While Foley, Alabama, doesn’t have its own beach, it’s located roughly a half-hour from both Orange Beach (19 miles away) and Gulf Shores (under 15 miles away)—two of Alabama’s top beaches. This means easy drives to the white-sand shores and sparkling emerald waters of the Gulf Coast. And when you take an RV trip to Unhitched Foley RV Resort, your beach days can be followed by relaxing evenings at a fully equipped (and well-stocked) home base, all without the premium cost or potential congestion of oceanfront lodging.
Here’s our guide to the best beaches near Foley, Alabama, which include Gulf Shores Public Beach, Orange Beach, Perdido Key Beach, Fort Morgan Beach, and Dauphin Island Beach.
Top 5 Best Beaches Near Foley, Alabama
1. Gulf Shores Public Beach
Distance from Unhitched Foley: 14.6 miles (view directions; approx. 35-minute drive, allow extra time in peak season)
Highlights
This is the quintessential and most popular Gulf Shores–area beach experience, known for its vibrant energy, soft, sugar-white sands, clear waters, and plenty of amenities. Gulf Shores is consistently ranked as the prettiest beach in Alabama (though it’s often challenged for this honor by its neighbor Orange Beach). Gulf Shores is also widely regarded as the best Foley-area beach for bars, with popular spots like The Hangout, The Pink Pony Pub, and High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas all located within easy walking distance.
Things To Do at Gulf Shores Public Beach
- Relax on the soft, sugar-white sands or swim in the clear, warm Gulf waters.
- Grab a drink or bite to eat at iconic spots like The Hangout, The Pink Pony Pub, or High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas—all located just steps from the sand.
- Catch a live music show or seasonal event, especially at The Hangout, which regularly hosts concerts, festivals, and beach games.
- Join a game of beach volleyball at one of the public nets, or bring your own gear for casual fun with friends or family.
- Book a guided water activity like parasailing, banana boat rides, or a jet ski rental, available through nearby vendors.
- Watch the sunset during a beach picnic, or toast the end of the day with a frozen drink from a local beach bar.
What To Pack
Sunscreen, beach chairs, umbrellas, snacks, beach towels, and your favorite beach games
Facilities
Public restrooms and beach rinse showers are available on-site. Open-air pavilions offer shaded spots for picnics.
Parking
Paid parking is available near the main beach access points.
2. Orange Beach
Distance from Unhitched Foley: Just under 19 miles (view directions; approx. 35-minute drive)
Highlights
If you’re looking for a beach with a little more space to spread out, Orange Beach is a fantastic option—and it’s considered by many to be the best beach near Foley, Alabama, for families. Known for its soft, white sands, clear Gulf waters, and scenic coastal dunes, this beach offers a relaxed atmosphere without the heavy crowds of Gulf Shores. Nearby Gulf State Park also offers extensive trails and scenic coastal views.
Things To Do at Orange Beach
- Swim in the warm Gulf waters or sunbathe on the shore.
- Ride the waves with a boogie board or skimboard (available for rent nearby).
- Take a dolphin cruise from a nearby marina.
- Try water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, or paddleboarding for a more active beach day.
- Explore the hiking and biking trails within Gulf State Park.
- Grab a bite at numerous nearby restaurants. Options abound at The Wharf; we recommend Ginny Lane Bar & Grill, Mile Marker 158 Dockside, and YoHo Rum & Tacos. Or, enjoy waterfront dining at Cobalt the Restaurant, Tacky Jacks Orange Beach, The Gulf, or Zeke’s Restaurant.
What To Pack
Swimsuits and towels, boogie boards or skimboards, beach tent or umbrella, beach chairs, cooler with snacks and drinks, sunscreen, and your favorite beach games
Facilities
Orange Beach offers convenient public restrooms near main beach access points managed by Gulf State Park, such as Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access and Alabama Point East.
Parking
Parking is plentiful but requires payment at kiosks at Gulf State Park accesses (Cotton Bayou, Alabama Point, Romar Beach).
3. Perdido Key Beach (Florida)
Distance from Unhitched Foley: 27.7 miles (view directions; approx. 42-minute drive)
Highlights
A quieter option among the best beaches near Foley, Alabama, Perdido Key is located just across the Florida line. Its beautiful dunes are covered in sea oats, and its soft, white sands are perfect for relaxing away from the bigger crowds. The natural setting makes Perdido Key great for swimming, sunbathing, birdwatching (native shorebirds and migrants), and shelling.
Things To Do at Perdido Key
- Swim, sunbathe, and stroll the peaceful shoreline—Perdido Key’s beaches are known for their tranquility, soft sand, and crystal-clear waters.
- Spot wildlife in the Perdido Key State Park dunes or along the shoreline, where you might see sea turtles, coastal birds, and even dolphins.
- Explore Big Lagoon State Park (just across the bridge) for kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking trails, and panoramic views from the observation tower, or take advantage of water sports opportunities in nearby Pensacola, Florida.
- Take a scenic drive along Johnson Beach Road, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and stop for photo ops or a quiet picnic on the bay side.
