Now that summer has officially arrived, visitors and locals alike may be seeking the best shoreline and dining in the area. Luckily, our readers know where to go, and they told us.
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Now that summer has officially arrived, visitors and locals alike may be seeking the best shoreline and dining in the area. Luckily, our readers know where to go, and they told us.
Gulf Coast Media readers nominated and voted tens of thousands of times for Best of Baldwin 2023, our annual readers choice contest. Best of Baldwin covers businesses, activities, food and more in over 300 categories. To view and search the entire list of winners and finalists, go to www.gulfcoastmedia.com/bestof.
For a bite-sized peek, here are, just in time for hot days and filling meals, here are the top five beaches and top five burgers in Baldwin County to help you plan out your ideal day.
The Alabama Gulf Coast spans 60 miles along the Gulf of Mexico and draws 6 to 8 million visitors annually. While those numbers don't seem to add up, there is an abundance of powdery white sand for all. From Gulf Shores to Orange Beach, numerous locations invite visitors to set up their umbrellas. Non-residents should note parking fees, as they vary between lots and cities.
Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access – WINNER
Nestled between condominium buildings, the Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access emerged as the victor in the Best of Baldwin 2023 category. The small beach area has everything you need for a perfect beach day; restrooms, outdoor showers and lots of shoreline.
25900 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach
Lagoon Pass Park
Little Lagoon Pass Park presents a unique beach experience. On the north side, Little Lagoon Pass features public parking, restrooms and outdoor showers with the public beach situated across the road. Use caution because the current running through the pass can be swift but fun.
Pirates Cove
Grills, a bar, dog friendly atmosphere and accessibility by boat are all elements Pirates Cove encompasses. The spot, popular with locals, has a beach area, lots of deck space and room for seating. Check the Pirates Cove Facebook page to see what events are happening before you go.
6664 Co. Road 95, Elberta
Gulf Shores Public Beach
Looking for wide-open spaces? The Gulf Shores Public Beach is the place to go if you want a large beach, restrooms, lifeguards and access to restaurants and shops. It offers up-close parking, open-air pavilions, a large "Town Green" and beach mats that make the beach accessible to all.
101 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores
Fort Morgan Public Beach
The beauty of the beaches in Fort Morgan is they are uncrowded. Many of the beaches in Fort Morgan do not have public parking, so they are accessible only by those renting beach houses. If you would like to enjoy the wide-open beach, visit the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Beach. You can park along Mobile Street for easy beach access.
12295 State Highway 180 (Fort Morgan Road), Gulf Shores
Thick or smash patty? Medium or well done? Cheese or no cheese? If you are craving a burger after a sunny day at the beach or need refuge from the inevitable summer rain, we have compiled our readers' top picks in Baldwin County.
Fish River Grill – WINNER
Fish River Grill is a local-owned restaurant with four locations around Baldwin County (Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores and Point Clear), and they call themselves the "Funky Junky Redneck Joint." The menu across the brand includes everything from Cajun crawfish pistol and burgers to fried and grilled seafood. Every diner also gets a complimentary swamp soup. Gulf Coast Media readers voted the Foley location to have the best burger in Baldwin County. They have many burgers to choose from, like the hillbilly melt or the Fish River Grill patty melt.
608 McKenzie Street, Foley
The Keg Lounge and Grill
If you are staying at the beach and want to go to a "locals place," The Keg Lounge and Grill is a must visit. Established in 1980, they claim to be the oldest bar on the island, and their burgers are always mentioned. The menu includes other staples like a French dip and grilled chicken sandwich, but most come for the burgers. Stay awhile, engage with the locals, and listen to some live music.
26796 Canal Road, Orange Beach
The Cove Bar and Grill
Tucked just off the main drag on Cove Avenue, The Cove Bar and Grill offers the perfect combination of menu variety, live music, pool tables and cocktails. The eatery is owned by the same people as the casual fine dining spot Cotton's in Orange Beach. The Cove burger that made the top five list is a chargrilled hand patty burger. Diners have lots of cheese and topping options to add, like blue cheese, fried egg or fried green tomato. 131 Cove Ave., Gulf Shores
Bleus Burger Restaurant, Bar and Food Truck
Bleus Burger started as a food truck and quickly established themselves as the burger people of Baldwin County. Stop into their Gulf Shores brick and mortar and survey the wide variety of burgers on the menu. All the burgers start as 7-ounce patties that are grilled to order. Choose between burgers like the Cajun pistol burger, steak house or the beer cheeseburger just to name a few. If you are at an event with the Bleus Burger food truck, the line is worth the wait.
3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Suite 240, Gulf Shores
GooRoo's Grill
GooRoo's Grill has been in business for 14 years in Robertsdale and offers everything from burgers to seafood. The local spot has a strong local following, so if you want a vetted spot away from the beach, this is your place. GooRoo's gives burger lovers the option of a quarter-pound or half-pound burger. Good luck deciding your favorites. Have people in your group looking for something other than a burger? GooRoo's can take care of everyone with their wide-ranging menu.
22175 Highway 59 S, Robertsdale
