25 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida (Paw Friendly Spots!)

People in Florida love the sun, sand and surf. They also love their furry four-legged friends. This is why it’s no surprise that there are 25 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida! In this blog post, we will share with you a list of our favorite dog friendly beaches in Florida.

We have included information about each beach including where they are located, what amenities are available for dogs on site, how to get there and if any restrictions apply.

The first thing to do when deciding which beach to visit is to look at the map below so you can find your location relative to all of the beaches on this list.

The 25 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida

1. Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach is on the Gulf of Mexico near Estero Island. It has a beautiful white sugar sand shoreline and some of the best shelling in Florida! Dogs are allowed on all beach areas, but must be kept away from lifeguarded beaches.

This beach is located on the bay side of the island, so it is protected from most winds that would otherwise cause waves. Fort Myers Beach also has two picnic pavilions located on the beach, plus a volleyball court and public restrooms.

2. Anne’s Beach, Islamorada

Anne’s Beach is located at the tip of Islamorada in the Florida Keys. This beach allows leashed pets on most of the white sand beaches around the island, but specifically for Anne’s Beach there is a designated area where dogs are allowed to be off-leash, but must remain under voice control at all times.

The park has an enclosed shorebird nesting preserve that is off-limits for dogs to protect the shorebirds, but there are over 10 acres of white sand beaches where dogs can run freely. There are no restrooms, showers or changing areas.

3. Vero Beach Dog Park

The Vero Beach Dog Park is a free public dog park that provides more than seven 1/2 acres of fenced land. This park allows both small and large dogs access to an open play area. The park has separate subsections of the park for each size dog to help create a safe playing environment for all canines.

Dog owners will have to sign a liability waiver for their dog(s) before being allowed into the park, which also has a yearly membership fee of $50. This area of Vero Beach is very popular with tourists and locals alike, so be sure to visit this large dog friendly beach in Florida!

4. Atlantic Beach Dog Park

The Atlantic Beach Dog Park is located between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean in Jacksonville. This dog friendly beach has a fenced-in area for dogs to run around and play off-leash with other dogs.

The park also allows leashed pets on the separate walking trails that meander throughout the park. A lifeguard is also on duty at this park, so pets that are not great swimmers or have a fear of water will be protected by the lifeguards.

This dog friendly beach also provides pet parents with the chance to cool off at one of two fountains located in the park, plus there are benches and picnic tables along with trash cans for visitors to use during their stay. Atlantic Beach is open from sunrise until 9:00 p.m.

5. Davis Island Dog Beach, Tampa

This area of Davis Island is a great place for dogs and their families. This popular dog friendly beach in Florida allows leashed pets on the entire shoreline, but there are also designated areas where dogs can be off-leash if their owners have proof that they have been trained well enough to handle being around other people and/or animals while off leash.

This dog friendly beach also has a separate area for small dogs and puppies to run around, but the open area for larger or more energetic dogs is about three acres and has mulched paths that allow pets to explore the area off-leash. Davis Island Dog Beach also provides water fountains for pets as well as trash cans and benches for visitors to enjoy during their visit to this dog friendly beach.

6. Honeymoon Island State Park Dog Beach, Dunedin

This dog friendly beach has a total of 5 miles of trails that pet parents can walk with leashed dogs, plus there is a designated area for pets to play in the water just north of Lovers Key as well as an enclosed observation platform on Cyprus Island where pet parents can relax with their pups and watch dolphins swim by.

Honeymoon Island State Park also has restrooms, concession stands and showers for pet parents to use during their visit as well as five picnic areas equipped with grills along the trails where pets are allowed.

7. Flagler Beach

Flagler Beach allows leashed pets on the beach and throughout the rest of the town. The beaches in Flagler Beach are some of Florida’s most beautiful due to the fact that there is plenty of room for pets to run around without bumping into other dogs or people.

Pet parents can also walk their pups along over seven miles of paved coastal trails where they can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, while watching surfers catching some waves.

This dog friendly beach also has plenty of parking for pet parents to use during their stay, plus restrooms are available for them too. This is one of Florida’s most popular beaches so it can get very crowded during summer months, so pet owners are encouraged to go during off-peak times if possible.

8. Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale beaches are known for their white sand and blue waters, but they are also pet friendly. Pets can be walked on leashes along the beach in the early morning hours before 9:00 a.m., or during twilight after 4:30 p.m.

This dog friendly beach has one area that has fenced-in areas for dogs to play in the sand away from other pets and people, but most of the beach is wide open for dogs to run around without leashes. Dog owners are asked to clean up after their pups while here at this dog friendly beach.

