If you’ve ever been to Tampa, Florida, you know it is a gorgeous area with amazing restaurants, sandy beaches, and friendly people. Unfortunately, there are only two dog-friendly beaches in Tampa itself, but did you know there are a few beaches nearby where you can take your canine pal with you?
Some of these beaches require your dog to be leashed at all times, and others require a small fee to park or get on the beach. Keep reading for the top five dog-friendly beaches in or near Tampa, Florida.
Top 2 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Tampa, Florida
1. Davis Island Dog Beach
| ️ Address: | 864 Severn Ave, Tampa, FL |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | Yes |
- Fenced-in areas that are off-leash
- The off-leash area allows two dogs per person
- Wash stations and water fountains
- 5 acres of land, with 200 feet of it being water access
- Sand and grassy areas
2. Picnic Island Beach Dog Park
| ️ Address: | 7409 Picnic Island Blvd., Tampa, FL |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | Yes |
- Enclosed dog beach for off-leash pups
- Restrooms, drinking fountains, and picnic tables
- Outdoor showers and an area to rinse off your canine
- Water does contain seaweed
- Cool off the shade while your dog runs in grassy areas
Other Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Tampa, Florida
The following pooch-friendly destinations are within an hour’s drive of Tampa.
3. Honeymoon Island State Park Dog Beach
| ️ Address: | #1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin, FL |
| Open Times: | 8 am to 8 pm |
| Cost: | $8 parking fee; $4 for a single-person car |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- All dogs must be on a leash
- A gorgeous beach
- White sandy beach reaches for 4 miles
- Nature trails allow dogs that are leashed
- Friendly pet owners and pets
4. Paw Playground/Fort De Soto Dog Beach Park
| ️ Address: | Fort DeSoto, St. Petersburg, FL |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | $5 fee to park |
| Off-leash allowed?: | Yes |
- Separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs, where they can be off-leash
- Must be leashed outside of the designated areas of the beach
- Has doggie showers to rinse off your canine
- Dogs can be off-leash on the beach and at the Paw Playground
- 26 miles from Tampa, FL
5. Pass A Grille Dog Beach
| ️ Address: | 1-199 Pass A Grille Way, St. Petersburgh, FL |
| Open Times: | Dusk to dawn |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- Close to dog-friendly restaurants
- Gorgeous drive from Tampa to this beach
- Dogs must have ID tags
- No waste bags provided
- Has toilets, showers, and changing rooms
Conclusion
These are a few of the dog-friendly beaches you can find in (or near) Tampa, Florida. When you’ve decided to head out to a dog-friendly beach with your companion, it is best to check the rules of the beach. Make sure you always bring your own waste bags and clean up after your pet so that other people and their dogs can have a happy time at the beach. Don’t forget to take your leash with you, even if the beach is off-leash, just in case something happens and the leash is needed.
Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory
