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Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access: A Coastal Haven

Discover Alabama's Gulf Coast at Cotton Bayou Public Beach: pristine sands, warm waters, and family-friendly fun in Orange Beach.

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Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access, nestled in Orange Beach within Gulf State Park, offers an inviting escape to Alabama's Gulf Coast. Known for its pristine white sands and warm waters, it's a favorite for swimming, sunbathing, and family outings [9, 13]. With convenient amenities and nearby attractions, it's an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation [8, 9].

A brief summary to Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a parking spot, as the lot can fill up quickly [5].
  • Bring your own shade, such as an umbrella or beach tent, as there is no natural shade on the beach [1].
  • Take advantage of the beach toy exchange boxes to share and reuse toys [1, 9].
  • Check the beach flag warning system for current water conditions and safety information [2, 3, 13].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From the intersection of AL-59 and Perdido Beach Blvd (Highway 182) in Orange Beach, head east on Perdido Beach Blvd for approximately 6.8 miles. Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access will be on your right, at the intersection of Highway 182 and Highway 161. Parking is available in the adjacent lot. Parking fee is $10 per day [3]. Alternatively, an annual parking pass can be purchased for $100 [3].

  • Ride-Sharing

    From The Wharf in Orange Beach, a ride-sharing service to Cotton Bayou Beach will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between $15 and $25. Be sure to confirm the fare and destination with your driver before starting your trip.

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Discover more about Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access

Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access is a charming coastal spot located in Orange Beach, Alabama, within the expansive Gulf State Park [6, 9, 12]. Situated at the intersection of Perdido Beach Boulevard (Highway 182) and Orange Beach Boulevard (Highway 161), it provides easy access to the Gulf of Mexico's beautiful shoreline [9]. This beach is known for its clean, soft, white sand and inviting turquoise waters, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles [5, 9]. Gentle waves make it a safe and enjoyable place for families with children [9]. Two boardwalks lead from the parking area over the dunes to the beach, with the left access offering a ramp for those needing accessible entry [1, 9]. Cotton Bayou provides essential amenities such as restrooms and outdoor showers for rinsing off after a swim [6, 9, 12]. An ADA-accessible beach mat extends towards the water, ensuring everyone can enjoy the Gulf's beauty [2, 9, 4]. Visitors can also take advantage of the beach toy exchange boxes located at both entrances [1, 9]. Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed on the beach [1, 5]. While Cotton Bayou itself doesn't have shade, visitors are welcome to bring umbrellas or beach tents, keeping in mind that tents and canopies can't be placed south of the marker posts [1]. The beach is conveniently located near various attractions, including The Wharf, Gulf State Park's extensive trail system, and the Gulf State Park Pier [1, 8, 9].

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