Florida Beaches that Allow Dogs – Top 10 Places to Take Your Furry Best Friend!
There are two things we love above all else:
1. Our dog.
2. A day at the beach.
Thankfully, with so many Florida beaches that allow dogs, we don’t have to choose between the two! Rather than abandoning our dog for another afternoon of “just human stuff,” we can load her into the car and take her with us to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at any number of coastal locales.
Dotted along both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida, there’s no shortage of pet-friendly beaches, but we’ve compiled a list of our ten favorites – and we hope you and your pooch will love them, too!
Florida Beaches that Allow Dogs -Totally PAWsome!
We love that taking an entire vacay with your pupper in Florida is a real possibility. With an increasing number of pet-friendly hotels, dog parks, and even doggie bakeries, there’s never been a better time to take a trip with your favorite pal!
While these are all Florida beaches that allow dogs, it’s important to note some may have special rules in place. We recommend checking for any specifics online before you go, but in general, the main things to remember are: clean up after messes, keep your dog on a leash, and have proof of your dog’s up-to-date vaccinations. Some beaches actually provide free baggies for clean-up duty, and there are also exceptions to the leash rule, as we’ll touch on a number of off-leash dog beaches in Florida!
Overall, the main thing is to be considerate of those around you by keeping an eye on your dog and its behavior. Which is what good pet owners do anyway, right?
Heading to the beach with your dog is going to be a blast!
1. Fort DeSoto Park
Gulf Coast (Off-Leash)
The Fort DeSoto Paw Park Playground was designed to give every dog a great beach day. (Which means their humans will have a great day, too!)
Located near St. Petersburg, this 300-yard strip of sand is perfect for off-leash play and taking a swim. Water fountains for drinking and water hoses for showering off sandy paws are provided. The park also boasts grassy areas that have been sectioned off for small dogs and big dogs, allowing for even more playtime. It’s no wonder the park has been voted the best dog beach before!
2. Jupiter Beach
Atlantic Coast (Off-Leash)
One of the best off-leash dog beaches in Florida, Jupiter Beach is perfect for pups who love to get their paws wet!
With 2.5 miles of gorgeous coastline at your disposal, you can really “go long” for that game of fetch! As of writing, parking, and beach admission are free – as are the complimentary clean-up baggies – making this an ideal option if you’re also vacationing on a budget.
3. Bonita Beach Dog Park
Gulf Coast (Off-Leash)
Located in the lovely Fort Myers area, Bonita Beach Dog Park is a beautiful and fun dog-friendly beach option on the Gulf of Mexico.
The calm, temperate shallows here are just right for doggy paddles! And showers are available for when the fun is over. Porta-potties are on-site for humans, but be sure to pack clean-up bags for puppies and drinking water for all beach day participants!
It’s worth noting nearby Fort Myers Beach is also dog-friendly, provided you stay on leash.
4. Smyrna Dunes Park
Atlantic Coast (On Leash)
One of the best dog-friendly beaches near Orlando, Smyrna Dunes Park is just an hour and fifteen minutes from the big city.
This pet-friendly beach boasts soft sands and pretty blue waters, so you’ll definitely want to snap some pictures of your pup here! (Note that the pet-friendly portion stretches along the quiet, inlet shore beach rather than the Atlantic Ocean beach.) The park offers restrooms, showers, and on-site vending machines and also has nature trails to explore.
5. Honeymoon Island State Park
Gulf Coast (On Leash)
Honeymoon Island State Park Dog Beach might be on-leash, but that won’t keep you and your doggo from feeling wild and free.
With soft, white sand and waters that are perfect for wave jumping, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in this gorgeous location! The dog-friendly section of beach is on the south end of the island and is ideal for dogs and owners who enjoy taking long walks together. (You and your pup are also allowed on the nature trails!)
6. Davis Island Dog Beach
Gulf Coast (Off Leash)
Another one of the greatest dog-friendly beaches near Orlando, Davis Island Dog Beach is just under two hours away from the city.
Located in the downtown Tampa area, this off-leash puppy playground is easygoing and fun. There’s a fenced-in acre of grass for your pupper to run worry-free, or you can let them loose on the 200-foot stretch of sand.
You’ll find multiple trash cans, complimentary clean-up bags, and freshwater hoses that can be used to clean paws and hydrate dogs. (We probably wouldn’t recommend them for human hydration, though…)
This beach is separate from Tampa’s “human beaches,” so you’ll only find fellow animal lovers here; frankly, we think that’s great!
7. Key West Dog Beach
Key West (Off-Leash)
If you’re vacationing in Key West, we’ve got a dog beach for you, too! In fact, Key West Dog Beach is one of the finest off-leash dog beaches in Florida!
This palm-lined beach is popular with dog people, so you’re likely to make new friends when you visit. The turquoise waters are wonderfully picturesque, although the sand here can be a bit rocky. When you’re ready for lunch or dinner, you can visit Louie’s Backyard, a dog-friendly restaurant right next door!
8. Gulfside City Park Beach (Algiers Beach)
Gulf Coast (On-Leash)
Located on Sanibel Island, Gulfside City Park Beach is one of the best beaches to spend the day with your doggo!
This beach is generally pretty quiet, so it’s an ideal option if your dogs (or you!) are on the shy side. In addition to the beach (where you can often find some great seashells), there are also picnic tables, restrooms, showers, water fountains, and a looping nature trail.
While Gulfside is generally considered a favorite, all public beaches on Sanibel Island are pet-friendly (on-leash), truly making it a puppy paradise!
9. Vilano Beach
Atlantic Coast (On-Leash)
Vilano Beach is popular with just about everyone – including pet people!
Dogs must be kept on leashes here, but they’re more than welcome to roam the beach alongside you. Complimentary clean-up bags are even provided at most entrances to the beach! And it’s not just Vilano – all beaches in the St. Augustine area, with the exception of Anastasia State Park, are dog-friendly!
The town of St. Augustine itself is also extremely pet-friendly, with several hotels and restaurants that cater to both you and Fido. This overall atmosphere guaranteed St. Augustine beaches a mention on our list!
10. Haulover Beach Park
Atlantic Coast (Off-Leash)
Located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Miami area, you’ll find a dog-friendly stretch of sand where your pup can play the day away, free of his leash.
The section of beach is called “Bark Park” and includes separate areas for small and large dogs, picnic tables, drinking fountains, and complimentary clean-up bags. The dog beach is open from 8 am to 3 pm, and the rest of the dog park remains open until sunset, giving you and your furry friend ample time to frolic and play!
There are so many great Florida beaches that allow dogs, but these are some of our favorites. Not only are the beaches themselves great, but many of these locations have other dog-friendly amenities as well as plenty of human-oriented attractions and sightseeing.
What’s the best beach you’ve visited with your dog? Let us know in the comments below! (If you couldn’t tell, we love talking about dogs!)
Cover photo: Unsplash
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