The Sunshine State boasts of some of the most amazing beaches in the United States, which why many come here for the perfect getaway — including those with a furry companion or two. Yes, luckily, there are numerous dog friendly beaches in Florida, so you never have to leave them at home on your next vacation.
Do take note, though, that not all beaches in the state allow dogs. For instance, there are no dog friendly beaches in Destin Florida, and in Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach, which are all part of Okaloosa County, where there’s a policy that prohibits dogs on the beach.
With over a thousand miles of coastline, over 650 miles of which are dedicated to private and public beaches, it can be challenging to check where you can enjoy the sun and the sand with your dog. So, we have rounded up the best beaches where your four-legged friend can tag along.
Here are the 25 best dog friendly beaches in Florida:
- Brohard Beach and Paw Park
- Bonita Beach Dog Park
- Davis Islands Dog Park Beach
- Fort DeSoto Park Beach
- Jupiter Beach
- Canova Beach
- Bayview Dog Park and Beach
- Dog Beach Park
- Anne’s Beach
- Apollo Beach
- Atlantic Beach Dog Park
- Honeymoon Island State Park Dog Beach
- Flagler Beach
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Hollywood Beach
- Walton Rocks Dog Beach
- Hobie Island Beach Park
- Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park
- Haulover Beach Park
- New Smyrna Beach
- Dog Beach at Pier Park
- Key West Dog Beach
- Lighthouse Point Park
- Gulfside Beach (aka Algiers Beach)
- Vero Beach Dog Park
Let’s go through each.
25 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida
1. Brohard Beach and Paw Park
In Sarasota County, Brohard Paw Park is the only beach where dogs can roam and play off-leash within a fenced area. The amenities in this beach include drinking fountains, showers for both humans and dogs, picnic tables, and benches. The beach is located in Venice, FL, and is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk.
2. Bonita Beach Dog Park
Located in southeast Florida in Lee County, Bonita Beach Dog Park lets your dog run free in a relaxed setting. There are doggie shower stations to rinse your dog before leaving the park, portable toilets for humans, and free parking. The beach is open from 7 a.m. to dusk.
3. Davis Island Dog Beach
In Tampa, FL, there is a wonderful doggie paradise called Davis Islands Dog Beach, a 2.5-acre dog park divided into two parts – a fenced grassy land and an unfenced area in the beach with 200 feet of waterfront where your dog can run free. These areas feature water spigots with clean water for drinking and rinsing off the sand and some shade and benches for humans.
4. Fort De Soto Park Beach
In Pinellas County, Fort De Soto Park is the only dog park where dogs are allowed on the beach in a designated area. While dogs can run free inside the park, they must be leashed upon entering and exiting. There is a rule that limits the number of dogs allowed to enter per owner to not more than three at a time. Also, puppies under four months of age are not allowed at the beach.
5. Jupiter Beach
At Jupiter Beach, a large part is designated for dogs – 2.5 miles of beach between the life-guarded areas of Juno Beach and the Carlin Park. Access to the dog beach is free, and there are drinking fountains at the crossovers between beaches.
Here, your dog can enjoy the sand and surf without a leash, but it is up to you to make sure that your dog is friendly. Friends of Jupiter Beach offer free doggie bags to clean up after your pooch.
6. Canova Beach
Located in Brevard County, Canova Beach is the only dog-friendly beach in the area. While dogs are welcome to roam about with their owners, they are required to be on a leash and wear tags indicating their latest vaccinations and current license.
Dog parents also need to pay attention to signs that show which parts of the beach are open to their dogs. There are doggie bags and water dishes provided on-site, so you don’t have to bring your own.
7. Bayview Dog Park and Beach
The Bayview Dog Park and Beach in Pensacola, FL, is a wonderful fenced-in area lined with soft white sand where dogs can run off their leashes. This one-acre beach spans Bayou Texar and is the only Pensacola beach to allow dogs off their leashes.
Some of the features include a pavilion-like canopy, benches, tables, and washing areas with washing tables, brushes, and shampoos.
8. Dog Beach Park
Dog Beach Park is located in Fort Myers, between the Lovers Key State Park entrance and the New Pass Bridge. This dog beach is one of the most beautiful dog beaches in Florida and is completely free of charge. Here, your fur babies can run off-leash in the sand and splash in the water while you relax on the beach.
