Hugh S Branyon Backcountry Trail

How To Have the Best Pet-Friendly Vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama

A vacation to the Alabama Gulf Coast has something fun for everyone in the family, including your four-legged family members! Here at Harris Vacation Rentals, we offer a wide array of pet-friendly vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort MorganIf you want to get out and about during your trip, you don’t have to leave your dog at home. There’s plenty of activities throughout the area where you can bring Fido. Keep reading to learn how you can have the best pet-friendly vacation in Gulf Shores 

As you get excited about your Gulf Shores getaway, you’ll want to start booking fun-filled activities to enjoy during your vacation. You can book all your excursions in one convenient place with OnceThere 

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Your PetFriendly Vacation in Gulf Shores 

Whether you want to spend the day on the beach sunbathing and swimming, explore the great outdoors, or sit down for a delicious bite to eat, there’s plenty of ways that your dog can get in on the fun with you during a pet-friendly vacation in Gulf Shores 

Dog-Friendly Beaches and Parks Along the Alabama Gulf Coast 

dog on beach

  • Fort Morgan Beach – Compared to beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Fort Morgan Beach is considerably more serene and private. If you want to spend the day in the sugar-white sand, your leashed pooch is welcome to join you. Dogs are permitted between the Old Fisherman’s Warf and Fort Morgan Pier.  
  • Orange Beach Waterfront Park – This gulf-front spot is a fantastic place to spend the day with your human and fur kids. The park features a 400-foot fishing pier, scenic walking paths, picnic areas with grills, and restrooms.  
  • Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail – Reconnect with Mother Nature and head to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. This area consists of interconnected nature trails that span over 27 miles. Your pup will have a blast exploring the trails and roaming through swamplands, freshwater marshes, and lush forests.  
  • Gulf State Park – At Gulf State Park, your dog can join you for hikes along their nature trails. If you want to let your pup run free off-leash, that’s an option at their Dog Pond. Here, you’ll find obstacles for agility training, communal toys like tennis balls and hoops, and an exercise course that includes jumps, weaves, tunnels, and more! 

Other Dog-Friendly Attractions 

  • Tiki’s Mini Golf – indulge in a bit of friendly competition with a round of miniature golf. At Tiki’s Mini Golf, well-behaved canines on leashes are welcome. This 18-hole course is shaded by majestic oak trees, keeping you and your dog cool during hot summer days.  
  • Historic Fort Morgan – Go back in time and visit this fascinating Civil War-era fort. Your leashed dog is welcome to join you as you explore the barracks and watch live re-enactments. Fort Morgan guards the entrance to Mobile Bay, which has sandy beaches for dogs to explore.    

Dog-Friendly Restaurants Near Gulf Shores 

dog at restaurant

Pick Your Gulf Shores Pet-Friendly Rental 

house

When it comes to pet-friendly vacation rentals, we’ve got you covered. We know that pet-sitters and kennels can be expensive, so why not bring man’s best friend along with you? Harris Vacation Rentals offers pet-friendly house rentals throughout Gulf ShoresOrange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Many of these homes feature Gulf viewsprivate pools, hot tubs, game rooms, and more!  

Check our availability and start planning your Alabama Gulf Coast vacation. We can’t wait to host you!

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Here Are the Top 5 Free Things to Do in Gulf Shores

There’s nothing better than finding fun vacation activities that don’t break the bank. These free things to do in Gulf Shores will entertain everyone in the family. From spending days at the beach to exploring local museums, there’s something everyone will love that won’t hurt your wallet. Read on to discover the best budget-friendly activities along the Gulf Coast. Then, browse our extensive vacation rental homes and start planning your trip today!

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Our 5 Favorite Free Things to Do in Gulf Shores

1. Visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Are you ready to take a walk on the wild side? The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a can’t-miss attraction for nature lovers. The area, whose name means “safe haven” in French, is an oasis for flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, fishing, and boating inside. There are four different trails on the premises that span six miles total. Each offers the opportunity to catch a glimpse of wildlife such as bobcats, red foxes, and armadillos.

2. Blow Off Steam at the Gulf Shores Kids Park

Who doesn’t love a day at the playground? Take a break from sizzling under the sun and sit back in the shade while the kids play. Over 1,500 volunteers built Kids Park in less than six days, and it has quickly become a popular community attraction. Spend a few hours at this wooden playground and let the kids entertain themselves!

3. Hike the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Explore the heart of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach alongside the Backcountry Trail. This trail system traverses 15 miles and six distinct ecosystems with ample opportunity for wildlife viewing. The Backcountry Trail also features kid-friendly Boulder Park, geocaching adventures, and a Butterfly Garden. Run, bike, or hike these trails during your next trip.

4. Plan a Trip to the National Naval Aviation Museum

Just over the border in Pensacola, FL, the National Naval Aviation Museum features over 150 restored aircraft that history buffs will love. Stroll through the indoor exhibits, experience a flight simulation in the giant screen theater, or watch a world-famous Blue Angels practice. The choice is yours!

The museum is open every day from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

5. Have a Beach Day

Miles of pristine, sugar-white sand await at Gulf State Park! Grab your boogie board and ride some waves, build castles in the sand, or lay out your towel and sunbathe. Gulf State Park is also a fantastic spot for a waterfront picnic or fishing off the landmark pier.

Find Your Spot in the Sand

After you’ve spent a day discovering the best free things to do in Gulf Shores, return to your Harris Vacation Rentals vacation rental for a cozy evening with family or friends. Foxie Moxie’s Salty Sea Shanty, a cheerful beach cottage, is perfect for families or a girls getaway. This funky home sleeps eight, is dog-friendly, and is less than a five-minute walk to the beach. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee on the spacious front porch and snuggle in at night for a movie on the living room’s flat-screen TV.

What are you waiting for? Start planning your beach retreat today!

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