Planning a trip to Florida means paying a visit to its surrounding beaches.
Florida's beaches are, after all, one of its top attractions, known for their warm weather and soft sands. But no trip is complete without having your furry friends close by your side.
Unfortunately, not all beaches in Florida allow dogs to roam freely. However, if you do your research, you will find plenty of dog-friendly beaches around the Florida coast.
Note: Don't forgot to bring drinking water for your pet and some beaches do not provide shade so you may want to bring your own umbrella.
Here Are The Top 5 Dog-Friendly Beaches In Florida Based On Their Ratings:
- Fort De Soto Dog Beach-St. Petersburg, FL(4.8/5)
- Clearwater North Beach-Clearwater, FL
(4.8/5) - Keewaydin Island-between Naples and Marco Island in Collier County (4.8/5)
- Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, FL(4.7/5)
- Brohard Beach and Paw Park in Venice, FL(4.7/5)
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Quick links:
Top 5 Rated Florida Dog Beached
Best Dog Beach In West Coast Florida
Best Off-Leash Dog Beach in Florida
Best Quiet Friendly Dog Beaches
Best Dog Beach Clearwater Florida
Best Dog Beach In Tampa FL
Best Dog Beach In Fort Myers FL
Best Dog Beach In Sarasota FL
Best Dog Beach In South Florida
Best Dog Beach In Naples
Best Dog Beach In Metropolitan Miami
Best Dog Beach In Palm Beach County
Best Dog Beach In Jupiter
Best Dog Beach In Boca
Best Dog Beach Jacksonville FL
Best Dog Beach In Florida Panhandle
Best Dog Beach Destin FL
Best Dog Beach In Central Florida
Best Dog Beach Near Orlando
Best Dog Beach In St Petersburg, FL
Best Dog Beach In Indialantic, FL
Best Dog-Friendly Beach Resort In Florida
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Find More Top Rated Florida Dog Beached below.
Beaches are incomplete without their accompanying beach towns. Like dog-friendly beaches, you’ll also find plenty of dog-friendly beach towns in the area.
Here are some of the few you should put on your bucket list!
Top Dog-Friendly Beach Towns in Florida:
- Dunedin
- Jupiter
- Key West
- Sanibel Island
- St. Petersburg
To aid your search, we have dug up all the major dog-friendly beaches around the Florida coastline. Here is a guide on what each one has to offer:
Best Dog Beach In West Coast Florida
The Fort De Soto Dog Beach (4.8/5)
3500 Pinellas Bayway S, St. Petersburg, FL, US, 33715
The Fort De Soto Dog Beach is one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches not just on the West Coast but across all of Florida.
It is a dog-friendly beach surrounded by thousands of acres of green, bio-diverse land.
Here is what makes Fort DeSoto Dog Beach so special:
- A dedicated section of the shoreline is kept exclusively for your pups to run around leash-free.
- Plenty of nearby beach amenities that are also dog friendly such as the Paw Playground, which includes dog showers (perfect to get that sand out of your dog's fur!)
- You can also rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards during your visit (which are also dog-friendly)
- Plenty of nature trails and hikes around the area.
Best Off-Leash Dog Beach In Florida
The Fort De Soto Dog Beach (4.8/5) we have discussed before isn’t simply known for its dog-friendly regulations; it also allows dogs to roam leash-free!
This means you can allow your dog to run around freely and enjoy himself without being tethered to you. For this reason, it is one of the best off-leash dog beaches in Florida.
Best Quiet Friendly Dog Beaches
The Fort De Soto Dog Beach (4.8/5) is once again, one of the best possible beaches you can go to with your furry friend. Not only is it dog friendly, but it offers a much more calming environment.
If you have a fearful dog who struggles with socializing, taking them to quiet, friendly beaches is the right choice.
The Fort De Soto Park allows your dogs to be unleashed, has water stations, and further has plenty of trails around the beach where you can walk your dog in peace.
Best Dog Beach Clearwater Florida
Clearwater North Beach (4.8/5)
1 Somerset St, Clearwater, FL, US, 33767
Clearwater North Beach is hands down one of the top dog-friendly beaches in Florida in the Clearwater region.
Note: Dog must be on leash -Dog are only allowed on the north section of the beach. Starts at north of Somerset Ave.
