6 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches In Florida Keys

dog friendly beaches in florida keys

Unstoppable canine adventures await! We’re spilling the sandy beans on the seven most paws-itively awesome dog-friendly beaches in Florida Keys, where the sun kisses the fur and the waves beckon your four-legged friends.

These beachfront gems aren’t just for humans – they’re tailor-made for the ultimate pupcation!

We’re talking about the Florida Keys beaches that will have your fur babies feeling like they just landed a starring role in a canine Baywatch reboot. From frolicking in the surf to digging up buried treasures (or just burying a bone or two), these beach havens are a mutt’s dream come true.

1. Key West Dog Beach

Key West Dog Beach by Unnamed Adventures

  • Location: 1500 Vernon Ave, Key West, FL 33040, United States
  • Website: cityofkeywest

 

Dog Beach in Key West, Florida is where dogs are welcome.

This popular spot is a great place for your dog to enjoy some sun time, but keep a watch on your dog because the beach is rocky. 

Head over to Louie’s Backyard, a pet-friendly restaurant and bar next door to Dog Beach, for a refreshing drink and something to eat after working up a sweat on the beach.

Here are some reviews about Key West Dog Beach from recent visitors:

This is a fun area to visit to let dogs go in ocean & play with other dogs. Also Louie’s was nice for a drink on their deck.
While this is a small beach, my pups had a great time running around and playing! This place is great if you have a little common sense...yes, there is seaweed...it's the ocean. No, it's not totally enclosed...it's a beach. Yes, it is small...but so is Key West. Long story short, well behaved pups will have a good time, bring water and poop bags. Parking is free and while there was seaweed, it didn't smell bad at all. Well worth it.

2. Higgs Beach Dog Park

higgs dog friendly beaches in florida keys

 

For both residents and beachgoers, Key West has a lot to offer. Higgs Beach Dog Park is a beloved location among the residents of this Florida neighborhood because of its beautiful scenery, verdant spaces, and reasonable size. 

This fantastic off-leash area, is next to the spectacular vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Take a moment to appreciate the expansive views; a few parks in Key West have views like it! 

Higgs Beach Dog Park has two fenced-in dog sections (large dogs and little dogs) that provide shade, water, grass, and lots of space for dogs to run around and play.

There are several benches where you can sit and watch your pet play. 

Dog Park Rules:

  • Dogs must be amiable and have current licenses and immunizations. 
  • Dog owners must tidy up after their pets and spend as much time as possible with them. 
  • Dogs should be leashed when they are outside of the fenced-in area. As long as they are leashed, dogs are allowed on the pier or beach across the street. 

 

Here are some reviews about Higgs Beach Dog Park from recent visitors:

We took our dog on our trip to Key West only to find he was wasn't allowed on the majority of the beaches. This was a great place just to let him have a good run and some exercise. There wasn't anyone there when we first got there but it soon filled up. Seems very popular. It could do with some revamping though.
My GSD had fun running around and playing with a few other dogs. There was nice shade in the morning and plenty of room to be socially distanced. We will be back!

Discover hidden-gem beaches,  explore the Florida Keys food scene, find the perfect accommodation, experience the Keys’ stunning waters, and much more.

3. Sombrero Beach

Quick Walk at Sombrero Beach by Wigglebutts Adventures

 

Sombrero Beach is the ideal place to spend the day. It’s one of the best things to do in Marathon. It offers visitors a ton of entertainment options. 

There are no mangroves at Sombrero Beach, unlike many other nearby beaches. The water has a lovely blue hue, and the sand is velvety. There are picnic tables, playgrounds, volleyball courts, restrooms, and showers at the beach. 

To ensure everyone could enjoy their day at the beach, they made it completely handicap accessible. As long as they are leashed, dogs are also permitted on the beach. Dogs and their owners enjoy playing in the sand and splattering in the water. Having your pet on the beach and in the water is acceptable as long as it doesn’t bother the other visitors. 

People frequently go swimming, tanning, surfing, fishing, and snorkeling at the beach. When the weather is great, local yoga studios usually have their students practicing outside on the beach. The beach is open from 7:30 AM til sunset.

The Dolphin Research Center is a short drive away from the beach if you’re up for a little excursion. The beach is a turtle nesting site, and injured and sick sea turtles are cared for at the Turtle Hospital until they are well enough to be returned to the wild. 

Here are some reviews about Sombrero Beach from recent visitors:

dogs are allowed on leash but we took ours into the water without a leash because he listens to us; clean beach; bring floats to enjoy the water. Very nice place!
If you're around Marathon, FL you absolutely do not want to miss a day at the Sombrero Beach with your dog. Great water and tons of room. Parking does get busy but there is a lot of it. We drove up from Key West and it was totally worth the drive.

