12 Alabama Beach Towns That Get Overrun By Tourists Every Summer (According To Locals)
Alabama’s coastline transforms into a bustling vacation playground every summer, drawing thousands of visitors to its sandy shores and warm Gulf waters.
While tourism brings energy and economic growth to these coastal communities, it also changes the quiet charm that locals treasure year-round.
Many longtime residents watch their peaceful beach towns swell with crowds, traffic jams, and packed restaurants during peak season, making everyday life feel completely different.
Understanding which towns face the biggest summer rush can help both visitors and residents navigate the busy months ahead.
1. Gulf Shores
Fishing boats once dominated the harbor where luxury condos now tower over the shoreline, marking the dramatic transformation of this coastal hotspot.
Located at 1201 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, the main public beach access illustrates how dramatically the town swells during summer months.
Traffic crawls along Highway 59, and finding parking near popular spots requires patience and often an early arrival.
Restaurants that locals visited casually now require hour-long waits, and grocery stores become packed with vacationers stocking rental condos.
The population explosion each summer creates a completely different atmosphere than the quiet winters residents cherish.
Beach umbrellas stretch endlessly along the sand, and jet skis buzz constantly offshore.
Many longtime locals avoid downtown entirely during peak season, choosing instead to enjoy hidden neighborhood beaches or venturing out only during early morning hours when tourists sleep in.
2. Orange Beach
High-rise condos have reshaped the skyline of what was once a sleepy fishing community known mainly to regional anglers and their families.
Parking lots fill before noon, and the few remaining local seafood shacks now compete with chain restaurants and upscale dining establishments.
The beaches themselves remain beautiful, but finding a quiet stretch of sand becomes nearly impossible during June, July, and August.
Locals remember when they recognized every face at the marina and could easily grab a table anywhere in town.
Summer traffic now backs up for miles, especially on weekends when new waves of visitors arrive for their vacation week.
Many residents schedule their own beach days for September or October when temperatures stay warm but crowds disappear, returning the town to something closer to its original character.
3. Dauphin Island
A single bridge connects this barrier island to the mainland, creating a bottleneck that turns weekend arrivals into slow-moving parades of rental cars and boat trailers.
The island’s main commercial area sees dramatic seasonal changes as vacation rentals fill with families seeking a more laid-back alternative to Gulf Shores.
The few restaurants on the island struggle to keep up with demand, and waits for tables can stretch beyond two hours on summer Saturday nights.
Grocery options remain limited, so tourists often crowd the small local market, clearing shelves of basics.
Bird-watchers once dominated visitor numbers, arriving quietly during spring and fall migrations to observe rare species at the Audubon sanctuary.
Summer brings a different crowd focused on beach time and fishing, fundamentally changing the island’s peaceful rhythm.
Locals treasure the off-season months when they can bike the entire island without dodging rental cars and enjoy sunset views without competing for parking spots.
4. Fort Morgan
History buffs and beach lovers converge on this remote peninsula where a Civil War-era fort stands guard over some of Alabama’s most pristine shoreline.
The journey along State Highway 180 to Fort Morgan Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 becomes an exercise in patience during summer weekends as the narrow two-lane road handles far more traffic than it was designed for.
Beach parking areas that once had empty spaces now require arrival before 9 a.m. to secure a spot, and the historic fort itself sees visitor numbers that would have seemed impossible a decade ago.
Residents who chose this area specifically for its isolation now find themselves sharing their quiet paradise with thousands of day-trippers and weekly renters.
The ferry to Dauphin Island experiences long wait times, and even the remote beach accesses fill up quickly.
Many locals have adapted by shifting their beach visits to weekdays or very early mornings, reclaiming small windows of the tranquility that once defined the entire area year-round.
5. Point Clear
Stately homes and the historic Grand Hotel define this affluent community where Mobile Bay’s eastern shore meets Southern elegance and vacation luxury.
The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort at 1 Grand Boulevard, Point Clear, AL 36564 serves as the centerpiece of tourism activity, drawing guests who explore the surrounding area and fill local restaurants.
The resort’s size means hundreds of visitors at any given time during peak season, many venturing into nearby neighborhoods to photograph historic homes or visit the scenic Fairhope Pier just minutes away.
Narrow residential streets see increased traffic as GPS systems route tourists through quiet neighborhoods.
Long-time residents appreciate the economic vitality tourism brings but notice the difference in atmosphere during summer months compared to the peaceful off-season.
The yacht club becomes busier, waterfront restaurants require advance planning, and the sense of privacy that once characterized this exclusive area diminishes somewhat.
September brings relief as schools resume and visitor numbers drop, returning Point Clear to the serene bayside community that residents know and prefer.
6. Elberta
German heritage and agricultural roots define this inland community that finds itself directly in the path of beach-bound traffic heading to and from the coast.
The town center experiences constant through-traffic during summer months as Highway 98 funnels thousands of vehicles between Interstate 10 and the beaches.
What was once a quiet farming community known for sausage festivals and produce stands now deals with traffic congestion, especially during Friday arrivals and Sunday departures when vacation rentals turn over.
Local businesses benefit from tourists stopping for gas, groceries, and famous German sausages, but the character of the town shifts noticeably.
Residents navigate carefully during peak travel times, avoiding main roads when possible and timing errands to miss the heaviest traffic flows.
The town’s agricultural festival in October draws visitors for the right reasons – celebrating local heritage and community – rather than simply passing through on the way to somewhere else.
Many locals look forward to late September when traffic patterns return to normal and Elberta feels like a small town again.
