Puppy Paradise: Check Out These Pup-Tastic Dog-Friendly Beaches in the U.S! Gabby Teaman August 22, 2019 Beach Vacations, Family Travel, Interests 2 Comments So, you want to hang out at the beach all day to work on your tan, but feel super guilty about leaving your poor pooch at home all alone. Yikes! How could you possibly leave the house with those big, sad eyes staring at you? If you’re fortunate enough to have your own four-legged pal, or you just love to be around dogs (we don’t blame you!), then a trip to one of these dog-friendly beaches may be just what you need. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing oasis or an outdoorsy adventure, there’s something for you and your furry friend out there! Give your doggie the greatest treat of all and take them to puppy paradise — they will love you fur-ever! 8th Ave Dog Beach, New Jersey Headin’ down to the Shore? If you’re into local artwork and historic casinos, Asbury Park has that cool, downtown feel. This New Jersey hotspot is also home to the illustrious Stone Pony, the concert hall where Bruce Springsteen got his start! As for your doggo, they’ll be allowed on the boardwalk all day from the end of September until mid-May. However, if you’re at Asbury Park during the summer, you can take your pup on the boardwalk between 6 pm and 8:30 pm. Many of the boardwalk’s shops and restaurants have outdoor seating for Fido, and some vendors even sell puppy treats and toys! At night, treat yourself to Yappy Hour at the highly-rated Wonder Bar, where both dogs and their humans can paw-ty the night away. Fiesta Island, California If you’re looking for a more serene atmosphere, escape the crowds at Fiesta Island’s dog beach. This spacious dog beach located in Mission Bay, California has plenty of wide, open space for your pup to play around leash-free. Once you grab some complimentary doggie bags at the beach’s entrance, take in the scenic views of Downtown San Diego. You and Fido will enjoy basking in the quiet, tranquil atmosphere. The calm bay waters will allow your puppy to cool off after they finish running around the numerous sand dunes. They’ll want to dip their little paws in the crystal-clear oceans — so cute! Don’t forget to take advantage of the gorgeous backdrop and snap lots of photos to remember the day! Cannon Beach, Oregon Cannon Beach is for adventurous travelers. If you dream of taking your pets with you on a hike bursting with wildlife or for a refreshing dip in the creek, you’ve come to the right place. Journey through one of the many scenic trails in Ecola State Park which stretches several miles long! If your pup needs a little pampering after all that outdoor goodness, take them shopping at some of the local pup-friendly retail stores and galleries that allow dogs to come along. Once your dog works up an appetite from all that exploring, they’ll be ready to feast at one of Cannon Beach’s many dog-friendly restaurants – bone appetite! If you’re headed to Oregon in October, show off your pooch at the annual Dog Show on the Beach. Your pet will compete in fun competitions like “Best Trick” or “Owner Lookalike” while giving back to the local animal shelter. Paw-some! Fort De Soto Park, Florida Fort de Soto Park in Tierra Verde, Florida has paddleboards and kayaks for rent to take out on the crisp, blue waters. Your puppy can pal around at the Paw Playground, with its designated spots for all dogs big and small to run around leash-free. Whether you’ve got a giant lovable golden retriever or a tiny cockapoo, your dog will thank you. There are also several picnic shelters, camping sites, hiking trails, fishing piers – and even an ancient Spanish fortress to explore! You’ll have access to over 1,000 acres of beach plants, palm hammocks, and other kinds of wildlife. This beautiful island is sure to be an oasis for you and your little ball of fur. Sundling Park, Michigan If you ever find yourself near Lake Michigan, Sundling Park is the paw-fect little hideaway for bonding with your pet in the great outdoors. You’ll have tons of photo ops with you and your best pal as you explore the beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Nearby Magoon Creek has tons of hiking and biking trails, picnic tables, and views of the historic Manistee North Pier Lighthouse. The iconic lighthouse has inspired many paintings and even has its own museum! Cisco Beach, Massachusetts Cisco Beach is known for its soft sand and powerful surf. But, this trendy beach on the southern shore of Nantucket also boasts a great location to bring your dog. Dogs