Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — The encyclopedia for the south, Southern Living, ranked their TOP 50 beach towns in the south. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach were ranked as one entity, but tourist do that as well. So how do our local communities rank against Florida and other beach towns in the South?

Before reading the list keep in mind that this was derived from a survey of over 10,000 Southern Living readers. This was a compilation if their 2025 voters.

LOCAL COMMUNITIES ON THE LIST:

24. Perdido Key, Florida

The writers added that "Perdido means “lost” in Spanish, and parts of this Gulf Coast barrier island do feel wild and untamed. Johnson Beach, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, is a major refuge for wildlife. Snorkelers can admire underwater wonders in the clear ocean waters."

9. Fairhope, Alabama

SL writers stated "It doesn’t get more idyllic than this bayside village near Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Established in 1908, this city has become a hot spot for family vacations and girls’ trips. The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa is the place for pampering, while the flower-filled downtown contains treasures like a bookstore that has its own bar and a cadre of well-curated antiques shops."

2. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

Described as "Living up to Gulf Shores’ motto of “Small Town, Big Beach,” this region lays claim to 32 miles of white-sand shores abutting blue-green water. Often overlooked for neighboring Florida Panhandle options, this area is the Yellowhammer State’s pride and joy. Special places include Gulf State Park’s 6,000 acres and The Gulf, a lively oceanfront restaurant that’s made from shipping containers."

So where was the #1 southern beach location? 1. St. Simons Island, Georgia

We will forgive Southern Living voters for getting it wrong this one time. We have faith they will change their answer after visiting the South Alabama sands this summer.

The Southern Living writers who composed the survey list were: By Lisa Cericola,Tara Massouleh McCay, and Symiah Dorsey