The park features a portable bathroom and a doggy shower where you can rinse the sand off from your companion before you head home. You can fish from the shore while your dog is having fun, but you will need to apply for a license.
9. Anne’s Beach
Located in Islamorada is Anne’s Beach – one of the very few public beaches you can find in the Keys. The beach has two free parking lots, a swimming area, shaded picnic tables, and bathroom facilities.
This beach is too shallow for swimming but is wonderful for wading and strolling, and your dog will love getting soaked and running around in the sand on this quiet and secluded beach.
10. Apollo Beach
Apollo Beach is a flourishing waterfront community along the eastern part of Tampa Bay, FL. The beach in this community is part of the 24-mile Canaveral National Seashore, a pristine haven perfect for connecting with nature, taking long walks, swimming, and of course, bringing your dog to have some fun in the water.
Here, dogs are allowed on the entire beach on a leash, and there are two fenced areas where they can run free. There are picnic tables, a shady shelter, drinking fountains for dogs and their humans, dog washes, poop scoop bags, and garbage bins.
11. Atlantic Beach Dog Park
Atlantic Beach Dog Park, located on Aquatic Drive in the city of Atlantic Beach, requires dog owners to apply for membership and present proof that their dogs have up-to-date vaccinations. There are two separate fenced areas for small dogs and large dogs.
The park features benches, a swimming pond for dogs, a rinsing station, poop bag dispensers, and trash cans. Dogs must have a leash while walking along the public beach until they are inside the park.
12. Honeymoon Island State Park Dog Beach
Honeymoon Island is a small barrier island with about 4 miles of shoreline covered in fine white sand. The island is a state park with designated swimming areas, a pet beach on the south end, and a wonderful beach to the north that is laden with colorful shells, perfect for taking long walks.
Take note that while there is a designated area for dogs, they cannot run or swim without a leash.
13. Flagler Beach
Flagler Beach is a quaint town situated along the Atlantic coast of Florida, located between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. The breathtaking 6-mile long beach is great for long walks and collecting shells. The dog beach is located north of N. 10th Street and south of S. 10th Street.
Take note that your dog has to be on an 8-foot leash. There are no facilities, water, and doggy bags provided here, so be sure to bring your own water and doggy bags for cleaning after them.
14. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach is a 7-mile-long beach with magnificent golden sand. You will find several areas on the beach designated for dogs, and residents can purchase an annual permit for their use while visitors can pay for a weekend permit.
At Canine Beach, your dog is allowed on the sand from November to March from 3 to 7 p.m. and 3 to 9 p.m. from April to October.
A1A Dog Walking Beach hours are from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m on Fridays through Sundays from April to October and from November to March, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. At Riverwalk Linear Park and on the west side of A1A north of Sunrise Boulevard, dogs are allowed all day.
15. Hollywood Beach
There are many great dog friendly beaches in South Florida, and Hollywood Beach is one of them, along with John Williams Park, Hollywood Dog Park, Oakridge Park, Poinciana Park, and Emerald Hills Lakes Park.
Take note that you need to purchase a day pass or a six-month pass, and your dog should wear rabies tags. Dog owners are responsible for the appropriate behavior of their pets and must clean up after them.
16. Walton Rocks Dog Beach
Walton Rocks Dog Beach is the only dog-friendly beach in St. Lucie County, right on the Atlantic Ocean. Here, your dog can run freely along the vast 24 acres of fine sand. The beach features picnic benches, tables, drinking fountains, and restrooms.
There are dunes along the beach, which are a habitat for delicate plant life, and there are signs to stay off certain areas, so make sure to keep your dog off the dunes.
17. Hobie Island Beach Park
Hobie Island Beach Park is the only dog-friendly beach in all of Miami-Dade County. This beach is popular among windsurfers because of its warm weather and breathtaking views of the city. Here, your dog dig and run on the sand and splash in the surf without a leash; you have to make sure not to disturb other beach visitors.
There is not much shade on this beach, so make sure that you give your pet enough water.
18. Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park
Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park is a wonderful hidden gem in Key West. There’s so much to love in this beautiful 16.5-acre sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean – its sandy beach, lush vegetation, and some interesting attractions, such as the Civil War-era fort, the African Refugee Burial Ground, the Florida Overseas Heritage Trail, and an amazing restaurant called Salute. There are portions of the beach for small and large dogs.
19. Haulover Beach Park
Haulover Beach Park is a 1.4-mile-long beach park known for its clean white sands, open ocean surf, and lush coastal vegetation. It’s located between Sunny Isles Beach and Bal Harbour and is one of the few remaining pristine beach fronts in the area that has been kept undeveloped.
Here, dogs can roam off-leash in the area between lifeguard towers #2 and #3 every day from 8 to 3 p.m.
The beach features large trees for shade, drinking fountains, picnic tables, doggy bags, garbage bins, and a large grassy area to run around. The fenced Bark Park is located near the south picnic area, which is open every day from morning to sunset and has separate areas for small and large dogs.
20. New Smyrna Beach
The New Smyrna Beach Dog Park is a 1-acre dog paradise. The park is a fenced-off area with designated sections for small and large dogs, a shelter for shade, and water fountains. Many restaurants along the beach are dog-friendly, too.
21. Dog Beach at Pier Park
If you’re specifically looking for dog friendly beaches in Florida Panhandle, there is a 400-foot section within Panama City Beach. Take note that dogs must be on a leash, and you may only bring a maximum of three dogs.
There are poop bags and garbage bins at the beach but, like at the other dog beaches, you are responsible for cleaning up after your dog. Across the street is Pier Park, an outdoor shopping mall that is dog-friendly.
22. Key West Dog Beach
This palm-lined beach in Key West is the only dog-friendly beach in the region. Your dog is free to roam off-leash on the shore and run through the turquoise water. Take note, though, that the sand can be a bit rocky, so keep an eye on your furry companion’s paws. Make sure you drop by Louie’s Backyard, a fantastic dog-friendly restaurant with a magnificent view.
23. Lighthouse Point Park
Lighthouse Point Park is a pristine 52-acre beach park with a breathtaking beach at the southern tip of Ponce Inlet, where you would usually encounter dolphins, gopher tortoises, and land wildlife like raccoons, skunks, possums, and armadillos. This park is one of the very few county parks that allow dogs, but they have to be leashed.
24. Gulfside Beach (aka Algiers Beach)
Gulfside Beach, also called Algiers Beach, boasts of white sand, colorful shells, and clear blue water. This is one of many pet-friendly beaches on Sanibel Island, featuring restrooms, outside showers, picnic areas, and grills. There is an area for dogs near a nature preserve. Here, your pooch can enjoy the sand and surf but have to be on a leash.
25. Vero Beach Dog Park
Vero Beach Dog Park is a 5-acre free-access dog park open to the local community and their dogs. Located along the Indian River Lagoon next to the City of Vero Beach Marina, this beach provides separate, clean, and safe fenced areas for both small and big dogs, where they roam and play off-leash.
These fenced areas have benches, chairs, a covered seating area, and water fountains for dogs and their humans. The park is open every day.
Conclusion – The Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida
To summarize, here are the best dog friendly beaches in Florida:
- Brohard Beach and Paw Park
- Bonita Beach Dog Park
- Davis Islands Dog Park Beach
- Fort DeSoto Park Beach
- Jupiter Beach
- Canova Beach
- Bayview Dog Park and Beach
- Dog Beach Park
- Anne’s Beach
- Apollo Beach
- Atlantic Beach Dog Park
- Honeymoon Island State Park Dog Beach
- Flagler Beach
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Hollywood Beach
- Walton Rocks Dog Beach
- Hobie Island Beach Park
- Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park
- Haulover Beach Park
- New Smyrna Beach
- Dog Beach at Pier Park
- Key West Dog Beach
- Lighthouse Point Park
- Gulfside Beach (aka Algiers Beach)
- Vero Beach Dog Park
Florida is an amazing place for spending a vacation on the beach, and there are so many wonderful options for both humans and their dogs. So, the next time you’re planning for a beach getaway and want to take your dog with you, you know where to go!