Guide to Enjoying Orange Beach Responsibly

R. Ken Cooper • March 22, 2024

Beach Etiquette for Orange Beach Visitors

Cotton Bayou Beach

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – As the summer season approaches, residents and visitors alike to Orange Beach need to remember the importance of preserving the natural beauty and safety of our beaches. Orange Beach has put out the beach rules as a reminder. These rules are designed not only to protect our unique coastal ecosystem but also to help ensure that everyone has a safe and pleasant experience. Whether you're planning a serene day under the sun, a leisurely stroll along the shore, or a boating experience, familiarizing yourself with the beach regulations is a step toward responsible and respectful beach usage. 


Let's all contribute to making our beaches a welcoming and pristine environment for generations to come.


1. Are fireworks and/or bonfires allowed on the beach?

Open flames of any kind are strictly prohibited by City Ordinance.


2. Are tents allowed on the beach?

Tents and sunshades are allowed north of the Mean High Tide Line as represented by posted signage.


3. Are vehicles allowed on the beach?

Only authorized government vehicles and beach maintenance vehicles are allowed on the beach.


4. Can I launch a jet ski from the beach?

Beaching or launching personal watercraft from Gulf beaches is prohibited by City Ordinance.


5. Can I take my dog to the beach?

For health and wildlife disturbance reasons, dogs are not allowed on Gulf Beaches. As an alternative, Unleashed in Orange Beach, our community dog park, or The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby in the Gulf State Park both offer you a great place to enjoy with your companion. Learn more information on the Unleashed Dog Park page.


6. Is alcohol allowed on the beach?

Drinking alcohol is allowed on the beach but glass containers are strictly prohibited.


7. Is fishing allowed on the beach?

Fishing is allowed on the beach but chumming and/or shark fishing is prohibited.


8. Is metal detecting allowed on the beach?

Metal detecting is allowed on the beach but the City respectfully requests that holes be returned to natural grade following the investigation.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Community Spirit Shines As Orange Beach Marks 250 Years Of America
By OBA Staff March 29, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach has been officially recognized as an Alabama Semiquincentennial City. The certification is issued by the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission and the American Village as part of the America 250 Alabama Initiative. Orange Beach Elementary and Orange Beach Middle
ALDOT Prepares To Open Two Lanes On New Baldwin County Bridge
By OBA Staff March 29, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Construction on the new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge in Baldwin County is moving forward as the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) reaches another milestone. Progress on the project has been steady, and officials say drivers will soon notice a significant change. Two lanes of traf
Gale Force Winds and Low Humidity Boost Fire Threat
By OBA Staff March 28, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a Red Flag Warning for our area today, Saturday, indicating critical fire weather conditions across the region. Forecasters expect dry air and gusty northeast winds that could quickly spread any fire. Officials are reminding residents that
Waterway Village Pedestrian Bridge Project Shows Steady Progress
By OBA Staff March 28, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Crews in Gulf Shores are finishing March with steady progress on the Waterway Village Pedestrian Bridge project. Construction continues in several areas, including the roadway, bridge structure, and elevator towers. City officials say the work remains on schedule, bringing the bridge closer
Foley Family Desperate After Funeral Home Fails To Deliver Headstone
By Erica Thomas March 27, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A family with a loved one buried at Pine Rest Cemetery in Foley is looking for answers after they say they haven’t received a headstone more than two years after they paid for it. As reported in Foley News, the funeral home's management has yet to respond despite several requests.
Easter Events Fill the Calendar Along the Alabama Gulf Coast
By OBA Staff March 27, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Families along the Alabama Gulf Coast have many ways to celebrate the Easter holiday this year. Egg hunts, brunches, church services, and photo opportunities are available at various locations. Many events are free and designed for children. The celebrations last from late March through Eas
NOAA Rolls Out Major Hurricane Forecast Upgrades Ahead Of 2026 Season
By OBA Staff March 27, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — NOAA's National Hurricane Center is implementing major updates to how it communicates storm threats ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. The agency is introducing an improved forecast cone graphic. Officials say these improvements are meant to help more people understand and prepare for dang
Alabama Launches New GOMESA Grant Cycle for Coastal Protection Projects
By OBA Staff March 26, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The State of Alabama is seeking project ideas for a federal grant program related to Gulf oil and gas revenue called GOMESA. The state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is managing it, and the State Lands Division will collect and review all project proposals.
Woman Stabbed With a Screwdriver Leads To Foley Man’s Arrest
By OBA Staff March 26, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Officers in Foley responded Wednesday afternoon to a violent domestic incident that ended in a brief standoff and an arrest. Police say a woman was stabbed with a screwdriver on Dailey Lane, prompting an emergency call around 2 p.m. Responding officers began searching for the suspect, identified a
Gulf State Park Fire on March 24, 2026.
By OBA Staff March 26, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — A brush fire at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores prompted numerous first responders from around Baldwin County to scramble on Tuesday. The fire spread quickly, causing road closures and the evacuation of businesses in the area. Crews worked both on the ground and from the air to control it.
Show More