It’s summer time so it’s the best time to take your golden best friend to a dog beach! We have compiled a list of all you need to know about the top 5 dog friendly beaches in the Tampa Bay area for you and your pup to enjoy this summer!
1. Fort DeSoto Dog Beach and Park
Location: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S St. Petersburg, FL 33715
Hours: 7am to sunset; 7 days/week
Off-leash in designated areas (dog park and dog beach).
Information: This park offers separate fenced off-leash small AND large dog parks which lead to the beautiful off-leash unfenced dog friendly beach. Dogs must be on a leash when outside of designated off-leash areas. The dog beach and parks are surrounded by over a thousand acres of protected and biodiverse land made up of five interconnected islands.
Pro tip! Since this beach is unfenced, keep a close watch on your dog so they don’t wander off too far. Also, the beach is a bit of a walk from the parking lot, so bringing a cart or wagon for your items will make the trek easier.
Park rules can be found, HERE.
Amenities: Dog wash station, human bathrooms and showers, nature trails, pavilion with picnic tables, and 2 piers for fishing.
Parking: Regularly $5; Free parking for those who have a disabled parking permit.
2. Honeymoon Island State Park Pet Beach
Location: 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin, FL 34698
Hours: 8am to sunset; Open 365 days/year
On-leash. All dogs must be on a handheld leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
Information: Access is on the southern tip of Honeymoon Island with 5 acres of over 200 ft of water access with grassy areas and white sand. This paw friendly beach is 4 miles long with minimal rocks and shells. The beach also has gentle waves and it’s not typically crowded.
Pro tip! There is heavy traffic getting onto the island so leave extra early to beat the highway parking lot. Keep an eye out for dangerous wildlife and keep your dog on designated trail paths. It can also be a hike to walk from the parking area to the beach area so be sure to put your gear into a cart or wagon.
Park rules can be found, HERE.
Amenities: On-leash nature trail, water fountains, and wash station.
Entrance fees: $8 for cars with 2-8 occupants or $4 for single occupant vehicles.
3. Davis Islands Dog Park and Beach
Location: 1002 Severn St, Tampa, FL 33606
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Off-leash
Information: Features 1 separate fenced off-leash grassy area dog park and fenced dog beach area with 5 acres of over 200 feet of water access for doggos and their two legged best friends. 2 dogs/person allowed in off-leash areas.
Pro tip! It can get crowded so try to avoid going on a weekday morning. Check online HERE for the current water quality before heading to the beach. Check HERE for current red tide status.
Amenities: Wash station, benches, and water fountains. Nearby boutiques, restaurants, and the best views of downtown Tampa
Parking: Free
4. Picnic Island Beach Dog Park
Location: 7409 Picnic Island Blvd. Tampa, FL 33616
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Off-leash
Information: Fenced off-leash dog park with beach access for you and your four legged best friend. The park offers grassy and shaded areas.
Pro tip! Keep a close eye on your pup. The park is mostly fenced off, but not completely. There’s also seaweed so make sure your dog doesn’t have a quick snack.
Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, drinking fountains, areas for waste disposal, picnic tables, and a rinse station. The beach is next to a boat ramp and pier.
Parking: Free
5. Pass-A-Grille Dog Beach
Location: 1-199 Pass A Grille Way, St. Pete Beach 33706
Hours: Dusk to dawn
On-leash
Information: On-leash beach located on the Bay side at the end of Pass-a-Grille Way near the pier. This is a small secluded beach that is less crowded than other beaches. Be sure that your golden is wearing their ID tag and bring poop bags to clean up after your pup.
Pro tip! The beach is south of the Merry Pier between First and Third avenues. Bring water for you and your pup to drink.
Park rules can be found, HERE.
Amenities: Showers, toilets, and changing rooms. Nearby dog friendly restaurants (Grace, Berkeley Beach Club, Sea Critters Cafe, Hurricane, Shadrack’s Bar, and Paradise Grille), boutiques, and outdoor art markets. Fishing at Merry pier. Stay at dog friendly hotels such as Coconut Inn and Island’s End.
Parking: Pay fee through parking meter on street.
We hope this list helps you decide to try out the dog friendly beaches in the Tampa area. We are so lucky to be surrounded by so many awesome dog beaches to choose from. Just be sure to check the park’s current rules and regulations, water quality, and red tide status beforehand because it changes often. Bring plenty of fresh drinking water for you and your golden and take frequent breaks in the shade to decrease chances of dehydration and overheating. There are also dog friendly sunscreens to help your pup avoid getting burnt from the Florida sun. You could also bring an umbrella, beach chairs, plenty of towels to dry off your golden and protect your car interior, shampoo/conditioner (if you can and want to wash your dog afterwards), poop bags to clean up after your pup, and even if you think you won’t need a leash, bring one just in case. Since this will probably be an all day affair, bring a cooler with drinks and food but be on the lookout for other hungry dogs who would love to steal your food while eating. As with any dog park, keep a close eye on your dog, pick up after them, follow the rules, discipline your dog when needed, but most of all have fun! So take advantage of what Tampa has to offer! Go on an adventure with your best bud and the whole family. Soak up the sun, play fetch, and take your pup for a dip. Your golden will thank you!
References
Florida Trippers. (2020, September 1). 8 Best dog beaches in Tampa to take your furry friend. https://floridatrippers.com/tampa-dog-beaches/
Giordano, R. (2023, June 30). Top 5 amazing dog-friendly beaches in Tampa, FL (2023 Update). Hepper Blog. https://www.hepper.com/dog-friendly-beaches-tampa/
Rover Staff. (n.d.). Top 4 dog-friendly beaches near Tampa. Rover. https://www.rover.com/blog/top-4-dog-friendly-beaches-near-tampa/
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