12 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Florida

Florida boasts some of the most pristine beaches in the world. Miles and miles of luxurious sandy coast welcome travelers seeking sunsets, surf, and dunes. If you happen to be traveling with your favorite pooch, you aren’t the only one who will love running on the beach! It’s easy to bring your four-legged friend with you thanks to the variety of accessible dog-friendly beaches in Florida that allow you and your best friend to splash in the waves together.

The Sunshine State is a popular “snowbird” destination and has a culture particularly suited to dog-friendly beach holidays. The state is an RV paradise and many visitors come with a home on wheels. Others enjoy long-term rentals and stay for the entire winter. So pack your leash and collar and start planning your trip! Here are some of our favorite dog-friendly beaches in Florida recommended by locals from north to south.

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1. Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach allows on-leash access to dogs from sunrise to sunset. As an added bonus, dogs may be off-leash in the water with their owner. You can look forward to enjoying a bit of open-water swimming with your pal before cozying up in your beach towel and settling in for the evening.

Insider Tips:

• This is the beach for enjoying a sandy beach jog in the morning
• Your pup will love diving in the shallow tidal pools surrounded by soft white sand
• The beach prohibits consuming alcohol

Atlantic Beach is located a convenient 30 minutes from the beaches of Jacksonville. Dog-friendly beaches in Florida can quickly become overcrowded but you’ll enjoy a more low-key vibe as you visit this East Coast gem.

2. Pensacola Dog Beach West, Pensacola

Traverse the state to the west coast and discover Pensacola. Known as “The City of Five Flags,” the region of Pensacola has been ruled by Spain, France, Great Britain, the United States of America and the Confederate States of America. As dog-friendly beach holidays go, get ready for a stunning surprise. A minuscule stretch of land has just enough clean, sandy space for you and your pooch to enjoy to the fullest.

Insider Tips:

• The beach is small and requires a leash at all times
• The small size of the beach is perfect for making friends
• Dog bags are on-hand to grab as you go

This is one of the only dog-friendly beaches in this stretch of Florida, so many owners drive up to an hour to get here. Be prepared to share close quarters with spectacular views.

3. Flagler Beach

Travel southeast and uncover the beauty of Flagler Beach. If you’re looking for a hotspot for pets near Daytona or St. Augustine, this is it. Enjoy spectacular seafood, amazing views and pet-friendly areas galore. Head north of N 10th Street or south of S 10th Street for the best beach access.

Insider Tips:

• If you truly want to remain undisturbed, we recommend visiting this beach before it hits high season – in April
• If you travel north toward Beverly Beach, The Hammock, and Marineland, all of the public beach access areas are dog-friendly.
• This area has plenty of pet-friendly accommodations

Most dog-friendly beaches in Florida encourage visitors to respect local laws and help protect the fragile ecosystem of state beaches. This means helping keep the areas clean. Visitors to Flagler Beach are encouraged to be diligent and pick-up after their pets as well as monitoring the digging up of turtle nests during the summer season. Local officials have stepped up efforts to enforce these rules, so make sure you have a leash and doggy bag on hand at all times.

4. Cape San Blas, Gulf County

A sliver of land connects Cape San Blas to the Florida peninsula. Uncrowded beaches and stretches of undisturbed sand make this a welcoming spot to plan dog-friendly beach holidays. Although some hurricane damage has changed the landscape, Cape San Blas is still one of the must-see dog-friendly beaches in Florida. Here’s why:

Insider Tips:

• There are miles of white sandy beaches waiting to be explored
• You can enjoy scalloping with the locals and your pup when the season is right
• Stop by one of the many surrounding areas that welcome your dog

You’ll find many nearby shops and restaurants that welcome dogs inside. Stop by the welcome center or explore the local scene with your dog on-leash at night.

5. Honeymoon Island State Park Dog Beach

Get ready to get active! It’s easy to get moving as you hike to one of the most scenic dog-friendly beaches in Florida. Visitors are welcome to bring their pets on-leash for a frolic in the sand in exchange for paying a small state park fee. This beach is worth the effort! You’ll find dog-washing stations, a cafe, and very respectful pet owners.

Insider Tips:

• Water is available at the park entrance so stock-up before you embark on the long walk in
• Regulars note that the on-leash policy is strictly enforced by park rangers especially during busy times
• During rainy or wet weather, the trail to the beach can become muddy so its best to plan footwear accordingly or call ahead to ask about trail conditions

Honeymoon Island State Park is a natural wonder and easily one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida. The water is calm enough for dogs who are embarking on their first visit and it’s a great site to bring children along. Dog-friendly beach holidays should encourage your pal and your family to stay active. We do advise keeping bug spray on hand for the walk in, just in case.

6. Davis Island Dog Beach, Tampa

Visiting a dog beach in close proximity to Tampa is the main appeal of this find, just south of the downtown core. The location is ideal for locals and visitors to the area. More than 200 feet of fenced-in waterfront access allows your dog to roam unleashed.

Insider Tips:

• Convenience to downtown Tampa
• Water stations and dog bags are available for visitors.
• The beach has a convenient boat launch and several picnic areas

Dog-friendly beaches in Florida each have their own vibe. Enjoy the upbeat urban feel of this park and get a taste of local culture while enjoying the city and seaside view.

7. Fort De Soto Dog Beach Park and Paw Playground, Tierra Verde

The best time to visit Tierra Verde with your pal is anytime. With amenities galore available for your companion, the Paw Playground is exactly as described: heaven for your dog. A trail and campground nearby offer plenty of options for exploration, making this one of the most dog-friendly beach holidays for longer stays.

Insider Tips:

• If your dog is an adventurer, seek out the off-leash section of the beach
• Drinking water for dogs is easily available
• Cool off your dog with one of the dog wash stations available on site

If you camp in Fort De Soto, you can skip the fee for the beach and enjoy several attractions such as an old fort, kayak expeditions or fishing tours during your stay. Dog-friendly beaches in Florida don’t have to be all about the beach, so stay for a few days and enjoy everything Fort De Soto has to offer.

8. Walton Rocks Dog Beach, Hutchinson Island

Looking for water so clear you can see paws clearly underneath the waves? If your dog craves lots of space, a visit to Walton Rocks is one of the best dog-friendly beach holidays to let them run free. This 24-acre space is an uncrowded piece of bliss.

Insider Tips:

• No leash is required so your pal can release as much energy as they need
• Bug spray is recommended
• It’s best to bring your own freshwater supply with you

You’ll find picnic tables, pavilions, and bathrooms at Walton Rocks. There’s a happy, chilled out vibe at this seemingly-remote island spot making it one of the most unforgettable dog-friendly beach holidays in Florida.

9. Gulfside City Park Beach, Sanibel Island

Each year, visitors flock to tiny Sanibel Island, situated less than an hour from Fort Myers. Sanibel packs a lot into a tiny amount of space. An easy drive across the causeway brings you to one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida. A jaunt to the Gulfside City Park Beach is well worth the effort.

Insider Tips:

• Arrive early to get the best parking and beach spot
• The beach is very is to get to by bicycle from other areas on the island
• Gulfside, like many other locations on Sanibel, has a lot of natural shells

With easy access to urban areas, the Everglades and other surrounding islands Sanibel is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Florida for recharging with your pooch. It’s a favorite getaway for older folks but families with young children love it too. Nearby Fort Myers has a dog beach too, so you have even more options for exploration.

10. Jupiter Beach

Situated just north of Miami, you’ll find this glorious un-fenced off-leash beach. Stretching 2.5 miles, Jupiter Beach boasts rave reviews from regular beach-goers. Your morning workout can be completely leash-free!

Insider Tips:

• This beach is particularly accessible and has easy roadside parking
• The beach culture is very respectful and dogs who are allowed off-leash respond to voice-command and are obedient to owners
• If you visit in November, keep an eye out for fun events like the Hang 20 Surf Dog Classic and Pawchella

Sunrise is a great time to go for a sandy beach run and observe some interesting breeds en route. Jupiter Beach is among the dog-friendly beaches in Florida offering a great social scene.

11. Hobie Island Beach Park, Miami

As the only off-leash dog beach in the Miami area, Hobie Island Beach Park is one of the most perfect dog-friendly beach holidays for a quick city escape. The beach is open to visitors and their dogs between sunrise and sunset. You’ll find bathrooms, showers, boat, and small watercraft rentals — not to mention lots of dogs rolling in the sand!

Insider Tips:

• The park is situated across the Rickenbacker Causeway, so have cash on hand for the toll
• Park under a palm tree for optimal shade and great seaside views
• This is a popular windsurfing locale – so if your pooch is excited by moving objects in the water, be prepared

The beach is man-made and although it’s a popular dog beach, you will notice many beachgoers are also spotted along the shore pet-free. Dog-friendly beaches in Florida each have their own local culture and this one is no exception. Locals visit Hobie Island Beach Park to hone their windsurfing skills and take in the breeze. Not to mention, you’re right in the middle of a foodie’s dream.

12. Key West Dog Beach

It’s not easy to find dog-friendly beach holidays in the Keys thanks to frequent severe weather events. Despite a sparse list of options, this small stretch of sand is enjoyed by locals and their pets in the area. It’s so quaint, it remains unnamed aside from being called the local “Dog Beach.” Find it just south of Louie’s Backyard Restaurant.

Insider Tips:

• The beach is small and gets a bit rough at high tide, so check the tide schedule
• Don’t expect a tropical paradise at this beach but do expect an uncrowded area for you and your dog to enjoy undisturbed
• Make sure you bring your own doggie bag and expect to carry it in and out – there are no trash cans provided on the beach

Although this beach is a little rustic and gets weedy at times, there are plenty of palm trees providing shade on a hot summer day.

Now that you have a great sampling of dog-friendly beach holidays in Florida, start packing. Pack some handy treats for your pup and check out some of these tips to help them relax en route. For even more dog-friendly beaches in Florida, visit this free Florida guide for travelers to the state and find a dog beach near your next destination.