Florida is known for its beaches, but it’s also a double-edged sword. Sure, the waves and sand are great, but it can get very crowded. If you’re looking for beautiful coastlines with a more tranquil atmosphere, check out dog-friendly beaches in the Florida Panhandle.
A trip to Florida means spending time at the beach. There’s nothing like finding a coastal town that you and your dog can enjoy together. With 1,325 miles of coastline in the state, you would think it would be plenty for everyone.
Unfortunately, many of Florida’s popular beaches can feel crowded. And another big group doesn’t allow dogs.
So where do you go if you’re looking for a quiet, dog-friendly beach? We recommend the Florida Panhandle. Specifically, the coastline that runs from Mexico Beach to St. Marks, affectionately known as “St. Marks.” “Forgotten Coast”.
This relatively quiet and undeveloped area of the Florida Panhandle offers a laid-back attitude, friendly locals, beautiful white sandy beaches, blue Caribbean waters and a spot where your pup can jump in the waves with you. We have a lot.
See more details ⇒ Best Pet Friendly Beaches in Florida
port st joe
Start your trip with an overview of the land at the visitor center in Port St. Joe. Staff are happy to help. But they were really happy to see our dog and immediately invited us inside!
The town of Port St. Joe is not very large, so a few hours are enough for a walking tour of the local attractions. We started at Baywalk. The Baywalk is a gravel road that leads from Frank Peyto Park to the marina with spectacular views of St. Joseph’s Bay. Follow the trail to the historic Cape San Blas Lighthouse, built 130 years ago and relocated here in 2014.
One thing you won’t find in Port St. Joe is the many hotels that tower over the beach. While there are several pet-friendly hotel options, most people choose vacation rentals for their stay.
Salinas Park
Salinas Park, just nine miles south of downtown Port St. Joe, is a great place to take your dog for a beach walk. Incredibly quiet, with sugary sand and a gentle breeze, it’s everything you could want from a dog-friendly beach in the Florida Panhandle.
Pets on leashes are welcome on the beach all day, every day. And horses are also allowed on the beach here. The parking lot had several horse trailers selling rides.
read more ⇒ keep your dog safe at the beach
TH Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Further west from Salinas Park, Cape San Blas juts out into the Gulf of Mexico. And part of this narrow finger of land is protected by TH Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.
The park has pet-friendly campgrounds, and pets on leashes are allowed in picnic areas and nature trails. Surrounded by water on three sides, it’s the perfect spot for a stroll and picnic lunch.
Florida state parks do not allow pets on the beach. But read on. There are many other places to explore.
Florida State Park Pet Policy
Most Florida state parks allow pets in designated day-use areas. Exceptions include, but are not limited to: Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet long and well behaved at all times. Pet owners should pick up pet waste and dispose of it properly. Pets are not allowed on beaches, playgrounds, bathhouses, cabins, park buildings, concession facilities, etc. Individual parks may have additional areas where pets are prohibited.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/PetPolicy
St. George Island
St. George’s 45-mile walled island is divided into three sections. St. George Island State Park preserves the easternmost nine miles. The central section has public beaches, residential areas, restaurants, shops and other commercial facilities. And the western end is an exclusive gated residential community with a private runway and some of the most expensive homes on the Gulf of Mexico.
Our first stop was a state park where again we found that the campgrounds and trails were pet friendly but the beaches were not pet friendly. Still, it’s nice to have some variety, and our dogs thoroughly enjoyed the 4.5-mile Gap Point trail through the pine forest. (Parking is inside the campground and the boardwalk is to the left of the playground.)
After your walk, head back to the beach. Back in downtown St. George, the entire public beach is pet-friendly. all day, year round!
Like Port St. Joe, the main accommodation here is vacation rentals. but, St George Inn has several pet-friendly rooms, and Apalachicola, just 19 miles away, also has a number of pet-friendly hotels.
alligator point
Of all the Florida Panhandle beaches we visited, Alligator Point was the quietest and most secluded. Nearly 30 miles to the nearest grocery store, he had eight miles of almost deserted beach. Who needs to eat?!
Dogs on leads are welcome here all day, year round! The beach is littered with large shells, making it an attractive place to stroll.
Rentals are the only option for lodging in Alligator Point, but if you want to get away from it all, this is the place.
read more ⇒ Tips for Reserving a Pet-Friendly Cabin or Vacation Rental
Pet friendly restaurant
Spending time on the beaches of the Florida Panhandle will leave you hungry. Here is a list of restaurants and eateries with pet-friendly patios in the area:
Apalachicola
Apalachicola Chocolate Company
half shell dock side
hole in the wall
Tamara’s Cafe
Apalachicola Seafood Grill
Up the Creek Raw Bar
caravel
Caravelle Junction
marine street grill
east point
El Jalisco State
Family coastal restaurant
Lynn’s Quality Oysters and Rover
Red Pirates Family Grill and Oyster Bar
St. George Island
Aunt Evie’s Ice Cream
BJ’s Pizza & Subs
Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe
Mango Mike’s Sports Bar & Grill
We know…exploring the beaches of the Florida Panhandle “rough” Work – but someone has to do it! “Forgotten Shores” may sound a little sad, but it turned out to be a great place for a relaxing, dog-friendly beach vacation. We hope that our visit will inspire you to plan your own trip.
(17,580 visits, 1 visit today)