2018 Map of Gulf Shores

About this map

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach anchor this coastal landscape, situated along the southern edge of Baldwin County where the Intracoastal Waterway cuts through the mainland. The geography is defined by a complex network of brackish water bodies, including Oyster Bay, Little Lagoon, and the Shelby Lakes within the coastal interior. The Doctor W C Holmes Bridge serves as a critical connection over the canal, linking the mainland to the beachfront developments. To the northwest, the settlement of Bon Secour sits near the mouth of the Bon Secour River, an area with deep ties to the region's maritime history. Smaller communities like Oak and landmarks such as the Wallace Cem provide grounded points for genealogical research. The transition from the established grid of Gulf Shores to the marshy expanses of Grass Island and Alligator Island reflects the persistent balance between modern coastal infrastructure and the natural hydrologic systems of the Gulf coast.