[2024] Top 7 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Alabama: Off & On-Leash Places (2023 Guide) - Pet Follower | Pet Guides, Health & Gear Articles by Pet Lovers & Veterinarians

Taking your dog on vacation with you is preferable to leaving them behind at a kennel or with a sitter, but not every vacation location is dog-friendly. If you’re in Alabama, though, and you’re planning a trip to the Gulf Coast or surrounding areas, then you’re in luck! Alabama has several dog-friendly beaches you and your favorite furry pal can visit.

Take a look below at the top seven dog-friendly beaches in Alabama, and see where your next vacation will take you!

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The 7 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Alabama

1. Dauphin Island Public Beach

Less crowded than other Alabama beaches
Can be accessed by road (2-hour drive from the mainland) or ferry (leashed, well-behaved dogs allowed)
Dogs are not allowed on the West End
Dogs are not allowed off-leash due to island-wide leash law
Walk is long from the parking lot to the beach

2. Graham Creek Nature Preserve

🗺️ 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 M–F, 10 AM–2 PM Saturday, closed Sunday
💲 Cost:	Free
🐕 Off-Leash:	No

Hiking trails will take you to a dog-friendly beach
Also, a creek for you and your pups to enjoy
Can also spend time on the boardwalks, at disc golf, and at a kayak launch
Dogs must be leashed at all times

3. Mayday Park

Offers bayfront and beach access
Has a boardwalk/pier
Can boat with your dog in kayaks or canoes
Dogs must be leashed at all times
Keep an eye out for snakes and alligators

4. Orange Beach Waterfront Park

Beach on Wolf Bay, not Gulf
Has a pier (though currently closed for hurricane damage)
Enjoy picnicking and kids’ park
Dogs must be leashed at all times
More dogs around after sunset hours, so you may want to go early in the day

5. Pirate’s Cove Marina

🗺️ 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

On the north shore of Arnica Bay
Public boat launch for boating with your pup
A restaurant is one of the main features of Pirate’s Cove
Dogs must be leashed at all times
Extremely dog-friendly area

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Dog-Friendly Beaches in Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf Shores is one of the best places to hit the beach in Alabama. Unfortunately, though, they only have a couple of dog-friendly beach areas you can visit.

6. The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby (Gulf State Park)

Inside Gulf State Park, so you can also go hiking
Dogs must be leashed in park but can be off-leash on beach
Dog food isn’t allowed, but treats are
Agility course area
Picnic area for the humans

7. Fort Morgan Historic Site Bayside Beach

🗺️ 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, children under 6 free; beach is free
🐕 Off-Leash:	No

Public beach, plus historical fort located 22 miles outside Gulf Shores
Dogs can visit the beach and the fort (but not the museum)
Dogs must stay between Fisherman’s Wharf and the old Fort Morgan Pier while on the beach due to a nearby Federal Wildlife area
Dogs must be leashed at all times

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Conclusion

As you can see, Alabama is home to quite a few dog-friendly beaches (or beach-adjacent areas)! Whether you want to spend a day or two on the sandy shores of Dauphin Island or vary between nature trails and swimming in the water, you can find a bit of everything. So, next time you’re planning to take a beach vacation, look at Gulf Shores and the surrounding areas to find a dog-friendly location that will allow you to bring your furry friend along.

Featured Image Credit: LyAn Voyages, Unsplash