Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access: A Family-Friendly Gulf Coast Retreat
Enjoy easy access to white-sand beaches, clear waters, and stunning sunsets at this popular Gulf Coast destination in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access, nestled where Highway 182 and Highway 161 meet in Orange Beach, Alabama, offers an inviting slice of the Gulf Coast. With soft, white sands and essential amenities, it's a favored spot for both tourists and locals seeking relaxation and picturesque sunsets.
A brief summary to Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access
- 25900 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama, 36561, US
- +1251-948-7275
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a parking spot, as the lot can fill up quickly.
- Bring your own shade, such as an umbrella or beach tent, as there is limited natural shade available.
- Check the beach flag warning system for current water conditions before entering the Gulf.
- Take advantage of the beach toy exchange boxes located at the boardwalk entrances.
Getting There
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Driving
If driving from central Orange Beach, head east on Perdido Beach Blvd (Highway 182). Continue until you reach the intersection with Highway 161. Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access will be on your right. Parking is available in the adjacent lot. Daily parking rates are $10 for personal vehicles. You can pay with cash or credit card at the parking kiosks. Annual parking decals are also available for $100.
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Walking
If you are staying in one of the nearby condominiums, Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access is likely within walking distance. Head towards the intersection of Perdido Beach Blvd (Highway 182) and Highway 161. The beach access will be located on the southeast corner of the intersection.
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Public Transport
The Coastal Express Route 99 bus services the area around Cotton Bayou. Check the Coastal Express website for the most up-to-date schedule and route information. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.
Discover more about Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cotton Bayou Boat Launch
0.2 km
Discover the tranquil Cotton Bayou Boat Launch in Orange Beach, AL, your gateway to fishing, boating, and serene nature experiences.
Romar Lakes
0.4 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Romar Lakes in Orange Beach, Alabama, a perfect getaway for relaxation and beach adventures.
Orange Beach Water Tower
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant Orange Beach Water Tower, a cultural landmark showcasing local artistry and scenic beauty in Alabama's coastal paradise.
Palm Point Shopping Plaza
0.5 km
Explore Palm Point Shopping Plaza: Your Destination for Unique Shopping and Delicious Dining in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Turquoise Place
0.8 km
Experience luxury and relaxation at Turquoise Place, a premier resort hotel in Orange Beach, Alabama, with stunning views and top-notch amenities.
The Breakers Condominium
0.8 km
Discover the perfect beachfront getaway at The Breakers Condominium in Orange Beach, Alabama, where luxury meets coastal adventure.
Emporium@C - Coastal Gifts & More
0.9 km
Explore the enchanting Emporium@C in Orange Beach for unique coastal gifts and local artisan treasures that capture the essence of the Gulf Coast.
Orange Beach Tattoos
1.0 km
Experience artistry like never before at Orange Beach Tattoos, where your unique story meets skilled craftsmanship in a vibrant seaside setting.
Souvenir City of Orange Beach #2
1.1 km
Explore Souvenir City of Orange Beach for unique gifts that capture the essence of Alabama's Gulf Coast, from local art to beach-themed treasures.
Island House Hotel Orange Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton
1.3 km
Discover luxury and relaxation at Island House Hotel Orange Beach, where stunning Gulf views meet comfort and modern amenities.
Beach Shutters Photography
1.3 km
Experience the magic of Orange Beach through the lens of Beach Shutters Photography, where your moments become timeless works of art.
Tallulah's Treasures
1.4 km
Explore Tallulah's Treasures in Orange Beach, Alabama for unique gifts, local art, and charming souvenirs that embody the spirit of the coast.
Zeke's Landing and Marina
1.4 km
Experience the charm of Zeke's Landing and Marina, where fishing, dining, and coastal events come together in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Cruisin' Tikis Orange Beach
1.4 km
Experience the beauty of Orange Beach from the water with personalized tiki boat tours, perfect for families and friends seeking adventure and relaxation.
Dolphin Cruise Aboard Dolphin Tales
1.4 km
Discover the thrill of dolphin watching on an unforgettable cruise in Orange Beach, Alabama, with Dolphin Cruise Aboard Dolphin Tales.
Unmissable attractions to see
Orange Beach
0.2 km
Discover Orange Beach, Alabama: pristine beaches, family fun, and a vibrant Gulf Coast experience await!
