Dog-Friendly Activities in Alabama

Dogs are welcome to join their owners at the pet-friendly Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island, AL. The famous phrase, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead," was first shouted by Admiral Farragut during the Battle of Mobile Bay at this very spot. The fort has original cannons, a blacksmith shop, kitchens, a museum, gift shop, and tunnels. Leashed dogs are welcome, with the request that you clean up after them.

Dauphin Island Beach in Alabama offers dog-friendly beach areas where Fido is welcome year round. The Town of Dauphin Island has an island-wide leash law in place which requires dogs to be properly restrained at all times. Please be sure and clean up after your pets. Note that dogs aren't allowed at the West End Beach Park on the Island's extreme west end.

Visit Red Mountain Park, a nonprofit organization in Birmingham, AL featuring 1,500 wooded acres. Visitors can enjoy 20 dog-friendly miles of walking, hiking and mountain biking trails, Remy’s Dog Park, and beautiful destination sites – the historic Redding Hoist House, three treehouse views and glimpses of iron ore mine entrances. Dogs must remain on a leash while not in the dog park.

Good People Brewing Company is a dog-friendly brewery in Birmingham, AL, where Fido is welcome both inside the taproom and at outdoor tables. Patrons can enjoy a variety of beers, including their flagship Snake Handler Double IPA and seasonal favorites like Hitchhiker IPA. Food trucks can sometimes be found on site. Visit their website for a list of current offerings and events!

Remy's Dog Park is a 6-acre off-leash park in Birmingham, AL. The park features separate areas for large and small dogs, as well as a section for special needs pets. Shaded benches are also provided for pet parents.

Moss Rock Preserve is a beautiful 349-acre nature preserve in Hoover, AL, abundant with trees and plants, rock outcroppings, streams, waterfalls, wildlife and other unique natural features. There are nearly 12 miles of dog-friendly hiking footpaths, as well as "Boulder Field" which is a favorite among rock climbers. Dogs are allowed throughout the park; they must be on no more than a 6-foot leash and under their owner's control at all times.

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, AL, has a pet-friendly, outdoor memorial area for you to visit with your dog. This amazing retired battleship is home to a statue that commemorates the dogs who have helped the armed forces over the years. If you'd like to tour the ship, they offer outdoor kennels for Fido. The park is open daily and there is an admission fee.

Walk the dog-friendly trails with Fido at Audubon Bird Sanctuary in Dauphin Island, AL. The Sanctuary consists of 137 acres with three miles of trails among the maritime forest, marshes, and dunes, a lake, a swamp, and a beach. It is located at the Eastern end of Dauphin Island, a 14 mile-long barrier island situated off the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Fort Morgan State Historic Site in Gulf Shores, AL invites leashed dogs to tour the fort. The admission fee includes access to the dog beach (bayside only). There are unpaved hiking trails on the property that Fido can explore with you, and he's also allowed to join you inside the museum and gift shop. Please note dogs must be leashed at all times, and are not permitted on the gulf side of the beach or point due to it being an endangered species habitat.

Nestled in the historic Continental Gin building in Birmingham, Cahaba Brewing Company is a dog-friendly microbrewery and distillery known for its quality craft beers, as well as a curated selection of spirits. Fido is welcome inside the spacious taproom and on the covered patio. Check their website for a list of upcoming events.

You and Fido can enjoy a day out and about at The Wharf in Orange Beach, AL. This dog-friendly shopping center features a variety of stores and restaurants. There is a pet relief area located behind the parking garages by Green Turtle and Blue Heron. Please note that each business has its own pet policy, so ask before bringing Fido inside.

Back Bay Sailing Adventures offers dog-friendly sailing cruises in Orange Beach, AL. Bring Fido out on a private 2-hour day or sunset sailing tour. Life jackets are required for all dogs.

Pirates Cove is a themed dog-friendly attraction on the waterfront in Elberta, AL. Allow Fido to swim, accompany you on a boat or simply hang out on the beach. Quench your thirst with a cold drink from the bar or order fast food favorites such as burgers, fries and onion rings.

Avondale Brewing Company is a local, dog-friendly, craft brewery and outdoor music venue in Birmingham, AL. They serve delicious beers in a friendly atmosphere. Dogs are welcome outside and in the outdoor covered bar. Food can be ordered from one of several nearby restaurants.

The Hannah Daye Ridling Bark Park is located within the Blount Cultural Park in Montgomery, AL. There is a main entrance that leads to two separate areas; one for small dogs and the other for large dogs. Each area has a wash station available along with a gazebo. There are also benches and fountains available throughout the park.

Little River Canyon National Preserve provides visitors with abundant outdoor recreational opportunities in Fort Payne, AL. The park is pet friendly, but be sure to keep Fido leashed at all times. Hikes include wooded trails, breath-taking overlooks, beautiful waterfalls and peaceful picnic areas. Daily and annual passes are available.

Bring Fido to Desoto State Park in Fort Payne, AL, and explore the more than 25 miles of dog-friendly trails together. As you hike on Lookout Mountain, you and your furry friend will enjoy rock formations, seasonal waterfalls, beautiful views of the west fork of Little River, abundant animal life, and diverse communities of flora. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to strenuous. Just keep Fido on a leash at all times. Desoto State Park also offers dog-friendly cabins and campsites.

At over 1,000 acres in size, pet-friendly Ruffner Mountain in Birmingham, AL provides visitors with over 11 miles of scenic hiking trails in a protected urban area. Bring Fido to the Overlook Trail via Quarry Trail, one of the park's most popular hikes that leads to awesome views across Birmingham's skyline. Just remember that all dogs must be on a leash at all times, and owners must clean up after their pets.

Oak Mountain State Park is a dog-friendly park in Pelham, AL. Mountain biking and hiking are two of the most popular activities at the park. With more than 50 miles of trails, visitors have plenty of options to choose from be it a short loop or an overnight trip. Dogs are welcome in most areas of the park as long as they are leashed. Bike and horseback riding trails may not allow dogs for safety reasons. Dogs are not allowed in stores, food service areas, bathhouse, pool or swimming areas. Fido cannot be left unattended and will be confiscated if left in a hot car more than 30 minutes.

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is the largest privately owned arts facility in the US and they are located in Huntsville, AL. Bring Fido out to this pet-friendly facility! With a focus on visual arts, this huge historic factory building has been redeveloped into 148 working studios for over 200 artists and makers, six galleries, a theatre, and performance venues. When you're exploring, you'll discover artisan food and drinks from ice pops to vegetarian cuisine. They also have an outdoor flea market every Saturday from May to October.