1. Respect Local Property & Use Public Access

Fort Morgan is famous for its peaceful, secluded beaches, but many coastal homes are private residences. If you see a "No Trespassing" sign near or underneath a beach house, please respect it! Every street offers dedicated public beach access, and unlike neighboring Gulf Shores, parking at Fort Morgan public beach access points is completely free.

2. Follow Fort Morgan Dog Rules (Keep 'Em Leashed!)

One of the best perks of visiting Fort Morgan, AL is our pet-friendly beach policy. I bring my dog, June Carter, down to the sand every single week! However, Baldwin County regulations require all dogs to stay on a leash. Even friendly pups can get overwhelmed by wave noise or other animals, so keeping your dog leashed ensures a safe, fun trip for everyone.

3. Stock Up on Drinks & Stay Hydrated

Once your feet hit the sand, you won't want to leave. Invest in a high-quality insulated tumbler to keep your drinks ice-cold in the Alabama heat. Before heading to the shoreline, grab craft brews from Big Beach Brewing or pick up a bottle from Isla Wine. Most importantly, pack plenty of fresh water—bring at least 2 to 3 water bottles per person so you don't have to cut your beach day short.

4. Keep Your Beach Setup Simple

When it comes to Alabama beaches, less is always more: 

• Attire: A light coverup or vintage t-shirt over flip-flops works best. Throwing on tight clothing over sandy skin is no fun. 
• Beach Gear: Switch to a sand-free Turkish towel (like a Sand Cloud) that doubles as a wrap or sarong. 
• Essentials: All you really need is a hands-free backpack beach chair, broad-spectrum SPF, a wide-brimmed hat, a cool drink, and a good physical book or word search to help you disconnect from your phone.

Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need for a day on the sand: 

• Swimwear & Lounge Apparel: 2–3 swimsuits, lightweight coverups, and breathable loungewear for sunset. 
• Sun Protection: Reef-friendly SPF 30+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. 
• Footwear: Durable flip-flops 
• Beach Gear: Hands-free backpack chair, oversized beach towels, and a beach umbrella or pop-up shade. 
• Food & Drink Gear: Insulated YETI-style cups, a soft-sided lunchbox cooler (or a rolling cooler for larger families), and plenty of fresh water and snacks. 
• Entertainment: A paperback book, magazine, or puzzle book.