Long Bayou
0.4 km
Discover the serene beauty of Long Bayou in Orange Beach, Alabama, a perfect destination for kayaking, fishing, and nature lovers seeking a tranquil coastal escape.
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail - Cotton Bayou Trailhead
0.4 km
Explore Alabama's Gulf Coast: Hike or bike the scenic, paved trails of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, accessible from Cotton Bayou Trailhead.
Coastal Beach
0.5 km
Experience the sugar-white sands and turquoise waters of Coastal Beach in Orange Beach, Alabama, for the perfect Gulf Coast getaway.
The Backcountry Trail
1.2 km
Explore Alabama's Gulf Coast on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail: a scenic escape for hiking, biking, and nature lovers in Gulf State Park.
Orange Beach History Museum
1.6 km
Explore Orange Beach's past at the History Museum: Native American artifacts, fishing relics, and local memorabilia in a 1910 schoolhouse. Free admission!
Fat Daddy's Arcade
2.2 km
Experience family-friendly fun at Fat Daddy's Arcade in Orange Beach, AL, with 80+ games, awesome prizes, and a lively atmosphere for all ages!
Adventure Island
2.2 km
Experience thrilling rides, classic arcade games, and a five-story erupting volcano at Adventure Island in Orange Beach, Alabama.
SanRoc Cay Marina
2.2 km
Experience coastal charm at SanRoc Cay Marina: boutique shops, diverse dining, live music, and marina adventures on Alabama's Gulf Coast!
Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
2.7 km
Immerse yourself in Gulf Coast culture at this waterfront arts center with galleries, studios, and hands-on creative experiences.
Orange Beach Waterfront Park
2.8 km
Discover a scenic escape on Wolf Bay: fishing, playgrounds, community events, and stunning sunset views await at Orange Beach Waterfront Park.
Alabama Point East
3.1 km
Discover Alabama Point East in Orange Beach: Pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, and endless Gulf Coast adventures await!
Dolphins Down Under
3.4 km
Discover playful dolphins and diverse marine life on a unique glass-bottom boat tour along Alabama's stunning Gulf Coast in Orange Beach.
Orange Beach Welcome Center
3.7 km
Your first stop for exploring Alabama's Gulf Coast: maps, tips, attractions, and local insights for an unforgettable Orange Beach vacation.
Lady in the Marina
4.8 km
Discover the whimsical Lady in the Marina at Barber Marina, a unique roadside attraction on Alabama's Gulf Coast featuring impressive art and waterfront views.
Essential places to dine
Cotton's Restaurant
0.2 km
Discover Cotton's Restaurant in Orange Beach - where fresh seafood meets Southern hospitality in a vibrant coastal setting.
Coastal Orange Beach
0.3 km
Discover Coastal Orange Beach: A unique blend of dining, bar vibes, and beach shopping in Alabama's scenic paradise.
Carver's Steakhouse
0.5 km
Discover culinary excellence at Carver's Steakhouse in Orange Beach, where prime steaks meet fresh seafood in an inviting atmosphere.
Chronic Tacos
0.5 km
Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Chronic Tacos in Orange Beach - where flavor meets fun in every bite!
Rotolo's Pizzeria
0.6 km
Discover the ultimate pizza experience at Rotolo's Pizzeria in Orange Beach—where fresh ingredients meet innovative flavors.
Angry Crab Shack
0.7 km
Experience authentic Cajun seafood at Angry Crab Shack in Orange Beach – where every bite transports you to the Gulf Coast.
Ristorante Carmelo
0.7 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Carmelo in Orange Beach - where every dish tells a story.
Moe's Original BBQ - Orange Beach
0.8 km
Experience the best of Southern barbecue at Moe's Original BBQ in Orange Beach - where flavor meets fun!
Change of Pace at Turquoise Place (Turquoise Place Guests Only)
0.9 km
Discover exquisite coastal dining at Change of Pace - where relaxation meets culinary delight in Orange Beach.
Stephi Cocktails & Cuisine
1.2 km
Experience the ultimate blend of fresh seafood and Asian-inspired cuisine at Stephi Cocktails & Cuisine in Orange Beach.
Shrimp Basket
1.4 km
Discover fresh seafood delights at Shrimp Basket in Orange Beach – where Southern flavors meet coastal charm for an unforgettable dining experience.
