Gulf Shores, Ala. (Aug. 22, 2023) — There is nothing like the feel of ocean breezes and sound of waves hitting the white-sand beach on the historic pier at Alabama’s Gulf Shores.
At 1,540 feet long, 20 feet wide, and boasting 2,448 feet of fishing space, Gulf State Park mPier is the second longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico and Alabama’s only public pier on the Gulf.
Hurricane Sally damaged damaged the pier when it made landfall as a category 2 storm Sept. 16, 2020, near Gulf Shores, Alabama. The pier is currently open past the halfway point. The restrooms and fillet table are still available. Repairs are expected to get underway in November 2023.
The pier is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Staff is on duty 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. To pay fishing and sightseeing fees, an honor box system is in place when staff are not on site.
Rail fishing, cleaning stations, and electrical outlets are available every 100 feet on both sides of the pier. A concession stand and bar are also on the pier. Alcohol can only be consumed in the bar.
The views are stunning and feature sunrises, sunsets, birds, and aquatic life like dolphins and sharks.
The first saltwater pier was built in 1968. Hurricane Frederic destroyed it in 1979. It was rebuilt but destroyed again by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. It was rebuilt in 2009.
For more info on rules, fishing, and fees, go to https://www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park/fishing-and-education-pier.
