The Florida Panhandle is somewhat of an enigma for dog owners. There are hundreds of miles of beaches and dozens of individual spots to visit. However, only some of them are truly dog-friendly. Despite the miles of pristine sand, the Florida Panhandle has relatively few legitimate dog beaches, especially in the western Panhandle. But the good news is that the beaches that are dog friendly are absolutely gorgeous, secluded, rugged, and enjoyable. If you want to explore Florida’s Forgotten Coast with your dog, you will need to do a little bit of planning ahead of time. But once you find a good dog beach, nothing beats a day out with your furry friends.
Here are the top nine dog-friendly beaches for you to explore in the Florida Panhandle.
The 9 Dog-Friendly Beaches in the Florida Panhandle
Free, but you will need to charter or operate a boat.
Off Leash Allowed?:
Yes
Isolated island is great for some truly memorable adventures with your dogs.
Important to note that the island is only accessible by boat.
Bring everything you need for the day, including food, water, dog bags, dog treats, sunscreen, and more. There are no amenities on the island, including bathrooms.
The secluded spot makes you feel like you are on your own private tropical island.
Dog Island is the perfect name for a place where dogs can run free.
5. T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Cape San Blas
Plenty of nature trails lead to various sections of the beach.
Showers, restrooms, picnic areas, and kayak launches are available.
Most beaches are secluded and separated by natural barriers.
No nearby amenities like stores or restaurants, so plan ahead.
Please pick up after your pet in the park.
Conclusion
There are plenty of unique and beautiful places to discover with your dog in Florida’s Panhandle. One thing to note is that the entirety of Gulf County is dog friendly. All public beaches in and around Port St. Joe are open to dogs year-round which is a big plus. If you don’t want to visit Gulf County, there are plenty of other amazing locations, including state parks, city beaches, and research preserves for you to explore.
Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
