For dog owners who also love the beach, Alabama offers a variety of locations where both owners and their canines can romp in the sand.

The folks at Veterinarians.org say that among the many miles of beaches along Alabama’s coast, it’s the public beach on Dauphin Island that is the state’s most dog-friendly and tops their list of the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in the state.

“Dauphin Island Public Beach is the main tourist beach on the island,” Veterinarians.org says.

“Trade in the crowded tourist-filled Gulf Shores beaches for a serene atmosphere that is safe and fun for your pet. With fewer people, your dog can dash through the sand, leaving their paw prints in every direction en route to the water. Go for a refreshing dip in the Gulf of Mexico before returning to the soft sand to sunbathe.”

Dauphin Island also drew praise for the nearby Dauphin Island Campground, where dogs can spend the night with their owners.

It’s worth noting Dauphin Island was also named one of the 12 best beaches for dogs in the U.S. by Conde’ Nast Traveler in 2022.

Although noting much of Orange Beach is off-limits to pets, second on the list is the Orange Beach Waterfront Park.

“Free of crowds of beachcombers, Orange Beach Waterfront Park will be a beach oasis for your pet,” the authors wrote. “It’s one of the only places on Orange Beach for your pet, and you can take advantage of the shores all year. You’re walking onto your pet’s sandbox as the grass transitions to sand.”

In addition, Orange Beach Waterfront Park has a divider separating large dogs from smaller ones and also provides shaded walkways to prevent dogs from burning their paws.

Here’s the remainder of the list, with a brief synopsis of Veterinarians.org comments:

• Fort Morgan Historic Site: Pets are not allowed on the actual fort site, but there is a designated area where they are welcome between the Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Old Fort Morgan Pier.
• The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby: Located in Gulf State Park, dog owners must keep their pet on a leash until they reach the dog beach, where they can romp freely. The Dog Pond also offers a dog agility course and bench and picnic tables where dogs are welcome.
• Dauphin Island East End Beach: The second Dauphin Island beach on the list, the East End Beach offers walks with your pet that will go past historic coastal landmarks such as Fort Gaines.
• River Sandbar Park: Located in Daleville along the Little Choctawhatchee River, trees overhang the back of the beach when the hot sand is too much for your pet (or you). Veterinarians.org notes that although the beach is narrow, there is room for multiple dog owners to enjoy the area.
• May Day Park: Located in Daphne along the shores of Mobile Bay, May Day Park offers walks along the beach boardwalk.
• Pirates Cove: The popular restaurant/bar has its own beach and it’s dog-friendly. It’s also got it’s own marina, so boat owners can arrive via the Gulf and bring their dogs along. The Pirate Cove Resort cabins are also dog-friendly.
• Graham Creek Nature Preserve: The trails of this Foley location lead to a dog-friendly beach. Owners and their dogs can enjoy Graham Creek, where dog-friendly canoe rentals are available. There are also the sandy shores of Wolf Bay, which offers off-leash fun.
• Gulf Shores Dog Park: Although the main Gulf Shores beaches are off-limits to dogs and other pets, the Gulf Shores Dog Park offers much the same experience. It’s an entire park for dogs to play, with grass fields, but also offers it’s own fenced-in beach area with access to the Gulf.