The Gulf State Park Pier reopened to sightseers and anglers today as renovation work that began in November 2023 has been completed.

Most of the pier’s amenities, including the gift shop, restaurant and beach access, reopened. The pier’s elevated observation deck remains closed and won’t be accessible until a new elevator is installed to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“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). “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 reopen 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.

Contractor MD Thomas Construction, based in Orange Beach, led the $13.6 million renovation project. A formal ribbon-cutting and community celebration is being planned for a later date.

The pier is at 20800 East Beach Blvd. in Gulf Shores.

Workers paint the newly renovated Gulf State Park Pier in preparation for its reopening Aug. 19. (Gulf State Park)

Know before you go

There are fees for members of the public to access the pier, as follows:

Parking: $10, all day.

Sightseeing (all day)

• Adult – $2.
• Veteran – Free.
• Children younger than 12 – Free.
• Gulf State Park Campground/Lodge guests – Free.

Fishing (all day)

• Adult – $9.
• Veteran – $6.
• Campground/Lodge guest – $6.
• Children younger than 12 – 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.