Orange Beach, Alabama, is in the state's southern region and offers tourists access to swimming activities in the Gulf of Mexico. While many tourists hit the beaches on the Gulf, Orange Beach is also within 10 minutes of beaches on Wolf Bay and Cotton Bayou. The beachfront parks on these bodies of water feature walking paths, picnicking facilities and fishing piers. Free parking is available at some Orange Beach beaches, such as Waterfront Park and Cotton Bayou.
Located on Wolf Bay, Waterfront Park is in Orange Beach and is adjacent to the Orange Beach Art Center on Canal Road. This beachfront park features picnicking facilities, walking paths and a 400-foot fishing pier on Wolf Bay. The park's seven picnicking facilities are gazebo settings and include picnic tables. Light poles are next to the walking path for strolls in the evening. The fishing pier has two gazebos, which offers shade from the sun or shelter from rain. The park also has a playground for children and manicured gardens. Waterfront Park is open year-round.
Romar Beach is on Alabama State Highway 59, less than 10 minutes from Orange Beach's town center. This sandy beach is on the Gulf of Mexico and is open to the public throughout the year. Romar Beach also features vacation homes and rentals, including Romar House Condominiums. As of fall 2010, this beach does not have any public restrooms or shower facilities, but port-o-lets are available. Parking is free, but it the beach's parking lot only has a limited number of spaces.
Situated in southern Orange Beach, Cotton Bayou Beach is on the shores of Cotton Bayou, a waterway between the Alabama mainland and Perdido Beach peninsula. This beachfront area is part of Gulf State Park. Cotton Bayou Beach is less than 10 minutes from the shops and restaurants in Orange Beach's town center. The beach is open to the public and offers public restrooms and outdoor showers. Cotton Bayou beach is also home to Romar Marina, which features facilities for fishing and boating activities. Romar Marina is on the eastern end of Cotton Bayou.
Gulf Shores Public Beach, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is in Gulf Shores, Alabama, within less than 15 minutes of Orange Beach. This beach is open to the public year-round and features beach volleyball courts and picnicking areas. Gulf Shores Public Beach also has three covered pavilions for group gatherings. Lifeguard services are available at this beach. The beach provides parking for an additional fee, which allows visitors to park all day. Glass is not allowed on the beach. Public restrooms and outdoor showers are available. The beach is within walking distance of restaurants and shops on West Beach Boulevard.
