If I should ask you to pick between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, what would be your choice?
Over the years, many people have compared the two beaches.
On a fair note, which beach is prettier Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
I will talk about these two beaches in this article.
The best beaches in the country can be found along the Gulf Coast.
You can find the prettiest beaches, softer sand, and warmer water along the Atlantic coast.
Thanks to Alabama, that has made me visit these two beaches.
Let me begin with the bearings of the beaches.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are twenty minutes away from each other.
Some people believe that the beaches have similarities, but they have their differences.
Gulf Shores vs Orange Beach: Similarities
Firstly, the beaches have soft white sands and gentle waves.
You can come over any of these beaches to enjoy sunshine.
If you like watersports, these beaches have opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding , snorkeling, jet skiing, and other water adventures.
You can rent equipment here for your adventures and the towns have easy access to public amenities.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have biking trails and beautiful routes if you want to tour the towns.
For example, the Hugh S Branyon Backcountry Trail has become a popular trail for people who came to these beaches.
Both Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are relatively affordable and great family friendly beach destinations.
A lot of people do not know about these places and just how much they have to offer.
Once you visit the beaches in Alabama and feel the sugary white sand against your feet, the calm turquoise waters and the scenery, there’s no going back.
One amazing thing about planning a vacation in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores is that you really do not require a lot of things.
There are many fun and adventurous activities for families, great seafood for you to try and if you want a cool time out, you can simply enjoy in the sand, sun and water.
Where are the Alabama Beaches?
A lot of people including those who live outside the Southeast are not aware that Alabama is among the top beach destinations.
Due South of state, almost if the Panhandle of Florida is eating up the real estate.
As such, the swath of coastline in Alabama is usually overlooked.
.
However, there are two counties which lie along the coast.
These are:
- Baldwin County on the east bordering the Florida panhandle and
- Mobile county on the west bordering Mississippi
Most times, when people talk about the beaches in Alabama, they are usually talking about the two cities in Baldwin county which are Orange beach and Gulf Shores.
There are other beaches which exist in the area especially along Dauphin Island in Mobile County although these beaches do not have a lot of options when it comes to lodging or dining.
Orange Beach Alabama Waves
In Baldwin County, the beaches in Alabama lie along 32 miles of coastline with each stretching all the way from the Florida border to the top of the Fort Morgan Peninsula.
Most of the main attractions here are lobules on the beach road parallel the coast, Alabama State Route 182 (known as Perdido Beach Road in Orange Beach and Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores).
State Route 59 which is the major thoroughfare that heads inland divides these beaches.
Two major cities and regions of include:
Orange Beach
Orange Beach has miles of sand which extends from Gulf Coast State Park to Perdido Key, Florida.
It was developed much later than Gulf Shores but still remains quieter than Gulf Shores.
However, with the continued development, the Orange beach has become quite busy every year.
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores has been in existence for a much longer time than Orange beach and it remains the center of most action in the region.
This city is located at the intersection of States Routes 182 and 59.
My Thoughts
While Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are tiny towns, you can find Orange Beach as the calm and quieter town.
If you want to spend a quiet time without the crowd hovering around you, Orange Beach should be your destination.
However, Gulf Shores have more adventures for kids and adults.
If you want to spend more time with your loved ones, you should visit Gulf Shores.
On the other hand, Gulf Shores has the small-town vibe that visitors would love.
The small condo complexes and old-school beach houses make Gulf Shores unique.
I love the atmosphere and the quaint curio shoes for my souvenirs.
Even if you booked hotel away from the beachfront, you can easily walk to the beach.
Sometimes, I rent bikes to tour the beach and its environs.
On the other hand, Orange Beach offers spaced out amenities, which make driving better than walking.
Orange Beach requires you to drive because of its busy road.
You don’t want to cross the busy five lane road with your beach stuff.
Therefore, I recommend that you use a car to make your ride.
FAQs
Which beach is prettier Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
While the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach both have their perks, Orange Beach is the perfect spot for anyone who is looking for a small-town atmosphere or a place to take more golf courses and get upscale amenities.
On the other hand, Gulf shores is an ideal family-friendly destination where you and your partner or family are definitely going to have a great time.
Which is less crowded Orange Beach or Gulf Shores?
Orange Beach has miles of sand that extend from Gulf Coast State Park to Perdido Key, Florida.
It was developed much later than Gulf Shores but still remains quieter than Gulf Shores.
However, with the continued development, the Orange beach has become quite busy every year.
Does Gulf Shores have blue water?
The Gulf Shores is known for its sugary white sand beaches which have sparkling blue water.
It also has amazing dining, events and activities which keep you entertained throughout your stay
