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The Greatest Pet-Friendly Activities in Gulf Shores

Your most loyal and lovable four-legged family members shouldn’t be left out of the fun on your vacation in tropical Gulf Shores, Alabama! Now you can bring them along and check out the handpicked pet-friendly activities that we’ve picked out for you and your pets to try together!

Treat Your Pet (and Yourself) to the Vacation of a Lifetime

To begin, if you’re bringing your dog, you should definitely stop by The Dog Pond. A popular local dog park with scenic views, The Dog Pond is located at Lake Shelby and is open from 8:00am until sunset. Dogs are allowed to be off-leash here.

Gulf Shores Dog Park and Orange Beach Dog Park are two other notable locales that include separate off-leash sections for small and large dogs. Water and benches are provided.

Orange Beach Waterfront Park is a great pet-friendly location, though they must remain on a leash and will require cleaning up after. This site is perfect for taking a leisurely stroll and seeing the sights of Orange Beach.

For more of an outdoor adventure with your pet, there are a number of fantastic trails for walking and hiking throughout the Gulf Shores area. Gulf State Park allows pets on leashes on their trails, as well as in the campground and picnic areas. No pets are allowed in the nature center, in the swimming pool, or on the beaches, unfortunately.

Connecting with Gulf State Park is the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, a network of seven trails that span over fifteen miles and six different ecosystems. While pets must remain on a leash at all times on these trails, they’ll have plenty of space to run, play, and explore.

Finally, for that beach experience that everybody (dog or otherwise) craves, you should take your pet to Fort Morgan. Unlike most of Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan’s public beaches are open to dogs on leashes, though you won’t be able to take them to the Fort Morgan Historic Site. Let them experience the ocean and watch what happens!

Click here to see over 30 pet friendly rentals!

Harris Properties – Your Guides to Everything Gulf Shores

Contact our reservation specialists to learn more about pet-friendly and other activities and attractions that you’ll encounter in Gulf Shores when you book your stay in one of our lovely vacation rental properties today! We offer pet-friendly vacation rentals that are clean, spacious, and comfortable without skimping on quality.

Plan your Wedding in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Celebrate the Beginning of Your “Happily Ever After” in a Tropical Paradise

Nothing puts you in the perfect carefree mindset for the happiest day of your life quite like having your wedding somewhere warm, tropical, and lovely. No matter what time of year you decide to plan your special day, chances are good that the weather and the scenery in Gulf Shores, Alabama is better than any other venue you might be considering at home.

Situated along the pristine white sand along the Gulf of Mexico, the beachside city of Gulf Shores is replete with wonderful locales for holding your ceremony and reception. It’s the ultimate seaside destination for a wedding on the beach!

However, if you’re considering having your wedding in Gulf Shores, there are a few insider tips that you may want to consider to make your life easier! Continue reading on below to learn more!

Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Gulf Shores

If you’re an Alabama resident and are planning your wedding in Gulf Shores, you’ll need to get your license in your home county or at the Baldwin County Courthouse in Bay Minette. The address for the courthouse is 220 Courthouse Square, Bay Minette, AL 36507, and the phone number is (251) 937-0260. To receive your license, you’ll need to bring two forms of identification, such as a certified copy of your birth certificate and a valid driver’s license. The marriage license itself costs $70.00.

Location

If you are having a smaller ceremony, 10 – 20 people, renting a beach front home and having the wedding right there may be the best option. The beaches of West Beach in Gulf Shores and the beaches out in Fort Morgan are perfect for this because they are more secluded and uncrowded.

If your party is going to be larger, you will want to consider having the ceremony at one of the State Park beaches. You will need to contact them for a permit at (251) 948-7275. They also have venues to host the wedding ceremony and/or the reception. Please provide a hyper link that will load in a new-tab: http://www.alapark.com/Gulf-State-Park-Beach-Weddings

Photography

If you’re planning a wedding on the beach, the best time to hold the ceremony is generally around sunset, when you’ll encounter the best light for photography. Local photographers like the ones listed below can help you plan the perfect shots for your wedding.

Paisley Studios Photography
Julie Adamson:
Paisleystudiosphotography.com
(251) 622-8085

Andrea McDaniel Photography:
ajmphotography.net/
(850) 687-5773

Shore Shooters Beach Photography:
232 Professional Court, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(866) 856-2435

In Gulf Shores, you’ll also find a number of ministers, wedding planners, and photographers eager to assist you with your big day. Below, we’ve put together a list of a few great businesses to help you get started.

