Top 19 Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida

Many dog friendly beaches in Florida are ideal for a vacation. On these beaches, the dogs can enjoy and take a dip. They have some strict rules to follow. Various breeds can be found there, and hanging out with them is fun. There is a beach suitable to fulfil every need of four-legged babies.

A Dog is a Man’s best friend. Excluding them from any fun activities will be unfair. Fur babies love to run and swim in the ocean. It is an excellent way of exercising and relaxing for them. 

Discover dog-friendly beaches in Florida, such as Bonita Beach Dog Park, Jacksonville Beach, etc, where dogs are allowed. Park for a fun day out with your pets. Avail service and emotional support for the animals.

1. Jacksonville Beach/ Jax Beach – Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville Beach is a famous beach in Florida. Featuring 5 miles of the prolonged sandy area. It is also popular among its peers, as many pet-friendly restaurants and hotels are nearby. 

The broad sandy beach is ideal for the pets to roam around, relax, and walk. The seaside patios and yellow sand can calm the pets. The view of the sunset is stunning.

• Dog rules: Dogs are allowed with leashes. Pet owners are responsible for washing up after their animals.
• Timings: Dogs are allowed at any hour from 1 October to 31 March. But they are prohibited from going to the beach between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from 1 April to 30 September.
• Entry fee and Parking: $3 for the first two hours, then an additional $1 per hour (prices may vary)
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Holiday Inn Express – Jacksonville Beach, Hampton Inn Jacksonville Ponte Vedra Beach, Mayo Clinic Hotel
• Address: 11 North Third Street, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

2. Fort Lauderdale Canine Beach – Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is known for its stunning beaches. The crystal clear water with a minimal current makes it suitable for swimming. The shy marine life and the coral reefs are the prime attractions of this beach. 

 A 100-yard section of this beach is allotted for pets, known as ‘Canine Beach.’ The park encompasses dog bags, beach showers, and water for dogs. A city officer is always present on the beach to help in any situation. 

• Dog rules: Dogs should always be on a leash. A permit is needed. Valid proof of residency from the City of Fort Lauderdale and a current copy of vaccination are required. 
• Timings: Dogs are allowed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 3 pm to 7 pm from November to March and April to October from 3 pm to 9 pm
• Entry fee and Parking: $7 per dog for one weekend, $30 per dog for residents, and $45 for non-residents (approx)
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach
• Address: 1269 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

3. Neptune Beach – Duval County, Florida

Neptune Beach is a serene beach with pristine waters between Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville Beach. The location is popular among surfers. 

The broad, tightly packed sand is ideal for taking the paw babies for a run and walk. The quint beach and the calm environment relax the dog. As dogs are permitted at a particular period, sunset and sunrise can be enjoyed. 

• Dog rules: Dogs should not be over 16 feet long on a leash. Owners must carry any necessary items to clean up. All dogs should have a current rabies tag. Interfering with the Animal Control Officer’s enforcement is not permitted. 
• Timings: Dogs are allowed from 1st October to 31st March at any hour. 1st April to 30th September between 5 pm and 9:30 am 
• Entry fee and Parking: Free up to 3 hours
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Island Retreat, Surfside Serenity Ocean Oasis
• Address: 116 First Street, Neptune Beach, FL 32266

4. Ponte Vedra Beach – St. John’s County

Ponte Vedra Beach is a wealthy, unincorporated beach in Florida. This private beach comprises 300 acres. The southern end of Ponte Vedra is known as Mickler’s Landing Beach, and it is the only accessible part.

Mickler’s Beach is a paradise for both dogs and owners. The pink and coquina sand make it unique and beautiful. The 40-foot dunes are another attraction of this beach. Dogs can also swim here. A separate shower station and restroom are available.

• Dog rules: Dogs should always be on a leash except in water. Owners are responsible and should look after themselves if any waste items are left.
• Timings: Open from sunrise to sunset daily
• Entry fee and Parking: $10 approximately
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, Coastal Sawgrass Retreat at TPC
• Address: 1109 Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Read Top 2 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ponte Vedra, Florida

5. Cocoa Beach – Brevard County

Cocoa Beach is a quintessential space beach in Florida. It is a few km from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Center, located east of Orlando. Apart from surfing, this beach is famous for space launches during the day and night.

