Guide to Enjoying Orange Beach Responsibly

R. Ken Cooper • March 22, 2024

Beach Etiquette for Orange Beach Visitors

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.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Share this article w/ Friends...

Judi Bolton Wheat Honored at American Legion Post in Foley

Judi Wheat of Elberta Recognized as American Legion Auxiliary Member of the Year for Alabama

By K. Cooper • July 21, 2026

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — An Elberta woman has been named the American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year for the State of Alabama. Judi Wheat received the honor at a recent district meeting at American Legion Post 99 in Foley. Alabama State American Legion Auxiliary President Carla Biniecki presented the award. Famil

Foley Lowers Irwin Street Speed Limit to Open Road to Low-Speed Vehicles

By Guy Busby • July 21, 2026

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Foley has lowered the speed limit on Irwin Street to improve access for low-speed vehicles. The Foley City Council gave final approval to an ordinance implementing the change. The new limit is 35 miles per hour, down from 40 miles per hour. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the lower limit wi

Orange Beach Funds Sea Turtle Life Support System and Considers PUD Resort Update

By K. Cooper • July 21, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is taking its next step toward environmental preservation. The City Council will vote on a resolution awarding an $84,297.04 bid to Integrated Aqua Systems, Inc., for life-support equipment at the Coastal Alabama Sea Turtle Facility. This project underscores the city's commitm

Things to do on the Gulf Coast this week.

Pick Your Paradise: Seven Days, Seven Ways to Do the Coast

By Jessica A. Taylor • July 20, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Around here, paradise doesn't come with a one-size-fits-all itinerary — and thank goodness for that. One day, you’re chasing treasure with pirates and princesses; the next, you're cruising down Fort Morgan Road with sandy feet and nowhere particularly urgent to be. Add in a whimsical stop

Gulf Shores Considers $604K Christmas Decoration Overhaul To Revitalize Holiday Displays

By K. Cooper • July 20, 2026

Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores plans to revamp its seasonal displays as the city's current holiday decorations rapidly deteriorate due to age, harsh conditions, and storage constraints. Public works officials recommend shifting from a diluted citywide approach to a concentrated, professionally managed design

Foley City Council Eyes Airport Terminal Grant and Airfield Upgrades at Tonight’s Work Session

By K. Cooper • July 20, 2026

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is positioning its municipal airport for growth as city leaders prepare to advance plans for a new terminal building. The infrastructure push is the main topic in the slate of transit, drainage, and community enhancements aimed at reinforcing the city's long-term development stewardship.

Orange Beach Police Cruiser and Marine Police

Nine Injured After Boat Crash On The Intracoastal Waterway In Orange Beach

By OBA Staff • July 19, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A vessel accident near The Wharf Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway sent nine patients to area hospitals Friday evening. Multiple emergency agencies from the region responded to the scene, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is leading ongoing operations.

National Ice Cream Day: Celebrate Summer with a Scoop Along the Coast

By OBA Staff • July 19, 2026

Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — National Ice Cream Day, a celebration of one of America’s favorite desserts, brings a sweet seasonal tradition to the Alabama Gulf Coast, where locals and visitors alike indulge in cool treats to beat the heat. Celebrated annually on the third Sunday in July, this fun and flavorful holiday i

NHC Sets 80% Formation Odds for Gulf System Threatening Northern Coast

By OBA Staff • July 19, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A low-pressure system over the northeastern Gulf of America is organizing and could become a tropical depression by Sunday evening or Monday, the National Hurricane Center said in its 8 a.m. EDT advisory on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The NHC placed the probability of formation at 80 percent wi

Orange Beach Fitness Center To Host Red Cross Blood Drive

By K. Cooper • July 19, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Orange Beach Adult Fitness Center. The drive will be held in the facility’s training room. Donors can give blood, platelets, or AB Elite plasma. Walk-ins are welcome, though scheduled appointments will be honored first.