The Alabama Gulf Coast loves dogs. It simply does not love them on every beach, inside every restaurant or roaming wherever their little vacation hearts desire.

Finding that out after loading the car, packing three water bowls and applying sunscreen to a dog that already hates you is less than ideal. Here is where your dog can legally swim, walk, eat, shop and thoroughly enjoy being the neediest member of your vacation party.

FIRST, THE BEACH TRUTH

Dogs are not permitted on the public Gulf beaches in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach.

Yes, even if your dog is adorable. Even if your dog is better behaved than most children. Even if your dog promises not to tell anyone.

The good news is that dogs are allowed on the bayside of Fort Morgan between Quarantine Wharf and the Fort Morgan Fishing Pier. They must remain leashed, and pets cannot continue beyond the designated area into the protected federal wildlife land.

There is public parking near the pier. Bring drinking water, waste bags and a towel unless you enjoy adding wet dog perfume to your vehicle’s interior.

Before allowing your dog into the water, check the beach flags and current conditions. Bayside water may look calmer than the Gulf, but calm looking water does not come with a written guarantee.

REMEMBER, YOU ARE VISITING THEIR BEACH

Fort Morgan is an important habitat for nesting birds and sea turtles. Keep dogs away from marked nests, dunes and protected areas. Even a leashed dog can frighten an adult bird away from its eggs or chicks.

Beach nesting birds are especially vulnerable from roughly mid March through August. If a bird begins calling loudly, circling, diving toward you or pretending to have an injured wing, you are probably too close to its nest. Give it more space and take your curious little predator with you.

Alabama’s sea turtle nesting and hatching season runs from May 1 through October 31. Never allow a dog to approach a sea turtle, hatchling or marked nest. Avoid flashlights and flash photography at night, fill in holes before leaving and remove everything you brought to the beach.

Dogs may believe every moving creature wants to play with them. The wildlife would like to formally disagree.

PLACES TO BURN OFF THE VACATION ENERGY

Gulf Shores Dog Park

Located at 308 Clubhouse Drive, the Gulf Shores Dog Park has separate fenced areas for large and small dogs. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

This is a good first stop after a long drive, particularly if your dog spent the final two hours pacing, panting and questioning every navigation decision you made.

The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby

The fenced Dog Pond at Gulf State Park gives water loving dogs a designated place to swim and play.

The park requires dogs to be vaccinated and leashed while entering and leaving the area. Owners must remain inside and keep their dogs within view. The pond is open from 8 a.m. until sunset.

One important local detail: Gulf State Park is home to alligators. Stay alert near the shoreline and do not allow your dog to wander into vegetation or approach wildlife. Vacation is not the time to discover that your Labrador has absolutely no survival instincts.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

The Backcountry Trail runs through Gulf State Park and offers miles of paved paths, shaded sections and coastal scenery. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Go early or near sunset, bring water for both of you and remember that shaded pavement can still become hot. If you cannot comfortably hold your hand against the ground for seven seconds, your dog should not be walking on it.

Orange Beach Waterfront Park

This waterfront park offers walking areas, shade and shallow shoreline access where leashed dogs can splash.

It is a pleasant alternative for families who want water views without attempting to smuggle a dog onto a prohibited public beach and then acting surprised when someone notices.

Historic Fort Morgan

Leashed dogs can explore much of Historic Fort Morgan and its grounds with their people. The fort is fascinating, spacious and almost completely lacking in air conditioning because apparently that was not a military priority in 1834.

Visit earlier in the morning during warm weather and bring more water than you think you will need.

Smaller Parks Worth Knowing

Meyer Park, Wade Ward Nature Park and Wetlands Park provide additional options for leashed walks. These are useful when your dog needs an outing but nobody in the family is emotionally prepared for a six mile nature expedition.

RESTAURANTS WHERE YOUR DOG CAN JOIN YOU

Dog friendly dining generally means outdoor dining. It does not mean your dog gets a barstool, access to the buffet or permission to introduce itself to every table.