Waffle House
1.4 km
Discover Southern charm at Waffle House in Orange Beach – where delicious breakfasts meet warm hospitality any time of day.
Zeke's Restaurant
1.4 km
Discover Zeke's Restaurant in Orange Beach – where fresh seafood meets stunning Gulf views for an unforgettable dining experience.
Voyagers
2.1 km
Experience unparalleled seafood dining at Voyagers in Orange Beach - where exquisite flavors meet breathtaking ocean views.
Latitude 30
2.1 km
Discover Latitude 30 in Orange Beach - where American flavors meet family-friendly dining in a vibrant coastal setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Coastal Clothing Co.
0.4 km
Discover the ultimate beach clothing and unique souvenirs at Coastal Clothing Co. in Orange Beach, Alabama, where every piece tells a story.
The Orange Beach Store
0.4 km
Discover the perfect beach attire and unique souvenirs at The Orange Beach Store, where local charm meets vibrant coastal fashion.
Mr. Action Toys and Collectibles
0.7 km
Explore a collector's paradise at Mr. Action Toys and Collectibles in Orange Beach, AL, offering a vast selection of action figures and vintage toys.
The Salty Palm
0.7 km
Explore the best of coastal shopping at The Salty Palm, a boutique filled with unique treasures inspired by beach life in Orange Beach.
The Beach Store
0.7 km
Discover unique beachwear and local souvenirs at The Beach Store, your go-to gift shop in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Abide Boutique
0.7 km
Explore Abide Boutique in Orange Beach for unique women's fashion, trendy accessories, and stylish footwear that capture the coastal spirit.
Zavros’s Boutique
0.9 km
Explore Zavros's Boutique for a unique shopping experience in Orange Beach, Alabama, offering stylish women's clothing and accessories to elevate your wardrobe.
Cabana 8 at Turquoise Place
0.9 km
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St Charles Place
1.1 km
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Norasheen Inc.
1.1 km
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Salt Mercantile
1.3 km
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Surf Style
1.7 km
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Trading Co.Orange Beach
1.7 km
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Beauty And The Beach Boutique
2.2 km
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Wonder 251
2.2 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hurricane Grill & Wings-Orange Beach
0.6 km
Experience the ultimate American dining at Hurricane Grill & Wings in Orange Beach, where delicious wings meet a vibrant sports bar atmosphere.
Waterfront Bar
2.6 km
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Live Bait Night Club
2.7 km
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The Tiki
4.1 km
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The Port
5.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Port in Orange Beach, Alabama - the perfect bar for relaxation and socializing.
Island Time Daiquiris & Pizza at The Wharf
5.2 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of Island Time Daiquiris & Pizza, where mouthwatering meals and refreshing drinks create the perfect beachside experience.
San Bar at the wharf
5.2 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and live music at San Bar at the Wharf, the ultimate bar and grill in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Pour Smart Bar
5.3 km
Discover Pour Smart Bar in Orange Beach, AL, where delightful drinks and a lively atmosphere await you at this coastal gem.
Red Or White at The Wharf
5.3 km
Experience the art of wine at Red Or White, where local flavors meet an exquisite selection in the heart of Orange Beach.
Sandshaker at the wharf
5.3 km
Discover the lively Sandshaker at the Wharf, a premier bar in Orange Beach offering delicious drinks, live music, and stunning waterfront views.
8 Reale OBAL
5.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at 8 Reale OBAL in Orange Beach, where refreshing drinks and a lively atmosphere await every tourist.
Flora-Bama
6.3 km
Discover Flora-Bama: A lively bar and live music venue on Perdido Key, where great food, vibrant atmosphere, and unforgettable experiences await.
Roasted Oak
8.1 km
Discover Roasted Oak, a delightful bar and coffee shop in Gulf Shores, offering exquisite drinks and stunning views in Gulf State Park.
Big Beach Brewing
9.7 km
Explore the craft of local brewing at Big Beach Brewing in Gulf Shores, where every sip tells a story of passion, quality, and community spirit.
The Galway Irish Public House
9.7 km
Discover the heart of Ireland in Gulf Shores at The Galway Irish Public House, a cozy pub with delicious food, drinks, and live entertainment.
