Top 7 Dog Friendly Beaches in Alabama 2025

Several dog-friendly beaches in Alabama make vacations with pets more eventful. Dogs are man’s best friend and enjoy refreshing surroundings and pristine air. Playing and running are also beneficial for dogs’ overall health. Going on a holiday with fur babies is already exciting. The addition of a beach to this makes them all happy and content. 

All the dogs love beaches. The sandy shoreline is where they love to dig and play. Taking a dip in the water makes them cope with the heat and takes the exhaustion away from hours of running and playing. Most beaches offer other activities that will be a new experience for your dog. These beaches are the perfect weekend getaway for both owners and pups.

1. Dauphin Island Public Beach – Dauphin Island, AL

The Public Beach in Dauphin Island is ideal for bringing furry friends. Adjacent to Red School House and the fishing pier, a few miles of white sandy stretches are perfect for strolling with the pets. Humans and pups love abundant loose white sand and clear, shallow waters. 

Dogs are allowed here year-round, as long as they are leashed. The ferry rides also permit pets if they are restrained and well-mannered. Many cabins and rentals are available for longer stays. Dogs are prohibited in the western end, as it is the nesting ground for various significant birds. Picnic tables, public showers, etc., are a few other amenities. 

• Fees: $3 per person
• Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Address: 1501 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528

2. Dauphin Island East End Public Beach – AL

Dauphin Island East End Beach is another part of Dauphin Island. The loose white sugary sand and the unlimited stretch of blue, clear water are ideal for relaxing for pups and their human friends. It is located right next to the iconic Fort Gaines. The place is also accessible by ferry. 

The beach is calm and peaceful, so watching the beautiful sunset with furry friends is mesmerizing. Pets are welcome as long as they are leashed at all times. Owners must clean up the waste of their paw buddies. Packing a lunch would be a good idea, as there is only one cafe nearby. 

• Fees: None
• Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Address: Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528

3. Orange Beach Waterfront Park –  Orange Beach, AL

Orange Beach is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors year-round. Both dogs and humans love the picturesque scenery and pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It has several shades, seven picnic shelters, swings, climbing trees, and a fishing pier. Pups love to walk in the loose sand and take a dip in the water as well. 

This waterfront park allows leashed dogs; owners are required to pick up after their dogs. The park has several shade trees for the pets to rest in, and two separate fenced areas are available for small and big pups.

There are multiple obstacles and training stations for them to play. Communal tennis balls, water dispensers, benches for humans, and many more amenities make this a must-visit for pets.    

• Fees: None
• Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
• Address: 27920 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561

4. Fort Morgan State Historic Site – Gulf Shores, AL

Fort Morgan is an iconic historic site located in Mobile Bay since 1834. This historical site played an important role during the American Civil War. The century-old mansion and the adjacent beach are great places to get fresh air. 

Pets are prohibited on the Fort’s premises but allowed in designated spaces between Fort Morgan Pier and the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Dogs must be leashed and well-behaved, and owners must clean up after their four-legged friends. 

• Fees: Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. The beach is publicly accessible. 
• Hours: The Fort opens daily from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The Beach is open always. 
• Address: 110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

5. May Day Park – Daphne, AL

May Day Park is a renowned beach located on the eastern side of Mobile Bay in Daphne. It opened in 1887 and has become a popular festive site for over 60 years. About a quarter of a mile of sandy stretches is ideal for the pets to dig their paws and stretch. The presence of grass patches, a paved boardwalk through trees, and beach access along the pier is loved by all. However, owners should keep a keen eye on snakes and alligators. 

Dogs are allowed in the beach area as long as they are leashed, but female dogs in heat are prohibited. The beach has several restrooms, outdoor showers, and a shade pavilion. It offers kayaking, canoeing, sunbathing, and paddleboarding. The park has picnic spots and playgrounds for families and pups to enjoy.

• Fees: None
• Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
• Address: College Ave, Daphne, AL 36526

6. The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park – Gulf Shores, AL

The Dog Pond is one of the most famous spots located in Gulf State Park. 

This picnic spot has abundant grass and many trees to provide shade. It is just beside Lake Shelby and offers unlimited access to the tranquil water.  

Dogs must be leashed while entering and leaving the park, but once inside, they can roam leash-free. Plastic bags are provided to pick up waste. The park offers dog agility equipment. Benches and picnic tables are available for owners to use in the park. 

• Fees: None
• Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. 
• Address: 20115 State Hwy. 135 Gulf Shores, AL 36542

7. Pirate’s Cove – Elberta, AL

Pirate’s Cove is a famous location on the north shore of Arnica Bay. This pirate-themed dog-friendly restaurant offers unlimited access to a beach that allows dogs. It has a marina that is accessible from the Gulf and is pet-friendly. They also have a resort cabin where the pups can stay.

 Pets must be leashed at all times. There is a public boat ride where pups are allowed. A broad shoreline is a great place for dogs to play fetch or stretch their muscles. Swimming with the dogs is a bonus here. The restaurant has delectable American fare for the owners to enjoy.

• Fees: As per the food order
• Hours: The restaurant is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Address: 6664 Co Rd 95, Elberta, AL 36530

8. Graham Creek Nature Preserve – Foley, AL

Graham Creek Nature Preserve is an expansive 500-acre land home to numerous wildlife and plants. Multiple hiking trails lead to a dog-friendly beach. This preserve also features luscious pine savannah, bottomland wetlands, mixed forests, wildflowers, and pitcher plants. 

The sandy shore of Wolf Bay provides off-leash fun for dogs. However, they must be leashed while walking on the trail to protect wildlife. Otherwise, canoes and kayaks can be rented to travel with the pets. There are several creeks for the dog to soak in and play in. Wolf Bay also features a 7.5-mile bicycle trail, 3-mile cross-country trails, picnic benches, and more.

• Fees: None
• Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk.
• Address: 23030 Wolf Bay Dr, Foley, AL 36535

9. River Sandbar Park – Daleville, AL

River Sandbar Park is a beach that is famous among dog owners. The fur babies love to play in the vast stretch of sand. The crystal-clear water is ideal for the pups to swim in. It has a wheelchair-accessible entry. 

Dogs are allowed to play and take a dip to relax. Owners must be careful, as there is no lifeguard here. The dog’s waste should be cleaned up right after. Along the Choctawhatchee River, plenty of trees provide shade from the sun’s scorching heat.

• Fees: None
• Hours: Daily from Sunrise to Sunset
• Address: 1516 AL-92, Daleville, AL 36322

Dog-Friendly Beaches Near You

Conclusion

The dog-friendly beaches in Alabama made for the perfect weekend getaway with my pup. We enjoyed the fresh air, peaceful vibes, and quality time together. These spots offer more than just sand—there are plenty of pet-friendly activities and amenities to explore. If you’re ready for some fun and bonding, give your furry friend a beach holiday to remember!