Patio availability can change because of weather, staffing or special events, so call before making promises to your dog.

Big Beach Brewing Company

Big Beach Brewing Company has a large outdoor lawn, local beer and frequent live music. It is one of the easiest places in Gulf Shores to relax with a social dog without wedging everyone beneath a tiny patio table.

Woodside Restaurant

Located inside Gulf State Park, Woodside offers pet friendly outdoor dining, backyard games and live music. It pairs well with a walk on the Backcountry Trail, provided nobody arrives covered in pond water.

The Gulf

The Gulf in Orange Beach has waterfront views and designated outdoor areas that welcome dogs. The open air layout gives everyone room to settle in while you enjoy lunch and pretend your dog is not staring directly into your plate.

OSO at Bear Point

OSO at Bear Point offers casual waterfront dining and welcomes dogs in its outdoor seating area. Request patio seating and keep your dog on a short leash.

Tacky Jacks

All three Tacky Jacks locations are known for casual outdoor dining, waterfront views and dog friendly patio areas. Confirm the policy at the particular location you plan to visit.

Avenue Pub

Avenue Pub offers outdoor dining and a small bayside beach area. It is a relaxed option for people who would prefer not to choose between lunch and the dog.

Cosmo’s Restaurant and Bar

Cosmo’s has dog friendly outdoor seating and an onsite pet shop. Your dog can stare at your food and then convince you it deserves a vacation souvenir. Everybody wins except your wallet.

YES, YOUR DOG CAN GO SHOPPING

The Wharf is a dog friendly entertainment district with wide walkways, outdoor dining and several businesses that allow leashed dogs.

Individual stores make their own rules, so ask before walking inside. “But the internet said” has never been a particularly successful retail strategy.

Good Dog Boutique at The Wharf carries treats, toys, bandanas and other supplies for dogs who have somehow turned your vacation into their personal shopping trip.

Shades at The Wharf welcomes leashed dogs inside. It is especially useful when you want to shop and both you and your dog need a break from the heat.

A VERY GOOD DOG DAY

Start early with a walk on the Backcountry Trail before the pavement heats up. Stop for lunch on the patio at Woodside, then return to your rental for water, air conditioning and a mutually agreed upon nap.

Later, visit The Wharf for a walk and a little shopping. Finish the evening with dinner at a dog friendly waterfront patio.

For a beach day, head toward Fort Morgan’s designated bayside dog area in the morning. Check the water conditions, keep your dog leashed and leave before the sand becomes hot.

It does not need to be complicated. Dogs are usually happiest with a good walk, some water and uninterrupted access to whatever you are eating.

PACK LIKE YOUR DOG IS ALSO A GUEST

1. A standard leash and a backup leash

2. A collar with current identification

3. Vaccination records

4. Heartworm, flea and tick prevention

5. A portable water bowl and plenty of fresh water

6. Waste bags

7. Towels

8. Paw protection

9. A dog life jacket

10. Medications

11. A crate or familiar bed

12. A recent photo in case your dog becomes lost

13. Your veterinarian’s contact information

DON’T BE THE REASON A PLACE CHANGES ITS PET POLICY

Keep your dog leashed unless you are inside a designated area where dogs may legally be off leash. Clean up every time. Do not allow your dog to approach strangers, children or other dogs without permission.

A business being pet friendly does not mean every dog will enjoy it. Crowds, music, heat and unfamiliar dogs can turn a normally relaxed pet into an anxious one. Sometimes the kindest vacation activity is an afternoon nap in the air conditioning.

STAY SOMEWHERE THAT UNDERSTANDS THE ASSIGNMENT

Salty & Happy offers selected pet friendly stays through Camp and Glamp Properties. Approval is required, and fees and policies vary by property.

Visit SaltyAndHappy.com to find the right Gulf Shores stay for your people, your dog and the unreasonable amount of stuff all of you apparently require.

Read next: Gulf Coast Safety for Dogs: Rip Currents, Jellyfish and Other Ways the Beach Fights Back.