Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach
Howard Ranch – Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach
Welcome to Howard Ranch, a unique coastal getaway with a touch of Texas charm, managed by Harris Vacations in the peaceful West Beach area of Gulf Shores. This four bedroom, four bathroom beachfront home offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and comfortable accommodations for up to 11 guests, making it an ideal retreat for families and small groups seeking a relaxing escape by the water.
With direct beach access, a spacious screened porch, and inviting indoor living spaces, Howard Ranch blends classic beach house comfort with laid back coastal living.
Outdoor Living - Direct beachfront location with easy access to the sand and surf - Screened porch perfect for enjoying Gulf breezes without the elements - Sun deck for soaking up the sunshine and taking in the views - Outdoor shower for rinsing off after a day at the beach - Peaceful West Beach setting away from crowds
Indoor Comforts Inside, Howard Ranch features a spacious ranch style layout with breathtaking Gulf views from the main living areas. The open concept living room is lined with wall to wall windows, filling the space with natural light and showcasing the beauty of the shoreline. Comfortable seating and a sleeper sofa provide plenty of room for relaxing or enjoying a movie night.
The kitchen is fully equipped with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island with a built-in cooktop, making it easy to prepare meals for the group. The dining area offers seating for eight, with additional bar seating for casual dining or gathering. Each bedroom includes a television and water views, creating a comfortable and inviting retreat for every guest.
Sleeping Arrangements - Primary Bedroom: King bed, private bathroom with walk in shower, lagoon views - Bedroom 2: Two twin beds, shared hallway bathroom with tub and shower combination, Gulf views - Bedroom 3: Queen bed plus twin, private bathroom with walk in shower - Bedroom 4: Two twin beds, shared hallway bathroom with tub and shower combination - Living Area: Sleeper sofa
Whether you are enjoying coffee on the screened porch, casting a line into the Gulf, or gathering with family after a day in the sun, Howard Ranch offers a warm and welcoming beachfront experience.
Book your stay with Harris Vacations and enjoy a peaceful coastal escape in Gulf Shores.
Rental Age Policy We love people of all ages, and we want everyone to enjoy our homes. However, we do require that an adult 25 years or older reserve the home and be present at the home during your entire stay. We do not rent to anyone under the age of 25. We have no exception to this policy.
RISK Guest acknowledges that beaches, bays, docks, piers, pools, and waterfront areas are inherently dangerous and assumes all related risks, known or unknown, when renting a vacation rental home. Guests agree to exercise extreme caution at all times; for more information, see the Terms and Conditions document.
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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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Gulf Shores
Located in Gulf Shores, this holiday home is on the beach. While the natural beauty of Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore The Wharf.
Shrimpy's Mini Golf and Waterville USA are also worth visiting. With sailing and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
Gulf Shores Beach - 6 min drive - 7.0 km
Fort Morgan Beach - 28 min drive - 37.0 km
Fort Morgan - 42 min drive - 56.2 km
Getting around
Pensacola, FL (PNS-Pensacola Intl.) - 69 min drive
Restaurants
The Catch - 12 min drive
De Soto's Seafood Kitchen - 12 min drive
Bahama Bob's Beach Side Cafe - 11 min drive
The Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails - 9 min drive
Sassy Bass - 31 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach?
As of 16 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach on 8 Aug 2026 start from AU$705, 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.
How much is parking at Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Beachfront Retreat | Screened Porch | Pet Friendly | West Beach located?
Nestled on the beach, this Gulf Shores holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of West Beach and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Gulf Shores Beach and Lagoon Pass Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The house was great. The dunes were a little tall too really see the beach and ocean. We have a toddler so a gate at the top of the stairs would have been nice.
Todd S.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Apr 2026
Hi Todd, thanks for the wonderful review of Howard Ranch!
