Cotton Bayou Beach
A beautiful, accessible beach within Gulf State Park, offering pristine sands, convenient amenities, and stunning Gulf views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Cotton Bayou Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, accessible beach within Gulf State Park, offering pristine sands, convenient amenities, and stunning Gulf views.
"This place is a hidden gem—easy to miss if you’re not looking, but totally worth the detour."
Check Beach Flags Daily
Always check the flag status for rip currents & marine life before swimming. :warning:
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is $10/day. Arrive early, especially on weekends, for the best spots. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine White Sands
Cotton Bayou Beach
Enjoy miles of soft, white sand perfect for sunbathing, long walks, and building sandcastles.
Gulf State Park Access
Cotton Bayou Beach Access
Conveniently located within Gulf State Park, offering managed facilities and natural beauty.
Accessibility Mats
Cotton Bayou Beach Access
New mats make it easier for everyone to access the beach, enhancing the visitor experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Flag Safety
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Beach Flags Daily
Always check the flag status for rip currents & marine life before swimming. :warning:
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is $10/day. Arrive early, especially on weekends, for the best spots. :car:
Jellyfish Alert
Be aware of jellyfish, especially in warmer months. They can sting! :stinger: +1
Rinse Off Sand
Use the outdoor showers to rinse off sand before heading back to your car. :shower:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Beach Flags Daily
Always check the flag status for rip currents & marine life before swimming. :warning:
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is $10/day. Arrive early, especially on weekends, for the best spots. :car:
Jellyfish Alert
Be aware of jellyfish, especially in warmer months. They can sting! :stinger: +1
Rinse Off Sand
Use the outdoor showers to rinse off sand before heading back to your car. :shower:
Pack Sun Protection
High UV index means you need sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love Cotton Bayou Beach for its beautiful white sands, clean facilities, and convenient access within Gulf State Park. The addition of accessibility mats is a welcome feature. However, some find the $10 daily parking fee steep for short visits, and jellyfish can be a concern during certain times of the year, impacting swimming conditions.
"Loved the beach! Parking was great and only cost $10 for the day. Restrooms were decent and outdoor showers helpful to wash off sand before leaving. The beach wasn't too crowded and the water was beautiful. The temp was approx 75 and the water was cool, but nice. Hard to believe just a couple weeks ago it was actually snowing here. Can't wait to go again!!!"
Amy Torres
"I recently visited Cotton Bayou Beach Access during a quick stop in Orange Beach, and I’m thrilled I did! This place is a hidden gem—easy to miss if you’re not looking, but totally worth the detour.
Parking was surprisingly easy (free when I went), with plenty of spots considering how close it is to the water. The access path is short and well-maintained, making it super easy to bring beach gear or just go barefoot straight to the sand.
The beach itself? Absolutely stunning. Clean white sand, warm Gulf water, and not too crowded even during peak hours. There were showers and restrooms nearby—basic, but functional—and everything felt safe and family-friendly.
What I loved the most was how relaxed and chill the vibe was. No giant resorts towering overhead or packed commercial boardwalks—just pure beach bliss. Perfect for a stroll, a dip in the water, or just to relax and watch the sunset.
If you’re in the Orange Beach area and looking for easy, hassle-free beach time, Cotton Bayou is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in town!
."
Piotr Lesniewicz
"Beautiful but way too many jellyfish no one was able to swim unless willing to get stung. Lots of stings for the little ones. Sadly it’s not a good time to swim but beautiful chill vibe!"
Carrol Hanna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cotton Bayou Beach is located in Orange Beach, Alabama, and is managed by Gulf State Park. It's accessible via Beach Boulevard, with clear signage for the beach access points. Many visitors find it easy to locate and access directly from the main road. +1
Yes, Cotton Bayou Beach Access is generally easy to find, situated along Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach. Look for the designated signs for the park access. +1
There is a paved parking lot at Cotton Bayou Beach Access. The parking fee is a flat $10 for the entire day.
Public transportation options directly to Cotton Bayou Beach are limited. It's best to drive or use ride-sharing services to reach the access point.
Yes, some condos like Cotton Bayou 6B are just a short walk to the beach, making it very convenient for guests.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While Cotton Bayou Beach is within Gulf State Park, the primary fee is for parking, which is $10 for the day. There isn't a separate entrance fee for the beach itself.
Cotton Bayou Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. As it's part of Gulf State Park, it follows park hours, typically from sunrise to sunset.
No, advance ticket booking is not required for Cotton Bayou Beach. You pay the daily parking fee upon arrival.
Beach access can be restricted during beach restoration projects. Always check local updates, as access points may be temporarily blocked.
The parking fee at Cotton Bayou Beach is a flat rate of $10 for the entire day.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Cotton Bayou Beach offers restrooms, outdoor showers for rinsing off sand, and boardwalks for easier access. Some reviews mention food trucks in the parking lot.
Yes, lifeguards are typically present on the beach, especially during peak seasons, to ensure visitor safety.
The Gulf water is generally warm and beautiful, though conditions can vary. Be aware of rip current warnings and jellyfish presence, especially in summer. +2
Yes, Cotton Bayou Beach is considered family-friendly with its clean sand, relatively calm waters (when flags permit), and amenities like restrooms and showers.
New accessibility mats have been added at Cotton Bayou Beach access points, making it easier for individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy the beach.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly on Cotton Bayou Beach. However, some visitors have noted food trucks in the parking lot. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores offer numerous dining options nearby.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to Cotton Bayou Beach. Pack a cooler with snacks and beverages for a full day of enjoyment.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are renowned for their fresh seafood. Explore local restaurants along the coast for delicious catches of the day.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour providing stunning colors for beach scenes and sunsets.
The expansive white sand beaches, the turquoise Gulf waters, and the boardwalks leading to the shore are all picturesque. Sunsets here are particularly stunning.
Drone usage may be restricted within Gulf State Park. Always check park regulations and local FAA guidelines before flying a drone.
Expect to capture beautiful coastal landscapes, beachgoers enjoying the sun and surf, and stunning sunrise and sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico.
The 'snow on the beach' phenomenon, where sand blows into the water, can create unique photographic moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
Capture the expansive white sands, the vibrant turquoise waters, and the unique coastal landscapes. Keep an eye out for interesting natural phenomena like sand blowing into the water, which can create dramatic shots. Remember to check park regulations regarding drone usage if you plan to capture aerial views. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Beach Safety Flags
+1Yellow flags signify a medium hazard, with moderate surf and currents. Visitors are advised to swim with caution.
+2 Purple flags are often flown in conjunction with other colors and warn of dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish or stingrays. Navigating Parking and Access
To ensure you get a spot, especially during peak season or on weekends, it's highly recommended to arrive early in the morning.
Best Times for a Peaceful Visit
Late afternoons can also be a great time to visit, especially during the warmer months. The intense midday sun begins to wane, and the temperature becomes more comfortable, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or enjoying the start of the sunset.
The fall season is particularly appealing, with pleasant weather and a noticeable decrease in jellyfish activity, making it a prime time for swimming and enjoying the Gulf waters without worry. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit