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Fort Morgan Historic Site Bayside Beach

The bayside area of beach of Fort Morgan Historic Site in Gulf Shores, AL is dog friendly. Dogs should be leashed at all times and owners must clean up any waste. The Mobile bayside beach from the old Fort Morgan Pier all the way to the Old Fisherman's Wharf is the only beach that allows dogs. Beyond the Old Fisherman's Wharf is a Federal Wildlife area so dogs are not permitted beyond that point. The beach is located just past the ferry to Dauphin Island and before the entrance to the fort. Visit Website

Or call (334) 242-3184 or email FortMorganCivic@gmail.com for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating

Fort Morgan Historic Site Bayside Beach has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 bones by 16 canine critics on BringFido.

  • Jennifer
    Jan 22, 2024
    Nice Beach

    We went in January and parked right by the pier before you enter the fort. Dogs aren't allowed on the pier but can go on the beach. Lots of good sniffing with all the drift wood. Our pup loved the beach walk and swimming. There are not many beaches near Gulf Shores that are dog friendly so this is a good option. We saw lots of dolphins and birds, too.

  • Heather
    Jan 20, 2024
    Great beach!

    We just visited this beach in January. It’s easy to find if you use the address for Fort Morgan Historic site. There is a parking lot right before you drive into the Fort that has access to the beach. If you walk to the pier, the entrance to the beach is just to the left. They also have hoses available for rinsing there. We went there several days on our vacay. There was a lot of debris and some creatures like horseshoe crab and jellyfish that washed up after some storms. The debris is mainly driftwood and we never encountered trash. We found a spot that was mainly clear and put down a blanket and hung out for hours. It was too cold for us to swim but my pup dipped his paws in and took a little swim. We encountered several people with dogs, all friendly and respectful. We saw several dolphins! I would definitely go back and if warm enough, wouldn’t hesitate to get in the water.

  • Summer
    May 26, 2023
    Little disappointing.

    it’s not a beach you would want to spend the day at. It’s narrow, water drops off kinda steep. a lot of debris. Took longer to drive here from Orange Beach than we stayed. Overall there is not many options for a dog friendly beach in the area.

  • Kristin
    Mar 1, 2023
    A Rare Find

    This is the only dog friendly beach in Gulf Shores area. Our pup loved the waves. It was clean and people were friendly. We really enjoyed walking her here during our stay.

  • Cori
    Jan 15, 2023
    Great place to visit with pet

    our family spent hours exploring and learning about Fort Morgan and history. we explored the grounds and batteries that are outside the main Fort area.

  • Sara
    Nov 29, 2022
    Perfect for the dogs!

    There was a lot of natural debris, so not a great human swimming beach, but it was perfect for the dogs. There was plenty to sniff and explore. The humans were even able to take off their shoes and walk barefoot. Lots of bird activity to keep the humans entertained as well. We even saw a pod of dolphins hunting! The pier is closed to dogs, so stick to the beach. Also know that at some point the beach turns into a federal reserve and they ask you not take dogs on that part, but the signage from the beach area didn’t mark the line between the two beaches very well.

  • Abby
    Jun 23, 2022
    Great location!

    The beach is a very open spot. We got there around 10. I expected it to be packed there were only 2 others there (very friendly pets too). Theres a little bit of debris but nothing that'll hurt your pup. Theres a washing station with a water hose for fresh water for the dogs and to wash off. The hours are 8-5 so you haft to go between those times or the gates will be locked. My pup loved the beach there and I recommend anyone thinking about taking their dog to the beach to go there its a beautiful drive!

  • Pat
    Nov 18, 2021
    Fort Morgan

    Fort Morgan is a great place to take your dog. The beach was nice and the museum welcomed her with doggie treats. They allow dogs everywhere on the property. Be aware there is a ditch on the inside the tunnel area which will make your dog stinky if they get in it. Overall, it was a very nice visit and everyone was very friendly.

  • Alicia
    Aug 30, 2021
    Awesome fort

    The fort was our first outing with the dogs. The fort was amazing and had nice views from the top. A lot of history and so well preserved. When we were walking to the beach our dog Lily came across a crab that she wanted to try and play with. Just beware if you have a curious dog that thinks everything could be a friend. The beach was nice although it did have a lot of debris. (just fyi Lily did not hurt the crab and the crab did not hurt her)

  • Anne
    Aug 14, 2021
    Great Piece of History

    This is a well preserved fort that played a role in several of our nation's wars. Take a self guided tour to explore the grounds. Postings throughout help to explain the history. It's right on the water and it's dog friendly.

  • Gabbi
    Jun 2, 2021
    My pup loved it!

    It’s a pretty nice stretch of beach. Lots of debris, but that didn’t bother us. There were some dogs out there that seemed to be a little aggressive towards my baby so please be careful. They are also allowed at the Fort and Museum!

  • Heather
    Jul 7, 2019
    Great dog beach

    Visited for July 4th weekend with our dog. Got there early at 8am and had the dog beach all to ourselves for about 4 hrs. There is some debris and driftwood but its not terrible. No dog poop on the beach which was nice. There were dozens of crabs so beware if you have a dog that thinks everything is a chew toy. Totally worth the admission fee!

  • Alycia
    Jun 18, 2019
    Our Dogs Were In Heaven

    I have been so disappointed in the Gulf Shores area for how unwelcome they’ve been to our doggos. I mean it’s 2019– our pups are our babies. But we found this gem of a place down Ft. Morgan Rd. And we had a blast. It’s a bay-side beach so the water is pretty calm, and there was no one there for the hour we spent there. It was the perfect place to get some energy out. We will definitely return!

  • Andrew
    Jan 18, 2019
    Not the greatest

    This is a fee area. It'll cost you $5 in an honor system drop box to get to about 600 yards of beach where they allow dogs between the pier and the old warf. For this fee, you get the privilege of walking along a debris strewn beach about 30 feet wide with it's fair share of fish carcasses. No bags provided. It does have decent sunsets, though.

    We never got there in time to get into the fort, which closes at 5pm, which is in a separate fee area.

  • Beth
    Apr 21, 2018
    How to find the dog beach!

    The beach is located just past the ferry to Dauphin Island and before the entrance to the fort. Park across the street from the yellow houses and you are there! Watch the drop off, keep your dog leashed but enjoy!

  • Haley
    Mar 21, 2018
    Great Beach!

    This is a great place for the dogs to rip and run in the sand and waves! This is not a great beach to lay out on as it tends to have lots of debris. Usually not very crowded, and the fort is dog friendly as well!

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Fort Morgan Historic Site Bayside Beach