Spending time at a beach resort in Alabama, especially during summer, will be a wonderful vacation you can have on your own or with your family. The state has many beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico such as Orange Beach and Gulf State Park. Locals and tourists visit these beaches to go sunbathing, swim, and watch birds such as pelicans. Beaches even include amusement parks and arcades, which are ideal for families. Fishing for tuna and blue marlin is another popular activity people like to do here. You can also go on boat tours and engage in water sports if you stay at a resort. To find one, check out the top beach resorts in Alabama, USA.
Upcoming events
National Shrimp Festival: Seafood lovers unite because this is the perfect festival for you. Besides offering delicious shrimp in any which way possible, the festival offers other seafood and non-seafood as well. Usually held every October in Gulf Shores, the festival also features live music performances and art shows. According to Fox News, people are traveling from all across the country to join in on the fun, and I might head there myself some day!
Christmas Lighted Boat Parade: If you’re traveling with children, or you plain just get excited with Christmas lights, head to Gulf Shores to catch this beautiful boat parade. The lighted boats will make their way from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach through a canal, offering great views. The parade is held in December.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 30, 2024.
Beach life in Alabama
Alabama would’ve been landlocked if it weren’t for its narrow strip of land on the Gulf of Mexico that’s dominated by the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Gulf Shores Main Public Beach is perhaps the most popular beach here, and if you get tired of lounging on the sand you can always go bar-hopping or play a game of beach volleyball. I’d love to check out the club situation in the city as well. Cotton Bayou is another popular option, but it’s much smaller.
Summer lasts from June to August, and tourists love the balmy Alabama summers. However, if you prefer cooler weather and warm seas, you can plan a vacation on the Alabama coast between March and May.
Beach resorts in Alabama, USA
1. The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection; Point Clear (from USD 379)
The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa is a favorite among vacationers. Guests at this luxury resort can spend time relaxing at the spa or golfing at the 2 golf courses, which have 18 holes each. The resort has a private beach for guests. It also features an outdoor pool, a lap pool, and a hot tub. Several tennis courts, a fitness center, and seven restaurants are other amenities available to guests. The on-site restaurants offer various kinds of dishes, including seafood and steaks, and I’d love to try out the delicacies available here.
- Property highlights: The resort offers more than 30 activities, and you can expect different activities each month.
- Nearest beach: You'll be at the beach within a short walk from the pool.
- Beach access: Private
- Suggested rooms/units: If you crave a luxurious stay, opt for the Governor's Suite which offers opulent decor and beautiful views. If you need something even more luxurious, you'll be happy with the Presidential Suite.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "There are a lot of things to do like amazing swimming pool with an adult only section, and there are private beach areas that are set up for you to use with chairs and umbrellas" - T Johnson
Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
Address: One Grand Boulevard
37.48 km (23.3 mi) from Gulf State Park
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2. The Lodge at Gulf State Park; Gulf Shores (from USD 279)
This resort is perfect for vacationers who want to stay close to Gulf State Park. It offers a beachfront location in Gulf Shores. From the hotel, guests can walk to Gulf State Park’s Beach Pavilion and Gulf State Park Fishing Pier. The hotel features a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a lounge. It provides rooms with tea- and coffee-making facilities and a flat-screen television.
Guests can enjoy free WiFi access and start their day with a breakfast buffet. I’d certainly check out Foodcraft, the on-site eatery specializing in fresh coastal dishes. A game room is also available at the resort, and activities offered include cycling around the neighborhood and fishing.
- Property highlights: The infinity pool is provided with hammocks, umbrellas, and a poolside bar.
- Nearest beach: The expansive beach is within a short walk from the pool.
- Suggested room/unit: The 1 King 2 Room Gulf Front Balcony Suite has a suite bar, so you can keep the party indoors.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Beautiful place. Right on the beach. Long stretch of beach area, so there is plenty of area to get away from others." - by Google reviewer, James Ward
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
Address: 21196 East Beach Blvd
3.57 km (2.3 mi) from Gulf State Park
3. Perdido Beach Resort; Orange Beach (from USD 170)
Perdido Beach Resort is an ideal choice for those who want to stay close to Orange Beach. It offers guests stunning views of the sea, which can be enjoyed from its common areas. Several shops and attractions are within walking distance from the resort while others can easily be reached by car. Rooms have balconies where you will be treated to views of the sea or town. They are also equipped with free Wi-Fi and coffee- and tea-making facilities.
