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...

Wyland Photo - Orange County Register
By OBA Staff June 17, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — World-renowned marine artist Wyland is set to visit Gulf Shores this week to unveil a new large-scale public art installation at Surf Style, at the corner of Highway 59 and Beach Boulevard. The visit comes just weeks after national headlines reported the destruction of one of his iconic Wha
Hurricane Preparedness Expo in Gulf Shores
By OBA Staff June 17, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Gulf Shores is preparing to host its annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo to help residents prepare for storm season. The event will bring together local agencies, vendors, and city departments. The program is designed to provide helpful information about hurricane preparedness in
Foley Planning Commission Meeting on Wednesday
By John Mullen June 17, 2026
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – It’s a big piece of property. At one of the busiest intersections in South Baldwin County. And it’ll be a big topic of conversation at the next meeting of the Foley Planning Commission as developers move forward with plans for the parcel, which include four requests.
Last Mango Bar & Chill in Orange Beach
By R. Ken Cooper June 17, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The name "Last Mango" traces back to one of Jimmy Buffett's most iconic albums, Last Mango in Paris, released in 1985. Buffett, who grew up in Mobile and spent childhood summers along the Alabama Gulf Coast, built a global brand around the coastal lifestyle those early years inspired. That
World Sea Turtle Day
By R. Ken Cooper June 16, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — World Sea Turtle Day is a global observance that raises awareness of the threats sea turtles face. According to Rachael Holdsworth of the Share the Beach group, three species nest along Alabama's Gulf Coast: the Loggerhead, the Green Sea Turtle, and the Kemp's Ridley. Seven species of sea t
Orange Beach City Hall
By John Mullen June 16, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – It’ll be somewhat of a procedural start to the biweekly meeting of the Orange Beach City Council that could end in the appointment of a new council member. In the upcoming regular session, councilors will have two resolutions to consider, one to declare Jerry Johnson’s seat vacant and a sec
Sargassum on the Beach looking east in Perdido Key. Photo by Laura Collins
By R. Ken Cooper June 16, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Every spring, a brown wave of seaweed begins moving toward the Gulf Coast and Atlantic beaches. It smells like rotten eggs, piles up on the sand, and leaves tourists frustrated. But scientists and conservationists say sargassum is more complicated than it appears. There's a reason some peo
Your Guide to Things To Do This Week on the Gulf Coast
By Jessica A. Taylor June 15, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Summer is officially settling in along the Alabama Gulf Coast, and this week’s lineup shows there are many ways to enjoy it. Whether you're creating mosaic artworks, learning about local wildlife, enjoying a midweek coffee break, stockpiling for a backyard feast, testing your luck in a fis
Foley City Hall
By John Mullen June 15, 2026
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley looks to begin the journey to a new senior center as it considers hiring a firm for the construction design, engineering, and inspection at an upcoming council meeting. The city is looking for plans to be developed from June to December, with the goal of receiving bids in early 2027 and open
Gulf Shores City Hall
By John Mullen June 15, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores is seeking a grant to help the city celebrate the America250 Alabama Initiative. The state money would be for “community programming and historical engagement” to help celebrate the Declaration of Independence’s 1776 enactment.
Show More