- Cast a line with surf fishing right from the beach or charter a deep-sea fishing trip from a nearby marina.
- Head over to Flora-Bama, a legendary beach bar straddling the Florida-Alabama line and known for its live music, bushwackers, and quirky events.
What To Pack
Towels, binoculars for birdwatching, a cooler with drinks, sunscreen, and beach chairs
Facilities
Facilities vary. Perdido Key State Park offers basic restrooms, covered picnic tables, a shower station, and boardwalks. Gulf Islands National Seashore (Johnson Beach area) has restrooms, picnic pavilions, and grills, but primitive access points further down have no facilities.
Parking
Parking differs by area. Perdido Key State Park has a simple $3 per vehicle entrance fee paid via an honor box. Gulf Islands National Seashore requires a National Park entrance fee that starts at $15. Limited free roadside parking exists near primitive access points.
4. Fort Morgan Beach
Distance from Unhitched Foley: 34 miles (view directions; approx. 1-hour drive)
Highlights
This peaceful beach area offers a unique blend of history (visit the Fort Morgan State Historic Site) and quieter coastline. Fort Morgan is also known as the beach with the clearest water in Alabama, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. With fewer crowds than the main beaches, it’s also great for fishing, shell hunting, and birding, especially during migrations.
Things To Do at Fort Morgan Beach
- Relax on the quiet, uncrowded shoreline, which is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, low-key beach day away from the bustle of Gulf Shores.
- Swim, paddleboard, or kayak. The calm, shallow Gulf waters are great for kids and casual water activities.
- Visit historic Fort Morgan to explore pre–Civil War fortifications and enjoy panoramic views of the bay and Gulf.
- Go shelling along the beach in the early morning; Fort Morgan is known for its excellent beachcombing.
- Fish right from the shore or nearby piers, or book a charter from one of the local operators in the Fort Morgan area.
- Spot wildlife such as dolphins, coastal birds, and even sea turtles during nesting season—the area is part of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.
What To Pack
Fishing gear, insect repellent, extra water, beach chairs, sunscreen, and snacks
Facilities
There are minimal to no facilities at the public beach access points away from the main Fort Morgan Historic Site. The historic site itself (paid admission) has restrooms and a museum. Public access points like Mobile Street (Bon Secour NWR) and Morgantown (County Park) offer access, but expect a primitive beach experience requiring self-sufficiency.
Parking
Free but potentially limited parking is available near the public beach access points. Parking is available at the historic site and is included with fort admission.
5. Dauphin Island Public Beach
Distance from Unhitched Foley: 71.3 miles (view directions; approx. 1.5-hour drive)
Highlights
A secluded beach destination with a laid-back, “island time” vibe, Dauphin Island is perfect for a day trip. It’s renowned for its natural beauty, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, historic Fort Gaines, and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Crucially, Dauphin Island offers the only public pet-friendly beach near Foley Alabama.
Things To Do at Dauphin Island
- Swim and relax on the island’s peaceful beaches, known for their wide stretches of sand, gentle surf, and relaxed vibe.
- Visit the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a family-friendly spot featuring touch tanks, local marine life, and educational exhibits.
- Explore historic Fort Gaines, a 19th-century fort with original cannons, tunnels, and sweeping views of Mobile Bay and the Gulf.
- Bike or walk the island, which is easy to navigate and offers scenic views, especially along Bienville Boulevard.
- Take a nature walk through the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, one of the top birding locations on the Gulf Coast, especially during spring and fall migrations.
- Catch a sunset from the west end of the island; it’s one of the best spots on the Gulf Coast for unobstructed sunset views.
- Ride the Mobile Bay Ferry to or from Fort Morgan, making your beach day part of a scenic coastal adventure.
What To Pack
Beach blankets, a picnic, camera for wildlife photography, leashes if bringing pets, sunscreen, and towels
Facilities
Facilities on Dauphin Island are limited at many public beach access points, so plan accordingly. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Alabama Aquarium have restrooms and indoor facilities for paying visitors.
Parking
Paid parking is available at the main public beach areas, including West End Beach and East End Beach. These lots can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so early arrival is recommended. Free parking may be found at some public right-of-way access points throughout the island, though spaces are limited and may require a short walk to the beach. Parking is also available at Fort Gaines and the Sea Lab/Aquarium for visitors paying admission.
Places To Stay Near Foley, Alabama
After a glorious day spent exploring the area’s sandy shores and splashing in the Gulf, return to the comfortable, amenity-rich facilities at Unhitched Foley RV Resort. The resort’s many advantages include:
- A convenient location just minutes from the main routes to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, making your daily beach commute easy.
- Full hookups (water, electric, sewer) suitable for various RV sizes.
- Plentiful amenities including an amazing pool facility complete with a lazy river, water slides, and a splash pad; fishing in the on-property lake; a fitness center; and an activities center
- Cabin rentals for non-RVing friends or family members
Book your stay today and make Unhitched Foley RV Resort your comfortable home base while exploring the best beaches on Alabama’s Gulf coast!