Spring Break Adventures with Your Dog

Merritt Milam | March 17, 2016

Spring break vacation is quickly approaching for most of us in Birmingham, Alabama and we couldn’t be more excited! Spring is a wonderful time to venture into the wilderness and catch a glimpse of all of Alabama’s blooming beauties or to take a trip down South to some of Alabama’s stunning beaches. What better way to make your holiday in the sun even more enjoyable than by bringing your furry friend along for the ride! Although most beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast aren’t pet friendly, we’ve listed two below that happily welcome our furry friends. Here’s a list of our top five spring break destination spots for you and your pooch to enjoy together!

1. Dauphin Island
Located on a barrier island south of Mobile, Dauphin Island is an affordable, family-friendly vacation destination that is surrounded by the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast. The quaint island even has a dog-friendly public beach! With several miles of beach set aside for dogs and their owners, this is the perfect spring break location for you to play in the surf and sand with your furry friends! If you enjoy camping, the Dauphin Island Campground also allows dogs.

2. Fort Morgan Beach
Fort Morgan Beach is located about 30 minutes east of Gulf Shores, and is a wonderful beach getaway for those who want to bring their furry family along for spring break. Dogs are allowed on the beach between the Engineer’s Wharf and the Fishing Pier.

3. DeSota State Park
For those spring breakers searching for more of a rustic getaway, hop on over to northeast Alabama, in the mountainous Desoto State Park, which is nestled atop beautiful Lookout Alabama. Its abundance of rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers will make you never want to leave! The 3,502-acre park has various lodging options that are dog friendly. Whether you’re interested in hiking, fishing, bouldering or just exploring nature, you and your pooch are guaranteed to have wonderful time exploring the wilderness and everything DeSoto State Park has to offer!

4. Ruffner Mountain
No longer have a week-long spring break? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy spending time adventuring with your pooch during the weekends. Ruffner Mountain is a great mini-getaway for those who need an escape not too far from home. Enjoy scenic hikes within the 1,038-acre nature preserve located right here in the Magic City. Ruffner Mountain is one of the largest privately help 501 (c)(3) nature preserves in the United States. Your pup is sure to love the endless trails and adventures awaiting him!

5. Moss Rock Preserve
Located in Hoover, Moss Rock Preserve is another wonderful nature preserve located in the Birmingham area that features nearly 10 miles of hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, flowing streams and fascinating wildlife! Dogs are welcomed in the park, but make sure to keep them on a leash that is no more than six feet long. Your pooch will love playing in the creeks, making new furry friends and hiking through the great Alabama wilderness.
When planning a vacation with your pooch, check out BringFido.com to locate pet-friendly accommodations, attractions and restaurants. Happy traveling