Image by Google map
Here's why dog owners love the beach!
- Dogs are allowed easy access to the beach, as long as they are kept leashed and owners clean up after them.
- Bags are also provided at the entrance so you may clean up after your dog
- Many restaurants nearby also feature outdoor eating areas where pets are welcome
- What brings it together is the stunning beach featuring white sands and clear blue waters on the Gulf Coast.
Best Dog Beach In Tampa FL
The Honeymoon Island State Park (4.7/5)
1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL, US, 34698
The Honeymoon Island State Park is one of the leafing dog-friendly beaches in Tampa, Florida.
Here’s what we like best about the Honeymoon Island dog beach:
- Dogs are given their own dedicated beach at the southern tip of the island; however, they must be leashed at all times
- Dog wash station at the exit and entry points
- Dogs are also welcome on the nature trails in the beach dog park, which are great for both biking and walking
- Plenty of nearby restaurants and amenities to enjoy
Best Dog Beach In Fort Myers FL
Causeway Islands Park (4.7/5)
19931 Sanibel Causeway Rd, Sanibel, FL, US, 33957
If you're visiting Fort Myers, you must stop at Causeway Islands Park, whose dog-friendly beach is as pretty as it is popular.
Here’s why pet owners love the dog park with the beach:
- You are free to roam the island with your pup as long as they are leashed
- Plenty of water sports you can enjoy with your pup, including kayaking.
- Nearby picnic tables and grills are great if you need to grab a quick bite to eat with your furry friend close by
- Clear shallow waters that your pups can scurry around in!
Best Dog Beach In Sarasota FL
Brohard Beach and Paw Park (4.7/5)
1850 Harbor Dr S, Venice, FL, US, 34285
Most public beaches in Sarasota don't take kindly to dogs, except for one key beach, the Brohard Beach and Paw Park . Here’s what it offers:
- A fully fenced dog park in the beach vicinity with plenty of grass, trees, and benches
- A dedicated dog washing area
- An off-leash dog beach so your dogs can run around without being tethered to you; they are free to run across the sand or go out swimming!
Best Dog Beach In South Florida
Best Dog Beach In Naples
Keewaydin Island (4.8/5)
1490 5th Ave S, Naples, FL, US, 34102
Keewaydin Island is a barrier island off the coast of Naples, bordered by white sand beaches that are, surprisingly, dog friendly! Beach is reachable by boat.
Here’s what makes them popular:
- Dogs are welcome on the island, as long as they are kept leashed and the owner cleans up after them
- Plenty of water and beach sports are available for you and your furry friend.
- Various food boats are available for you and your pup to enjoy food during your stay
Best Dog Beach In Metropolitan Miami
Haulover Park (4.7/5)
10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154
Haulover Park in South Florida is one of the leading pet-friendly beaches in Florida. Here’s why:
- Crystal clear waters and dog-friendly environment make it a perfect getaway
- Dogs are allowed to explore the beach off-leash
- Dog wash area present
- Waste bag stations are located throughout the beach
Best Dog Beach In Palm Beach County
Peanut Island (4.7/5)
200 E 13th St, Riviera Beach, FL, US, 33403
Peanut Island is one of the best dog friendly destinations in Palm Beach. Here is why it is so popular:
- Pet-friendly island that is accessible by ferry, kayak, or boat; dogs are allowed on the shuttle boat for no additional fee
- 80 acres of sandy beaches with clear, shallow water
- Doggie bag dispensers are located around the beach so you can clean up after your dog
- Camping overnight with your pet is allowed
- Dogs must be leashed but are welcome to check out the walkways and water
We discover this cute little Pet Shop nearby:
They carry cute harness, dog food, treats, and toys.
Best Dog Beach In Jupiter
The Jupiter Off Leash Dog Beach (4.6/5)
48 Ocean Blvd, Jupiter, FL 33477
The Jupiter Off Leash Dog Beach is the leading dog-friendly beach in Florida along the Jupiter coastline. Here’s why choose Jupiter dog beach:
- Dogs are free to run around in the sand and water without being leashed
- The beach is kept clean since owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs
- Free dog bags are also provided at the beach by Friends of Jupiter Beach (FJB)
- Nearby restaurants also offer outdoor dining and are dog friendly
- Be sure to bring your own umbrella-no shade available. Don't forget bring drinking water for your pet
Best Dog Beach In Boca
Bark Beach (4.6/5)
3001 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33431
At the North Beach, near Oceanside Park, lies Bark Beach, a small slice of tropical heaven that is great for you and your dog!
