The beach line of Sunny Cove stretches along the west bank of Mobile Bay. Most of the area of this beach, which faces the bay rather than the Gulf of Mexico, is privately owned and can only be accessed by private property. For wider ocean views and public access, go south on Alabama Highway 193 across the Dauphin Island Bridge.
Dauphin Island offers more than 10 miles of white sand beach with public access. There are numerous hotels and restaurants on the island as well as a golf course and a grocery. Dauphin Island is a smaller and quieter alternative to Gulf Shores to the east. To reach the public beach area, turn right on Bienville Avenue from Alabama Highway 193 and follow the signs for public beach parking. Several condominiums on the island rent by the week.
Across the bay from Dauphin Island is Fort Morgan, a shorter stretch of beach which lies on the tip of a peninsula that extends from the east bank of the Mobile Bay. The beach at Fort Morgan is also accessible to the public. Though the area offers fewer accommodations, many travelers make day trips to the area to visit the Fort Morgan State Historic Site, a large fort made of brick which was the site of the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. To reach Fort Morgan, take the ferry from the east end of Dauphin Island, or take Alabama Highway 180 from Gulf Shores.
Less than 10 miles from the Florida state line, Gulf Shores attracts more visitors than Dauphin Island and offers more accommodations. Visitors will find nature parks, a fishing pier, a golf course, tennis courts, and many shops and restaurants. Gulf Shores offers more activity and recreation than other beaches in Alabama, but does not share their quiet, laid-back character. To reach Gulf Shores, drive south on Alabama Highway 59 from Interstate 10 for 30 miles.
