also see sharp-shinned hawks and northern harriers during [...]
With summer in our rear-view mirror, it’s easy to get a little too relaxed when we had to the beach for fun in the surf. It’s the season for tropical disturbances to meander around in the Gulf. They may be far away and pose no threat to Alabama’s beautiful coast, but they can cause significant rip currents on our coast that sometimes aren’t visible. The best way to make sure the water is safe is to observe the beach warning [...]
We love our seafood here on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Most area restaurant menus are filled with tempting seafood choices straight from the Gulf of Mexico. Celebrate National Seafood Month this month with locally sourced fresh fish, crustaceans and bivalves. If you are looking for ideas, we have a few ways you can enjoy the bounty. Catch your own. Cast a line from the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier, surf fish from the beach or charter a boat for a [...]
Have you visited Gulf Shores and Orange Beach during the fall? It’s the favorite time of year for some of our visitors and locals. The summer crowds have gone, the daytime temperatures are still nice and warm, the evenings are a little cooler and the sun is beautifully bright. We have a few tips that can make your autumn visit to the coast enjoyable while keeping our beaches pristine to boot. The air may feel cooler, but the sun is still intense. A large umbrella provides shade and is easier to handle than [...]
Every third Saturday of September, residents and visitors alike gather at the beaches, bays and waterways for the annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup. These hordes of volunteers hit the sand and shores at 8 a.m. and work until noon to get the trash out of the splash. Alabama joined the International Coastal Cleanup in 1987 and since then, more than 100,000 volunteers have taken part in the local event. In the first 28 years, 15 million pounds of trash was collected [...]
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are a favorite destination for many families. The sugar-white sand, warm gulf waters and family-friendly atmosphere attract more than 5 million visitors each year. That’s a lot of wear and tear on our beaches! Protecting the natural beauty and keeping our beaches clean and inviting is what the Leave Only Footprints Program is all about. Leave Only Footprints is based on the Leave No Trace principles. Following these guidelines keeps our beaches clean and our visitors and [...]
Summer days at the beach are so much fun! The kids are building sandcastles and everyone is playing in the surf. A cooler with juice boxes, cans of soft drinks and bottled water is by your chairs. Life just doesn’t get better than this. But did you bring sun protection? With the breeze coming off the Gulf of Mexico, you may not realize how intense the Alabama Gulf Coast sun can be. Make sure you have access to shade. Beach umbrellas are easy to carry and store, and can be shifted [...]
It’s summertime on the coast and fun times are being had. With all the activities and commotion, it’s easy to forget the importance of the Leave Only Footprints program and the do’s and don’ts required by the cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. The Leave Only Footprints program was created to ensure our beautiful beaches are here for future generations to enjoy. Our 32-mile stretch of sugar-white sand draws millions of visitors each year. With that many people, it’s important to follow the rules and regulations to [...]
Summer is coming at us full speed and the first big summer holiday is just around the corner. For those planning a Memorial Day weekend trip to the beach, check out our beach tips to make your stay even more pleasant. The Leave Only Footprints program requires removing all of your beach gear, toys, chairs, umbrellas and tents each night. With this in mind, consider bringing a wagon with large wheels to carry your gear. It will make the trek [...]
