Sandy Paws

Brr it’s cold out there! We’re sitting here wishing for warmer weather but, until that happens, check out these dog-friendly beach getaways. If you’re living in the warmth already, well, just mark us down as a little jealous, but still make sure you take the time to get your feet and paws in the sand!

Fort De Soto Park, Dog Beach & Paw Playground – Florida

Voted America’s Top Beach by Trip Advisor in 2009 and one of the Top 5 dog parks in the South by Southern Living, we would be remiss not to include this winner! Boasting over 300 yards of beach area and 3 acres of fenced-in grassy space, dogs can swim and run about off-leash to their heart’s content. 

Visit Pete Clearwater

 Baker Beach – California

Home to incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge (it’s only 1 mile south!), this beach is a true gem. Locals love the open spaces and friendly regular visitors. Fido and friends truly enjoy their time here! (Pro tip: the northern section is ‘clothing optional’ so be forewarned!) 

Bring Fido

 Miami Beach’s Bark Beach – Florida

The best (and only) dog beach in the City of Miami Beach, this locale also offers up a plethora of pet-friendly restaurants for an after-swim snack. Now that’s a win! 

Condo Black Book

 Kennebunk Beach – Maine

While not exactly tropical and warm, this great escape is incredibly peaceful in the offseason. Scenic and inviting, this beach also has some rocky shorelines, making for a fun adventure for your more athletic-minded pup. Of course, there is plenty of soft sand for Fido to lounge around in as well! 

Bring Fido

 Fiesta Island Off-Leash Dog Park - California

Located in sunny Mission Bay, this delight has an abundance of sandy dunes and inviting waters. With plenty of space and sights for dogs of all pawsonalities, there’s something for everyone from the adventurous to the relaxation-minded. 

Bring Fido

 Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area – Texas

While the majority of the Texas Gulf coastal communities are pet-friendly (leashed, please!) this 56,000 acres is truly something special. Extending over 38 miles long, this island is a lot of shoreline and even offers camping on the beach! Your pup will never get bored with all the things to sniff here. 

Hike with your Dog

 Sullivan’s Island – South Carolina

With a truly relaxed lifestyle, this barrier island offers up some gorgeously lazy shorelines. While you must get a permit for taking your pooch to the beach, you can be assured that all fellow dogs are up to snuff on vaccinations. 

Donnie Whitaker

 Tidewell Park – Georgia

This popular destination for four-legged vacationers is small but fun. It has not only sandy stretches, but a large grassy lawn, and a dock area for your truly seafaring salty dogs to launch a vessel. 

Tripping.com

 Excuse us as we bundle up under out electric blankets and dream fondly of these warm weather getaways! If you’ve got a pup and some vacation time, head on out and enjoy them for yourself!