Panama City, Florida, is one of the panhandle’s best places to vacation and enjoy some relaxing time on the water. However, Panama City and its surrounding county are very strict about dogs on the beach. The county has a ton of rules and regulations that have restricted the number of dog beaches in the area to just one. If you want to have more options for time outside with your dog, you will need to take a short drive out of Panama City to Gulf County, Florida.
Before hitting the beach with your dog, you need to brush up on the rules. Panama City has a long list of rules and regulations you must follow before bringing your pup. You can read the full list of rules on the city’s website.1
Here are the top five best dog friendly beaches near Panama City, Florida, for you to enjoy with your dog.
The 5 Dog Friendly Beaches Near Panama City, FL
1. Panama City Dog Beach
| ️ Address: | 33753-000-000, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- The only official dog beach in Panama City
- You can find the dog beach access west of Russell-Fields City Pier and in front of Pier Park
- Lots of stores and restaurants are located nearby
- Dog bowls are not allowed on the beach, so plan accordingly
- You can access the dog beach from Public Beach Access 58
2. Saint Joe Beach
| ️ Address: | 6536 W. Hwy 98, Saint Joe Beach, FL, United States, Florida |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
| Distance From Panama City: | 29 miles (40 minutes) |
- Stunning sunrises and sunsets
- Great spot for walking, running, fishing, relaxing, or swimming
- Located north of the center of Port Saint Joe
- No nearby amenities, so pack for the day
- Watch for heat and storms during the summer months
3. Windmark Beach
| ️ Address: | Seagrove Way, Port St Joe, FL 32456 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
| Distance From Panama City: | 30 miles (40 minutes) |
- Secluded beach is the perfect place for pups to run around
- Located between Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe
- Not many amenities nearby, so bring what you need for the day
- Beware of rough surf during hurricane season
4. Cape San Blas Beaches
| ️ Address: | Cape San Blas, FL 32456 |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
| Distance From Panama City: | 48 miles (1 hour) |
- Miles of beaches easily accessible in Cape San Blas
- The town is small, but the beaches are plentiful
- No one single beach access since the whole area is a narrow strip of land
- Amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico, great for both sunrises and sunsets
- Dogs can be off leash but be mindful of the open and public nature of the area
5. Salinas Park
| ️ Address: | 380 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, in designated areas |
| Distance From Panama City: | 45 miles (1 hour) |
- Salinas Park offers far more than just a great beach
- Explore boardwalks, playgrounds, trails, and beaches in one visit
- One of the best rated parks in the local area
- Just an hour’s drive from Panama City along gorgeous coastal roadways
- Be mindful of dog rules while in the park; dogs are not allowed off leash everywhere
Conclusion
Panama City, Florida, has just one official dog beach. If that beach is not to your liking, there are multiple other dog friendly options a short drive east in Gulf County. Gulf County, Florida, is much more dog friendly than Bay County. Panama City’s dog beach is right in the heart of all of the great stuff to do in Panama City Beach, but there is more freedom for your dogs in the Panhandle’s more secluded beaches.
Featured Image Credit: Zach Zimet, Shutterstock
