Looking for the best Tampa dog beaches? We’ve got you and your pups covered! There are plenty of parks specifically built for dogs, but did you know that there are plenty of beaches in Florida exclusively for dogs?
That’s right! Now there’s no need for you to feel that feeling of guilt that you’ve left your best friend at home! Now your pup can be right next to you catching a ball and frolicking in the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico! The best dog beaches are right around the corner waiting for you to hit the water!
Some of these beaches allow your dogs to run free, some of them have a fenced-in beach, and some of them require a leash at all times. Always be sure to check and follow the rules and regulations of all Tampa dog beaches! There are plenty of options in the area to fit what you and your dog want!
We recommend bringing plenty of water for you and your pup to avoid dehydration, which is exacerbated by accidentally ingesting sea water! Take frequent breaks in the shade, and consult with your veterinarian for dog-friendly sunscreens and protection against heartworms from mosquitos!
8 Best Dog Beaches in Tampa To Take Your Furry Friend
Fort De Soto Dog Beach
Aside from being one of the best national parks in Florida, Fort De Soto has one of the best Tampa dog beaches! In sunny, St. Petersburg this park is actually 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands.
Once you cross the bridge onto park grounds, you’ll find one of the most lush ecosystems in Florida. Miles of firm-bottomed shallows make for excellent wading angling! Two piers are perfect for fishing access. The best feature for dog owner’s of course is the Paw Playground Dog Beach!
The waters are clear and cool and perfect for swimming after balls! Just make sure not to swim past the posted signs. You’ll love chasing your pup in the sun on the smooth sand!
While Paw Playground Dog Beach is one of the best off-leash dog parks in Tampa, your dogs must be leashed upon entering and exiting. You must also carry a leash with you at all times. Make sure you keep your dog in your sights at all times! After you’re through, there is a gated lawn area with hoses to rinse off your dog!
There is a $5 parking fee for visitors. Cars with disabled car tags are admitted for free.
Paw Playground Dog Beach at Fort De Soto
Pass-A-Grille Dog Beach
On the southern-most tip of St. Pete Beach is historic Pass-A-Grille, one of the most quaint beach towns in Florida. You can enjoy the boutiques, outdoor art markets, and restaurants, but you’ll love the Pass-A-Grille Dog Beach.
Because this is a smaller beach, it is more secluded and therefore less crowded! Find it at the tip of the beach near the pier. This is perfect for frolicking in the waves and throwing a frisbee! Make sure to always have your pup’s leash handy and pick up any dog waste.
After you’re done romping on the beach, take some time to explore the Merry Pier, a popular fishing site! Then walk over to one of the many pet-friendly restaurants like Paradise Grille or Sea Critters Cafe! Making a visit to this dog beach is one of the best things to do in St. Petersburg!
Honeymoon Island
Honeymoon Island is one of Florida’s most beloved state parks in Clearwater. With its many scenic nature trails through virgin slash pine forests, it also has four miles of beaches. The lush background makes it one of the prettiest beaches in Tampa Bay!
Did you know that on these four miles of white sand beaches, you can bring along your dog to join in the fun? That’s right, Honeymoon Island has a designated area dedicated to canine fun! Come enjoy one of the best pet-friendly beaches in Tampa!
Because there are very few rocks and shells, it’s easy on puppy paws! Most visitors think that the dog beach is actually nicer than the regular humans-only beach! The waves are always gentle and it’s never too crowded, but dogs must be on a leash at all times.
There is a $4 per vehicle parking fee. You and your dogs will have a great time on one of the most beautiful islands in Florida!
Walton Rocks Dog Beach
Technically, this dog beach is across the state from Tampa Bay, but it’s just such a good beach, we had to include it! An outing to Walton Rocks Dog Beach Park in Jensen Beach is a perfect day trip from Tampa for you and your furry friends!
Walton Rocks Dog Beach is one of the biggest in the state with over 24 acres of white sand beaches filled with playing pups! Because of its size, it is a popular destination for dog-lovers all over the state. You and your pups are sure to make a few new friends while romping in the sand and surf!
The entire beach is completely off-leash, so take the time to take a freeing jog with your dog or swim in the open waters with a toy! Bring some umbrellas to cool off and enjoy a picnic lunch with your pup!
Once you’re all tuckered out for the day, head over to the bathrooms to find a rinsing shower for both humans and dogs!
Walton Rocks Dog Beach
Bowman’s Dog Beach
Sanibel Island is known as one of Florida’s hidden gems for its white-sand beaches, lodging, restaurants. It feels like a slice of paradise tucked away! Bowman’s Dog Beach is definitely south of Tampa, but the drive is worth it to bring your pup to play!
From the parking lot, walk 1/4 mile over a freshwater bridge. From there, you’ll traverse a few sandy trails before arriving at miles of turquoise water and white sand.
There are no houses or hotels, so this is a quiet secluded area. Enjoy swimming, hiking the trails, or catching a bite to eat at the picnic areas with charcoal grills. Dogs must remain on leash!
To get to Sanibel Island from the mainland, there is a $6 bridge toll fee. Once you’ve arrived, parking is $5 an hour.
Davis Island Dog Beach
Any Florida native will tell you David Island is full of posh boutiques, great restaurants, and has the best views of downtown Tampa. But did you know it is home to one of the best pet-friendly beaches in Tampa?
At Davis Island Dog Beach, dogs are allowed to run and play in a fenced-off section of pristine white-sand beach! This beach is great for first-time swimmers, as there are hardly any waves. It is easy for pups to wade in the water and get their bearings!
The parking lot has a shower station to rinse all the sand off of paws and feet before you get back in the car. If that’s not enough activity for your pups, you can always head over to the fenced grass area so your dogs can run even more!
Brohard Paw Park
In scenic Sarasota, you’ll find one of the best pet-friendly dog beaches in Tampa just an hour to the south! Brohard Paw Park is perfect for your fur babies because the Gulf waters are always glistening!
Not only is the beach off-leash, but there is also off-leash access from the parking lot. Your pup can immediately run to the beach straight from the car. No more leash tugging!
Along the shores, you’ll find plenty of room to splash and jump around. If you have kids with you, they’ll have fun finding shark teeth in the sand. Beaches in the area are littered with them!
After you go swimming and playing, you can take a walk on the pier and see the beautiful sunset. Once you’ve wrapped up, there is a convenient dog washing station to wash the day away!
Brohard Paw Park
Picnic Island Beach Dog Park
One of the best off leash dog parks in Tampa is Picnic Island Beach Dog Park! Bringing your pup for a day in the surf and sun is one of the most fun things to do in Tampa.
Picnic Island Beach Dog Park is mostly fenced off, but not completely. Be sure to keep an eye on your dog. The edges are flanked by rock walls and there tends to be seaweed, so don’t let Fido eat any!
There are also lots of grassy areas and plenty of shade to cool off. If you bring lunch or snacks, there are plenty of picnic tables to enjoy! This part of the beach is next to a boat ramp, so there are hardly any other beachgoers besides dog-owners.
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