Guests can choose among four dining facilities available at the resort. Something I’ll certainly do if I stay here is to dine at Voyagers, the on-site restaurant that offers delicious seafood in a fine-dining setup. They can engage in activities, including snorkeling, canoeing, and hiking.
- Property highlights: Aquatic Adventures is an on-site service that offers various perks. They can get you sunscreen, help rent beach equipment, and offer insider tips on the beach life in the area.
- Nearest beach: There's a boardwalk connecting the property to the beach that's right beside the premises.
- Suggested rooms/units: The One Bedroom Suite has a balcony offering amazing views of the beach. If you want to be pampered a bit more, you can go for the Club Suite.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "The real reason we chose Perdido Beach Resort is the huge, private beach. The beach is easy to access and beautiful. We rented chairs/umbrellas every day to stay cool while not in the water. You can check-in with the Aquatic Adventures staff to reserve your spot and they will have you set-up every day when you arrive" - by Google reviewer, Ryan Schreckenghaust
Perdido Beach Resort
Address: 27200 Perdido Beach Boulevard
7.05 km (4.4 mi) from Gulf State Park
4. Holiday Inn Express Orange Beach - On The Beach; Orange Beach (from USD 179)
Great value for beachfront location, but some pricing discrepancies with third-party bookings.
Clean property, comfortable beds, pools, and beach access. Some maintenance issues reported.
Convenient location close to attractions, shopping, and dining. Right on the beach with easy access.
Excellent and varied breakfast, but some mixed reviews on lunch service and breakfast consistency.
Guests who want to stay close to Orange Beach will find this family resort to be a great option, especially if they are planning to go fishing. At this beach resort, guests have access to free parking and beaches around the area.
Guests can walk at the beach, spend time in the pool are, or hang out at the tiki bar nearby. Rooms are equipped with tea- and coffee-making facilities and a microwave. Fresh fruits, hot pancakes, and eggs are served for breakfast daily, and I certainly wouldn’t miss it for anything. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is about 10 minutes away from the hotel by car.
- Property highlights: The pool area is a great spot to unwind, especially with the poolside tiki bar with live music.
- Nearest beach: The beach is just beyond the pool and is accessible via a boardwalk.
- Suggested room/unit: The Beachfront Double Queen is an excellent option as it comes with a balcony that faces the pool and the beach.
Holiday Inn Express Orange Beach, an IHG Hotel
Address: 24700 Perdido Beach Blvd
2.99 km (1.9 mi) from Gulf State Park
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5. Gulf Shores Plantation; Gulf Shores
This beach resort is the perfect choice for those who want to stay near public beaches of Gulf Shores, Gulf State Park Fishing Pier, and Fort Morgan. It also has a private beach where guests can swim and soak up the sun without dealing with large crowds. It features dining facilities, a swimming pool, and a bar. Free access to Wi-Fi is provided, and a fitness center is also available. Rooms come with a kitchen, a private bathroom, and a dining area. Restaurants and shops are nearby.
- Property highlights: The property has a steam room and sauna, so you can enjoy a rejuvenating vacation here.
- Nearest beach: The beach is just a short walk from the pools, and there's a boardwalk leading to the sands.
- Suggested rooms/units: The one-bedroom oceanfront condo would be suitable for a small group or a couple. If you're traveling with a large group, you can opt for the two-bedroom ocean-view condo instead.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "We were on the beach side and our view was INCREDIBLE! The boardwalk and outdoor showers are definitely a bonus. The beach was kept very clean. This place is about 20 minutes from the busy area of gulf shores, but if you want to be on a beautiful beach that's away from the tourist traps this is your place." - by Google reviewer, Duke Ingraham
Gulf Shores Plantation
Address: 497 Plantation Road 1250
24.94 km (15.5 mi) from Gulf State Park
Other accommodations near the beach
6. Sleep Inn on the Beach; Orange Beach (from USD 254)
This beachfront hotel is located along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Along with cozy rooms designed in a contemporary setting, this hotel also offers free WiFi that can be used for both work and leisure. Rooms with a gulf view offer scintillating sights of the pristine waterscape from the balcony.
Guests can savor a complimentary breakfast of waffles, meats, cereals, juices, and coffee every morning of their stay here. Rejuvenate in the outdoor pool with a relaxing swim. Cars can be parked onsite for free without the need for a prior reservation.
The stunning Orange Beach is only a six-minute walk from the hotel and you can spend a fun day with the little ones by the waters while making sandcastles, walking on the warm dunes, and soaking up the sun.
