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Steps to the Beach! Pet Friendly + Ocean Views + Pool & Hot Tub + Sleeps 6

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A wooden boardwalk leading to a beach with palm trees and a clear sky.
A modern living room with a sofa, coffee table, and a TV mounted on the wall.
A two-story building with a wooden staircase and a balcony.
A compact kitchen with white cabinets, a stainless steel refrigerator, and a built-in oven. There is a small dining table with benches, a TV on a stand, and artwork on the walls.
A wooden exterior with a door marked "4 Sophia by the sea," blue Adirondack chairs, and a wooden deck.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire condo

1 bedroom1 bathroom531 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Gulf Shores, AL
  • Place, Gulf Shores Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Hangout Music Fest
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Gulf State Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gulf Shores, AL (GUF-Jack Edwards)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Gulf Shores

This condo places you next to Gulf Shores Beach and within a mile (2 km) of other popular attractions like Gulf State Park. The condo includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a refrigerator.
View more Condo Rentals in Gulf ShoresOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Gulf Shores Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Little Lagoon - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Hangout Music Fest - 17 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Gulf State Park - 2 min drive - 0.9 miles
  • Waterville USA - 2 min drive - 1.3 miles

Getting around

  • Gulf Shores, AL (GUF-Jack Edwards) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Hangout - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Sunliner Diner - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪The Catch - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Pink Pony Pub - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Waffle House - ‬2 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire condo to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Steps to the Beach! Pet Friendly + Ocean Views + Pool & Hot Tub + Sleeps 6

Welcome to Sophia by the Sea, your bright and airy Gulf Shores getaway! Walk to the beach, bring your pup and unwind with ocean views, a shared pool and hot tub. Our renovated one-bedroom condo sleeps up to six guests and puts local favorites like Bahama Bob’s and Lauria’s By The Beach within walking distance.

Named in memory of our beloved dog Sophia, this space brings together the things we love most: beach days, good food and time with our favorite people and pets.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

• Beach access across the street via the nearby crosswalk at the traffic light
• Ocean views from the condo
• Pet-friendly accommodations
• Two queen beds in the bedroom plus a queen sleeper sofa in the living room
• Shared pool, hot tub and BBQ grill
• Four backpack beach chairs for your beach days
• Fast WiFi and smart TVs in the bedroom and living room
• Free parking for up to two vehicles
• Walkable dining in the heart of Gulf Shores

ROOM TO RELAX

The bedroom features two queen beds, one with a foam mattress and one with a pillow-top mattress. The living room offers a queen sleeper sofa with a gel mattress, giving families and small groups flexibility to sleep up to six guests.

Enjoy a slow morning with coffee, settle in for a movie after the beach or head outside to relax in our Adirondack chairs.

COOK IN OR WALK TO DINNER

The fully equipped kitchen includes a refrigerator, stove with an air-fryer function, oven, microwave, Keurig and traditional coffee maker. Cookware, dishes and utensils make it easy to prepare meals during your stay.

Prefer to leave the cooking to someone else? Walk to nearby restaurants like Bahama Bob’s and Lauria’s By The Beach.

BEACH DAYS MADE EASY

Grab the four provided backpack beach chairs and head to the nearby crosswalk at the traffic light to reach the beach. After a day on the sand, cool off in the shared pool or unwind in the hot tub.

Sophia by the Sea is part of a low-density complex with fewer than 40 units, offering a smaller-complex setting for your coastal getaway.

BRING YOUR PUP

Pets are welcome for an additional fee. Please add your pet to the reservation when booking so the fee is included. Pets must be leashed outside, and grassy areas are available on the north side of the complex.

RECENT UPDATES FOR 2026

• Queen sleeper sofa with a gel mattress
• Stove with an air-fryer function
• Kitchen table
• Outdoor Adirondack chairs
• Four backpack beach chairs

GUEST ACCESS & IMPORTANT DETAILS

You’ll have access to the entire condo and shared community amenities, including the pool, hot tub and BBQ grill.

• Check-in: 4:00 PM
• Check-out: 10:00 AM
• Free parking for up to two vehicles
• Shared laundry facilities are available in the complex
• Exterior security cameras are located near the unit and pool
The condo is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a coffee maker, an ironing board, and a dining table.

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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, 1 review
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Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Pool

Internet

  • Available in the condo: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • No elevator
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Unit size: 531 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 22

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

There is an exterior security camera on balcony outside of unit. Please do not touch the blink sync module box. $50 fee if the box is unplugged.
- Unauthorized Pets or Pet Damage – $300 Fee + Cost of Damages - Unauthorized late check out - $75 for first 30 minutes + $25 for each additional 15
- Pets in the bathtub - $250 + cost of repair - Ruined or Stained Linens/Towels – $50 per Item - Lost or Stolen Beach Chairs – $75 per Chair

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs and cats only
  • 2 total pets
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 22

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do close to this condo?

This condo is located in Gulf Shores, a short 2-minute walk from Gulf Shores Beach and also 20 minutes on foot from Gulf State Park. You'll also find Little Lagoon and The Hangout less than a mile away.

How much does it cost to stay at Steps to the Beach! Pet Friendly + Ocean Views + Pool & Hot Tub + Sleeps 6?

As of Nov 7, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Steps to the Beach! Pet Friendly + Ocean Views + Pool & Hot Tub + Sleeps 6 on Nov 8, 2026 start from $285, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is there parking available at Steps to the Beach! Pet Friendly + Ocean Views + Pool & Hot Tub + Sleeps 6?