Dogs are only allowed from 4th Street South to the north of Murkshe Park. Owners should follow all the rules, or a $50 fine will be charged. A dog disposal station is located at every crossover.

• Dog rules: Dogs are only allowed in a designated area. Their owners should not trespass with them on the main beach. The dogs should be on a leash up to 10 feet long and away from turtle nests and dunes.
• Timings: from 6 am to 10 am, 4 pm to 7 pm, and from 5 pm to 9 pm during daylight saving 
• Entry fee and Parking: $15 for cars (prices may vary)
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites, Surf Studio Beach Resort
• Address: Cocoa Beach, FL 32932-2430

6. Bark Park Dog Beach- Boca Raton

Bark Park is located in Boca Raton, on the side of the Spanish River Bank. It is known for its cleanliness and broad shoreline. This beach is ideal for paw babies to run and relax. A dog-friendly eatery is just opposite the beach, where you can get snacks and beer.  

Dogs are only permitted from Lifeguard towers no. 18 through 20. This place has a double-gated entrance for taking off the leashes. Both residents and non-residents need an annual permit and a weekend pass. Passes are available at Boca Raton Community Center, Sugar Sand Park Community Center, etc.

• Dog rules: Dogs are only permitted in designated places. They must be on leashes once they enter and leave, but they can run off-leash. Two dogs per person are allowed, and a permit is required for each dog.
• Timings: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7 am to 9 am all year, November to February from 3 p.m. to sunset, and March to October from 5 p.m. to sunset.  
• Entry fee and Parking: $35 per dog for residents, $210 for non-residents annually, and $15 for the weekend pass (prices may change)
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Embassy Suites by Hilton Boca Raton, Quality Inn Boca Raton University Area
• Address: 3001 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33431

7. Fort De Soto Park Paw Playground- St. Petersburg

Fort De Soto, an 1,136-acre land, comprises five interconnected islands in Pinellas County. It has a rich biodiversity with different kinds of plants and animals. The white sandy beach, grassy dunes, and clear blue water make this place worth a visit. 

Dogs are allowed in the Paw Playground, which has two fenced areas for small and big dogs. Water stations and dog showers are also present within the area. 

• Dog rules: Dogs are allowed off-leashed when inside the designated area. But they should be leashed before entering and leaving. Pinellas County Animal Services should be notified of bites and injuries.
• Timings: Open daily at 7 am year-round
• Entry fee and Parking: $5 entry fee (approx)
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Residence Inn by Marriott St. Petersburg Tierra Verde, Postcard Inn On The Beach
• Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, Florida 33715

8. Jupiter Dog Beach – Jupiter, Florida

Jupiter is one of the dog-friendly beaches in Florida. A 2.5-mile stretch is allotted for dogs. This beach is famous among kite surfers for its aesthetic view.

It is an off-leash beach where fur babies can play comfortably. Dogs are allowed from Marcinski Road (beach marker 26) north of the Carlin Park property line (marker 57). They provide waste bags at each crossover. Restrooms and shower stations are available in nearby locations.

• Dog rules: Dogs should be off-leash in the selected area. They can run and swim in the ocean. Only non-aggressive dogs who respond to voice commands are allowed. The dog should be leashed while entering and leaving the beach.
• Timings: daily from sunrise to sunset
• Entry fee and Parking: free
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Hampton Inn Jupiter/Juno Beach, La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Jupiter
• Address: 2188 Marcinski Rd, Jupiter, FL, US, 33458

9. Canova Beach Park – Indialantic

Canova Beach Park is the only dog-friendly park in Brevard County. This 9.1-acre space has three dune crossovers and one wheelchair accessible. The beach is clean and includes a small pavilion, a grill, and a picnic shelter.

This dog-friendly beach has plenty of room for dogs to roam and play. It also has a restroom, water fountain, and outdoor showers. Waste bags and trash receptacles are provided.

• Dog rules: Dogs must be on a leash. The current vaccinations and licenses should be displayed on their tags. 
• Timings: From dawn to dusk.
• Entry fee and Parking: Free
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Windemere Inn by the Sea, Indialantic Airbnb Rentals
• Address: 3299 N Hwy A1A, Indialantic, FL 32903

10. Dog Beach at Pier Park – Panama City, FL

Pier Park Dog Beach is a lovely dog-friendly beach in Florida. The 400-foot white sand shoreline is ideal for the dogs to roam. It is located on the west side of Russell Fields City Pier. There are several dog parks and pet-friendly restaurants nearby. 

