Also known as Fort Bowyer, this community in Baldwin County, Alabama, on Mobile Point, is just west of the Gulf Shores. Surrounded by Mobile Bay to the north, Bon Secour Bay to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Pelican Bay to the west, there is no shortage of beaches here! And the good news is that several of the beaches are pup-friendly as long as your canine companion is on a leash.
It is not too crowded as far as population goes. There were only 38 residents in 1880, but today, there are just under 15,000, which is still a rather small number. But when tourist season hits… it can get very crowded! However, most people visit Gulf Shores and other more well-known places in the area. You will probably not have trouble finding a beach to visit with your fur baby, but here are the 6 top dog beaches in Fort Morgan, AL, according to our standards.
Fort Morgan Historic Site Bayside Beach
The first beach on our list is also the most historic. The Fort Morgan Historic Site is most notable for its fort, of course, built back in 1895. However, there are many other historic sites like the Duportail Battery, Bowyer Battery, and Schenck Battery, as well as the Fort Morgan Museum and Gift Shop. Although you cannot go inside any of the buildings, your fur puppy is welcome to join you in visiting the outside of these places.
Once you get done touring the historical sites, you can head to the beach between the Fort Morgan Pier and the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. With the white sugar sand and clear blue waters, you and your pup will love swimming here. On the other side of the peninsula, there is a fishing beach, but no swimming is allowed there. Be sure to bring plenty of doggie cleanup bags to pick up after your pup.
Bay Breeze RV Beach
Just about 15 minutes from Fort Morgan Historical Site, Bay Breeze RV Beach is a special place where you and your fur puppy can take your pick of 25 incredible sites that include full utilities for your RV or get a cabin or cottage. Either way, you will need to book far in advance for this bayside beach hideaway. The beach is not large but is just for guests, so there is more than enough room for everyone, including your pup.
Your canine companion will need to be on a leash at all times, and you will need to bring enough puppy poo bags to pick up after him while you are here. You will love Bon Secour Bay, where there are always shorebirds hanging out like the campsite mascot, George the heron. What is even more exciting for your pooch is the dog area where your pup can run off the leash.
Gulf State Park Beach and Dog Park
Head east about 10 miles, and you will find Gulf State Park, with 6,500 acres to explore and enjoy. This includes more than two acres of white sandy beach along the Gulf of Mexico as well as play spaces around Lake Shelby, Middle Lake, and Little Lake. So you and your fur baby can choose between swimming in the surf or at one of the freshwater lakes where it is calmer. Although your pup has to stay on a leash, he is sure to have a blast.
What’s more, there is a campground with over 500 sites with tables, bathhouses, and a camp store. Take your pup on a hike along one of the trails that include 28 miles of marshes, bogs, forests, and valleys. But the best part is the dog pond at Lake Shelby by the picnic area. This is where you can let your pooch run and play off the leash. Besides being able to swim leashless, there are also hoops to jump through, obstacles, and other agility course fun!
Orange Beach
A little further east, Orange Beach is a small community park on Wolf Bay right next to the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. Your leashed canine companion is welcome to play in the park and in the water, so bring some beach toys and a cooler with some food and drinks to spend the day. There is also a fishing pier where you and your pup can take a walk out to see more of the water or toss in a line to see what you can catch.
If you have the human kids with you, they will love the newly updated pirate-themed playground with swings, slides, climbing, and a fort. There is even a sunken treasure scavenger hunt and a play shark ride-on. When you get hungry, you can use one of the picnic tables or eat at the beach. There are barbecue pits if you want to cook something.
Southport Campground Beach
A few minutes north of Gulf State Park, you will find Southport Campground Beach, with 125 campsites along Portage Creek. The wooded park has all sorts of fun things to do, like horseshoes, a fishing pier, two clubhouses with activities, and bingo games. They even fix breakfast and have a variety of snacks and other foods available. You will have all the comforts of home but with the addition of the beach and other fun.
Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash and well-behaved at all times. And you have to bring doggie bags to pick up anything he drops. What is even more awesome is that you will not be bothered by any of the crowds. The beach is only for those who stay at the campground so you and your pup will have plenty of space to romp and play. Be sure to book in advance because it is a popular spot.
Dauphin Island Beach
Dogs on a leash are allowed on any of the public beaches of Dauphin Island, with the exception of West End Beach. That one is protected due to endangered birds nesting. There are several other beaches where you and your fur baby can swim and play in the sand with him on a leash. The Dauphin Island Public Beach on Bienville has a boardwalk, picnic tables in the sand, and lots of space to splash around.
Dauphin Island East End Beach is at the northeastern tip of the island and has some of the best views in the gulf. Right near Fort Gaines, your pooch is welcome, but he has to be leashed. There is also a space by the old pier and red schoolhouse where dogs are even allowed to play off the leash at certain times. This spot has almost two miles of sand for you to let your canine companion enjoy himself.
The Final Woof
After a long day in the sun and surf, nothing tastes better than an ice-cold beer or other adult beverage. Take your fur baby to Big Beach Brewing on 24th Avenue, where you can try out some of the IPAs and enjoy some live music. They even have food trucks for you to get some grub. While you are in town, stop in at Cool Shots Selfie Museum to get some awesome selfies with your pup. Sundays are Dog Daze, but your pup is always welcome on a leash. Or get out on the water with Back Bay Sailing Adventures in Orange Beach, where you can bring Fido on a two-hour cruise.
