Your Guide for a Pet-Friendly

Beach Vacation in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Bring your sunscreen, hat and furry friend on your next beach vacation!

April 13, 2022

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer something for everyone in the family, and we mean the whole family! Our area welcomes pets and offers many places where they can stay and play.

Here are a few pet-friendly spots and ideas for your next beach vacation.

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 make a splash, check out The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby in the Gulf State Park. Dogs are also welcome at Orange Beach Waterfront Park, but must remain on a leash.

Taking your dog for a walk on the Alabama Gulf Coast is convenient, as our area is home to several trails, including the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park. You’ll both get exercise, and the scenery is second to none. Dogs are also welcome at Meyer Park, Wade Ward Nature Park and various other pet-friendly outdoor spots.

But it isn’t just parks and trails that are open to pets. Many attractions and activities like Fort Morgan, Beachside Mini-Golf, and Cool Shots Selfie Museum allow you to bring your pet along for the fun as long as they are leashed. You can also take your dog out on the water as many charter boats and watersport rentals are pet-friendly.

Finding a place to stay when you’ve got a pet along for the ride isn’t a hassle in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. There are plenty of lodging options that allow pets, including condos, beach houses and campsites. If you’re traveling during the high season, you’ll want to book as early as possible in order to ensure a pet-friendly room.

Don’t worry about leaving your furry friend behind when you go out to eat. Many of the restaurants in the destination allow your dog to dine with you on their outdoor decks and patios.

If your day’s activities don’t include your pet, you can choose to keep them at one of the boarding and kennel services in the area. They’re sure to make lots of new friends during their time there.

With more and more choices available, leaving your pet at home no longer has to be the only option.