National Beach Day Highlights Gulf Coast Access and Conservation
Residents and visitors can choose from 28 public beaches and access points along the coast from Fort Morgan to Perdido Key.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — National Beach Day gives residents and visitors another reason to enjoy the Gulf Coast Beaches. The observance also highlights clean water, safe swimming, and responsible beach use. Local communities provide public access to 28 beaches from Fort Morgan to Perdido Key. Each location offers a different way to reach the water.
National Beach Day is observed each year on Aug. 30. In 2026. This year it falls on Sunday, near the end of the summer travel season. The day began as a way to celebrate beaches while encouraging people to protect them. Visitors can take part by picking up litter and avoiding sand dunes.
Beachgoers should also check warning flags before entering the Gulf. Conditions can change quickly, and rip currents may be present even when the water looks calm. Swimming near a lifeguard offers added protection when lifeguards are on duty.
Public beaches and access points in the area include:
- Romar Beach Access
- Cotton Bayou Beach Access
- Alabama Point East
- Shell Beach Access
- Orange Beach City Beach Access beside CoastAL, with parking reserved for Orange Beach residents
- Gulf Place Beach
- East Gulf Place Beach
- West Gulf Place Beach
- West 4th Street pedestrian access
- West 5th Street access
- West 6th Street access
- West 10th Street access
- West 12th Street access
- West 13th Street access
- Little Lagoon Pass Park
- Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion
- Gulf State Park Pier beach area
- Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Mobile Street Beach Access
- Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Pine Beach Trail, which requires a hike to the Gulf
- Fort Morgan State Historic Site beach
- Perdido Key Beach Access No. 1
- Perdido Key Beach Access No. 2
- Perdido Key Beach Access No. 3
- Perdido Key Beach Access No. 4
- Perdido Key State Park
- Perdido Key State Park Fire Station Beach Access
- Johnson Beach at Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Big Lagoon State Park
Parking, admission, and operating rules vary by location. Some sites offer restrooms, showers, boardwalks, and accessible beach mats, while smaller access points may offer few services. Visitors should check local or park information before leaving home.
National Beach Day also serves as a reminder that everyone shares responsibility for the coastline. Beachgoers should remove chairs, tents, toys, and trash before leaving. Items left behind can harm wildlife, impede emergency crews, and become debris in the Gulf.
A trip to the beach does not need to be a big event. A walk, a swim, or a few minutes spent collecting litter can mark the occasion. The goal is to enjoy the coast while helping protect it for the next visit.
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