will need to be on a leash while you visit. Additionally, your pet is allowed on the beach before 9 am and after 5 pm during the busy tourist season – April 1 to August 31. During the off-season, you can bring your pup with you any time of day, and the beach is staffed by a lifeguard. Be sure to bring plenty of supplies as there aren’t any concession facilities. Sail to Nantucket in style on either the dog-friendly Hy-Line Cruises or the Steamship Authority. Jennings Dog Beach, Connecticut Jennings Dog Beach features 27 acres of fun! Your pet will enjoy the number of amenities this beach has to offer. You’ll find a snack shack, picnic tables, public restrooms, and more. Although the beach is open to the public every day from sunup to sundown, you’re only allowed to bring your dog during the off-season months between October 1 and March 31. The beach provides an abundance of parking. However, you’ll be charged a fee between Memorial Day and Labor Day if you’re not a resident. Kennebunk Beaches, Maine You’ll have your choice of dog-friendly beaches when you visit the Kennebunk area of Maine! The area features three different beaches that allow off-leash dogs, as long as they’re responsive to voice commands. Kennebunk Beaches include Mother’s Beach, Middle Beach, and Gooch’s Beach. Like most beaches, you’ll be asked to clean up after your dog with the waste bags provided. Also, like many other beaches, there are certain hours that you’re allowed to bring your puppy along with you. Your canine companion is allowed to accompany you all day between Labor Day and June 15. During the busy summer season, dogs are allowed before 9 am and after 5 pm. You’ll also need permits to bring your dog between the middle of June and the middle of September. Burkes Beach, South Carolina If you’re visiting the Hilton Head Island area with your dog, you’ll definitely want to check out Burkes Beach. It’s conveniently located mid-island off of William Hilton Parkway. The stretch of pristine sand is dog-friendly before 10 am and after 5 pm between April 1 to the end of September. Your doggie can also run around at Chaplin Community Park and Best Friends Dog Park, which aren’t far from the beach. While parking is free at the Community Park, you’ll need to pay for parking at the beach. You May Also Like: The Basic Dos and Don’ts of Bringing a Four-Legged Travel Companion Jupiter Dog Beach, Florida As the name implies, Jupiter Dog Beach is the ideal place to bring your favorite furry friend. Jupiter Dog Beach is the only off-leash stretch of sand for canines in the Palm Beach area. The beach boasts 2.5 miles of sand, giving your dog plenty of space to run free. The official dog area is located between beach marker 26 at Marcinski Road and to the north of beach marker 57. Your dog will need to be obedient to voice commands if you want to let them explore the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Your pal will love frolicking in the waves of this warm water with you. Now that you’ve got the lowdown on pup-tastic dog beaches, here are a few important things to note before you go. Make sure to pack up a doggie bag with tons of extra water, a GPS tracker, and waste bags to keep these beautiful beaches nice and clean. You’ll also want to do some research before you go. Check out the beach’s rules and guidelines. Additionally, see if your pup will need any special tag, passes, or clearance from your vet. FAQs: Q: Are there activities for dogs at dog-friendly beaches? A: Some dog beaches offer activities like kayaking, nature trails, and even surfing for well-behaved pets. Q: Can my dog run off-leash at dog beaches? A: Many dog beaches have leash-free areas, but it’s important to ensure your dog is obedient to voice commands. Q: What amenities are available at dog beaches? A: Dog beaches may have amenities like waste bags, picnic tables, and even snack shacks for both humans and pets. Q: Are there any restrictions on bringing dogs to beaches? A: Some beaches have restrictions on hours when dogs are allowed, leash requirements, and may require permits during certain times of the year. Q: What should I bring when visiting a dog beach? A: Pack essentials like extra water, waste bags, a GPS tracker for safety, and any required permits or documentation for your pet. Q: Can I bring my dog to any beach-related events? A: Some beaches host dog-friendly events like dog shows or Yappy Hours. Check the beach’s calendar for upcoming activities. Got any more pup-ular dog-friendly beaches to recommend? Let us know in the comments below!