- Property highlights: The sun deck offers spectacular views and might be perfect for you if you want to spend time outdoors without worrying about getting sand everywhere.
- Nearest beach: The beach is just a short walk off the on-site pool.
- Suggested room/unit: 1 King Bed, Gulf View is the perfect option for couples and has a balcony with amazing views of the sea.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Good location. right on the beach and near a lot of shops and restaurants." - by Google reviewer, Kevin Erick
Sleep Inn on the Beach
Address: 25400 Perdido Beach Boulevard
4.14 km (2.6 mi) from Gulf State Park
7. The Island House Hotel a Doubletree by Hilton; Orange Beach (from USD 254)
High room prices, additional charges for breakfast and beach chair rental
Beachfront location, balconies in all rooms, clean pool, Starbucks on-site
Centrally located, steps from the beach, close to other attractions
Delicious cookies at check-in, good on-site restaurant, but pricey and limited options
This 3-star hotel finds itself in the heart of the city and is minutes away from Terry Cove Beach and Orange Beach Waterfront Park.
Exquisite accommodations greet you with modern décor and luxe furnishings. You can unwind on the plush bed and drift off to a peaceful slumber or enjoy a view of the tropical landscape from one of the rooms fitted with a balcony. Start your day with a continental breakfast before you move on to delighting your palate with signature fare and delicious cocktails at the onsite restaurant and bar. Hang out by the poolside on a lounger while nibbling on tasty munchies from the snack bar or dive inside the heated pool for a refreshing swim. For me, the resort seems like the perfect place to try out local dishes!
- Property highlights: Whenever you feel hungry, head over to the Beachside Bistro & Bar. Pool service is available if you just want to relax on your lounger.
- Nearest beach: The beach starts right off from the pool, and boardwalks connect the sands to the property.
- Beach access: Private
- Suggested room/unit: The Penthouse options are the epitome of comfort, and you can opt for the one with a front balcony for better views.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Beach front hotel. Beautiful and clean. Great pool and bar area with hot tub. The beach is not private so to get a good spot you will want to go down early. It is decently clean and life guards patrol the area and they have chairs with umbrellas you can rent. Bring your beach gear back with you. Dont leave it on the beach they take it up each night." - by Google reviewer, Rashan Fulenwider
The Island House Hotel a Doubletree by Hilton
Address: 26650 Perdido Beach Boulevard
6.22 km (3.9 mi) from Gulf State Park
8. Best Western Premier - The Tides; Orange Beach (from USD 226)
Reasonable pricing for great location and amenities, but additional fees for parking and beach chair rentals.
Clean, modern facilities, friendly staff, beach access, pool bar, and complimentary breakfast with a variety of options.
Conveniently located near shops and restaurants, with beautiful beach views and easy access to activities.
Delicious and varied breakfast buffet with indoor and outdoor dining options, but some occasional issues with food quality and service.
Located on Orange Beach, this property features a private beach along the Gulf of Mexico. Guests can enjoy a breakfast of eggs and pancakes every morning of their stay here. Wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pair it with a snack heated up in the microwave before you step out for exploration. Some of the guest suites feature a quirky bunk bed and a gaming system for the kids.
When you do step outside your room, you can rent a bicycle from the hotel for touring around the city. Guests can rejuvenate with a powerful hydromassage in the hot tub or lounge at the nearby beach and work up a nice tan.
- Property highlights: The Grab and Go Deli is a great option when you want to have lunch on the beach.
- Nearest beach: The beach is just beyond the property.
- Suggested rooms/units: The 1 King Bed Beachfront Room option should do great for couples and it offers a balcony with excellent views of the beach. Families can opt for the 1 King Bedroom & Kid’s Bunk Corner Beachfront Suite for convenience.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Easy access to the beach. Chairs and umbrellas available for rental by an outside company but didn't have any trouble using our own stuff. The hotel is located right next door to the public beach access which honestly made it seem less busy than some of the beach areas outside the larger condos and hotels. The beach outside this hotel never seemed over crowded. " - by Google reviewer, David Webster
Best Western Premier - The Tides
Address: 26032 Perdido Beach Boulevard
5.17 km (3.3 mi) from Gulf State Park
Explore beautiful beaches in Alabama
Spending a summer vacation at beach resorts in Alabama will be a dream come true. At a resort, you can take part in fun activities with your family, such as golfing, snorkeling, and fishing. Staying at one of these beach resorts will be an unforgettable vacation for you.
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