Anglers wanting a serene and pristine spot to throw a line, visiting tourists wanting to watch them and locals wanting a beachside gathering spot for an easy meal and drink now have a prized one back. The entire length of it.

The renovated Gulf State Park Pier re-opened on Monday, Aug. 19, welcoming people to the iconic Gulf Coast landmark for the first time in more than nine months.

The pier closed in November 2023 for the $13.6 million renovation project, with contractor MD Thomas Construction, based in Orange Beach, leading the work.

“Visiting the Gulf State Park Pier is almost a rite of passage for anyone who visits Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast beaches,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), in a news release. “We are thrilled to have the pier open to the public again. It’s been a long journey to get to this point, and we appreciate the support and patience given to us as the renovation work took place. It’s safe to say the pier is better than it’s ever been.”

Hurricane Sally destroyed a 200-foot section of the pier and caused other damage in September 2020, just as it was set to re-open after an extensive renovation. Bids to repair the damage came back higher than expected, and ADCNR went through a lengthy process to obtain federal permits for the renovation work.

A majority of the park’s amenities, including the gift shop, restaurant and beach access, re-opened Monday. The pier’s elevated observation deck, a new feature located at the octagon on the pier’s south end, remains closed and won’t be accessible to the public until a new elevator is installed to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Additional work will continue for the next few weeks, although it will not prevent visitors from enjoying the pier. A formal ribbon-cutting and community celebration is being planned for a later date.

“While the observation deck isn’t yet operational, it was important for us to open the pier and allow it to be used by local residents and tourists,” Blankenship said. “It’s a great day for everyone on the Gulf Coast for the pier to open again, and it’s a great day for the state of Alabama.”

Officials also note admission fees for sightseers, anglers and others are in effect, as follows:
Parking: $10, all day

Sightseeing (all day)

Adult – $2
Veteran – Free
Children under 12 years – Free
Gulf State Park Campground/Lodge guests – Free

Fishing (all day)
Adult – $9
Veteran – $6
Campground/Lodge guest – $6
Children under 12 years – Free
Weekly fishing permit – $41
Monthly fishing permit – $81
Six-month fishing permit – $161
Annual fishing permit – $321

In addition, all anglers must possess a valid fishing license.