Dog-Friendly Beach Vacation

Pet-Friendly Spots at the Beach: Mission Impossible?

Planning a dog-friendly vacation can be difficult. From researching accommodations and restaurants to keeping them entertained during the trip, a lot of planning is required for a successful beach trip with your dog. Thankfully, our area offers an array of lodging options that allow pets, including condos, beach houses, owner-managed properties, and campgrounds. And while we love dogs, for their safety and the safety of other beachgoers, they are not allowed on the public beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. However, there are still plenty of fun spots for them to play.

Fort Morgan Beach: Alabama’s Dog-Friendly Beach

Although our four-legged friends aren’t welcome on the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there are beaches in Fort Morgan where they are free to play to their hearts' content. Dogs are allowed on the bayside (northside) of Fort Morgan between the Quarantine Wharf and Fort Morgan Fishing Pier as long as they are leashed. Beyond this area is a federal wildlife area where pets are not permitted to protect the local wildlife. They’ll have a blast splashing in the water or playing fetch along the shore. There is a public lot located at the pier for visitors to park. While here, bring plenty of water for your companion, clean up after them, and check the beach flags daily for the water conditions.

More Dog-Friendly Spots on Alabama's Beaches

Off the beach, there are lots of fantastic places on Alabama’s Beaches to bring your dog. From unique attractions and outdoor adventures to waterfront dining, your furry friend will have just as much fun exploring the area as the rest of the family. Just remember to bring their leash!

Dog Parks

Dog parks are a great place to let your pups play and stretch their leg. These parks include Gulf Shores Dog Park and Unleashed in Orange Beach, where dogs can run around and play to their heart’s content. If your fluffy friend likes to get wet, check out The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby in the Gulf State Park. This dog-centered area of The Lake is fenced in and exclusively for dogs, so you don’t have to worry about them running off. Dogs are also welcome to play at the Orange Beach Waterfront Park. The shallow water here makes it ideal for them to splash around.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants

Don’t worry about leaving your furry friend behind when you go out to eat. Many restaurants in the destination allow your dog to dine with you on their outdoor decks and patios. The Gulf and Avenue Pub are two great spots that offer outdoor dining and bayside beaches where dogs can play in the sand. If you’re craving a draft beer, you and your pup can head to Big Beach Brewing and listen to live local music. After a walk on the trails in Gulf State Park, stop by Woodside and enjoy dining on the outside deck. OSO at Bear Point and all three of Tacky Jack’s locations are fun and casual pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor dining and waterfront views.

Pet-Friendly Shops

Your dog deserves a fun shopping day for souvenirs, too. The Wharf is a pet-friendly entertainment district that offers an array of shops, dog-friendly restaurants, and attractions. Dogs are more than welcome in Shades at The Wharf and may even meet a few other furry friends inside the store. Just a few shops down is Good Dog Boutique, where you can pick up treats, bandanas, and toys for your dog to take home. Cosmo’s is a dog-friendly restaurant with an on-site pet store that has lots of goodies that your canines will love.

Pet-Friendly Trails

Taking your dog for a walk on Alabama’s Beaches is convenient, as our area is home to several trails, including the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park and Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge. You’ll both get exercise, and the scenery is second to none. Dogs are also welcome at Meyer Park, Wade Ward Nature Park, and Wetlands Park.

Pet-Friendly Attractions & Activities

But it isn’t just parks and trails that are open to pets. Many attractions and activities like Historic Fort Morgan, Beachside Mini-Golf, and the Gulf State Park Nature Center allow you to bring your pet along as long as they are leashed. You can also take your dog out on the water, as many boat and watersport rentals are pet-friendly. And, of course, if you bring your boat to our shores, your dog is welcome to ride along with you.