Hey salty dogs! 🐶🌊🐠
It’s Coastal Canine here, and you know we’re all about the coastal life—sandy paws, salty fur, and ocean breeze zoomies. If you’re itching for an adventure with your furry sidekick, we’ve sniffed out some of the best Florida beaches and towns where dogs aren’t just tolerated—they’re welcome to dig, swim, and chase waves!
Here are 5 dog-friendly beaches in Florida where you and your pup can soak up the sun and make memories by the shore:
Fort De Soto Dog Beach – St. Petersburg, FL
🐾 Off-leash beach + fenced dog park nearby
Fort De Soto is a paws-down favorite with a designated off-leash beach area where pups can freely romp in the water. There’s also a fenced-in dog park for post-swim towel-offs.
- Hours: 7 AM to dusk daily
- Fees: $5 per vehicle (or free with a Pinellas County Parks pass)
- After your beach time, hang around some of the dog-friendly local restaurants & bars!
Jupiter Beach – Jupiter, FL
🐾 2.5 miles of leash-free beach freedom!
Jupiter is one of the most dog-friendly beach towns on the east coast. From Beach Marker #25 to #59, your dog can splash, dig, and play off-leash (as long as they’re well behaved!).
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Fees: Free
- Local Love: The community keeps this beach clean—be sure to pack waste bags and help keep it paw-some!
Davis Islands Dog Beach – Tampa, FL
🐾 Fenced-in swim zone = doggy paradise
Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this hidden gem has a fenced beach area specifically for dogs to swim and socialize safely.
- Hours: 7 AM – 6 PM (or sunset)
- Fees: Free
- Bonus: There’s also a separate grassy dog park with shade, rinse stations, and benches for humans to chill.
Bonita Beach Dog Park – Bonita Springs, FL
🐾 Off-leash and paws-itively peaceful
Located between Fort Myers Beach and Lovers Key, this off-leash beach is on a calm inlet—perfect for first-time swimmers or dogs who love gentle waves.
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Fees: Free (but parking fills up—go early!)
- Tides vary, so check ahead: you will have to travel through water during high tide!
Smyrna Dunes Park – New Smyrna Beach, FL
🐾 Dogs allowed on leash on the inlet-facing beach
While dogs aren’t allowed on the oceanfront, the inlet beach is perfect for calm water play and scenic strolls along boardwalks.
- Hours: 6 AM – 9 PM
- Fees: $10 per vehicle or $20 for an annual Volusia County beach pass
- Gorgeous boardwalks, clean beach, and stunning sunset views—plus your dog can dip into the water to cool off!
🌴 Coastal Canine Tips for a Safe Beach Day:
- Always check tide charts and weather before heading out to know what to expect.
- Rinse your pup after ocean play to avoid dry, itchy skin.
- Don’t forget a toy, travel water bowl, and some Coastal Canine shampoo & paw scrubs for after beach care & pampering 🐾
Your Next Adventure Awaits!
Whether your pup is a wave-chasing wild child or a laid-back sand digger, Florida’s coasts offer the perfect salty escape. We believe beach days are better with your best friend by your side—and luckily, these Florida gems agree!
See you in the sand,
The Coastal Canine Crew 🌊🐾