The nature center at Gulf State Park
Where to stay

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with a dog

Dogs can't go on the public beaches in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Gulf State Park. The exception is a narrow one: leashed dogs on the sand in front of private homes in residential parts of Gulf Shores. 10 well-rated hotels take dogs, usually for about $75 a stay. To let your dog run, use the two city dog parks or the Dog Pond at Lake Shelby.

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Checked November 3, 202610 hotels take pets3 off-leash areas

Gulf State Park, Alabama · Photo: Farrargirl / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Credits

Can dogs go on the beach?

Where dogs are allowed on the sand

A hotel that welcomes dogs doesn't make its beach dog-friendly. The city and park rules apply to every guest. Service animals are handled separately from pets.

  • Gulf Shores public beaches

    RuleNo dogs on the sand. At Gulf Place, leashed dogs are allowed off the sandSourceCity code § 6-8 and § 6-18

  • Gulf Shores, in front of private homes

    RuleLeashed dogs with a waste bag are allowed in residential zones, in front of private property onlySourceCity code § 6-8

  • Orange Beach

    RuleNo pets on the beach or the dunesSourceCity code § 30-158

  • Gulf State Park beaches

    RuleNo dogs on the Gulf beachSourcePark rules

  • Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge

    RuleNo pets, including on its beaches; service dogs exceptedSourceU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

  • Fort Morgan county beaches

    Rule: The county's beach rules don't ban dogs, and the city bans end at the city limits. Keep your dog under control, follow the signs at each access and stay out of the Bon Secour refuge

    Source: Baldwin County Resolution 2015-011; questions 251-937-0264

Sources: Gulf Shores beach rules, Gulf Shores city code, Orange Beach city code § 30-158, Orange Beach FAQ, Gulf State Park rules (October 2025), Bon Secour refuge.

All beach rules

Hotels that take dogs

10 pet-friendly hotels, west to east

Each hotel's own pet rule. Tell the hotel you're bringing a pet when you book; some have only a few pet rooms. "Prices" opens the hotel on Expedia.

  1. Embassy Suites Gulf Shores Beach ResortGulf Shores beachPet ruleDogs and cats, up to two, 25 lb each; $81.19 with tax for up to four nights, $125 for longer staysBeachShort walk to the beachPrices
  2. Hampton Inn Gulf ShoresGulf Shores ParkwayPet ruleDogs and cats, up to two, 75 lb each; $50 a stayBeachNot on the beachPrices
  3. Hampton Inn FoleyFoleyPet ruleDogs and cats, up to two, 75 lb max; $75 for 1–4 nights, $125 for 5+BeachNot on the beachPrices
  4. Home2 Suites FoleyFoleyPet ruleDogs and cats, up to two, 75 lb max; $50 for 1–4 nights, $75 for 5+BeachNot on the beachPrices
  5. Staybridge Suites Gulf ShoresGulf Shores ParkwayPet ruleUp to two, 80 lb max, with vaccination records and notice; $75 for 1–6 nights, $150 for 7+BeachNot on the beachPrices
  6. Comfort Inn & Suites Gulf Shores East BeachGulf Shores beachPet ruleDogs only, $60 a stay; five dog-friendly rooms on the ground floorBeachShort walk to the beachPrices
  7. TownePlace Suites Foley at OWAFoleyPet ruleUp to two pets, 75 lb max; $150 a stayBeachNot on the beachPrices
  8. Hotel Indigo Orange Beach - Gulf ShoresOrange Beach WestPet ruleUp to two dogs, 40 lb each, in suitable rooms; $75 per room and stay, non-refundableBeachShort walk to the beachPrices
  9. Hilton Garden Inn Orange BeachOrange Beach WestPet ruleDogs and cats, up to two; $75 a stayBeachDirectly on the beachPrices
  10. Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach/Gulf FrontOrange Beach EastPet ruleDogs and cats, up to two, 75 lb each; $75 a stayBeachDirectly on the beachPrices

Sources: each hotel's own website or brand page, read November 1 to 3, 2026.

Most condo complexes don't allow pets. On Vrbo, filter for pet-friendly homes: Gulf Shores rentals Orange Beach rentals

Gulf State Park

Cabins and cottages that take pets

Inside the state park, pets can stay in the cabins and Eagle Cottages, but not on the park's Gulf beach. The Dog Pond is a short drive away at Lake Shelby.

Sources: Alabama State Parks: Gulf State Park cabins; the cabin and cottage operators' own pages.

Gulf State Park

  • The Cabins at Gulf State Park

    RulePets up to 50 lb; leashed outside the cabinPet fee$175 plus tax per stay, non-refundable

  • Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park

    RuleUp to 2 pets, each under 50 lbPet fee$175 plus tax per stay, non-refundable
Off leash

Where your dog can run

The two city dog parks ban food and treats; the state park's Dog Pond allows them. The Dog Pond is at Lake Shelby, away from the beach.

  • Gulf Shores Dog Park

    Where308 Clubhouse Drive, Gulf ShoresHoursSunrise to sunset, dailyRulesUp to 3 dogs per person; dogs 4 months+; small-dog area up to 25 lb; no food or treats; phone 251-968-1425

  • Unleashed Dog Park

    Where27920 Canal Road, Orange BeachHoursSunrise to sunsetRulesUp to 2 dogs per person; dogs 4 months+; no food or treats

  • Dog Pond at Lake Shelby

    WhereLake Shelby picnic area, Gulf State ParkHours8 am to sunsetRulesOff leash under voice control, leash at the gate; treats allowed; under 16 only with an adult; alligators live in the park

Sources: Gulf Shores Dog Park, Unleashed Dog Park, Dog Pond at Lake Shelby.