Alabama’s corner of the Emerald Coast has caught the attention of vacationers across the nation, according to a poll by the Weather Channel.

The forecasting giant released the results of a weeklong vote May 27, naming five shorelines nationwide as choice locations for America’s beachgoers. Tens of thousands of votes cast named Gulf Shores as one of America’s favorite beaches. The Weather Channel Web site released the poll to kick off Memorial Day weekend.

Gulf Shores was the Gulf Coast favorite, with Orange Beach nabbing an honorable mention. Gulf Shores won the spot with almost 40 percent of the vote among Gulf Coast locations.

The recognition comes months after the seaside city started making major strides to maintain the shores. Since the beginning of 2011, Gulf Shores has instituted new life guard stands, improved parking, and revved up cleaning efforts along the shore, Councilman Steve Jones said.                                                                                                                

“It’s up to the cities down here to make sure it looks as good as it can so that people who show up aren’t disappointed with what they find,” Jones said.

Along with keeping up appearances, the city has increased life guard staff and police presence on the beach.

“The City Council for the past couple years has taken a proactive approach to the cleanliness and safety of the beaches. It allows us all to enjoy this type of lifestyle,” Recreations Director Grant Brown said.

Fifteen miles to the east, Orange Beach rivaled Gulf Shores for the top spot. The tourist towns took preference over coastal cities in other states long the Gulf Coast, such as Pass Christian, Miss., and South Padre, Texas.

“We’re flattered and appreciative of the honor. We will continue to work hard to meet our visitors’ expectations of America’s most beautiful beaches,” Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon said.

Orange Beach shares a similar commitment to cleanliness and safety, according to City Administrator Ken Grimes.

“Orange Beach employees diligently work to clean and sift beaches, remove trash and debris daily and respond to life safety needs along the beachfront,” Grimes said. “The beach is our primary product and tourism is our industry. We work on every facet to provide the Disney World effect when someone drives into town.”

Other cities joining the ranks as America’s favorite beaches were Panama City, Fla., Nags Head, S.C., Mackinaw City, Mich., and Coronado Beach in San Diego.

“This is an outstanding honor for our entire vacation destination,” Mike Foster, vice president of marketing for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism, said.

The organization runs a multi-media marketing campaign year round. The campaign mainly targets the Southeast and Midwest regions.

“To have the Weather Channel name our slice of paradise to its top five beach list reaffirms all of our efforts,” Foster said.