Westside
West End Beach
The island's biggest, quietest stretch of sand. Wide open Gulf views, room to spread out and the best sunsets on the island.
Get directions →Dauphin IslandBeaches
Sugar-white sand, Gulf sunsets and quiet stretches you can still have to yourself. Here's where to go and how to park.
4 town beachesOne fee, all of themZone 95202
🅿️ Pay with ParkMobileZone 95202 at every town lot
🔁 Pay once, beach-hopOne daily fee covers all town beaches
💵 Seasonal rates$10.35 Apr 1–Sep 30, $5.35 Oct 1–Mar 31
🎟️ Annual passes$150 at Town Hall, prorated later in the year
Explore the shoreline
Pick your beach
The Westside is quiet sand and big sunsets. The Eastside puts you near Fort Gaines, the bird sanctuary and the ferry. Filter by side to plan your day.
Mid-island
Middle Beach
Central and easy to reach from town, close to shops and food. A good pick for a quick swim or a walk before dinner.
Get directions →Eastside
East End Beach
Tucked behind historic Fort Gaines where Mobile Bay meets the Gulf. Pair a beach day with the fort, the Estuarium and the Fort Morgan ferry.
Get directions →Eastside · Nature
Audubon Bird Sanctuary Beach
Walk the sanctuary trails and boardwalks through maritime forest and dunes to a wild, uncrowded beach. Bring binoculars, especially during spring and fall migration.
Get directions →Boat access
Sand Island & Little Dauphin Island
Reachable only by boat, kayak or paddleboard. Expect no facilities, so pack water, shade and everything you bring back out.
Things to do on the water →Beach day tips
🚩
Know the flags
Check the beach warning flags before you swim. Red means stay out of the water.
🐢
Share the beach
Sea turtles nest here in summer. Fill holes, knock down sandcastles and keep lights low at night.
🐦
Give birds space
Shorebirds nest on open sand. Watch for roped-off areas and keep dogs leashed where allowed.
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Go early or late
Mornings are calm and uncrowded. Evenings bring sunsets and free parking after 5 pm.
Parking details per the Town of Dauphin Island. Rates and rules can change, so check signage or Town Hall before you go.
Stay steps from the sand
Beach homes and island retreats on both ends of Dauphin Island.