Florida is home to current NBA Champs the Miami Heat, Walt Disney World and miles and miles of white-sand beaches and beautiful aquamarine waters.

If you’re planning a vacation in the Sunshine State, why not bring your dog and visit one of Florida’s dog friendly beaches? From the Panhandle down to the Keys, you and your dog will enjoy a beach lover’s dream vacation hopping from beach to beach.

Before you get going, read our 5 Things You Need for a Trip to the Beach with Your Dog.

Atlantic Coast

The Atlantic Coast side of Florida has 15 dog friendly beaches that stretch from Fernandina Beach to Miami. Atlantic Beach in Atlantic and Canine Beach in Ft. Lauderdale require your dog to be on leash unless you’re in the water swimming with your pooch. Note that you will need a permit to use Canine Beach.

Also in Ft. Lauderdale is Dog Swim at Snyder Park. Dogs are allowed to swim in Snyder Park’s East Lake. Your dog can swim here on most days throughout the year. The park is closed the first Tuesday and Wednesday of the month for water treatment and is also closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

In Ft. Pierce, dogs are allowed off-leash at Walton Rock Beach. Wet noses are welcome year-round at this beach.

The Panhandle

Florida’s Panhandle is home to six dog friendly beaches. Your dog must be on a leash, be up-to-date on all vaccinations and be wearing current tags.

Unless you are a resident or property owner, and can show proof, you and your dog may not visit Walton County beaches, Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach or the beaches of South Walton. Residents will need to purchase a permit for $40 and follow very strict rules regarding when they can visit these beaches with their dogs.

Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast side of Florida has 15 dog friendly beaches, which is the largest collection of dog friendly beaches in the whole state.

Dogs are allowed off-leash at the following beaches. Be sure to check the rules and the maps, as some have designated areas for off-leash play.

Belleair Bluffs

Bonita Spring Dog Beach AKA Lee County Off-Leash Dog Area

Fort De Soto Park in the St. Petersburg area

Davis Islands Dog Park in Tampa

Picnic Island Park Dog Beach in Tampa

Paw Park and South Brohard Beach in Venice

Florida Keys

The Keys begin at the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula and extend roughly 137 miles to the south. This remarkable stretch of land and sea, which includes both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, is home to two dog friendly beaches.

In Little Duck Key, located at the end of the Seven Mile bridge at Mile Marker 40, you’ll find Veteran’s Memorial Park. Dogs visiting the park must be on leash.

The second one can be found in Key West, the southernmost tip of the United States. Dog Beach is a tiny stretch of beach, about 30 feet, where dogs are allowed. The beach sits next to Louie’s Backyard at Vernon and Waddell streets.

PHOTO: eldadcarin

Category : Dog Parks & Beaches