Last updated on April 26th, 2023 at 12:58 pm

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Alabama

7 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Alabama:

  1. Dauphin Island Beach
  2. River Sandbar Park
  3. Fort Morgan Historic Site Bayside Beach
  4. May Day Park
  5. Pirates Cove
  6. Orange Beach Dog Park
  7. Gulf State Park

The Gulf Coast region of Alabama is a beautiful and popular tourist destination. The beaches here are well-known and attract visitors from all over the world. However, there are also many other great things to see and do in this region.

Mobile is home to a number of museums, including the USS Alabama battleship from World War II. Dauphin Island is a great place for nature lovers, with its salt marshes, unique vegetation, and abundance of wildlife. Fairhope is a charming historic town that has become increasingly popular in recent years, due to its one-of-a-kind shopping and atmosphere.

So whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, learn about history, or experience some of the best shopping in the state, the Gulf Coast region of Alabama has something for everyone.

Are there any beaches in Alabama that allow dogs?  

There are a few beaches in Alabama that allow dogs, but they are not very well known. We have researched вog-friendly beaches in Alabama and suggest you choose one for a beach walk with your dog. 

Dauphin Island Beach

Address: 1501 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL, US, 36528

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Alabama
Dauphin Island Beach Photo from (IG) @burnettfarmdogs

Is Dauphin Beach dog Friendly? Yes, Dauphin Island Beach is a beautiful spot on the Gulf Coast that welcomes both two-legged and four-legged visitors. Dogs are allowed on the public beach, fishing pier and trails, making it a great place to explore with your furry friend. The campground is also dog-friendly, so you can extend your stay if you want. 

The beach is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and has an entrance fee of $6 per car or $2 per person for walk-ins. Spring and summer are the busiest times, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to visit then. Miguel’s Beach’n Baja is a great place to grab lunch or dinner, and the Audubon Bird Sanctuary is worth a visit if you’re interested in birdwatching.

Dogs on a leash are allowed on the public beach year round. The largest area set aside for dogs and their owners to romp and play is near the Red School House and the old fishing pier. You can get your own pier on the other side of Sand Island, which comprises a mile or two of beach and is connected to Dauphin Island’s three miles of undeveloped beach.

Dogs are allowed at Dauphin Island’s primary public beach and at the Dauphin Island Campground, but they are not allowed at the West End Beach Park.

River Sandbar Park

Address: 1516 AL-92, Daleville, AL, US, 36322

River Sandbar Park is a great place to bring your four-legged friend. Dogs are allowed on the beach as well as in the water, but there is no lifeguard on duty, so owners should keep a close eye on their pups. Please be sure to clean up any messes that your dog may make while enjoying the park.

Fort Morgan Historic Site Bayside Beach

Fort Morgan Historic Site Bayside Beach dog friendly
Fort Morgan Historic Site Bayside Beach Photo from (IG) @stormyprincessbestdogsever

Address: 51 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL, US, 36542

The beach at Fort Morgan Historic Site is a great place to take your dog. The sand is soft and the water is clean, making it a perfect spot for your four-legged friend to play. Dogs should be leashed at all times and owners must clean up any waste, but other than that, they are free to roam and enjoy the Fort Morgan Beach. 

The Mobile bay side beach from the old Fort Morgan Pier all the way to the Old Fisherman’s Wharf is the only beach that allows dogs, so be sure to stay within those boundaries. Beyond the Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a Federal Wildlife area, so dogs are not permitted beyond that point. 

Overall, the beach at Fort Morgan is a great place to take your dog. Everyone we encountered was friendly and welcoming, and the doggie treats at the museum were an added bonus. Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash and clean up any waste.

May Day Park

Address: College Ave, Daphne, AL, US, 36526

May Day Park is located in Daphne, AL and is a great place to take your dog for a walk. The park has a boardwalk path through the trees as well as beach access alongside the pier, making it a perfect place to explore with your furry friend. 

There are also views of Mobile Bay from the pier, so you can take in the beauty of the area while spending time with your pup. Keep in mind that there are alligators and snakes present at this park, so it’s important to keep your dog close by at all times.

Pirates Cove

Address: 6664 CR-95, Elberta, AL, US, 36530

Pirates Cove is a great place to take your dog for a swim or just to hang out on the beach. You can also buy food and drinks from the bar, or order fast food from the restaurant. Themed attractions such as pirate ships and treasure chests make this place even more fun for kids and adults alike. Dogs are always welcome at Pirates Cove, so bring your dog along for a fun day out!