9. Hollywood Beach

Hollywood Beach is one of the most popular dog friendly beaches in Florida because it allows pets on leashes throughout the beach, but not into the water. This dog friendly beach has a designated area for dogs to run around where they have access to sand just like people do.

Pet owners need to purchase a day pass or monthly pass to use this dog friendly beach, but after doing so they can come and go as they please with their leashed pet. Hollywood Beach also has men’s, women’s and family style restrooms plus showers for pet parents to use during their visit.

10. Canova Beach

Canova Beach Park is dog friendly but does not allow pets on the beach. Instead, pet owners are asked to keep their dogs on leashes while walking around the park since there are areas where pets can play in the sand, swim in the lagoon or head out onto a pier for some fishing.

Pet parents can also purchase a day pass for this beach and bring along their pets as long as they keep them leashed. This dog friendly park has plenty of parking, restrooms and outdoor showers where pet owners can wash off after spending time at the park with their dogs.

11. Walton Rocks Dog Beach

Walton Rocks Dog Beach is one of the few pet friendly beaches that allows pets to go right into the water with their owners. Permitted dogs can enjoy a swim in this doggie haven as long as they wear a life jacket and keep their human by their side at all times. Non-swimmers are not allowed to enter the water.

Pet owners can walk their dogs on leashes around this dog friendly beach, but they must stay right by their pet’s side the entire time. Walton Rocks Dog Beach also has a designated area where pups can play in the sand and develop canine social skills with other dogs.

It is important to note that this dog friendly beach is only open during peak season, so pet owners should call ahead to make sure it’s open during the day they plan on heading out.

12. Jupiter Beach

Jupiter Beach is one of the most dog friendly beaches in Florida because pets are permitted on leashes throughout the beach. However, dogs must wear a life jacket if they plan to enter into the water with their owner at this pet-friendly beach.

Pet parents may also bring along towels and toys so that their canine companion can enjoy some playtime in the sand after taking a dip. This dog friendly beach is located right along the Intracoastal Waterway, so pet parents can enjoy some boating activities while they are here too.

13. Hobie Island Beach Park

Located just south of Vero Beach on the central east coast of Florida, Hobie Island Beach Park is a pet friendly beach where both leashed and unleashed dogs are allowed. This dog friendly beach has public restrooms but no showers for pet parents to use.

Pet owners are also not allowed to bring their dogs onto the pier which is located at this dog friendly beach; dogs must stay on the ground to play and explore. This dog friendly beach has plenty of space, meaning it’s not as crowded as other beaches in Florida like Fort Lauderdale Beach for instance.

14. Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park

Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park is a pet friendly beach where dogs are allowed on leashes throughout the entire park and can even go into the water if they wear a life jacket. Dogs must have their vaccinations before being permitted to come to this dog friendly beach, but there is no fee for visiting here with your canine companion.

This dog friendly beach has a small pier that is open to the public, but dogs are not allowed in this area of the park. Pet parents can walk their dogs along several trails located throughout this park or simply hang out by the water with their canine companions for some fun in the sun!

15. Haulover Park, Miami Beach

Haulover Park is a popular dog friendly beach in Miami where dogs are allowed on leashes throughout the park. The only area that they are not permitted to be off their leash is near the water, which means pet parents must keep an eye on them at all times.

Dogs can go into the water with their owners if they wear a life jacket, but they must be under constant supervision in the water at all times. Pet owners can bring along towels to sit on while they are visiting this dog friendly beach so that their canine companions can rest after having some fun in the sun!

16. Smyrna Dunes Park (New Smyrna Beach)

Smyrna Dunes Park is a dog friendly beach where both leashed and unleashed dogs are allowed throughout the entire park. Dogs must be under their pet parent’s control at all times, but they can go into the water if they wear a life jacket.

Permitted pets may not enter any of the designated swimming areas at this dog friendly beach. Pet owners may also bring their own food and toys to the park for a fun family day out!

17. Dog Beach at Pier Park (Panama City)

Dog Beach at Pier Park is a pet friendly beach where leashed and unleashed dogs are allowed throughout the entire park. Dogs must wear life jackets if they want to swim in deep water, but there is no fee for visiting this dog friendly beach with your canine companion!

Pet owners may bring along their own food to eat while spending some time at this dog friendly beach, but they may not bring their own chairs or umbrellas. Smaller dogs are allowed on the beach before 11 AM; larger breeds must be kept on leashes until after that time.

Access to doggie bags and clean-up stations is also available here for pet parents who need it!

18. Bayview Dog Park and Beach (Pensacola)

Located in Pensacola, Bayview Dog Park and Beach is a pet friendly beach where both leashed and unleashed dogs are allowed throughout the entire park. Dogs can go into the water if they wear a life jacket, but owners must remain with them at all times to make sure that their pets are safe!

