Alabama’s beaches rack up national recognition in 2025
Reading time: 3 minutes
Alabama’s Beaches remained a shining star on the regional and national stages in 2025, earning more than 20 major awards this year from different national publications.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism says the recognition helps solidify the state’s beaches as one of America’s top and most celebrated coastal getaways.
“This year has been one of the biggest yet in terms of awards like these for Alabama’s Beaches. While our team at Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism is excited by such recognition, we hope our businesses and residents also feel strong pride that where they live and work is such a special place.”
Beth Gendler, CEO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
Food + drink on the coast
To no surprise, national publications poured in praise for the region’s restaurant + bar scene throughout 2025. Some of the awards for hospitality included:
- Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar – No. 2 on The South’s Best Seafood Dives by Southern Living
- The Original Oyster House – No. 5 on The South’s Best Seafood Dives by Southern Living
- Flora-Bama – No. 1 on Best Beach Bars by Southern Living + No. 2 on USA Today’s 10Best Beach Bars
- The Hangout – No. 4 on Best Beach Bars by Southern Living
- Pink Pony Pub – No. 9 on Best Beach Bars by Southern Living
- City Donuts – No. 2 on USA Today’s 10Best Donut Shops
- Orange Beach – No. 7 on USA Today’s 10Best Small-Town Food Scenes
- National Shrimp Festival – No. 5 on USA Today’s 10Best Specialty Food Festivals
Things to do on Alabama’s beaches
But it wasn’t just about what you can eat and drink when you’re at the coast. Alabama’s beaches provide plenty of activities from exciting events to leisurely strolls—and the rest of the country is recognizing that.
- Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail – No. 1 on USA Today’s 10Best Recreational Trails
- Orange Beach Festival of Art – No. 1 on USA Today’s 10Best Arts Festivals
- Gulf Shores – No. 2 on Best Family Beach Vacations by U.S. News & World Report
- The Lodge at Gulf State Park – No. 2 on Best Waterfront Hotels by Newsweek
- Sail Wild Hears – No. 5 on USA Today’s 10Best Boat Tours
- Gulf Shores – No. 6 on USA Today’s 10Best Golf Destinations
- Hangout Music Festival – No. 7 on USA Today’s 10Best Music Festivals
- Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge – No. 9 on USA Today’s 10Best National Wildlife Refuges
- Gulf State Park Campground – No. 10 on USA Today’s 10Best RV Campgrounds
“These awards are a testament to the passion and dedication of our partners who are committed to representing our destination and showcasing everything Alabama’s Beaches has to offer. They also speak to the strong relationships our public relations team has built with travel writers and media outlets, helping to share the story of Alabama’s Beaches with audiences across the country. Together, we are proud to see our destination recognized as one of the best in the nation.”
Beth Gendler, CEO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
Subscribe to The Bama Buzz Newsletter to get the latest updates delivered right to your inbox.
