There’s nothing like kicking back and enjoying bright sunny days and sandy white beaches of the Gulf Coast in Alabama! The growing coastal community is home to warm blue waters and a whole host of outdoor adventures, making for a great family vacation. We know how much fun it is to include the whole family, and we understand that many of us see our pets as part of the crew. Lucky for you, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach make it easy and convenient for a four-legged friend to tag along, with many restaurants and vacation homes accommodating dogs and other pets. Looking to spend time with your furry friend at the beach? Follow along with this guide as we take you through everything you need to have a pet-friendly time here in Gulf Shores!
In this Blog:
- How Pet-Friendly is Gulf Shores?
- Nearby Places Where Dogs Can Play in Water
- Best Pet-Friendly Activities in Gulf Shores
- Tips for Visiting Gulf Shores with Your Dog
- Find a Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental in Gulf Shores
How Pet-Friendly is Gulf Shores?
As stated before, many vacation rentals, restaurants, and parks are pet-friendly; however, the public beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach do not allow pets on the shore. While we know this is disappointing, there are still a few places you and your furry friend can enjoy quality time by the water.
Nearby Places Where Dogs Can Play in Water
Since you’re not able to visit any of the area’s beaches, take a trip to these fun spots around town.
Dog Pond at Lake Shelby
The Dog Pond over at Lake Shelby offers plenty of shaded green space where dogs can run, play, and even splash around in the lake. When you visit, ensure that your dog is vaccinated, wearing an ID tag, and under your supervision at all times. Since Gulf State Park is home to wildlife, including alligators, we’d recommend exercising caution around the water and generally staying on the lookout for other animals that may come around.
Pirates Cove Waterfront
While it may not seem like it, the bar is easily one of the best places in the area to enjoy the water with a pet! This local favorite bar sits right on a private beach, meaning this may be the closest beach to your rental that your dog can walk on! Get their paws in the sand, and while you’re here, grab a bite to eat or a drink and enjoy the shore with your pal. Just remember to put the leash on when you decide to walk in.
Best Pet-Friendly Activities in Gulf Shores
After splashing around, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy with your dog, from wide-open park areas with walking trails to green spaces designed for your pup. Grab a leash and head over to some of these fun, dog-friendly excursions during your trip to Gulf Shores.
Explore Gulf State Park and the Hugh S. Branyon Trail
Not too far from Lake Shelby is where you’ll find this massive park featuring over 28 miles of interconnected forest trails. The paths are suited for bikes, wheelchairs, and of course, dogs! Throughout your walk, you may be greeted by not only sand ridges and coastal dunes but also wildlife, including white-tailed deer and even alligators, so stay on the lookout.
Play Around at the Gulf Shores Dog Park
Head on down to enjoy a day at the park along with other dogs at this fenced-in green space. The park is open to both small and large dogs and is open all week from sunrise to sunset. Just know that when you visit, you are limited to 3 dogs per person and that dogs must remain on a leash until they are physically inside the park.
Tips for Visiting Gulf Shores with Your Dog
While there are many places in Gulf Shores where dogs are able to hang around, there are still a few things to consider when going on any excursion with your pet, regardless of where you are. We suggest doing the following when doing anything with your dog while on vacation:
- Confirm pet fees, breed rules, and dog limits before booking.
- Bring vaccination records and identification tags.
- Pack water, a portable bowl, waste bags, towels, and paw protection.
- Schedule walks during cooler mornings and evenings.
- Never leave a dog unattended in a vehicle or rental unless the property permits it.
Find a Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental in Gulf Shores
Now all there’s left to do to enjoy your escape to the Gulf is to find a rental and book it! Lucky for you, we here at Bender Vacation Rentals offer many accommodations that are perfect for you and your four-legged friend! Save big when you book directly with us, and while you’re at it, take advantage of some of our latest deals and specials.
Written by: Terrance D.
Terrance writes for Bender Vacation Rentals, sharing vacation planning tips, travel insights, local things to do, and property highlights to help guests make the most of their time along the Alabama Gulf Coast.