Let’s face it … dogs are a part of our family and it’s awesome when we can take them with us on a day trip or a longer vacation (plus, it can be really expensive to board them, especially if you have more than one pet).
We are so fortunate to live in Florida where we have so many dog-friendly options. Hanging at a dog park is a great way to spend a few hours or a day. It’s always fun to see all the different breeds of dogs interacting and 99% of the time the dog-owners are friendly people, too.
Since we are big fans of our furry family members, we have put together our own list of some of our favorite Authentic Florida dog-friendly beaches/parks.
Algiers Beach/Gulfside Beach (Sanibel, FL)
Located off Casa Ybel Road on Sanibel Island, this beach is known as Algiers Beach to the locals and Gulfside Beach to everyone else. There is a parking fee of $5.00 per hour between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm. However, the beach is free after 7 pm. It’s cost-effective and memorable to pack a picnic dinner and bring your furry companion to watch the remarkable sunset. Please keep in mind all pets in Gulfside Park must be leashed and you must clean up after them.
Bonita Beach Dog Park (Fort Myers Beach, FL)
Known as Dog Beach Park, this is an awesome dog park with a good amount of loyal regulars. A doggie poop bag dispenser, trash cans and a freshwater rinse station are located near the beach path. Parking is free. Although there is a no leash policy, it’s good to note that the park does not have any fences to keep your dog within park limits. Also, you’ll definitely want to visit during low tide, otherwise, you may be forced to walk in the water. The water rises significantly when it rains and leaves almost no dry land to sit on. It’s good to plan accordingly. It’s also a prime spot for a dolphin sighting.
