Leave Only Footprints
We know you love our beach!
Each of us is responsible for protection and preserving it, and the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach strive to provide a safe, clean, family-friendly environment for everyone visiting. To help you do your part, here are some tips for enjoying our coast responsibly, along with some rules, regulations and resources.
Beach Rules & Regulations
The following are regulated by local, state or federal laws or ordinances that are enforced on our beaches. Enjoying our coastline responsibly ensures a more positive experience for you and helps ensure the sefaty of all our visitors and the sustainability of our natural resources.
Call 251-961-TIDE (8433) or 251-981-SURF (7873) for current surf conditions.
After structures or equipment left on the beach an hour after sunset will be removed and disposed of by beach patrol (except for permitted beach services).
Individual lodging properties and land owners may allow tents and shelters in designated areas during the day. Learn the rules for your strech of beach.
These items are not allowed on our beaches:
x Glass container
x Metal shovels or excessive digging
x Litter
x Tents or structures larger then 12′ X 12′
x Overnight camping
x Fireworks
x Loud Music
x Fires
x Pets
x Vehicles
Keep of the dunes. Staying off the dunes will help us to preserve our dune system and the habitat it provides. Use beach walkovers and boardwalks where provided.
Observe and obey the Beach Warning Flag System. (See bellow.) Double red flags mean the waters are closed for your safety.
Be respectful of private property bayond the bounds of your lodging property.
Beach Warning Flag System
Low Hazard
Calm Conditions,
Exercise Caution
Medium Hazard
Moderate Surf and/or Currents
Dangerous Marine
Life
High Hazard
High Surf and/or Strong Currents
Water Closed to the
Public
For more sustainability resources, information on updated city rules and regulations and the latest from www.cleanisland.org. Leave only footprints!
When visiting the white sand beaches of the Gulf Shores, Alabama region, it’s important to make sure to follow the rules. These rules and regulations are in place to protect the beach for future generations. They ensure that the beaches remain beautiful and safe and protect our variety of wildlife that call our paradise home. When staying in one of our vacation rentals, we request that you follow the rules. This includes:
- Don’t leave structures or equipment on the beach overnight. The city will remove all items without the option of return.
- Check with your property rules regarding leaving tents and shelters in designated areas during the day.
- Don’t bring prohibited items on the beach. These include but are not limited to: glass containers, litter, overnight camping, pets, fires and fireworks.
- Stay off the dunes. This helps protect these natural habitats.
- Learn and obey the beach warning flag system. This is for your protection.
- Always be respectful of private property.
By following these rules and respecting our beach areas, we can all ensure they will be around for generations to come. Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy yourself!
