There’s something about golden hour in Florida that makes everything better especially when your four-legged best friend gets to come along. Warm sunshine, salty air, Gulf views and a happy pup running through the sand? Pretty hard to beat.
If you’re looking for dog-friendly beaches around Clearwater, Dunedin, St. Pete and Tampa, these are a few of my favorite spots to enjoy the coast with your pup.
North Clearwater
If you want something a little quieter than the heart of Clearwater Beach, head north. This stretch of beach has a much more relaxed feel and can be a beautiful place for an evening walk as the sun starts going down.
Bring everything your pup will need including water and waste bags—because amenities are limited in the quieter sections.
Why go: Less crowded, beautiful Gulf views and perfect for a peaceful sunset walk.
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Honeymoon Island
Honeymoon Island is already one of my favorite places to spend a beach day, and the fact that your pup can join you makes it even better.
The park has a designated dog beach, plus nature trails and plenty of gorgeous Florida scenery. Dogs need to remain leashed, so bring a longer leash if you want to give them a little more room to explore while still following park rules.
Stay into the evening and you’ll understand why this area is so special the sunsets over the Gulf can be incredible.
Why go: Natural Florida coastline, trails, mangroves and plenty of space to explore together.
Fort De Soto
If your dog LOVES the water, Fort De Soto’s Paw Playground and dog beach needs to be on your list.
This is one of the area’s most popular places to bring your pup for a beach day, with designated areas where dogs can play and splash in the Gulf.
Make an afternoon out of it, explore the park and enjoy the late-afternoon light before heading home. Just remember that some of Fort De Soto’s other beach areas including North Beach do not allow dogs, so pay attention to the designated pet areas.
Why go: A true beach day for your dog, lots of room to explore and beautiful coastal scenery.
Only $6 for all day!
Picnic Island
For something on the Tampa side of the bay, check out Picnic Island Dog Beach.
This spot has a more casual, local feel and gives pups plenty of room to run, swim and play along the water. There’s also fencing along the dog-beach area, plus nearby picnic tables and restrooms, making it an easy place to hang out for more than just a quick walk.
Pack some snacks, bring plenty of water and turn it into a laid-back evening by the bay.
Why go: Swimming, room to play and convenient amenities for a longer visit.
JYou don’t need a huge itinerary to have one of those perfect Florida evenings. Grab the leash, pack some water and treats, throw a towel in the car and head toward the coast.
Watch your pup play in the sand. Put your phone down for a few minutes. Stay until the sky turns pink.
Because sometimes the best Florida adventures are the simple ones and they’re even better when your best friend has four legs.
Find Your Current. 🌊
Tip: Dog-access rules, park hours, parking fees and designated pet areas can change, so always check the park’s current rules before heading out.
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