Best Local Amenities for Pets – Beaches, Trails, and Parks
🐾 Day 4: Local Pet Perks – Beaches, Trails & Parks in Baldwin County, AL & Pensacola, FL
You’ve found the right house — but what’s around it? A great home is more than what’s inside the four walls—it's also about the local amenities that make life enjoyable for every member of your family, including your pets. When house hunting with pets, we often focus on what’s in the house — but what’s around it matters just as much. A truly pet-friendly lifestyle includes nearby outdoor spaces that keep your pet active, socialized, and mentally enriched.
🐕 **Walkability & Quiet Streets:**
Low-traffic neighborhoods, sidewalks, and shaded routes make daily walks safer and more enjoyable. Cul-de-sacs and loop roads are often ideal. Walkability and pet-friendly amenities don’t just improve your daily routine — they enhance your pet’s physical and emotional well-being.
🦴 **Local Amenities That Make a Difference:**
• Pet supply stores and grooming are not in short supply. If you want to take your pet shopping with you, be sure to drop by Good Dog Boutique (@gooddogboutique on Instagram) at the Tanger Outlets in Foley or at The Wharf in Orange Beach.
• Veterinary clinics are plentiful in both locations. But you should be aware that after hours emergency clinics are only available in Pensacola and Mobile. My personal vet of choice is Dr. Chris Schreiber at Dykes Vet Clinic.
🏖️ **Nearby Dog Beaches & Parks:**
Access to dog-friendly beaches and fenced-in dog parks is a game changer. Not only do pets benefit, but you’ll also build a sense of community with other local pet owners. Here are some of the best local spots you and your pet will both love:
📍 Baldwin County, AL
'For health and wildlife disturbance reasons, dogs are not allowed on Gulf Beaches. As an alternative, Unleashed in Orange Beach, our community dog park, or The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby in the Gulf State Park both offer you a great place to enjoy with your companion.'
• Orange Beach Waterfront Park – Unleashed Dog Park - This site even includes a map with directions to the dog park.
• The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby is located at the Lake Shelby Picnic Area. Be sure to click on the provided link before visiting as they do have some rules to ensure the safety of all dog and human visitors.
• Gulf State Park – There are a plethora of ways to spend all day outdoors in the Gulf State Park. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail project is a joint effort between the City of Orange Beach, the Gulf State Park, and the City of Gulf Shores. They frequently post activities and happenings on their Facebook page, so be sure to keep an eye on their page. "Overall, the Backcountry Trail system consists of 26 trails among nine distinct ecosystems that make up more than 28 miles of paved trails within the 6,180 acres of land inside the park." But don't worry, you can't get lost with this link to the trail map app Outerspacial...scroll to the bottom of the page to download the app.
• Gulf State Park Campground is located just 1.5 miles from the white sand beaches of Alabama’s coast, offering 496 full-hookup campsites (just imagine all the friends your dog can make!) with paved pads and water hookup and an additional 8 primitive sites.
• Always remember to keep your pets leashed inside the state park. Visitors frequently see alligators among other wildlife.
• There are also dog parks available in Foley, Fairhope, Daphne, and Bay Minette
• If your dog needs a private alternative, you should also consider SniffSpot. It's an inexpensive way to avoid the risks of a dog park if you have a dog that is reactive or doesn't do well when overstimulated. I have had one of those myself and I think SniffSpot is a wonderful way to exercise your dog safely.
📍 Pensacola, FL
The Pensacola Bay Area offers just as many options for your furry companions!
• If you're looking for adventure, be sure to consider Florida State Parks like Tarklin Bayou Preserve or Big Lagoon State Park. Be sure to look at their pet policies before you go.
• Dog parks are available all over the Pensacola area. Check out all 6 dog parks here and see which one is closest to you!
• Pets are welcome at designated dog beaches located at lots 21.5 and 28.5, all other public beaches are off limits to pets. For a more comprehensive list, check out The Complete Guide to Dog Friendly Beaches in Pensacola.
• Who doesn't love to take their dog out to dinner with them? Pensacola has put together a list of the top pet-friendly dining locations.
• Also at the bottom of the link above (here) is a list of pet-friendly places to stay.
• Roger Scott Bark Park boasts excellent reviews and offers agility zones and fenced areas for your best friend.
• If you're looking for something a little different, check out the Dog Run Club at Perfect Plain Brewery every Monday. Each run starts at 6pm and ends with $2 off pints of draught beer and free chips & salsa from El Camino Tacos. I can't think of a better reason to run than dogs, beer, and tacos!
📖 Explore more dog-friendly parks, restaurants, hotels, and beaches at BringFido.com or PetFriendlyTravel.com if you need more options, but the lists above are an excellent start!
From sunset beach walks to weekend park adventures, homes near these local gems can make Gulf Coast living even more special for you and your pets. Need help finding homes near these hidden gems? That’s one of my favorite parts of the job.
➡️ Follow along this week as we wrap up the series with real-world moving tips that will help your pets adjust to their new home smoothly.
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