Most know Pensacola, Florida as a gorgeous beachfront paradise for those eager to enjoy a sunny vacation on the Gulf Coast. But did know that this city is also exceptionally dog-friendly? From great dog-friendly places to eat to sandy shores that welcome off-leash playing and swimming by friendly dogs, pet owners will find plenty to celebrate in this community. So much so that we wouldn’t be able to fit all of the great dog-friendly places and activities in one article, but we do want to highlight some of our favorite dog beaches in Pensacola.
Continue reading to learn about the three best places to bring your dog for some swimming action:
1. Bayview Dog Beach
Bayview Dog Beach is conveniently located just east of Downtown Pensacola and within walking distance of many hotels and other vacation lodgings within the downtown area. The dog beach here is a one-acre fenced off-leash dog park located within the larger 35-acre Bayview Park. It backs up to the Bayou Texar, which is a large waterway that empties into Pensacola Bay. This means that waves at Bayview are minimal, making this an ideal dog beach for those pups who might otherwise be intimidated by the larger waves that crash on the beaches of the Gulf.
In addition to having an entire side along the beach that offers pups some excellent swimming and running opportunities, the Bayview Dog Beach also features some nice shady areas as well as a pavilion spot for humans to sit and relax. Dog-friendly amenities here include full washing stations and waste disposal stations that include poop bags for those who forget to pack them. If your dog tires of the off-leash play, make sure to check out the rest of Bayview Park. Amenities at the larger park include nature trails, human restrooms, and picnic areas complete with grills.
2. Pensacola Dog Beach East
Pensacola Dog Beach East is a dog-friendly beach and park run by Escambia County. You’ll find the parking lot for this dog-friendly beach area just past the parking for Navarre Beach, at a spot called Parking Lot 28.5, which refers to a nearby mile marker. Parking here is free and there are public restrooms, but not too much else in the way of beach amenities (including no posted lifeguards). We also recommend that people visiting this beach stock up on food and drinks as it is a good distance from any local beach eateries and similar businesses. The upside to this general lack of amenities is that Pensacola Dog Beach East tends to be very quiet with minimal crowds even during peak summer seasons.
Unlike Bayview Dog Beach which is fenced-in and allows for off-leash dog play and running, Pensacola Dog Beach East has strict leash policies. All dogs must be on a leash eight feet or shorter and under control with signs posted clearly designating which parts of the beach are dog-friendly and which are not. This beach location does offer doggie bags, disposable bins, and even handy-wash wipes for pet owners.
3. Pensacola Dog Beach West
Pensacola Dog Beach West is also sometimes called Fort Pickens Dog Beach because it is located pretty close to that state park. However, you don’t want to go that far as all Florida state parks prohibit dogs from state-regulated beaches and springs. Instead, head down Fort Pickens Road and park at Lot B, which is the first parking lot after the very last Gulf condos located at mile marker 21.5. Parking here is free.
This dog beach is also operated by Escambia County and has many of the same restrictions and features as Pensacola Dog Beach East. Dogs must be on a leash eight feet long or shorter and must stay within the posted signs that designate the dog-friendly beach area. This dog-friendly part of the beach is a bit smaller than the two others we’ve listed, about the length of a basketball court with the width depending upon tides. As such, it can get crowded during the afternoon and especially during peak summer months. No lifeguards here, but you will find trash bins and doggie bags.
Making the Most Out of Your Trip to a Pensacola Dog Beach
For all dog beaches in and around Pensacola, there are some general rules and guidelines that pets and pet owners should be aware of:
Have Your Rabies Tags
All dogs, no matter where you go in the city and county, will need to have visible and current rabies tags on their collar. We also recommend ensuring your pet is microchipped or has tags with name and contact information as well.
Bring Water
Because the weather here can get downright toasty, especially when you’re on the beach and away from the sun, we strongly recommend bringing a water gallon for every dog you bring to the beach, no matter how long you tend to stay. Drinking salt water is very dangerous for dogs and a few beach-loving pups have tragically gotten sick, including fatally sick, from excessively drinking water.
Consider the Paws
Beach sand can get very, very hot — sometimes even hotter than pavement in the summer. During the hottest parts of the summer and day, you might want to consider booties for their feet. Also, make sure to bring some type of shade to give you and your pup a place to escape the worst of the sun’s rays.
Learn More About Pensacola’s Dog-Friendly Spots
Now, remember, while these are the best dog beaches in Pensacola, our list certainly is not complete for the best dog places in Pensacola. This city has a ton of great opportunities for dogs and their adventurous owners to check out, including top places to eat, great places to hike, and much more. Learn about these places and get tips for how to make the most out of your next vacation to Pensacola and the greater 30A region by checking out our website and other pages.