This dog friendly beach has a very long pier that is open to the public, but dogs are not allowed in this area of the park. Pet parents can bring along their own food and water bowls for some fun in the sun with their canine companions!

19. Lighthouse Point Park (Ponce Inlet)

This dog friendly beach can be found in Ponce Inlet where leashed dogs are welcome on the sand. There is a large grassy area for dogs to play and explore by themselves or with their pet parents, but they must stay on a leash at all times when walking back and forth between this doggie haven and the beach.

Pet parents can also bring their dogs to a grassy area that’s right by the water where they can socialize with other pups while their human companions relax in chairs or spread out on picnic blankets. When heading to this dog friendly beach, pet owners should ensure that red flags are not flying since it means dangerous rip tides are occurring.

20. Gulfside Beach (aka Algiers Beach) (Sanibel)

At this Sanibel Island dog friendly beach, pet owners can walk their dogs on a leash for two miles along the white sands. Doggie waste bags are readily available in dispensers placed throughout the park for pet parents to use while walking with their pups.

Pet parents who want to take a break from the heat and sand will be able to cool off in the shade of picnic pavilions while their fur babies frolic on all that pristine white sand. The only rule at this dog friendly beach is that dogs must wear life jackets; owners should bring their own if they don’t have access to one.

Leashed pets are allowed on the shoreline at this Flagler Beach dog friendly beach, but they must stay on the sand and cannot enter the water. There are no facilities at this small stretch of sand aside from a single park bench for humans to rest and enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean while pet parents keep an eye on their dogs.

This dog friendly beach is only open in the off-season though, and it’s only open from 8 AM to 6 PM; pet owners should call ahead before heading out.

21. Fort DeSoto Park (Tierra Verde)

This dog friendly beach is located in Tierra Verde where pet owners can bring their dogs to stroll along the beaches. Leashed dogs are allowed on the ground but cannot go near pools or playgrounds or enter any buildings at this dog friendly beach; they must stay on the sand. Pet parents should also note that dogs are not allowed on Fort DeSoto Park’s pier.

There are designated pet areas at this dog friendly beach where pet parents can sit and relax while their dogs exercise as much as they want. There’s also a playground for children so it makes for a great family outing to the beach. Pet owners should keep in mind that there are no facilities at this St. Petersburg dog friendly beach, so it’s suggested that they bring their own food and water for themselves and their dogs to keep hydrated.

22. Brohard Paw Park (Venice)

At this Paw Park in Venice, there are separate areas for leashed and unleashed dogs to play. Aside from two large fields for pups to run around, there’s also a long pier that goes out into the water where dogs can either chase balls or sticks into the ocean; but pet parents should be aware of tides before throwing sticks into the water.

Leashed dogs are allowed on this dog friendly beach, and there’s plenty of space for them to explore while staying in one area; there are no designated pet areas though. All dogs must be kept on a leash and owners must bring their own doggie waste bags and anything else they need for their pups.

23. Bonita Beach Dog Park

This dog friendly beach is located at the Bonita Beach Dog Park near Naples where pet owners can take their dogs to play. There’s a large sand area for pups to run around and play fetch with their favorite toy; this dog friendly beach also has shaded picnic tables where owners can watch them play or relax themselves.

Pet owners should note that there are no facilities at this dog friendly beach, so they should bring their own water for both themselves and their pups. There’s also soft sand which makes it easy for dogs to dig holes, making it imperative that pet parents teach their pups how to stay out of the sand while playing.

24. Apollo Beach

This dog friendly beach is located near Tampa, and it’s bordered by Sarasota Bay. It’s a great place for pet parents to take their dogs since they can spend all day at this dog friendly beach and not worry about having to leave or taking them away from what they love doing most: playing at the beach.

Leashed dogs are welcome at this dog friendly beach, but they must stay on the grassy area along with their owners. There’s also a small fenced area that pet parents can take them to if they want their pups to be able to run around off-leash; just keep in mind there might be other dogs there too.

25. Key West Dog Beach

Leashed dogs are welcome at this dog beach in Key West where they can run around freely on the sand. Pet parents must remember that there’s no shade for them to rest under while their pups cool off in the water; this is why it’s best to bring umbrellas or other large items that can give them shade.

Pet parents should note that there are not any water fountains for their dogs to drink from, so they need to bring their own water for themselves and their pups.

Final Thoughts

As with any dog friendly beach, pet parents need to make sure they bring along everything their pups might need. This includes food and water for them as well as toys that help tire them out; this way, everyone can enjoy themselves at the dog friendly beaches in Florida listed here!