A’Gape Wedding Service:
(251) 709-8220

Tammi May – Ordained Minister:
800-215-6695

Gulf Coast Wedding Minister:
(251) 709-5007

Event Rentals

Southern Sass Weddings & Events – Intimate Beach & Vintage Weddings:
Tammi May
southernsass.weddings@yahoo.com

Big Day Weddings:
orangebeachgulfshoresweddings.com
(251) 223-7430

Sand Dollar Beach Weddings & Receptions:
sanddollarbeachweddings.com
(251) 223-9013

Let Harris Properties Help You with Your Dream Wedding!

Contact our reservation specialists to find out more information on the best spots in Gulf Shores for breathtaking sightseeing and other extraordinary touches to your special day when you book your stay today in one of the gorgeous vacation rental properties that are available through Harris Properties.

5 Reasons to Vacation in Fort Morgan

Just a short drive west of Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan is a lovely undiscovered area that is steeped in both natural beauty and history. This area has ruins to explore, white sand beaches, and big fish to catch—and that’s just for starters. Below, we’ve put together a list of a handful of reasons why Fort Morgan is a great place to spend your vacation. We hope that you enjoy all that Fort Morgan has to offer during your time here!

Fishing and Wildlife Watching

Fort Morgan is renowned for its plentiful fishing and wildlife watching opportunities. You can cast your line from a nearby pier, embark on a short excursion along the shoreline, or spend a day out on the water deep sea fishing. If you would rather watch the local marine life than catch it for dinner, you can always take a dolphin- or sea turtle-watching tour.

Relaxing on the Beach

The beach here has soft, pristine white sand that is ideal for laying out and soaking up the warm Alabama sunshine. Since Fort Morgan Beach isn’t as busy as other beaches around Gulf Shores, you’ll enjoy a little more peace and quiet here. Just be sure to pack all the supplies that you need for the day, as stores and services here are limited to a few local convenience stores.

Touring Historic Fort Morgan and Hitting the Links

No trip to Fort Morgan is complete without visiting the historic fort for which the area is named. This fort guards the entrance to Mobile Bay and has seen action in conflicts dating back to before the Civil War. Costumed actors perform historical reenactments and demonstrations that provide a side of entertainment with your educational experience.

If it is golf you are after, there are two terrific options to choose from. Kiva Dunes has been ranked in the Golf Digest Top 50 and provides a challenge to even the most experiences player. There are three 9-hole courses at The Peninsula; a course that has become a local favorite.

Dining and Nightlife

There are a number of mouthwatering dining options that you can choose from in Fort Morgan. Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill is a laid-back beach restaurant with fresh seafood, tropical-themed cocktails, and live music. Or, head over to Tacky Jack’s for a Bayfront view of the sunset and some delicious gulf seafood.

There are several great eating options to enjoy at The Beach Club. The flagship restaurant is the Coast Restaurant inside the resort and past the main gate (just tell the guard you are going for dinner). Here you will enjoy an upscale dining experience with beach front views.

Two other dinner options are the Village Hideaway (open year round) which serves up pizza, burgers, and seafood in a fun casual environment. If you are here in season, don’t miss the food trucks that make up The Village Lawn. You will have your pick of a variety of menu options and eat under the stars!

Pet Friendly Beaches and Rentals

One of the best things about Fort Morgan is that it is one of the few pet friendly beach areas in the country. It’s the perfect place to bring the whole family, four-legged friends included! You won’t have to worry about leaving them behind, as there are also numerous pet friendly vacation rentals available in the area. So pack your bags, grab your family and fuzzy friends, and have some fun in the sun at the beach!

The Incredible Vacation Rentals

Last but not least, the stunning vacation homes that are available for rent through Harris Properties make the perfect home away from home during your time in Fort Morgan. Between exquisite ocean views and locations that are just steps away from the beach, these vacation homes are the ultimate place to stay for your seaside retreat.

Plan Your Gulf Shores Vacation with Harris Properties!

Contact our reservations team to begin planning the vacation of a lifetime when you book your stay in one of our amazing Fort Morgan vacation properties today!