Discover 5 of the Biggest Islands Locals In Alabama Love To Visit

Alabama is a state in the southern United States that borders the Gulf of Mexico. Many people seek relief from the state’s blazing hot summers by swimming. While Alabama has plenty of lakes for swimming, people flock to the coast for vacations as well. Take a look at some of the biggest islands locals in Alabama love to travel to for swimming, boating, and more! 

What is the Biggest Island in Alabama?

The biggest island in Alabama is the one containing the cities Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, an area that has been collectively called Pleasure Island in the past. Pleasure Island is about 32 miles long from Mill Point in the east to Fort Morgan in the west, and the widest point on the island is about 2 miles wide.

That’s a very sizeable island, but it’s often listed behind Dauphin Island in terms of size. Dauphin Island is listed as having 166 square miles of area. However, the island itself is only 14 miles long and about 1 ¾ miles wide at its widest point. The majority of the island’s area is in the water, so it should not and cannot be considered the longest island in Alabama.

5 of the Biggest Islands Locals in Alabama Love

Alabama is home to a few islands on the Gulf Coast. Many of them are used as vacation destinations for people interested in relaxation, bird watching, and water recreation. Consider 5 of the biggest islands locals in Alabama love to visit and see why people love to visit them.

1. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach (Pleasure Island)

The island containing Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is sometimes referred to as Pleasure Island. This island measures about 32 miles long and about 2 miles wide at its widest point. The island has two of the biggest resort cities in Alabama, Gulf Shores along with Orange Beach. These cities are built for vacationing.

Both cities have extensive beaches where white sand meets the gulf waters. People go swimming and fishing in this area. There’s a lot more to do as well, so people engage in a variety of other water-bound recreation. Yet, these places are cities at heart with all sorts of attractions, shopping, and nightlife opportunities for visitors.

This island is not only the biggest in the state, but it’s also the best for vacations by just about every metric. People can even get away from the cities and travel down the length of the island. At the far western end lies the historic Fort Morgan as well as a ferry to the next island on the list.  

2. Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island is a barrier island in Alabama. The island measures 14 miles long and about 1 ¾ miles wide at its greatest measure. Dauphin Island has a population of about 1,778 permanent residents. Though smaller than Pleasure Island, Dauphin Island is one of the biggest islands locals in Alabama love to visit.

However, the number of people on the island vastly increases throughout the summer months. Many people flock to the island for its gorgeous views and other attractions, like fishing charters. Others come for the chance to visit the island’s bird sanctuary on the island.

People visit the island to access its vast public beaches. However, swimmers need to pay attention to safety advisories and signs about the state of the water before going in for a swim.

3. Ono Island

Ono Island is a 5.53-mile-long barrier island and one of the biggest islands in Alabama. However, this island is nestled behind another land mass called Perdido Key. This key serves as a boundary between Alabama and Florida and houses the Perdido Key State Park. Since Ono Island is technically inland to another landmass, people do not travel to this island to go swimming.

Instead, residential housing makes up a fair amount of Ono Island. That doesn’t mean the island is devoid of attractions, though. Ono Island is a great place to find great food and opportunities to go on boat tours that will take a person to the Gulf of Mexico to see the wildlife, like dolphins.

Ono Island is not the largest island, but it’s becoming an increasingly popular residential area.

4. Robinson Island

Robinson Island is one of four Orange Beach Islands. This island is the largest of the four, and it’s the most popular of them as well. People staying at Orange Beach or Gulf Shores will rent boats or other watercraft to head out to the islands to hang out and enjoy the beaches.

The island is small, but it’s big enough for hundreds of boaters to enjoy the area. However, some portions of the island are off-limits because it’s a place where some species of birds nest.  

5. Bird Island

Bird Island is another one of the Orange Beach Islands. People are welcome to land their boats on the beach and enjoy the island. This activity is very popular during the summer months. However, the island rules discourage people from upsetting any of the shorebirds that nest there. The island isn’t that large, but it’s a common destination for people who want to have a party with other boaters.

Knowing about the biggest islands locals in Alabama love to visit may change the way you travel to the state. Alabama’s coastal region has many attractions that suit people from all walks of life. People who want to relax on the beach can find just as much to do as those wanting to view the abundant wildlife.

Summary of the 5 Biggest Islands Locals in Alabama Love to Visit

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