It’s nice to bring our furry friends along on vacation with us, but not everywhere is pet friendly. If you’re headed to the beach, you may find that you cannot bring your dog to play in the sand and surf. That’s why it’s smart to research the area that you’ll be visiting to see if pet-friendly beaches are available.
If you’re planning a vacation in Jacksonville, Florida, you’re in luck because the area has several dog-friendly beaches to play at! You’ll need to take note of the rules about dogs on the beach, though, as most have certain times of day that you are allowed to go with your dog or leash criteria that must be met. Keep reading to learn about the top dog-friendly beaches in Jacksonville, FL!
The Top 5 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Jacksonville, Florida
1. Atlantic Beach
| ️Address: | 800 Beach Ave., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | $3 for park entrance |
| Off-leash allowed?: | Only if swimming |
- Dogs allowed during day and evening hours
- Dogs are required to be leashed at all times on the beach but can swim unleashed
- Has a 450-acre wildlife park area to explore
- Parking can be difficult at times
2. Jacksonville Beach
| ️Address: | 503 1st St. N. Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 |
| Open Times: | From April 1 to September 30, dogs allowed before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.; from October 1 to March 31, dogs allowed anytime |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- Dogs need to be leashed at all times and have a rabies tag that is current
- One of the more popular dog-friendly beaches in the area
- Has a 1,000-foot pier
- Doesn’t get very crowded
3. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park & Beach
| ️Address: | 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233 |
| Open Times: | 7 days a week; March 12–November 4, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; November 5–March 10, open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Cost: | $3 per pedestrian/bicyclist; $5 per car; annual passes available |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- Dogs must be on a leash that is 8 feet or less
- Dogs only allowed in designated areas
- Hiking trails in park
- Also has a kids’ splash park
4. Mickler’s Landing
| ️Address: | Mickler’s Landing Beach Park, USA, County Rd 203, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- Not in Jacksonville but close by (roughly 20 miles away)
- Dogs must stay on leash at all times
- Features wooden dune walkovers and pink, coquina-sand
- Great place to find shark teeth
5. Neptune Beach
| ️Address: | 1505 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, FL 32266 |
| Open Times: | Before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- 12-foot or less leash and current rabies tag required
- Dogs need to remain on leash at all times
- Super clean beach
- Finding parking can be difficult at times
Summing Up
With this list of dog-friendly beaches, you and your favorite canine companion will be able to have a fabulous time playing in the sand and sun! Just remember to check each beach’s particular rules about dogs to find out the times when you’re allowed to bring your pup, how long their leash must be, and whether you’ll also need your pet’s current rabies tag. Once you know the rules, you’ll be on your way to having the best beach vacation with your dog ever!
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Featured Image Credit: Karsten Bergmann, Pixabay
