Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in South Florida
Where your pup can trade the backyard for the surf
Sunshine, salty paws, and a whole lot of tail-wagging. If you’re moving to South Florida with a four-legged family member, you’re going to want to know exactly where you can let them off the leash (well, sort of) and into the surf. Broward and Palm Beach County are home to some genuinely great dog beaches, and after years of showing homes and exploring these neighborhoods myself, I’ve got a soft spot for the ones that make it easy to spend a whole morning outside without a single complaint from your dog.
Grab the leash, pack a couple of tennis balls, and let’s get into it.
Fort Lauderdale Dog Beach (Canine Beach)
If your dog kept a bucket list, this one would be at the top. Fort Lauderdale’s designated dog beach area gives pups the run of the sand and surf during approved hours, while their humans get an oceanfront view that’s hard to beat.
Why you’ll love it:
- A designated oceanfront area just for dogs
- Plenty of room to splash, dig, and zoom
- Gorgeous sunrise and evening walks
- A great spot to meet other local dog owners
Good to know: Open daily, 6-9 AM and 5-7 PM. Located north of Sunrise Boulevard on A1A, between lifeguard tower 16 and a point 100 yards north. Dogs must be leashed, current on vaccinations and licensing, and limited to three per person.
Hollywood Dog Beach
Hollywood Beach already has vacation energy baked in, and the designated dog-friendly section lets your pup join the party. It’s a lively pick for water-loving dogs and an easy walk from the Hollywood Broadwalk if you want to grab coffee afterward.
Why you’ll love it:
- A dedicated dog-friendly beach section
- Ocean access for swimming and sandy zoomies
- Steps from the Broadwalk’s restaurants and shops
- A genuinely cheerful setting for photos (yours and your dog’s)
Good to know: Open daily, sunrise to sunset, with no pass required. Located at 4999 N Surf Rd. Dogs must stay under control and on-leash outside the designated dog beach area.
Jupiter Dog Beach
Ask around and Jupiter almost always comes up as a local favorite. This stretch of shoreline gives active dogs plenty of room to run, swim, and burn off energy in the Atlantic.
Why you’ll love it:
- A long, dog-friendly stretch of shoreline
- Space for running, fetch, and swimming
- A relaxed, naturally beautiful setting
- A go-to for high-energy, water-loving dogs
Good to know: A 2.5-mile stretch of dog-friendly shoreline running from crossover marker #26 near Ocean Cay Park to marker #57 near Carlin Park. Dogs can go leash-free within the designated area as long as they’re under reliable voice control, and parking is free. No permit needed.
Bark Beach at Spanish River Park, Boca Raton
For a more structured outing, Bark Beach at Spanish River Park offers a designated area where dogs can enjoy the ocean during scheduled access periods. It’s an easy, low-stress option if you’re based in Boca Raton or want a calmer beach day.
Why you’ll love it:
- A clearly marked dog-beach section
- A scenic, natural setting
- A calmer, more organized beach-day experience
- Great for families or first-time beach dogs
Good to know: Now open seven days a week (a recent expansion from the old weekend-only schedule) at 3001 N State Road A1A, between lifeguard towers 18 and 20. Requires a Bark Beach Dog Entry Permit, roughly $35/year for residents or a discounted weekend pass, plus separate beach parking (metered or a parking permit, since the dog permit doesn’t cover it).
Beach Day Essentials
A few things worth packing before you head out:
- Fresh water. Salt water isn’t safe for dogs to drink, so bring more than you think you’ll need.
- Waste bags. Clean up promptly, every time.
- A hand check on the sand. Florida sand heats up fast, and it can burn paws before you notice.
- Early or late timing. Mornings and evenings beat the midday heat, especially in summer.
- A rinse-off plan. Salt and sand cling to fur, so a quick rinse after swimming goes a long way.
Beach hours, permits, and access rules can and do change by season and by city, so it’s always worth a quick check with the local city or county before you head out. (Fort Lauderdale actually updated its rules in late 2024, and Boca Raton recently expanded Bark Beach to seven days a week, so these things really do shift.)
Thinking About Moving to South Florida With Your Dog?
Dog beaches are just one piece of it. From waterfront trails to pet-friendly neighborhoods, Broward and Palm Beach County offer a lot of ways to build a life your dog will love just as much as you do. If you’re weighing neighborhoods, walkability, or which areas actually fit an active dog’s lifestyle, that’s a conversation I have with clients all the time. Happy to help you figure out where you’d both be happiest.
