Where We Are:
Sandy Paws is located in the "West Beach" area of Gulf Shores, Alabama, and less tourist-driven than the City of Gulf Shores proper, which is the site of amusement parks, nightlife and museums. Luxury homes line both sides of two-lane West Beach Boulevard, but almost all of the white sugar sand beach is open to the public. May and October are the best times to visit, if you want to avoid the crowds but still take advantage of warm weather.
West Beach is an area of sandy beaches and private homes to the west of Gulf Shores. Located on the Fort Morgan peninsula stretching into Mobile Bay, the beach is separated from the bay by a lake called Little Lagoon. Sandy Paws is on Little Lagoon and has a panoramic view of this peaceful body. The closest access to the beach is at West 13th Street and is a safe, five minute stroll from Sandy Paws along boardwalks and sidewalks. East/west highways on the north and south shores of the lake link Gulf Shores to the east with Fort Morgan and the Fort Morgan-Dauphin Island Ferry to the west. The beach is lined with restaurants, private homes, condominiums and high-rise hotels.
Attractions:
For eco-tourists, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge -- a 7,000-acre habitat for migrating birds, sea turtles and the Alabama beach mouse established in 1980 -- provides protection for Fort Morgan peninsula’s dune ecosystem. Trails and beaches at the refuge are open year round. The area’s namesake, Fort Morgan, was the site of the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War. The fort, built in 1818, and a museum are open all year.
The 6,150-acre Gulf State Park, with two miles of sandy beaches, has camping, cabins and nature trails. A lake in the park is open for swimming and a dog park affords furry friends a dip in the water as well. The Gulf Coast Exploreum, a science museum for kids, has 50 hands-on exhibits, an IMAX dome and a virtual reality theater. Waterville USA, a small water and amusement park, is usually uncrowded; Adventure Island, a pirate-themed amusement park, features miniature golf, lazer tag, bumper boats and go-carts.
The Wharf is the Gulf Coast's most inviting shopping, dining, and concert destination with exciting entertainment and event options. Choose from a variety of restaurants and eateries on site with options for romance, family and friends. Enjoy fine dining, casual southern flair, and local seafood favorites at The Wharf's array of restaurants. From Daiquiri Bars to Cigar Bars, The Wharf has an active night life. The amphitheater plays host to a variety of big names during the summer concert season. Listen to live music or cheer on your favorite sports teams at The Wharf's late night venues.
Centered on a 14-acre lake, the name “OWA” is inspired by the Muscogee Creek term for “water.” Circling the lake is Alabama’s newest and largest retail, dining and entertainment development: OWA. The proximity to Sandy Paws makes OWA an ideal center point for your Alabama Gulf Coast vacation.
The Park at OWA, a 21-ride amusement park located on the 520-acre property, opened its doors in July 2017. The 14-acre amusement park features rides for all ages from kiddie to family-friendly to the thrilling Rollin’ Thunder roller coaster.
OWA’s Downtown District, features Wahlburgers (the celebrity-owned restaurant), Groovy Goat (the area’s grooviest family-friendly sports restaurant) and its attached arcade, and Hershey’s Ice Cream Parlor (a 1950s inspired ice cream shop with delectable sweet treats)
OWA has the feel of a small town evolving through time, with distinct districts punctuating the beautifully landscaped grounds. OWA represents the best of old-time southern vacationing with the amenities today’s family seeks. OWA is a place to shop, dine, play and stay. Thrill-seekers, fashionistas, foodies and music lovers will want to return time after time.
Climate:
West Beach has mild winters and hot summers. The Gulf of Mexico stores heat year round, keeping temperatures warm and humidity high. Summer highs are usually in the 90s Fahrenheit; winter lows rarely drop below 40 degrees F. Because of its short coastline, hurricanes rarely make landfall in Alabama, but storms do cause flooding and tornadoes.
Getting Here:
Most visitors to Gulf Shores will drive and Alabama Highway 59 (Gulf Shores Parkway) is the traditional route from Interstate 10. An alternative is the recently completed Baldwin Beach Express from Exit 49 on I-10 which has a lot fewer traffic lights than Hwy 59 but has a toll bridge upon entering Orange Beach. The toll is $3.50 per passenger vehicle and gets travelers to beaches much faster but guests at Sandy Paws will still have about a six mile drive on Beach Boulevard (with lots of traffic lights) before arrival. You'll see lots of things to do along the way but its a coin toss as to which route is faster - especially during the summer season.
