Beach Rules
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Beach Rules: Flags, Pets, Tents and Spring Break (2026)
By Avara Stays · Updated October 23, 2026
Before your group hits the sand in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, here is what the beach flags mean, what has to come off the beach each night, and what you can't bring, taken from the two cities' own rules.
The beach flag system
Flags fly at public beach areas and lifeguard towers in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Gulf State Park. Check them every time you go down to the water, and remember that no flag does not mean safe conditions.
| Flag | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Medium hazard: moderate surf and/or currents |
| Purple | Marine pests are present, such as jellyfish. Use caution. |
| Red | High hazard: high surf and/or strong currents |
| Double red | Water closed to the public |
Within the city limits of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach it is illegal to enter the Gulf when double red flags are flying. The City of Gulf Shores says people who do are subject to a fine and possible arrest.
The local tourism office posts a daily beach report with the flag color, Gulf temperature and rip current risk on its beach flag page.
Leave Only Footprints: take everything back each night
Both cities run the Leave Only Footprints program. Chairs, umbrellas, tents, coolers and beach toys must come off the beach every night and may not be set out before sunrise. Anything left on the beach from one hour after sunset until sunrise can be treated as abandoned and thrown away by beach crews. With a big group, assign one person to do a last sweep before dinner.
What you can't bring to the beach
The City of Gulf Shores lists these as prohibited on its public beaches:
- Pets (they are not allowed on any of the sand beaches in Gulf Shores)
- Glass or other breakable containers
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco and e-cigarettes
- Fires, grills and cooking devices
- Fireworks, sky lanterns and sparklers
- Drones
- Holes deeper than 12 inches, so fill holes in before you leave
- Walking or standing on the sand dunes. Use walkovers and boardwalks.
Orange Beach's list is similar: no fire (including grills, generators and lanterns), fireworks, glass, litter, loud music, metal shovels or digging over 12 inches, overnight camping, pets, vehicles or drones.
Tents and canopies: the size limits differ
- Gulf Shores: tents and shelters larger than 7 feet by 7 feet and taller than 4 feet are not allowed on public beaches unless they are in the designated area at Gulf Place. The city recommends single-pole beach umbrellas.
- Orange Beach: tents larger than 12 feet by 12 feet are not allowed, and anything wider than 7 feet or taller than 4 feet must go north of the Leave Only Footprints marker posts or flags. Access corridors must stay clear.
Whichever city you are in, set tents up behind the white Leave Only Footprints flags so lifeguards can see the shoreline.
Spring break alcohol ban in Gulf Shores
Every spring since 2016, the Gulf Shores City Council has banned possessing or drinking alcohol on the beach sand. For 2026 the ban ran from March 1 through April 28. Restaurants and bars along Beach Boulevard were not covered, and local reporting noted that the spring ban does not extend to Orange Beach or to unincorporated Fort Morgan.
Bringing a pet?
Dolphin View A and Dolphin View B allow 1 pet each and the whole Beachfront Duplex allows 2 (1 per side), with a $195 fee per pet (more pets, or a dog over 20 lb, need our approval), but neither city allows pets on its sand beaches. Orange Beach suggests its Unleashed dog park, or The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park, instead. Oasis Unit 2201 does not allow pets.
Beach chairs and umbrellas
Our Gulf Coast homes provide beach towels but not beach chairs. You can rent chairs and umbrellas from Ike’s Beach Service.
Quick answers
Can you swim when double red flags are flying in Gulf Shores?
No. Within the city limits of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach it is illegal to enter the Gulf when double red flags are flying, and the City of Gulf Shores says violators are subject to a fine and possible arrest.
Can I leave beach chairs on the beach overnight?
No. Under Leave Only Footprints, items left on the beach from one hour after sunset until sunrise can be removed and thrown away by beach crews.
Are dogs allowed on Gulf Shores beaches?
No. Pets are not allowed on any of the sand beaches in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. Service animals are treated differently under the ordinances.
How big can a beach tent be?
In Gulf Shores, no larger than 7 by 7 feet and 4 feet tall outside the designated area at Gulf Place. In Orange Beach, no larger than 12 by 12 feet, and anything over 7 feet wide or 4 feet tall must go behind the Leave Only Footprints markers.
Stay with us
Our homes are owner-managed by Avara Stays and booked directly with the host:
- Beachfront Duplex: sleeps 27, 8 bedrooms, Gulf Shores
- Dolphin View A: sleeps 14, 4 bedrooms, Gulf Shores
- Dolphin View B: sleeps 13, 4 bedrooms, Gulf Shores
- Oasis Unit 2201: sleeps 10, 4 bedrooms, Orange Beach
Sources
Checked October 23, 2026. Rules, prices and hours change, so confirm with the venue before you go.
- City of Gulf Shores: Beach Rules & Regulations
- City of Gulf Shores: Leave Only Footprints
- City of Gulf Shores: Beach Safety and warning flags
- City of Gulf Shores: Spring Break 2026 alcohol resolution
- AL.com: Gulf Shores sets its beach alcohol rules (Feb. 10, 2026)
- City of Orange Beach: Leave Only Footprints
- City of Orange Beach: Beach regulations FAQ
- Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism: Beach flag warning system