Public Beach — Attraction in Dauphin Island

While the beach itself isn't bad, the path to it is terrible. There is an elevated boardwalk that goes to the middle of a sand dune. The walk to the actual beach is at least 1000 ft beyond the boardwalk, which is over 1000 ft itself. There was mucky mud with standing water in the main path. Not pretty.

The best access is via the path the support vehicles drive out to the beach. From the parking lot entrance, drive straight to the back (SouthWest corner) and park near that end. Then, take the wide sand walking path through the dunes to the beach. It is half the distance of the boardwalk.

If you need to haul anything out with you, you will have to carry it all or have your own cart capable of working in sand.

Parking is paid via phone for 13 hour stints.

We tried this beach twice since it was close to our condo but gave up and drove to the east end beach, which was much closer to the parking lot and more accessible to bathrooms and...

There is a wooden boardwalk towards the beach, but you don't have to take it. I thought it was nice but folks in my party didnt have shoes and said the wood was splintery. There is a path beside the boardwalk, but it's more adventurous. I took it on the way back and it was okay. The walk is pretty decent, I was getting paranoid the boardwalk wouldn't have stairs because it is so long and also doesn't end at the beach. The beach was clean and nice, if busy right here at the main spot. It cleared up the further on you venture. Parking is $5 for 15 hours, but the beaches close at night. I wish that was more transparent. If you have time, walk down to...

The Center public beach is only $5.00 per car or $2.00 for each person that walks up. (Verses the old West end beach that is being re-done they charged me $5.00 plus $2.00 for each adult that seemed a lil excessive.) They could use an overhaul on their beachside boardwalks. They pier is in need of some work but it is a very safe family spot. That has a gulf side plus protected little Bay that is perfect for little children. Just remember to bring yourself a small trash bag to remove your garbage because there are no trash cans away from the boardwalks. My grand babies had so much fun. If you visit remember only leave your...