The dogs are allowed within the permitted area. Clear blue water is what fur babies need to swim in. Several trash disposals are present at every crossover. 

• Dog rules: Dogs should always be on a maximum 6 ft-long leash. They must also have an identity tag and current vaccinations. A person can carry up to three dogs. Puppies over four months old are allowed. 
• Timings: From sunrise to sunset
• Entry fee and Parking: Parking is $2 per hour (approximately)
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Carillon Beach Resort Inn, Boardwalk Beach Hotel & Convention Center
• Address: 33753-000-000, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

11. Brohard Paw Park – Venice

Brohard Paw Park is the only dog-friendly beach in Venice, Sarasota County. It is located between South Brohard Park and Maxine Barritte Park. It’s the only place where the owners can join their dogs and have fun.

This dog beach has amenities like a shelter, pavilion, rinse station, etc. They also have a drinking fountain for both dogs and their owners. They have on-site parking, a picnic area, leash posts, and restrooms. 

• Dog rules: The dogs should be in the designated area. Waste items should be disposed of in trash receptacles and bags. The dogs must have an identity tag. They must also be vocally trained because it is not fenced and off-leash.
• Timings: From 6 am to 10 pm 
• Entry fee and Parking: Free entry 
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Kon Tiki Inn, Ramada by Wyndham Venice Hotel Venezia
• Address: 1850 Harbor Dr. S, Venice, FL 34285

12. Honeymoon Island State Park Pet Beach – Dunedin

Honeymoon Island State Park is one of the few dog-friendly beaches in Pinellas County, consisting of 4 miles of broad shorelines. Apart from the dunes, the shore has boardwalks. This island offers food, souvenirs, and drinks for visitors to enjoy. 

The south end of the island is designated for dogs. They are also allowed on the trail. Many animals inhabit the pine trail, so interacting and interrupting are prohibited. 

• Dog rules: Dogs should be on at least a 6-foot leash. They should be well-mannered. The owners must clean up after their dogs. 
• Timings: From 8 am to sunset all year round 
• Entry fee and Parking: $8 per car
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Hampton Inn Dunedin, Best Western Plus Yacht Harbor Inn
• Address: Honeymoon Island, Dunedin, FL 34698

13. Bonita Beach Dog Park – Fort Myers

Bonita Beach is the only dog-friendly beach in Lee County, also known as Lee County Dog Beach. It is located outside of Lover’s Key State Park and Bonita Springs. This beach may not be visible, but the signs on the tree will lead a path here.

The small stretch of beach provides enough room for the dogs to play and roam. The shallow, calm water from the Mexican Gulf is ideal for the pups to dip in. There is a portable toilet for the owners. The doggies have a shower with two shower heads for both big and small dogs. There is no drinking water facility here.

Dog rules: This is an off-leash beach. However, aggressive dogs and dogs in heat are asked to be put on a leash. A person can carry two dogs max. Glass containers and alcohol are prohibited. As this is a non-fenced area, the dogs should be well-mannered. The owner should carry disposable bags for the waste materials.

• Timings: From 7 am to sunset daily
• Entry fee and Parking: No fee for residents 
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bonita Springs Naples N, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Naples North – Bonita Springs, an IHG Hotel
• Address: 14436 Bonita Beach CSWY, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

14. Picnic Island Beach Dog Park – Tampa, Florida

Picnic Island Beach is a dog-friendly beach in South Tampa. The white sand, crystal clear water, and calm environment are ideal for the paw babies to relax. The beach offers picnic tables and grills. The park has a golf course, a volleyball court, and a playground. 

The dog beach is confined and located near the boat ramp and pier. It’s an off-leash beach with no prominent fences. The shoreline has some sharp rocks and shells. Several hoses are available to wash off the dogs. Seaweeds often infest the water, so the owner must be cautious.

•  Dog rules: The dog doesn’t need to be on a leash, but must be leashed before entering and leaving the permitted area. The owners must clean the trash and deposit it in the disposal. 
• Timings: Daily from sunrise to sunset
• Entry fee and Parking: Free
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Tahitian Inn, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tampa Bay Area-Tampa South
• Address: 7409 Picnic Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33616

15. Clarence S. Higgs Beach Dog Park – Key West, FL

Higgs Beach Dog Park is one of the most popular beaches in Key West, Florida. It is also known as Clarence Higg Dog Beach, with a 16.5-acre broad shoreline. Everyone loves the broad shore and the aesthetic view of the Atlantic Ocean. This park offers kayaking, snorkeling, and a tennis court.

