With soft sands, crystal-clear waters, and epic sunsets, Pensacola Beach is a real treat for you and your family — but what about your furry friend? With our Pensacola dog-friendly tips, they are sure to enjoy a vacation here too!
The city offers plenty of pet-friendly spots, including waterfront dog-friendly beaches, scenic dog parks, and off-leash areas for dogs of all sizes. Wondering where to take your dog on the Gulf Coast? We've got you covered.
This blog brings you a curated list of top pet-friendly and dog-friendly spots in and around Pensacola Beach. Can you already visualize those paw imprints etched in the sandy shoreline?
Pensacola Beach West Dog Park
This pet-friendly area in Pensacola Beach is small, about the same length as a basketball court, but a great gem for the little ones to have some fun exploring. You'll see the signs marking the designated area for your dog to splash around.
The sands can indeed get a bit busy with other dog families around, but hey, most doggies love a bit of socializing and making friends, don't they?
You know what else they love? A day catching waves and leaving their paw marks in the super soft sand. At the end of the day, you can all enjoy the sunset together.
Just remember that dogs need to be leashed at all times on this beach, even in the water. Waste bags and trash bins are provided, but it's always smart to BYO. And there is no water for washing or drinking.
Dog-Friendly Parks and Beaches in Pensacola Beach, FL
Pensacola Beach East Dog Park
This is another small yet clean beach with beautiful and soft sand that's a delight for the furry ones to explore, soaking in the sea breeze and sniffing at some pretty seashells. Less busy than West Beach, this is also a great spot to take some memorable pics of the entire family — the golden hours are stunning!
Here too, dogs have to stay on a leash, but the friendly people and great waves around will compensate for it.
Big Lagoon State Park
On the northern shoreline of Big Lagoon, this seaside park boasts beaches, shallow bays, nature trails, and open woodlands — all great for some fun or even nature study. Also, nestled under the canopy of pines and oaks, the West Beach picnic area provides an ideal setting to savor a leisurely meal.
Leashed pets are welcome almost everywhere, except on beaches. There's a good reason for that: while gators pose no considerable danger to respectable humans, dogs know no boundaries, and that's a real risk. So, heads up, keep your eyes open for signs wherever you go.
Bayview Park
A favorite of both locals and visitors, Bayview Park offers great activities for two-legged visitors of all ages, such as basketball courts, tennis courts, smaller playgrounds, and more. You can also rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards and enjoy a variety of community spaces.
For four-legged visitors — the ones that really matter — a one-acre dog park provides two large areas for them to run wild and off-leash. One of these areas goes down to the shore so that the doggies can fetch in the water and enjoy a good swim.
Anxious about the off-leash part? Don't worry. The area is fully fenced so they can't go too far where the gators are.
Ashton Brosnaham Dog Park
Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park is a 103-acre regional park famous for its soccer and softball spaces. It offers great facilities for the whole family, including a covered pavilion, picnic area, and, you guessed it, a dog park — where they can execute moves like professional athletes.
Among its many facilities are a dog park, covered pavilion, picnic area, and 13 soccer fields. A partnership with the Pensacola Futbol Club provides a wide range of soccer activities for all ages.
Pups will love Ashton Brosnaham Dog Park, a fenced canine hangout tucked away in the back of the park. There's plenty of space and opportunities for socializing and exercising, and the best part is, no leash required. The area is separated into large and small dog sections. There are water hoses around and some kiddie pools for dogs to cool off.
Here's an extra tip to make you look like a good dog parent: owners usually bring along some toys and balls for everyone to play with.
If you and your busy pup still have energy after all the playing, you can go for a stroll along the trail behind the soccer field. But from there, they need to be leashed.
Lexington Terrace Dog Park
This well-maintained park is one of the best dog parks in the region, providing plenty of space for the furry ones and all the amenities they (and you) could want!
The large grass areas are great to prevent the pets from getting too dirty, as they would on the beach. There's a canine water station, as well as several trees and plenty of interesting corners with local flora for them to explore.
