Whether your pup prefers wading in shallow waters off Rickenbacker Causeway or jumping through the Atlantic waves in Hollywood, here’s our rundown of the best dog-friendly beaches around Miami.
Shutterstock/WhiteYura; Kojirou Sasaki via Unsplash
It’s no secret that Miami absolutely loves its pooches. After all, we live in a city that offers everything from dog-friendly restaurants to countless bark parks and even Candlelight Paws Concerts! When you want to treat your pup to something a little extra special, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve gathered a guide of the best sandy spots in Miami and beyond where your four-legged friend can run off-leash, splash in the waves, socialize with others and enjoy beautiful waterfront views. Whether you’re staying close to home or planning a fun coastal day trip, here are our favorite dog-friendly beaches around South Florida.
Note: As a courtesy, remember to always pick up after your pet to keep waterways clean!
Haulover Dog Beach
Kicking off this roundup of best dog-friendly beaches is Haulover Dog Beach, regularly voted as one of the best sandy paradises in the city for pups! Located within Haulover Park, dogs are welcome to roam and run off-leash into the surf during the designated area between lifeguard towers #2 and #3. Additional amenities at the Bark Park include shade trees, picnic tables, drinking fountains, waste bag dispensers, a grassy space and more.
Hobie Island Beach Park
Just off Rickenbacker Causeway, this beach offers incredible skyline views and shallow waters for your pup to cool in. It’s one of the most popular dog-friendly places in Miami, being a favorite for windsurfers, paddleboarders, cyclists, fitness enthusiasts and, of course, pet owners! The calm water is perfect for dogs who love to wade and fetch, even if they aren’t the strongest of swimmers.
Bark Beach at North Beach Oceanside Park
Known as Miami Beach’s original dog-friendly beach, this designated area is different from what you’d expect at a typical bustling beach. It’s much more tranquil, perfect for your pooch to play to their heart’s content on. Plus, the adjacent park provides shaded walking paths, restrooms and a dog-friendly water fountain. There are specific off-leash hours (sometimes extended) during the morning and afternoon at this beach, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead before going!
South Beach and Mid-Beach
Did you know that there’s actually three total bark beaches in Miami Beach? In addition to 81st Street, 21st Street and 53rd Street are also perfect places to bring your furry best friend!
Located right off of Collins Avenue at 21st Street, South Beach residents and visitors have a dedicated spot to let their pups play in the sand and surf. Then at the Mid-Beach corridor, locals looking for a quieter, neighborhood feel compared to South Beach can bring along their dogs. To avoid peak times, both beaches are only open during the mornings:
From November to March, hours are 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and from April to October, hours are 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Hollywood Dog Beach
If you’re heading up north to Hollywood, bookmark this popular beach located between Pershing and Custer Streets, providing a sandy play compound right by the Atlantic. Hollywood Dog Beach is available year-round from sunrise to sunset, and is the perfect social hotspot for pups who love a lively atmosphere.
Jupiter Dog Beach
A 2.5-mile stretch of pristine sand, Jupiter Off-Leash Dog Beach is one of the premier pup destinations on the East Coast. Well-behaved dogs between dune crossover markers #26 and #57 have endless room to run, swim and socialize without a leash. As a bonus, parking is free and restrooms and showers can be found nearby.
Bark Park Dog Beach
Nestled within Boca Raton’s scenic Spanish River Park, this dog beach is the perfect weekend getaway for you and the furry one. It welcomes dogs to run off-leash between lifeguard towers 18 and 20 seven days a week. However, all visitors need a permit for their pet before hitting the sand, and must carry it at all times while being there.
Canine Beach
Canine Beach is yet another location giving you and your canine companion access to a 100-yard stretch of the Fort Lauderdale shoreline. But unlike the others in this roundup, dogs must be leashed and remain attached to their owners while they splash around in the shallow waves. An annual or daily permit to this pet-friendly beach, beginning at lifeguard tower 16 northward, is also required and must be purchased from the Parks & Recreation office.