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11 Best Pet-Friendly Beaches in Florida

With 1,197 miles of pristine coastline, Florida has enough beach space to please every member of the family – including your pup! With a little planning, you and your furry friend can play catch, throw a Frisbee, or frolic in the emerald waters at one of Florida’s top dog-friendly attractions. Discover pristine beaches where you and your dog can enjoy quality beach time together in the gorgeous Sunshine State.

Pier Park Dog Beach, Panama City Beach Pier Park Dog Beach
Credit: Pier Park Dog Beach by Jody Claborn via Flickr

Pier Park Dog Beach, Panama City Beach

If you find yourself in Florida’s Panhandle, don’t miss this 400 feet of stunning beachfront beach space with soft powdery-white sands and turquoise waters located in Panama City Beach. Here you’ll find a plethora of nearby pet-friendly restaurants, making Pier Park Dog Beach the ultimate dog-friendly destination for beachgoers.

Canova Beach Park, Indian Harbour Beach Canova Beach Park
Credit: Canova Beach Park by Ricardo Mangual via Flickr

Canova Beach Park, Indian Harbour Beach

One of the only dog-friendly beaches in the Brevard County area, Canova Beach Park in Indian Harbour is a 9.1-acre community beach park. With a dog washing station, pavilion, and picnic area for both humans and doggies to enjoy, here you are sure to experience a quintessential Florida beach day.

Cape San Blas Cape San Blas
Credit: Cape San Blas by Aidras via Flickr

Cape San Blas

Regularly ranked as one of the best pet-friendly beach destinations in Florida, Cape San Blas is a fantastic Gulf County getaway near Apalachicola. Here you’ll find a rare stretch of quiet Florida beach without high rises or tourist crowds, perfect for playing catch until the sun sets.

Fort De Soto Park, St. Petersburg Fort De Soto Paw Playground
Credit: Fort De Soto Paw Playground by PinellasCounty via Flickr

Fort De Soto Park, St. Petersburg

Consistently ranking as one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Florida, here you’ll find a large 1,136-acre fenced-in park divided into sections for both large and small dogs in St. Pete. After you’re done splashing about in the pristine Gulf waters, enjoy amenities like cooling stations and dog-level water fountains where you and your dog can enjoy the warm Florida sun comfortably.

Jupiter's Dog-Friendly Beach, Jupiter Dog Beach
Credit: Dog Beach by bigstock.com

Jupiter's Dog-Friendly Beach, Jupiter

Located in northern Palm Beach County, this 2.5 mile stretch of beauty is one of Florida’s most beloved off-leash beaches in Jupiter. With 2.5 miles of coastline, you and your pet can relax under the pavilions or take a dip in the refreshing waters. Dogs can freely explore a designated area along this gorgeous stretch of beach where free doggie bags are provided for clean up.

Dogs are permitted on the stretch of beach from beach marker #25 to beach marker #57.

Algiers Beach, Sanibel Island Algiers Beach
Credit: Algiers Beach by The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Algiers Beach, Sanibel Island

Also known as Gulfside Park, Algiers Beach is a gorgeous stretch of sand that is perfect for a day out with the pup on Sanibel Island. Situated near a nature preserve, this area boasts more than 15 miles of paradise for all members of the family.

Bonita Beach Dog Park, Bonita Springs Bonita Beach
Credit: Bonita Beach by nikoretro via Flickr

Bonita Beach Dog Park, Bonita Springs

Situated on the edge of Lover’s Key State Park just south of Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Beach Dog Park is a leash-free dog-friendly beach located in a peacefully quiet area where you and your four-legged friends can romp in the warm, calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico together.

Bark Beach, Miami Beach Bark Beach
Credit: Bark Beach by Ines Hegedus-Garcia via Flickr

Bark Beach, Miami Beach

One of the only dog-friendly beaches in Miami, Bark Beach is a perfect getaway for you and your four-legged best friend. Soak in the gorgeous views, take a dip in the refreshing blue waters of Miami Beach, or stroll through nearby North Shore Open Space Park.

Dog Island, Carrabelle St. George Island
Credit: St. George Island by patchattack via Flickr

Dog Island, Carrabelle

Dog Island is a barrier island located just east of St. George Island. The beaches of Dog Island are pet-friendly for well-behaved dogs. You’ll find doggie bags, water spigots and showers spread along the miles of quiet and untouched shoreline. However, keep in mind this is a remote residential island that is accessible via boat or water taxi, so be sure to bring everything you and your pup might need.

Bayview Park, Pensacola

Bayview Park, Pensacola

Pet lovers will enjoy this East Hill doggie park that includes off-leash access for your furry friends to run free and swim in the Pensacola Bay waters. In addition to the postcard-worthy inlet waters, Bayview Dog Park and Beach has convenient wash stations and drinking water available for your pup.

Hannah Park, Jacksonville Hanna Park
Credit: Hanna Park by Landon via Flickr

Hannah Park, Jacksonville

Hannah Park and the nearby beach gives access to one of the best surfing spots in Florida. Dogs and humans alike will enjoy the 1.5 miles stretch of sandy Atlantic shoreline in Jacksonville in addition to the 450-acre park that includes a water park, campsite, and 60-acre freshwater lake.