The main dog areas are surrounded by a fence high enough to contain even the most authentic jumpers, and, of course, dogs can go off-leash with these limits. Lexington Terrace Dog Park offers separate areas for the big and the little ones.
Everywhere you look, families are playing frisbee or fetch, it's just a great vibe! This park is a true canine haven, and you'll also enjoy it, especially for the ample seating benches and pleasant scenery.
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Dog-Friendly Boat Rentals and Beaches in Pensacola Beach, FL
There's a lot of open space and opportunities for dogs to run around and stretch their legs. But it's nice that they can join in water activities too, right? And not just at the surf. Let's take Fido on a boat!
Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours & Boat Rentals is a pet-friendly rental company in Pensacola Beach that welcomes pets aboard any privately chartered pontoon and tritoon rentals.
They can enjoy the scenic views and soothing rocking motion — just bring along some water for them and make sure to place them in a safety vest. You know what? They look cute in the vest, that's for sure!
Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Establishments in Pensacola Beach, FL
Pensacola offers a multitude of pet-friendly patios and other establishments that warmly welcome families with dogs in tow. In most places, it'll be fine to bring your furry friend along to sit outside, but it's always better to ask and do your research in advance to avoid disappointments.
Let's explore some of the most notable places that are dog-friendly.
Scenic 90 Cafe: The retro-inspired decor of Scenic 90 Cafe is worth the trip alone. From the moment you step inside, you can tell you'll have a great experience. The best part? Dogs are welcome on the covered deck which has cooling umbrellas.
Dog House: This place features a colorful counter-serve featuring classic & specialty hot dogs, plus sandwiches, sausages & nachos. And as their logo suggests, your dog is also welcome. The very logo is a cool dog wearing sunglasses, and they offer bowls of water and tasty treats for the furry ones.
Graffiti Pizza: Graffiti Pizza offers signature and customized pizzas, subs, and other comfort foods, along with beer and wine options in a graffiti-lined space. Fido is welcome to join you at one of their pet-friendly outdoor tables.
Alga Beer Company: feel like a happy hour? Fido can join too. Alga Beer Company is a dog-friendly brewery where dogs can enter both the taproom and the patio. There are many regulars with their companions there, which means there's plenty of socializing for you and your little buddy.
Other dog-friendly spaces in Pensacola worth a visit include Agapi Bistro & Garden, Cactus Cantina Mexican Grill, Crabs on Pensacola Beach, Dog House Downtown, East Hill Pizza, End of The Line Cafe, Five Sisters Blue Cafe, Gaby's Taqueria, George Bistro + Bar, Jaco's Bayfront Bar & Grille, Mellow Mushroom Pensacola, New Yorker Deli & Pizzeria, O'Riley's Irish Pub Downtown, Polonza Bistro, Ruby Slipper Cafe, Shaggy's Pensacola Beach, to name a few.
These diverse options cater to various tastes, ensuring you and your four-legged companion can enjoy a delightful dining experience together across Pensacola. But be sure to check their website to know their policies at the time you visit. Just to double-check!
Top Pet-Friendly Spots in and Around Pensacola Beach, FL
Embarking on a journey with your furry companion is a delightful experience, but it requires some planning to steer clear of any potential disappointments. With careful preparation and attention to what we mentioned in the blog above, you can ensure a fantastic vacation for both you and your cherished four-legged friend.
Wondering where to stay in Pensacola Beach?
Here's an idea: to make the most of your stay in Pensacola Beach, why not book a beautiful vacation rental? That's the best way to stay like a local. There's nothing like experiencing this piece of paradise in Florida with all the privacy and comfort you need.
AtPensacola Beach Properties, we offer a wide selection of the best short-term rentals in Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, including vacation rentals with pools and pet-friendly options. Staying with us, all you have to do is kick back, relax, and soak in the Gulf Coast vibes to the fullest.
