Dog Beaches and Dog Parks in Florida – Bring Fido

As we head into spring and summer most people are now thinking about vacations and where to go. With that in mind, I was inspired by the vacation rental site Tripping.com and want to share the following top 10  friendly dog parks and dog beaches in Florida. After all, Fido wants to join you on your vacation too. I know our dogs Dolly and Belle always love(d) to go and explore new places with us. Below is a picture of them at a local lake here in Colorado.

I have to say though, that they aren’t too keen on the beach. I think the waves scare them, but they love the dog parks we’ve taken them to visit. Even though our dogs aren’t too fond of beaches, I know many dogs do. Thus I decided to include them as well. After all, we are talking about Florida, right? With that said, they are listed in alphabetical order by the city where they are located in Florida.

Fernandina Beach – Fort Clinch State Park – Camp out at this state park with your pooch and check out tours of this historic area, which served as a fort during the Civil War. The park is located on a peninsula near the northernmost point of Amelia Island, along the Amelia River. Its 1,100 acres (4 km²) include the 19th-century Fort Clinch, sand dunes, plains, maritime hammock, and estuarine tidal marsh

Fort Myers Beach – Bonita Beach Dog Park – No leashes are required at this dog park on the edge of Lover’s Key State Park, so let your dog run free… but the park has no fences, so keep a close eye on your furbabies.

Jupiter – Ocean Cay Park – Visit the only dog-friendly beach in Palm Beach County. Relax under the pavilions, go fishing or play volleyball on the beach. This is a terrific beach for the whole family no matter what time of year. Plenty of open grassy space gives it a cozy, secluded feeling, but there’s much to do. Play a short volleyball tourney or pick a grill for cooking a nice feast. The beachfront is large and tucked down below the dunes. As the sun goes down meander the sidewalk along A1A.

Key Biscayne – Key Biscayne Dog Beach – Open from sunrise to sunset this beach is super popular. Parking is sometimes a hassle so arrive early in the morning to claim your spot. You can also stop by the Miami Seaquarium on the way back to see dolphins and killer whales up close. The water is very shallow and there are lots of trees and natural shade.

New Smyrna Beach – Smyrna Dunes Park – Smyrna Dunes Park is a 184-acre inlet park located along the southern shoreline of Ponce de Leon Inlet. The park has over 2 miles of wide, elevated, handicapped-accessible boardwalk capped with recycled lumber that is both comfortable and durable. Stroll along these elevated boardwalks, have a picnic in the pavilion or explore the nature trails and observations tower on site. This public park is about an hour’s drive from the Orlando Airport.

Panama City – Panama City Beach – This city in the Florida panhandle features a dog beach with 400 feet of white sand along with plenty of pet-friendly restaurants to dine at.

Saint Petersburg – Fort De Soto Pay Playground – The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto Park consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands. Check out some Spanish Conquistador history while you’re camping with your furry friend at this park complete with doggy showers and fenced-in areas.

Sanibel – Algiers Beach – Also known as the Gulfside Beach, this beach is located on Sanibel Island near a gorgeous nature preserve. A perfect escape for y our and your canine companion. There is also a loop trail that offers an interpretive nature walk, and leashed pets are allowed to play. It is also a wonderful spot for picnics. Boardwalks offer comfortable access to the beach.

Tampa – Davis Islands Dog Park and Beach – While many Florida parks only allow dogs on the beach, this spot also has a dog-friendly dry park as well as a 200-foot coastline. You’ll also enjoy new artificial reefs, a breakwater, and updated road and landscaping.

Venice – Brohard Paw Park – One of the most popular dog beaches in Florida offering dog showers, fire hydrant restrooms, and plenty of water fountains for humans and pups. Amenities include picnic tables, benches, showers, drinking fountains, and more. Open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk.

Hope you can make it to Florida sometime this summer. If so I hope you make it to one of these 10 dog parks or dog beaches. I am sure they will love it. Happy traveling with your dog(s)! If you are traveling with your pet, here are a few Pet Travel Decision tips to think about before you finalize those plans.