While local early sales contributed to a 90-minute general admission sell-out of Morgan Wallen's Sand in My Boots festival, bringing 40,000-plus people to Gulf Shores beaches this weekend, those not …
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While local early sales contributed to a 90-minute general admission sell-out of Morgan Wallen's Sand in My Boots festival, bringing 40,000-plus people to Gulf Shores beaches this weekend, those not going may be looking for ways to beat the heat away from the beach.
Here are several options for outdoor recreation with water access across Baldwin County.
Boat launches can be found across Baldwin County from the beaches to Bay Minette. Many are free or require a small fee for use.
The Launch at CR 6 recently celebrated its grand opening. With access to an onsite pier, gazebos, restrooms and walking trails throughout a park area adjacent to the boat launch, this is the perfect site for picnics or just passing time. The Launch at CR 6 is free to use and is located at 5587 County Road 6 in Gulf Shores.
Meaher State Park Launch is located on Mobile Bay and offers a boat launch directly to Blakeley River, which flows into the bay. This site has opportunities for camping, a 300-foot pier for fishing and is a stop on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. Meaher State Park Launch requires a $5 launch fee and is located at 5200 Battleship Parkway in Spanish Fort.
Byrne's Lake Landing offers a boat launch in north Baldwin County to launch on Tensaw River, which also flows into Mobile Bay. Launching is permitted 24/7 but access to other park amenities are from dawn to dusk. Lighting is available for the boat ramp and parking area. Byrne's Lake Landing is free to use and is located on Byrnes Lake Road in Bay Minette.
Magnolia Springs Boat Launch offers a free access point to the Magnolia River. A public put in is at the south end of Rock Street. From Hwy. 98, turn south on CR 49 and follow it to Oak Street. Turn west on Oak Street and go to Rock Street. Turn south and drive to the end. Park, and the river is 100 feet down a trail in front of you.
Rentals for paddleboards, kayaks and canoes are in no short supply in Baldwin County, with almost 20 scattered across the county.
Perdido Beach Service offers rentals for beach chairs, kayaks, paddle boards and pontoons while also offering experiences parasailing and Wild Hearts sailboats. With various locations across Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key, specific locations can be found, and services can be booked from their website at perdidobeachservice.com.
Surfs Up Board + Kayak Rentals has surfboard and kayak rentals available and can be reached via phone at (251) 200-2558 for questions concerning pricing, hours and directions. Surfs Up Board + Kayak Rentals is located at 9386 Lakeview Drive in Foley.
Coyote Beach Sports offers rentals for e-bikes, paddleboards, surf boards, kayaks, skim boards, slingshot cars and bikes. Coyote Beach Sports is located at 112 East First Ave. in Gulf Shores. A one-way street system is in place near this building to avoid road closures for Sand in My Boots. Pay close attention to detour signs when entering the area.
Rentals for jet skiing, parasailing and river tubing are scattered throughout the county, with most locations found in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Hudson Marina and Watersports provides charter fishing services along with rentals for pontoon boats and jet skis. The company also hosts special cruises for events, which can be found on their website at hudsonmarina.net/upcoming-events/. Hudson Marina and Watersports is located at 4575 South Wilson Blvd. in Orange Beach.
Ike's Parasail offers rentals for kayaks and paddle boards in addition to providing parasailing rides and banana boat rides. A variety of parasailing sites can be found on their website at ikesparasail.com. Bookings can be made on the website or in person at 800 West Beach Blvd. in Gulf Shores. A detour is in place to access West Beach from Highway 59 via West Second Avenue due to road closures for Sand in My Boots. Pay close attention to detour signs when visiting the office.
Styx River Tube and Canoe Rental offers cash-only rentals for kayaks, canoes and river tubes. Rentals are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week including holidays. Details surrounding rental prices can be found at styxrivertubing.com. Styx River Tube and Canoe Rental is located at 26091 Waterworld Road in Robertsdale.
For more boat launches and watersport rentals check out Gulf Coast Media's most recent issue of Big, Beautiful Baldwin magazine at www.gulfcoastmedia.com/magazines.