We loved our stay at Howard Ranch! The location was perfect…almost like a private beach! The rental was clean and organized…well stocked kitchen, and we loved the layout of bedrooms and bathrooms. We definitely will book this rental again next year. So thankful to have found the perfect place for our family vacation!
Les W.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Apr 2025
Hi Kelly, thanks for the wonderful review of Howard Ranch! We look forward to hosting you again soon!
We had a great stay at Howard’s Ranch! Plenty of room for our family. Place was so cute and had a great cottage feel! Well stocked with all of the basics you need!
Sue L.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2023
HI Sue, thanks for the nice review of Howard's Ranch! We are glad you had a great experience!
Even though it was for a short 4 days and the weather wasn’t perfect ~ we had the best time! Just the right place to relax and enjoy the sounds and sights of the beach with our family. Our best trip to the beach in a very long time ♥️
Pam H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Oct 2024
Hi Pam, thanks for the wonderful review of Howards Ranch!
Came with our three adult children and their spouses or significant others. Loved the location and the set up of the house. This was our third time visiting Gulf Shores and was our best vacation yet.
Keith M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 July 2024
Hi Keith, thanks for the wonderful review of Howard Ranch!
Perfect week at the beach! House was just as advertised. Clean and well stocked. Location is great, we had so much beach all to ourselves! Family wants to come back to this same house again next year!
Michael C.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 June 2024
Hi Michael, thanks for the wonderful review of Howard Ranch! We hope to host you again soon!
We had a great time and the property was amazing! Having a screened in porch and another for sunbathing was a nice addition! I’m so glad we chose Howard’s Ranch! Thank you for the ease of check in and the texts during the week to check in on us!
Jennifer L.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2023
Hi Jennifer, thanks for the great review of Howards Ranch!
Howard’s Ranch was a great choice for four friends traveling together because we each had our own bedroom and bath. It was very clean and we loved having the covered porch. The kitchen was well-furnished. It truly felt like we had a private beach! We left feedback on a few issues we hope will be corrected (only 4 rolls of toilet paper, problems with water pressure and hot water, ants in the kitchen.)
pamela c.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug 2025
Hi Pamela, thanks for contacting our team about the problems that arose during your stay. We hope our team resolved them quickly. We look forward to hosting you again soon!
Our family loves this property. It's quiet and private yet close enough to town if you want to venture out. The screened in porch is a plus. The only negatives are the twin mattresses are not very comfortable and we wish there was a board walk over to the beach. However, those things did not stop us from rebooking a 2nd time.
David C.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Oct 2024
Hi David, thanks for the wonderful review of Howard Ranch! We hope to host you again soon!
This house was amazing. Had everything we needed and the things we did need was communicated to us. I do wish it had a dock that went out to the beach but that really wasn’t that big of a deal. It would have made the home an 11 out of 10 though! We would stay here again! Love love love the screened in porch for those rainy days too.
I loved the area. Far enough away from the crowds to have your own little quiet piece of beach. The house was very nice and the beds comfy. I got a very prompt reaponse when I had a question. The only thing I would change is adding a boardwalk to the beach. The dune is a little tough on old bones but we had a fabulous time. We'll be back.
David C.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Oct 2023
Hi David, thanks for the great review we hope to host you again soon!
Kitchen and dining table great for large family. Clean and homey! Loved having the four bathrooms for each bedroom! Would have loved a ramp/walkway from deck to at least get over the dune to the beach. But over all not that bad, we haves worse. Just a suggestion.
Connie C.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2023
Hi Connie, thanks for the great review! We're glad you had a wonderful time!
We stayed for a a week at Howard's Ranch and loved it! The location is a bit remote, but just minutes from restaurants and shopping which was perfect for us. The house is large and spacious and beautifully decorated. Having the screened in porch and a deck was perfect for the cooler days and just hanging out. The only thing I would say is that climbing the dune every day to get to the beach was difficult for my elderly mom. This isn't a good place to take someone that has limited mobility that wants to get on the beach. That said, we loved it and would definitely go there again.