7. Foley
Outlet malls and antique shops transformed this former railroad town into a shopping destination that captures beach-bound tourists looking for retail therapy and rainy-day alternatives.
Tanger Outlets anchors the retail boom that draws thousands of shoppers daily during summer months, creating traffic snarls throughout the city.
Highway 59 through Foley becomes a parking lot during peak travel times, and local restaurants overflow with tourists taking shopping breaks.
The OWA amusement park adds another major attraction, bringing even more visitors to a town that was once known mainly to locals.
Longtime residents remember when Foley was a quick stop for groceries between the beach and home, not a destination requiring traffic planning and patience.
The economic growth has been substantial, bringing jobs and tax revenue, but the trade-off includes congestion and a loss of the small-town simplicity.
Locals have learned which alternate routes avoid the worst bottlenecks and often shop at off-peak hours to dodge the tourist crowds that dominate summer days.
8. Fairhope
Moss-draped oaks shade the charming downtown streets where art galleries, boutiques, and cafes draw visitors seeking a more cultured coastal experience away from the beach crowds.
The pier and park anchor the town’s waterfront district, which transforms during events like the renowned Arts & Crafts Festival that brings tens of thousands of visitors.
Even on regular summer weekends, parking downtown becomes scarce, and the once-leisurely pace of browsing shops turns into navigating shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
Popular brunch spots now require reservations, something locals never needed to consider in previous decades.
The town’s reputation for Southern charm and artistic character has made it a must-visit destination for Gulf Coast tourists, changing its everyday rhythm.
Residents who once strolled downtown several times weekly now limit visits to early mornings or weekday afternoons when tour buses and day-trippers thin out.
The economic benefits are clear, but many longtime Fairhope residents feel their town has lost some of its intimate, neighborly atmosphere.
9. Bon Secour
Fishing nets and weathered docks tell the story of a working village where shrimp boats still unload daily catches despite the encroaching vacation rental developments.
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge at 12295 State Highway 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 attracts nature enthusiasts seeking alternatives to crowded public beaches, but even these protected areas see dramatically increased visitation during summer months.
The village itself remains relatively small, but its location between Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan means constant traffic passing through on the coastal highway.
Vacation rentals have multiplied in surrounding areas, bringing tourists who discover the village’s authentic seafood markets and quiet boat launches.
Locals who have fished these waters for generations notice the difference when summer arrives and kayakers, paddleboarders, and tourist boats share space with commercial fishing vessels.
The rhythm of a working fishing village conflicts somewhat with vacation schedules and recreational priorities.
Many residents appreciate that Bon Secour has retained more character than neighboring towns, but they also recognize the gradual changes as tourism pressure increases each year and more properties convert to short-term rentals.
10. Magnolia Springs
Watermail delivery by boat and moss-draped live oaks create storybook charm in this village where the pace of life traditionally moved as slowly as the spring-fed river.
The town center has become a discovery for tourists seeking authentic Old South atmosphere away from beach high-rises.
Jesse’s Restaurant at 14770 Oak St, Magnolia Springs, AL 36555 and other local spots now experience summer crowds that would have been unthinkable when only locals and a few weekend visitors knew about this hidden gem.
Narrow roads become congested with unfamiliar drivers searching for the famous river and historic sites, and parking near the town’s few businesses fills quickly.
Long-time residents treasure the recognition their beautiful town receives but also miss the days when they could always find a table at their favorite cafe or paddle the river without encountering rental kayakers.
The village’s appeal lies in its unspoiled character, creating a paradox where tourism success threatens the very qualities that attract visitors.
Weekdays during shoulder seasons now offer the peaceful experience that once defined Magnolia Springs year-round.
11. Gulf State Park Area
Protected dunes and natural coastline make this state park a crown jewel of Alabama’s Gulf Coast, offering beaches that balance preservation with public access.
The park’s main entrance at 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, sees steady streams of vehicles from dawn until dusk during summer months as visitors seek the park’s reputation for cleaner, less commercialized beach experiences.
Campgrounds book months in advance, and the fishing pier draws anglers at all hours.
Even with more than 6,000 acres, the park feels crowded during peak season as families claim picnic shelters and beachgoers fill the shoreline.
The new lodge and conference center increased visitation even further, bringing overnight guests who previously stayed in Gulf Shores proper.
Park rangers note the challenge of protecting fragile ecosystems while accommodating the thousands who want to experience Alabama’s natural coastal beauty.
Locals who once considered the park their backyard now find themselves competing for parking and beach space, though early morning visits still offer relatively peaceful experiences before day-trippers arrive and the summer crowds build throughout the day.
12. Perdido Key Area
White sand beaches stretch along this barrier island where Alabama meets Florida, creating confusion about state lines and clarity about why tourists flock here each summer.
The Alabama portion offers the same stunning beaches as its Florida neighbor but with slightly less development and lower prices.
This combination attracts visitors who quickly fill the available vacation rentals and crowd the public beach accesses.
The area’s natural beauty – sugar-white sand and emerald waters – makes it irresistible to beach lovers, but the limited public parking creates frustration for both tourists and locals trying to access the shore.
Residents who live in this area year-round experience dramatic seasonal shifts as their quiet neighborhood streets become thoroughfares for beach traffic.
The nearby Florida state park just across the border draws even more visitors to the general area, and many explore both sides of the state line.
Local environmental advocates worry about the pressure on delicate coastal ecosystems as development continues and visitor numbers climb, hoping to preserve the natural beauty that makes Perdido Key special before it becomes as built-up as other coastal stretches.