No, this condo doesn't offer parking.

Is this condo adjacent to a casino?

No, this condo is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this condo?

No, this condo doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Steps to the Beach! Pet Friendly + Ocean Views + Pool & Hot Tub + Sleeps 6?

Couples will appreciate amenities at this condo, including a kitchen and a smart TV in each condo, and some feature ocean view.

Does Steps to the Beach! Pet Friendly + Ocean Views + Pool & Hot Tub + Sleeps 6 have a hot tub?

No, this condo doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this condo offer breakfast?

No, this condo doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this condo allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although cats and dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this condo.

Does Steps to the Beach! Pet Friendly + Ocean Views + Pool & Hot Tub + Sleeps 6 have connecting rooms available?

No, this condo doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to this condo?

The closest major airport to this condo is Gulf Shores, AL (GUF-Jack Edwards), which is 4.2 mi away (12 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Steps to the Beach! Pet Friendly + Ocean Views + Pool & Hot Tub + Sleeps 6?

Yes, every condo at Steps to the Beach! Pet Friendly + Ocean Views + Pool & Hot Tub + Sleeps 6 comes with a balcony and some offer ocean views.

Steps to the Beach! Pet Friendly + Ocean Views + Pool & Hot Tub + Sleeps 6 Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place real close to the beach and very comfortable
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was the perfect place for us and our pets!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely love the location and the owners were amazing to work with!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was such a cute place, right across from the beach and centrally located to restaurants, souvenir shops, ice cream etc..
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the place! Thanks for sharing your home!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved this property! Quick access to the beach and surrounded by plenty restaurants and things to do! Property was clean and had all the extras, which were greatly appreciated! Would highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Great stay, close to everything. Beach was easy walk across street. We had rain but still loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect place for our family! Loved the location. Kids enjoyed the pool and hot tub. Host was easy to communicate with and helpful. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sophia by the Sea was perfect for two adults and two small dogs. It was very close to the beach, restaurants, and shops. Tiffani was very friendly and easy to communicate with. We enjoyed our stay in Gulf Shores!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Check in was super easy, overall cleanliness was great, Tiffani was a message away and always replied super quickly. My wife and I loved this place, as well as our fur babies. Entrance to the beach was literally across the street from where the unit is. Will definitely recommend this stay to anyone with or without pets, 10/10
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beds were comfortable, kitchen well stocked, internet fast, property maintained and located right across the street from beach access.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was my first extended stay with VRBO. Tiffani was very quick with all of my extended stay questions. The kitchen was well stocked with everything that you need. The beach is right across the street. Walking distance to many restaurants. Great location!
Stayed 23 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and it was nice having the dogs with us. Only problem is the dogs couldn't be on the beach with us. I didn't know that when I booked the place. Host kept us informed and was quick to reply when asked questions
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little place right across from the beach

Cute place in a great location. Clean, easy. Good parking and access to fun.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was awesome and the property was immaculate! The location was perfect for our stay! We will be back! Thank you for your hospitality!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This is a nice clean great location property. Within walking distance of several restaurants and the beach! The decor is beachy and has definately been updated. The beds slept well & pool was great!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean/ pet-friendly/ easy check in and out/ hot tub and pool was great/ beach entrance right across the street/ great location and walking distance to bars, shops, beach and restaurants/ had extra pool floats near pool area for everyone to use. We enjoyed everything and had a great time.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I loved my stay at Sophia by the Sea! From the moment I booked it from the moment we left, communication was exceptional. Instructions were clear and communication was always timely. Location is perfect and most importantly, we got to bring our dog with us. It was cleaned, had all the essentials, spacious for a family of four. This is a new favorite for future stays.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Condo was perfect for our pet, Easy in and out access and dog walk area. The hot tub was nice and hot. Super easy access to hot tub, pool, and beach. Restaurants in walking distance.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was absolutely perfect! The condo was more than a condo, it was a warm and welcoming home. Extremely clean comfortable and full of love. Equipped with everything you could need in a kitchen, even spices. The welcome book gave many places to go and we loved them all. Extremely convenient and walking distance from the shops to the beach. The pool was very nice and we met so many wonderful people from all over and we enjoyed our time there from the beginning. We utilized the bbq area more than once, and enjoyed the fact that it was just down stairs and had utensils. We also loved that we could see the ocean from our balcony. We loved every second of it and look forward to returning to our new home away from home. Many thanks to the hosts .Thank you - Kelley Hoss
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This cozy little condo was perfect! Was very clean. We felt very safe. I had my little dog with us. The pet area to walk the puppies was very clean. The area to the beach was just a short walk. The beach was right there! We would definitely come back and stay! Thomas & Tiffani, the owners, were very nice. Always making sure that everything was good for our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property was perfect for our family of four! We chose it because it was pet-friendly, and although we didn’t end up bringing our dog, it was nice to have the option. The check-in process was simple, and the host even let us know the condo was ready early. She also checked in several times during our stay to make sure we had everything we needed.The condo was very clean, well-stocked, and just a short walk from the beach. We loved that beach chairs were provided, saving us from having to bring or buy our own. The location was excellent—close to restaurants and shopping within walking distance.Parking was easy, though there are a few stairs to keep in mind when carrying heavier items. It wasn’t a problem for us. Our kids especially enjoyed the pool and made friends with other children staying there.Overall, the price was fantastic, and we would absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025