The park has two fenced areas with oceanfronts for big and small dogs. There are plenty of shades and benches for resting. Both parks have grassy fields for paw babies. 

• Dog rules: Dogs don’t need to be leashed inside the fenced park. They are also allowed on the streets and piers on leashes. The updated vaccinations should be tagged in their collars. The dogs should be friendly and well-trained.  
• Timings: Open 24/7 
• Entry fee and Parking: Parking is free, but it is approximately. $2 is required to reserve a space on the beach for a group. A clean-up fee is charged for the different age groups. Children under 12 will not be charged. 
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Margaritaville Beach House Key West, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key – Key West
• Address: 100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

16. Daytona Beach – FL

Daytona Beach, a 23-mile stretch of white sand, is a popular vacation spot in Florida. It offers a serene view and activities like beach driving. It’s also accessible to people with disabilities. Daytona Beach doesn’t allow dogs on the oceanfront, but some waterfront parks are nearby.

The dog-friendly parks are Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, Riviera Oaks Dog Park, and many more. The Michael Crotty Park has separate areas for smaller and larger dogs, and the Riviera Oaks Dog Park has three separate fenced areas for different sizes. Both parks have watering stations for dogs, benches, and shade.

• Dog rules: In Michael Crotty, the dogs can stay off-leash inside the fenced areas. In Reveira, the dogs must be leashed outside the designated area. A current vaccination tag should be attached to the collars. The dogs should be well-behaved and trained.
• Timing: Both parks allow dogs to roam from sunrise to sunset.
• Entry fee and Parking: Admission is free in both parks.
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, Home2 Suites by Hilton Daytona Beach Speedway
• Address: Daytona Beach, Florida.

17. Davis Island Dog Beach, Tampa, FL

Davis Island Dog Beach is at the farthest end of the island, near Tampa General Hospital. It is a fully fenced-in area, and dogs can be off-leash here. Picnic tables are available near the beach. When the water quality is right, this white sandy beach is perfect for pups to swim.

• Dog Rules: Off-leash dogs are allowed. When entering and leaving the designated dog beach, they must be on a leash.
• Timing: Every day from sunrise to sunset
• Entry Fee and Parking: Parking and entry fees are free. Parking is allowed along the road.
• Nearby Pet-friendly Hotels: The Westin Tampa Waterside, Tampa Marriott Water Street
• Address: 864 Severn Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

18. Pensacola Dog Beach, FL

Pensacola Beach has two separate designated dog beaches on its seashore. The one is at lot 21.5, also known as Pensacola Dog Beach West. The other is at lot 28.5, the Pensacola Beach Dog Park East.

Both these places have clear signs up indicating where the dog beach starts. Pups must be on a leash. Furry friends can freely run around and play in the miles of powdery sand with their owners.

• Dog Rules: Dogs must be on a leash with proper tags attached to their collars.
• Timing: Every day, 24/7
• Entry Fee and Parking: Free
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach, Surf & Sand Hotel Pensacola Beach, FL
• Address: Fort Pickens Rd, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

19. Pass A Grille Dog Beach, FL

Pass A Grille has a dog beach on the Bay side at the end of Pass A Grille. It is between the 1st and 3rd Avenues. This beach is the only place for dogs to roam the surf and sand. Owners must keep their pups on a leash, but they can enjoy swimming, picnics, and relaxing on the sand.

• Dog Rules: Owners must keep their dogs on a leash while visiting the beach.
• Timing: Every day, 24/7
• Entry fee and Parking: Parking is available on 1st Avenue with PlayStation.
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Coconut Inn, Pass a Grille Beach House Vacation Rental
• Address: 1-199 Pass a Grille Way, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

Conclusion

These are all famous dog-friendly beaches in Florida. They ticked off all the boxes one needs to take the pups for a fun ride. All the rules and regulations should be checked to avoid any unpleasant circumstances. Visit one of these beaches and give the pets a relaxing vacation.

1. Ponce Inlet Dog Beach
2. Smyrna Dunes Park, New Smyrna Beach

Dog-Friendly Beaches Near You