May is set to be an eventful time along the Gulf Shores, with major happenings like the NCAA Beach Volleyball tournament and the Hangout Music Festival drawing crowds from all over the country. In light of these events, significant adjustments to public parking and beach access points are scheduled to ensure both events run smoothly. Starting April 29, closures will begin with the Gulf Place parking lot, which will be inaccessible to vehicular traffic to accommodate event setups.

As the month progresses, further adjustments will impact residents and visitors alike. On May 6, the East Gulf Place "Resident Parking" will close, followed by additional closures of the public parking and beach access at Gulf Place starting May 13. Notably, road closures will begin on May 14 along Hwy 59 south of W. 1st Ave. and Hwy 182/Beach Blvd between W. 2nd St. and E. 2nd St., altering local traffic patterns. Despite these disruptions, alternate access routes to West Beach and Orange Beach will remain available, and comprehensive traffic management plans will be in place to guide both drivers and pedestrians.

The community organizers appreciate the patience of both residents and visitors during this period and have ensured that alternative parking and beach access points, including W. 4th to W. 13th Streets, Little Lagoon Pass, and Gulf State Park, will remain available. These adjustments are crucial for facilitating a safe and enjoyable environment for all event participants and spectators.

Below is the schedule provided by the City of Gulf Shores for the month of May.

𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟵

• The Gulf Place parking lot in front of the Hangout will be closed to vehicular traffic.

𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟲

• East Gulf Place parking lot "Resident Parking" closed through Thursday, May 23. 

𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟯

• Public Parking at Gulf Place closes.

• Public beach access at Gulf Place closes.

𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟰

• Hwy 59 south of W. 1st Ave. and Hwy 182/Beach Blvd between W. 2nd St. and E. 2nd St. will be closed to all vehicular/pedestrian traffic. 

  - Access to West Beach: Available through Windmill Ridge Rd (preferred), W. 1st Ave. to W. 3rd St. or by taking W. 2nd Ave.

  - Access to Orange Beach: Available through the Gulf State Park, Canal Rd., or by taking E. 1st Ave. to E. 2nd St., E. 3rd St., or E. 4th St.

• Traffic flow on E. 1st Ave. and E. 2nd Ave. will be modified to a one-way-only route to help accommodate heavy pedestrian traffic. Two-way traffic flow on E. 1st St., E. 2nd St., E. 3rd St., and E. 4th St. will remain. 

  - The public is advised to utilize the traffic flow map and directional signage posted in these areas indicating proper traffic flow during this time.

𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬

• At 6 a.m., Hwy 59 and Hwy 182/Beach Blvd will temporarily reopen to allow for exiting traffic to flow north on Hwy 59.

𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟭

• All normal traffic conditions resume. 

𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟯

• All public beach parking and access points will return to normal use.

We apologize for the inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience as we work to balance the needs of our residents and the wonderful event opportunities we are fortunate to host in our community. We would like to remind our residents and guests of the ample beach parking and access points still accessible during this time:

  - W. 4th St.

  - W. 5th St.

  - W. 6th St.

  - W. 10th St.

  - W. 12th St.

  - W. 13th St.

  - Little Lagoon Pass

  - Gulf State Park