Alabama Point

Alabama Point is a breakwater-supported break that produces both left and right-hand waves over sand. The wave face rarely exceeds six feet, with most rideable surf generated by regional windswells from the southeast rather than distant groundswells—the spot receives only about fifty miles of swell exposure. It works across all tidal stages and responds best to offshore winds from the north or northwest. Winter months from late November through early March offer the most consistent conditions, though true swells tend to arrive during hurricane season when tropical systems deliver the energy needed for waves approaching double overhead. The break requires specific wind and swell alignment to produce quality waves; Alabama's Gulf Coast beaches are notoriously fickle and can go long periods with little to ride.

Hurricane-generated surf events are the most dramatic local occurrences, with major storms like Hurricane Sally and Hurricane Michael having produced the strongest swells on record for the area. Alabama Point is the most established and accessible surf destination on the state's coast, which has accumulated a local scene despite the intermittent nature of waves and the region's general lack of swell exposure.

The spot sits at the easternmost tip of Orange Beach near Perdido Pass, with a large public parking area that often fills by midday during summer weekends. A granite jetty system marks the pass, which hosts constant boat traffic between the gulf and bay—a significant hazard requiring surfers to stay clear of the channel. Strong currents concentrate near the pass itself, making the western sections safer for water activity. Access is straightforward but crowds build during summer, and the wide beach absorbs visitors better than many developed stretches.