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Top 10 Dog Friendly Beaches in St. Augustine, FL You Can Visit Today

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Dogster Team

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Top 10 Dog Friendly Beaches in St. Augustine, FL You Can Visit Today

St. Augustine is located in St. Johns County, Florida. St. Johns County is one of the most dog friendly counties in Florida and allows leashed dogs on most of its miles of public beaches. St. Augustine is also the oldest city in North America, with plenty to do and see in town and on the beach. Dense history, tourist attractions, amenities, and gorgeous beaches make St. Augustine one of the best places in Florida to visit with your dog.

Here are 10 of the best dog friendly beaches to check out in St. Augustine whether you are visiting or live locally.

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The 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in St. Augustine, FL

1. St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier Beach

️ Address: 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Times: 24/7 (November 1st – April 30th)  | 8:00 am to 7:30 pm during sea turtle season (May 1 – October 31)
Cost: Beach is free, the pier is $2
Off-Leash: No
  • Free parking is available, but the lot is small
  • Dogs are allowed on the beach but are restricted from the pier
  • Gift shop nearby sells food, drinks, and souvenirs
  • Plenty of shade and seating for those warm summer days
  • Restrooms are available for general use
  • Awesome views of Saint Augustine Beach from the pier

2. Ocean Hammock Park

️ Address: A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine Beach, FL 32080
Open Times: 7 AM – 8 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Shady trails are perfect for dog walking
  • Water fountains are available to keep your pup hydrated
  • Long boardwalk winds through beautiful natural Florida wilderness
  • Beach is wide but resist the urge to let your dog off leash
  • Usually not as crowded as other nearby beaches

3. Vilano Beach

️ Address: 2725 Anahma Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Open Times: 6 AM – 9 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • One of the most popular local Saint Augustine beaches
  • There is a large grocery store nearby to help you stock up on supplies for the day
  • Plenty of free parking is available year round
  • Perfect beach to watch the sunrise in the early morning
  • Mind your pup during crowded times

4. Saint Augustine Beach

️ Address: 1 8th St, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Times: Open 24/7
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Primary beach for the Saint Augustine area
  • Tons to do nearby, including historic downtown Saint Augustine, local beach resorts, delicious restaurants, and a variety of bars
  • One of the best and largest dog friendly beaches in all of Florida
  • Plenty of amenities on the beach, including lifeguards, restrooms, tables, and pavilions
  • Beautiful scenery and plenty of room to roam make this a great beach to return to time and again

5. Frank B. Butler County Park

️ Address: 5860 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Times: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Known to the locals as Butler Beach
  • Free access and free parking year round
  • There is an east and west park, but both are dog friendly
  • Dog waste stations are conveniently posted at boardwalk entrances; be sure to use them
  • Horses are allowed on the beach, so be aware before you bring your dogs

6. Crescent Beach

️ Address: 6930 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Pristine white sands stretch for miles
  • Picnic benches are available for when you need to take a break
  • Be aware that vehicles and horses are sometimes present on the beach
  • Stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere define this excellent beach
  • Beach can get crowded during tourist season and good weather

7. Matanzas Inlet Bridge Beach

️ Address: 8805 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Beautiful vistas showing off Matanzas Inlet and Matanzas Inlet Bridge
  • Local spot rarely has crowds
  • Great spot for fishing with your dog
  • Twenty minutes from downtown St. Augustine
  • Dogs will love the shallow waters, large mangrove roots, and soft cool sands

8. North Beach

️ Address: 3721 Coastal Hwy, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Open Times: 6:30 AM – 7 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Bring your pup to experience a breathtaking sunrise
  • Free parking and pavilions are available year round
  • Keep an eye out for amazing natural shells but also watch for dangerous marine life
  • Bring your own waste bags and pick up after your pet
  • Just minutes north of Vilano Beach and downtown St. Augustine

9. Matanzas Beach

️ Address: 8635 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Times: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Fort Matanzas and a national monument are located nearby to explore
  • Matanzas Inlet is surprisingly beautiful
  • Smooth and shallow waters are great for swimming
  • Access to the intercoastal for boaters and fishermen
  • Few crowds compared to larger, more popular beaches

10. Anastasia State Park

️ Address: 300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Times: Sunrise – sunset
Cost: $8 per vehicle, state park passes available
Off-Leash: No
  • One of the most beautiful state parks in the St. Augustine area
  • Dog friendly camping is available for the outdoorsy
  • Check and obey all leash laws inside the park, but some areas require more attention than others
  • Not all beaches in the park are pet friendly, but some are
  • Consider getting a Florida state park pass if you plan to visit often

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Conclusion

St. Augustine is home to some of the best beaches in the southeast. There are miles and miles of pristine sands to explore with your dog. Between the numerous local parks, public beaches, fishing piers, and historical landmarks, there is more than enough to explore for a day, a week, or a lifetime, depending on if you are just visiting or if you live nearby.


Featured Image Credit: Zach Zimet, Shutterstock

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