GULF SHORES, Alabama. – The renovated Gulf State Park Pier reopened Monday, August 19, welcoming people to this iconic Gulf Coast landmark for the first time in more than nine months.
The pier was scheduled to close in November 2023 for the $13.6 million renovation project, with work led by Orange Beach-based contractor MD Thomas Construction.
“Visiting the Gulf State Park Pier is almost a rite of passage for anyone who visits the beautiful beaches of Alabama’s Gulf Coast,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). “We are thrilled to reopen the pier to the public. It has been a long road to get to this point and we are grateful for the support and patience shown during the renovations. It’s safe to say the pier is better than ever.”
Hurricane Sally destroyed a 200-foot section of the pier and caused additional damage in September 2020, just as the pier was set to reopen after extensive renovations. Bids to repair the damage were higher than expected, and ADCNR went through a lengthy process to obtain federal permits for the renovations.
Most of the park’s facilities, including the gift shop, restaurant and beach access, reopened Monday. The pier’s elevated observation deck, located in the octagon at the south end of the pier, will remain closed and will not be accessible to the public until a new elevator is installed to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Additional work will be carried out over the next few weeks, but this will not stop visitors from enjoying the pier. An official opening ceremony and community celebration are planned for a later date.
“Although the observation deck is not yet operational, it was important to us to open the pier and make it accessible to residents and tourists,” Blankenship said. “It’s a great day for everyone on the Gulf Coast to have the pier reopened, and it’s a great day for the state of Alabama.”
Entrance fees for tourists and anglers are listed below.
Parking: $10, all day
Sightseeing (full day)
Adults – $2
Veteran – Free
Children under 12 years – free
Guests of the campground/lodge in Gulf State Park – free
Fishing (all day)
Adults – $9
Veterans – $6
Campsite/Lodge Guest – $6
Children under 12 years – free
Extended approvals
Weekly fishing license – $41
Monthly fishing permit – $81
Six-month fishing permit – $161
Annual fishing permit – $321
All anglers must have a valid fishing license. Purchase one at www.alabamainteractive.org/dcnr_hf_license/welcome.action?GSPpressrelease.