Other Great Dog-Friendly Places in Alabama

Orange Beach Dog Park

Address:

Is Orange beach in Alabama dog friendly? In the Orange Beach Dog Park, which is also known as Orange Beach Waterfront Park, dogs of all sizes are welcome. This is the ideal place for your dog to run free during mid-day thanks to training stations, water refills, and plenty of shaded seats! Open daily from sunrise until sunset for free.

Map of the Orange Beach Dog Park

Gulf State Park

Address: 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Gulf State Park is a great place to get some exercise with your furry friend. There are plenty of trails to explore, and the Dog Pond at Lake Shelby is the perfect spot for your pup to cool off. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times in the park, but there is a designated dog park where they can run off-leash. The best part is that it only costs $2 per day to use the dog park!

Use this park map to help you make your plans. 

Are Dogs Allowed On Gulf Shores Alabama beach?

Gulf Shores Alabama beach dog friendly
Gulf Shores Alabama beach Photo from (IG) @dredgen_veil

On any of the sand beaches in Gulf Shores, or at any of the city’s public beaches in Gulf Shores, excluding Gulf Place, dogs are not permitted. Pets are welcome at Gulf Place along the boardwalk and Town Green, but they may not travel on the sand beaches. The Gulf Shores Dog Park is a great place to go outside with your four-legged companion.

Policy Gulf Shores

Watch this space for more information about when your furry friend can enjoy the beach again:

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Fines for Dog Owners on the Beaches in Alabama

While many beaches in Alabama are dog-friendly, it’s important for dog owners to be aware of the rules and regulations in place to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Violating these rules can result in fines, so it’s crucial for dog owners to be informed.

The fines for dog owners on the beaches in Alabama vary depending on the specific violation. For example, not picking up after your dog can result in a fine ranging from $100 to $500. Allowing your dog to roam free off-leash can result in a fine of $50 to $500, depending on the severity of the situation. Failing to keep your dog under control or allowing it to disturb other beachgoers can also result in fines.

It’s important for dog owners to understand that these fines are in place to protect not only the other beachgoers, but also the dogs themselves. Dogs that are not properly trained, controlled, or cleaned up after can cause harm to themselves or others, and can also negatively impact the environment.

To avoid fines and ensure a pleasant experience for all, dog owners should always keep their dogs on a leash and under control, pick up after their dogs, and respect the rules and regulations in place. By doing so, everyone can enjoy Alabama’s beautiful beaches together.

FAQ

What are some dog-friendly beaches in Alabama?

Some dog-friendly beaches in Alabama include Gulf Shores Public Beach, Dauphin Island Public Beach, and Fort Morgan Beach.

Are there any specific rules for dogs on Alabama’s beaches?

Yes, there are usually specific rules for dogs on Alabama’s beaches, such as keeping them on a leash at all times, cleaning up after them, and making sure they don’t disturb other beachgoers.

Can dogs swim in the ocean at Alabama’s dog-friendly beaches?

Yes, dogs are typically allowed to swim in the ocean at dog-friendly beaches in Alabama, as long as they are kept on a leash and under control.

Are there any fees for bringing a dog to a dog-friendly beach in Alabama?

It depends on the specific beach. Some beaches may charge a fee for bringing a dog, while others may not. It’s best to check with the beach ahead of time to find out their policies.

Are there any hotels or accommodations in Alabama that are specifically dog-friendly?

Yes, there are several hotels and accommodations in Alabama that are dog-friendly, including The Lodge at Gulf State Park and The Beach Club Resort & Spa. It’s best to check with the hotel or accommodation ahead of time to find out their specific policies and any fees they may charge for bringing a dog.

Are dogs allowed on any beaches in Alabama?

Yes, dogs are allowed on some beaches in Alabama, but it varies by location and specific beach rules. Some beaches are completely dog-friendly, while others may only allow dogs during certain hours or in designated areas.

Are dogs allowed on Gulf Shores Alabama beaches?

Gulf Shores Public Beach in Alabama is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.

Are dogs allowed on the beach at Orange Beach Alabama?

Dogs are allowed on the beach at Orange Beach in Alabama, but also must be kept on a leash and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.

What is the most dog friendly beach in Alabama?

The most dog-friendly beach in Alabama may vary depending on personal preferences, but Dauphin Island Public Beach is often considered one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the state. The beach allows dogs year-round and even has a designated area for dogs to play off-leash. Other popular dog-friendly beaches in Alabama include Gulf Shores Public Beach and Fort Morgan Beach.

Conclusion

Overall, the beaches in Alabama are great places to take your dog. There are plenty of places to explore and things to do, and the people are generally friendly and welcoming. Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash at all times and clean up any waste. With so many great options, there’s sure to be a beach that’s perfect for you and your dog.

We’ll keep you posted as more and more beaches start to allow your furry friend:

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