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...

Rendering of Foley's Indoor Aquatics Center
By Guy Busby June 20, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is moving forward with plans to build a new indoor Aquatics Center at Max Griffin Park. The facility will be on West Roosevelt Avenue, near the site of the city's existing outdoor swimming pool. That outdoor pool has served Foley residents since 1953. The new center is designed to provide l
Two Books by Author Tyler Smith
By R. Peevy June 20, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — When you picture Gulf Shores, Alabama, you might think of white sand, turquoise water, and a relaxed pace of life. But for local author Tyler Smith, the coast serves as the quiet backdrop for some intense literary action. Smith, who has made a name for himself as a writer of gripping politi
Happy Father's Day 2026
By OBA Staff June 20, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Father's Day arrives this Sunday, a holiday less about commercialism and more about acknowledging the figures who have shaped our moral and ethical foundations. Known for imparting both professional expertise and the resilience needed to overcome life's hurdles, fathers play a crucial role
Health Advisory for Some Area Fish
By OBA Staff June 19, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued its updated guide to eating fish. The state regularly monitors chemical buildup in local waterways to keep the public safe. This new guide helps anglers determine which fish are safe to eat. Recreational activities such as swimming and boa
Strawberry Moon Paddle on Wolf Bay
By OBA Staff June 19, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach is hosting a full-moon paddle on Wolf Bay once again. The public is invited to enjoy an evening of paddling and relaxation under the night sky. The Wind and Water Learning Center is organizing the event. Attendees can bring their own boats or rent gear at the Learn
Gag Grouper - Photo from Gulf Council
By OBA Staff June 19, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — NOAA Fisheries is imposing new limits on the Gulf’s Other Shallow-Water Grouper complex and establishing a fixed recreational closure for part of the year. The rule affects scamp, yellowmouth grouper, black grouper, and yellowfin grouper. Officials say it is intended to slow harvest and pr
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Update
By OBA Staff June 18, 2026
Fort Morgan, Ala. — (OBA) — A father died after a water rescue in Fort Morgan, where he tried to save his son in the Gulf. Emergency crews swiftly responded to reports of swimmers in distress and worked diligently to bring both individuals back to shore. Once they reached land, life-saving efforts commenced immediatel
Boardwalk on Twin Bridges Trail
By OBA Staff June 18, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — As Orange Beach grows, it is leaning into ecotourism, focusing on protecting the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and surrounding habitats. The effort integrates conservation, education, and visitor access in a way that fits the area’s changing needs.
National Weather Service office in Mobile issued a Flood Watch that runs through 7 PM Friday.
By OBA Staff June 18, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County officials are sounding the alarm as dangerous weather moves into the region. The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur are expected to bring heavy rain, flooding, and rough seas. The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency urges residents and visitors to take this threat seri
Deepsea Fishing on Annie Girl Charters
By OBA Staff June 18, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach sits on some of the Gulf Coast's best fishing waters, and this week offers a fitting reason to take advantage of them. National Go Fishing Day comes around once a year, encouraging people to drop a line in the nearest body of water. The day champions fishing as a relaxing, acc
Show More