Here’s why:
- You can bring up to two dogs to the beach, as long as they are vaccinated. However, they are not allowed to roam around without leashes
- The North Beach Oceanside Park also features its own dog park and has separate run areas for large and small dogs each!
- Water fountains are available for thirsty pups.
Best Dog Beach Jacksonville FL
Jacksonville Beach (4.7/5)
503 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL, US, 32250
Jacksonville Beach is the leading dog-friendly beach in Jacksonville, Florida; here's why:
- Leashed dogs are allowed to enjoy themselves at the beach, and owners are, however, responsible for cleaning up after their pets
- The nearby Paws Park is also an excellent addition for your four-legged friends, where they can run around leash free
- Clean, well-maintained beach, but you may have to bring along your own waste bags.
- Dogs may be allowed off-leash if they are inside the water
Best Dog Beach In Florida Panhandle
The Dog Beach at Pier Park Panama City Beach(4.7/5)
33753-000-000, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
The Dog Beach at Pier Park Panama City Beach is a great tourist attraction, particularly for its dog-friendly policies. Here’s why it stands out from other beaches in the Panhandle area:
- A pleasant dog-friendly beach where dogs are allowed if they are kept leashed. The beach itself charges no fee and is open from sunrise to sunset.
- Plenty of nearby dog-friendly local restaurants you can go by for a quick lunch.
- Warm waters and small waves make it a perfect beach for your dog to have fun in!
- Nearby Pier Park also allows dogs, so you can take them for a walk.
Best Dog Beach Destin FL
Miramar Beach
16 Port Ct, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Destin has very few dog-friendly beaches; in fact, you may only find Miramar Beach within 20 miles of Destin.
However, even here, only local residents are allowed to bring their dogs. Dogs must further be leashed at all times. Tourists and visitors won’t be allowed to walk dogs on the beach.
Best Dog Beach In Central Florida
Best Dog Beach Near Orlando
The Smyrna Dunes Park (4.7/5)
2995 N Peninsula Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
The Smyrna Dunes Park is one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in the Orlando region, just south of Ponce de Leon Inlet.
Here’s why this is a fantastic dog beach you need to visit:
- It is a leash-required dog beach but is a beautiful beach to relax
- The dog bathing area is available
- Calm, pristine waters are safe enough for your dog to go for a swim!
Best Dog Beach In St Petersburg, FL
The Upham Beach Park (4.7/5)
6850 Beach Plaza, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
The Upham Beach Park ranks higher than most beaches in St Petersburg, Florida, particularly owing to its dog-friendly nature. Here’s why it is so popular:
- Leashed dogs are allowed in all areas of the park, including the beach, with the exception of the boardwalk
- Service dogs are allowed on the boardwalks
- An exclusive dog park is also available for dogs to run around off-leash
Best Dog Beach In Indialantic, FL
The Canova Dog Beach (4.6/5)
3299 N Hwy A1A, Indialantic, FL 32903
The Canova Dog Beach is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in central Florida. This 9.1-acre community beach is an excellent choice if you want to bring your pet along!
Here's why:
- Leashed dogs are allowed inside the beach free of cost; however, owners are expected to clean up after their pets
- Waste bags and receptacles are available for use
- Nearby grills and picnic shelters are also dogs friendly
- Rinsing station and restroom facilities are available
Best Dog-Friendly Beach Resort In Florida
The Henderson Beach Resort and Spa (4.6/5)
200 Henderson Resort Way, Destin, FL 32541
The Henderson Beach Resort and Spais the best dog-friendly beach resort in Florida. They allow you to bring in two dogs up to 55 pounds at an additional cost of $150/pet.
The resort also offers special bedding exclusively for your dog in your guest rooms, along with water and food bowls and waste bags to take on your walks.
You'll also find pet toys at the front desk if you didn't bring your pet's toys with you. All these accommodations are meant to make your stay and your dog’s stay as pleasant as possible!