Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf State Park has begun selling its annual beach parking passes for the coming year, and the price has increased. The decal is valid at all Gulf State Park beach access lots in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and must be affixed to the lower left of the windshield.

The 2026 annual parking pass now costs $200. It can be purchased and picked up only at Gulf State Park Headquarters, 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores or the Gulf State Park Visitors Center, located at 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. Parking passes for 2026 are good for the remainder of November and December of 2025. 

Daily parking is available at kiosks located in each lot. The current rates are $10 per day for personal vehicles, $15 for passenger vans, and $30 for buses or large RVs parked at the Beach Pavilion. Beginning January 1, 2026, rates will increase to $15 for personal vehicles and $35 for vehicles with a trailer, buses, or large RVs. Drivers must place the printed receipt on the dashboard, and overnight parking is not permitted.

Parking decals are free for active, former, and veteran service members as defined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Proper proof of service and a valid ID are required. Decals are available at the Gulf State Park Headquarters and the Gulf State Park Visitor Center. Each decal does not expire and is limited to one per service member.

The pass covers parking at Gulf State Park beach access points in both cities:

• Gulf Shores: Beach Pavilion and the Fishing & Education Pier lots.
• Orange Beach: Romar Beach, Cotton Bayou, Alabama Point East, and Shell Beach.
  These areas are cited across city and community guidance tied to the park’s paid parking program.

Orange Beach also maintains a resident program separate from the park’s annual pass. Qualified Orange Beach residents can receive up to two no‑charge resident passes per household through City Hall; a third pass is available for $25 at Park Headquarters. Residency requirements apply and Ono Island residents are not eligible under the city’s definition. 

In Gulf Shores, city‑operated beach lots use ParkMobile with seasonal fees, usually March through November. Typical posted rates are $5 for four hours at select lots and $15 all‑day at most locations. Those city lots and fees are separate from Gulf State Park lots, but they are frequently used by the same beachgoers. Residents with a Gulf Shores hurricane re‑entry decal park free at paid city lots. 

Key Details:

• Where to buy: Gulf State Park Headquarters, 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores.
• Current prices for 2026: Annual pass $200; daily all‑day $10 for personal vehicles (higher for larger vehicles). Note: if you buy a 2026 pass it’s good for the rest of November and December 2025. 
• Last year’s cost: Annual $100; daily all‑day $10 for personal vehicles.
• Covered areas: Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion and Pier (Gulf Shores); Romar Beach, Cotton Bayou, Alabama Point East, Shell Beach (Orange Beach).
• Rules: Decal must be permanently affixed; display receipts for daily parking; no overnight parking.