If you’re planning a beach vacation, you could leave your dog behind with a sitter or at a boarding facility—or you could pack up your pup and bring it along! However, you’ll have to be sure any beach you’re planning on visiting is dog-friendly if you decide to go that route.
Luckily, if your beach trip involves the state of Alabama, you’ll locate a handful of dog-friendly beaches you can visit with your furry friend. Here’s a look at the top seven dog-friendly beaches in Alabama, so you can choose the perfect one for your trip!
Top 7 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Alabama
1. Pirate’s Cove Marina
https://www.instagram.com/p/Civ4-bqMuHA/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 6664 Co Rd 95, Elberta, AL 36530 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 8 AM–9 PM Monday–Thursday, 8 AM–10 PM Friday and Sunday, 8 AM–11 PM Saturday |
| 💲 Cost: | Varies, depending on the food you get |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Located on Arnica Bay, on the north shore
- Incredibly dog-friendly area
- Dogs required to be on leash
- Can boat with your dog at the public boat launch
2. Orange Beach Waterfront Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRj6k1OLEoE/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 26425 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Monday thru Saturday, 8 AM–6 PM, closed Sunday |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Beach isn’t on the Gulf, but on Wolf Bay
- Features picnic areas and a kids’ park
- Most people with dogs come after sunset
- Dogs must be leashed at all times
- Does have a pier (though it’s currently closed for hurricane damage)
3. Mayday Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTcTh3aLdsD/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 100 College Avenue, Daphne, AL |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Open dawn till dusk |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Features a boardwalk
- Can take dogs out in canoes or kayaks
- Has beach and bayfront access
- Leashes are required
- Watch out for snakes and alligators
4. Graham Creek Nature Preserve
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClemZN5vvcM/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 23030 Wolf Bay Dr, Foley, AL 36535 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Preserve open 7 days a week from dusk till dawn; nature center open 10 AM–4 PM Monday–Friday, 10 AM–2 PM Saturday, closed Sunday |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Enjoy a dog-friendly beach and creek
- Take your pup for a hike on one of the many hiking trails
- Plus, enjoy boardwalks, disc golf, and kayak launch
- Leashed dogs only
5. Dauphin Island Public Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNZ7H50Ho7q/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 1501 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Year-round |
| 💲 Cost: | $10 for parking |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Least crowded of Alabama beaches
- Dogs must remain leashed due to leash law on the island
- Dogs cannot go on the West End
- 2-hour drive from the mainland, or you can take a ferry that allows well-behaved dogs on leashes
- Rather long walk from the parking lot to the beach
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Gulf Shores, AL
Many people head to Gulf Shores when they’re taking an Alabama beach vacation. Unfortunately, this area only has two dog-friendly beaches for those with pets.
6. Fort Morgan Historic Site Bayside Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClFI97KuDOs/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 51 AL- 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Fort is 8 AM–4:30 PM; beach is always open |
| 💲 Cost: | Fort is $8 for adults, $5 for children 6–12 and seniors, under 6 free; beach is free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Historical fort 22 miles out from Gulf Shores that also includes a beach
- Dogs can visit the fort and beach (but not the fort’s museum)
- Leash needed at all times
- When on the beach, those with dogs have to stay between Fisherman’s Wharf and the old Fort Morgan Pier because there’s a nearby Federal Wildlife area
7. The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby (Gulf State Park)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CisY0SeO-mu/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 20115 State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 8 AM to sunset |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Only on beach |
- Dog Pond at Lake Shelby is inside Gulf State Park, so there are also hiking trails
- Dogs can be off-leash on the beach but are required to stay on leash in the park
- Has an agility course
- Has picnic area
- Can bring dog treats, but not dog food
Conclusion
If you’re planning a beach vacation and want to bring your dog along, consider visiting Alabama. Home to several dog-friendly beaches (and dog-friendly areas adjacent to the beach), you’ll find plenty to do. Whether you want to spend days at the beach with your pup or branch out into doing some hiking, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly activities and places!
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Featured Image Credit: Sbolotova, Shutterstock
