Making time for a trip to scenic Gulf Shores is a treat and when you’re traveling this way with a pet, knowing where to go to make the most of the fun is always worth your while. When you have three days to spare, the following Gulf Shores pet friendly journey is a great place to start your adventure.
Day 1: Enjoy time at Gulf State Park
When you’re looking to spend as much time as possible enjoying the great outdoors with your pet during your Gulf Shores getaway, start things off at Gulf State Park. Located at 20115 State Park Road, Gulf State Park is a sprawling and scenic destination packed with exciting hiking and biking trails to discover as well as plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching. In total, there are over 25 miles of trails within the park’s pristine parameters that are ideal for walking, running, or biking as long as your dog remains leashed. You don’t even have to worry about bringing your own biking gear if that’s your preferred mode of transportation. Instead, head over to the on-site Camp Store where rentals are readily available.
If after a day of being leashed, your dog could use some time off-leash to run, explore, and play with other pups in the area, make your way to the Gulf Shores Dog Park while you’re in town. Located at 308 Clubhouse Drive, the Gulf Shores Dog Park is open 24 hours a day as an added convenience. It’s fully fenced and filled with lush green spaces for your dog to run! The dog park welcomes dogs of all sizes so no matter what type of canine companion you’re traveling with, you’re more than welcome here.
Tonight, plan on spending time at The Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails for dinner with your pet in tow. Located at 1154 W. Beach Boulevard, this eatery has an open-air patio to enjoy where people and their pets are more than welcome to savor a meal in good company. The menu features fantastic seafood selections as well as traditional American favorite dishes to choose from. Pair it with a cocktail on the covered porch and you’ll be relaxing and satisfied in no time.
Day 2: Hike Your Way to Fun
Day two of your dog friendly Gulf Shores journey to Gulf Shores can be focused on trail explorations, but first, you’re going to want to stock up on hiking goodies for you and your pet. Gulf Shores is home to destinations like Paws in the Sand Inc on Gulf Shores Parkway, while PetSmart is found in nearby Foley, and Good Dog Boutique is located in Orange Beach too. All of these pet stores are great options for stocking up on food, accessories, and of course, some well-deserved treats too before you head out for a day of fun.
Once you’re ready to go with all of the essentials, it’s time to explore the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. Accessible at 24037 Perdido Beach Boulevard in nearby Orange Beach, this trail is a pet-friendly locale to explore that’s located near the Gulf Coast and within easy reach of Gulf State Park. In total, the trail traverses no less than six ecosystems across 15 miles of terrain. You and your pet will encounter everything from mesmerizing maritime forests and freshwater marshes to pine flatwoods, dunes, and coastal hardwood swamps too along the way. A leash is required because the area is packed with wildlife ranging from snakes to alligators, but the adventure is truly one you won’t want to miss.
This evening, head over to The Hangout at 101 E. Beach Boulevard for dinner with your dog at your side. This popular, vibrant, and colorful stop offers up great views as well as open-air dining setups that are ideal for people and pets. Live music is typically part of the agenda here and the menu features everything from seafood to savory burgers. This is a toes-in-the-sand, and outdoor games establishment where fun is always a priority.
Day 3: Get Out on the Water
For all of the land-based fun Gulf Shores offers you and your pet, there’s no reason your journey can’t include time on the water as well. When you partner up with the team at Orange Beach Boat Rentals, you’ll find that you can easily access a wide variety of quality vessels that are designed for Gulf Shores pet friendly adventures in the area! Orange Beach Boat Rentals is a family-oriented company located on The Wharf. When you book a pet-friendly boat through them, you’ll have a comfortable and quality vessel in your possession for the day as well as easy access to over 20 miles of rivers, islands, and calm bays to explore. When you return the boat in the evening, you’ll be in the right place to enjoy exploring the many shops, views, and restaurants that The Wharf hosts too.
Book Your Stay in Gulf Shores Today
Make more of every moment in Gulf Shores with your pet and be sure to book a dog friendly Gulf Shores vacation rental to top it all off in style through Poole & Associates. Reach out today to learn more about our luxurious options and to get started!
