Are Dogs Allowed on New Smyrna Beach? 2026 Update

New Smyrna Beach is a town located just south of Daytona Beach. The area is home to 17 miles of pristine Atlantic Coast beaches. The coastline has numerous parks and dozens of ramps, boardwalks, parking areas, and vehicle access points. People are even allowed to drive on the beach during certain times.

Despite all this, dogs are not allowed on New Smyrna Beach. Volusia County bans dogs on any portion of the Atlantic beaches and relegates canines to the inlets and intercoastal beaches instead.

Here is what you need to know about bringing your dog to New Smyrna Beach if you want to have a good trip.

New Smyrna Beach Dog Rules

New Smyrna Beach does not allow dogs on any portion of its Atlantic beaches. This is due to health, sanitary, and public order reasons. That means if you were planning on bringing your pup out for a day at the beach, you would have to change your plans. There are no designated dog areas along any portion of the Atlantic-facing beaches in New Smyrna Beach.

The official rule, as stated by the county, states: “Pets are not allowed on the beach except service animals required due to a disability, as governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

There are exceptions for service dogs that are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Legitimate service dogs providing a medically necessary benefit are always allowed in public spaces, including the beach, by law. If you are bringing a service dog to New Smyrna Beach, be sure to have their harness on and be prepared to answer questions if asked. Law enforcement and officials are allowed to ask what service the dog is performing.

The only dog-friendly beach in New Smyrna Beach is located at Smyrna Dunes Park, so it should be on your list if you want to take your dog out for a day of fun in the sun.

Read the official list of rules for New Smyrna Beach here. Check out all of the beach access points and parking locations here.

Smyrna Dunes Park (Dog Friendly)

Rules:

• Pets are allowed on the inlet shore beach area and must be leashed at all times.
• Pets are not allowed on the elevated park boardwalks after 10 a.m.
• Pets are never allowed on the Atlantic Ocean Beach.

Smyrna Dunes Park is a large park spanning nearly 200 acres along the Ponce de Leon Inlet. Dogs are allowed on the beaches along the inlet, which are located on the west side of the park. Despite being allowed into Smyrna Dunes Park, dogs are still not allowed on the Atlantic Ocean beaches, which are located on the northeast side of the park. The park has plenty of amenities, though, including miles of boardwalks, bathrooms, scenic overlooks, picnic tables, pavilions, and doggy swimming spots.

The park is located 5 miles from the center of New Smyrna Beach, meaning you can stay in town and still take your pup to a dog-friendly area that is located nearby. The park can get busy during peak season and peak hours, so plan accordingly. Amenities are used on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are no reservations. Make sure to bring food and water for your dog, as well as bags to dispose of their waste while you are in the park.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on any portion of the Atlantic beaches in New Smyrna Beach. These rules stem from a county ordinance that prohibits all pets from being on any Atlantic beach at any time while in Volusia County. There are exceptions for service dogs, and there are a few dog-friendly beaches located along Ponce de Leon Inlet and the intercoastal waterways. You can still have a fun day at the beach with your dog around New Smyrna Beach, but you will have to do additional planning.

• Related read: Are Dogs Allowed on Destin Beaches?

Featured Image Credit: Sky Cinema, Shutterstock