Are you and your furry friend looking for a beach getaway? Northwest Florida has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Panhandle that offer a fun and safe environment for you and your pup. From St. George Island to Sarasota County, there are plenty of pet-friendly beaches that will make your vacation unforgettable. St.
George Island is a 28-mile-long barrier island near Apalachicola that is a favorite among families who like to take their pets on vacation. The flat, wide beach runs the length of the island, making it the perfect spot for your pup to chase seagulls, play fetch with a frisbee, and splash around in the water. Sarasota County has 69 pet-friendly parks, but Brohard Paw Park is the only beach that allows dogs. The half-mile strip of sand is fenced off and includes picnic tables, benches, waste stations, and water fountains for both humans and their furry friends.
After all the fun, you and Fido can rinse off the sand and salt in the outdoor showers before heading home. Franklin County is the only county in Florida that allows dogs to run freely on the beach, as long as they are under voice commands and owners clean up after them. George Island, Carrabelle Beach, and Dog Island also allow well-behaved dogs to play in the waves; however, if they don't respond to voice commands, they must be on a leash. The Pensacola Bay area offers a pet-friendly beach where puppies can run and play at Bayview Park. The 1-acre area along Bayou Texar has a fenced beach for dogs and plenty of restaurants that allow dogs to dine with their owners. Some even offer special menus just for your furry friend! Connected to the Florida Panhandle by a strip of land, Mustang Island State Park is located just north of Padre Island and offers a dog-friendly beach where you and your pup can play in the waves.
After a day at the beach, settle into the Xanadu beach cabin where you can relax on the shaded patio after a day of fun in the sun. The only dog-friendly beach in Miami Beach is located next to North Shore Open Space Park which is also pet friendly and is a great place to walk after swimming in the ocean. Following pressure from Bay County dog advocacy groups, some beaches in Panama City now allow dogs to accompany you for a day in the sun. Your pup will have fun playing with other dogs on the soft sand of this small beach at the southernmost point of the country. But remember to look for frequent breaks for your dogs in the shade when you visit dog-friendly beaches in Florida, and check with your pet's vet before going out about a special sunscreen for dogs and a heartworm medication to protect against annoying Florida mosquitoes. No matter where you go in Northwest Florida, there are plenty of pet-friendly beaches that offer an enjoyable experience for both you and your pup! From St. George Island's miles of uncrowded sunbathing and crystal clear Gulf waters for swimming and fishing to Sarasota County's Brohard Paw Park with its outdoor showers and waste stations, there's something for everyone. So grab your pup's leash and head out to one of these beautiful beaches today!.