4. Anne’s Beach

Anne’s Beach Park, Islamorada | pet friendly beach in The Florida Keys by The Malamute Pack

Location: Overseas Highway MM 73.5, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States

Anne’s Beach in Islamorada is not only dog-friendly but also considered one of the best options for dog-loving beachgoers in the area. 

On-Leash Policy: While dogs must be leashed throughout their visit, the generous 1,300-foot boardwalk provides ample space for exploring and sniffing around.

Poop Bags and Fresh Water: The beach thoughtfully provides poop bag dispensers and even the occasional freshwater bowl to ensure responsible pet ownership and hydration for happy pups.

Spacious Shallows: The calm, shallow waters at Anne’s Beach are perfect for splashing and wading, ideal for dogs who love a quick dip or chasing waves.

Shade and Rest Areas: Covered pavilions along the boardwalk offer shaded havens for both humans and their furry companions to relax and escape the midday sun. But get there early to snag a pavillion. Each pavillion has it’s own access to the water.

 

Here’s a review about Anne’s Beach from a recent visitor:

This isn’t a typical beach so I guess I get the negative reviews but we loved it. Great walkway with several small coves. It was perfect.

5. Coco Plum Beach

Coco Plum Beach in Marathon Florida // Florida Keys Beaches by Suite Life Sanburg

  • Location: Coco Plum Dr, Marathon, FL 33050, United States
  • Website: cocoplum.com

Located in the center of the Keys, Coco Plum Beach in Marathon allows furry friends to frolic on the sand and in the water off-leash but they must stay near their owner.

The soft sandy shore is just a short stroll from the free parking area.  

Coco Plum Beach is a fantastic area to take the dog because it’s usually not too busy. It gets really hot under the Florida sun, so don’t forget to bring fresh water for your dog.

Keep in mind that dogs can become sunburned just like people. 

To keep Coco Plum Beach doggo friendly, remember to bring poo bags and pick up after your pet. 

Here are some reviews about Coco Plum Beach from recent visitors:

This is a beautiful beach and the added plus is it's dog friendly. They're were an assortment of dogs running and playing on the beach and swimming in the ocean. It's nice for people with dogs that like the water. Most beaches don't allow dogs.
Very dog friendly, beautiful beach. Dog bags provided.

6. Rowell's Waterfront Park

Rowell’s Waterfront Park: Key Largo’s Best Kept Secret by The Key Largo Dude

Rowell’s Waterfront Park in Key Largo is a dog-friendly, 8-acre park that has picnic tables, benches, swimming area and a boat launch.

Dogs must be leashed.

There is no cost to enter the park. 

Here are some things people are saying about Rowell’s Waterfront Park.

I have been waiting for this park to open and it did not disappoint! Perfect area for dog to run around and swim. Dogs should be on leash, but were off leash by the water. They also have picnic tables, so bring your lunch or book and enjoy! We loved it!
Beautiful spot for watching the sunset - bonus: our traveling doggo made a couple of great friends! Pretty cool ‘pool’ for my son to snorkel around in while we were waiting for sunset.

Bark to the Beach: Your Guide To Dog-Friendly Beaches In Florida Keys

From Key Largo to Key West, each stretch of sand is a canvas for your dog’s masterpiece of mischief and joy.

From sun-soaked fetch sessions to Insta-worthy paw prints in the sand, our guide to the Dog-Friendly Beaches in the Florida Keys has been nothing short of epic. 

So grab your leashes, shades, and maybe a surfboard for your pup’s Instagram debut, and head straight to the Florida Keys.

These beaches aren’t just pet-friendly; they’re the hottest spots where sand meets swagger, and every paw print tells a tale of adventure.

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Dog-Friendly Beaches In Florida Keys FAQs

When it comes to being the ultimate dog-friendly paradise, Key West takes the biscuit! With its laid-back vibes and a multitude of pet-friendly establishments, you and your furry friend can explore the Conch Republic together. From parks to beaches, Key West has got tails wagging.

Key West is not just about Hemingway and sunsets; it’s also a haven for beach-loving pups. Check out Higgs Beach Dog Park, where your furry mate can frolic in the sand and make new paw-some pals. Just remember to pack the sunscreen for both you and your four-legged beach buddy.

Siesta Key, known for its powdery white sands, is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to dogs on the beach. While dogs are not allowed on the main public beach, Brohard Paw Park in nearby Venice is a fantastic alternative. It’s a designated dog beach where your pup can strut their stuff and even take a dip. So, while Siesta Key’s main beach might be off-limits, the nearby paw park ensures your dog doesn’t miss out on the coastal fun.

Janelle
Author: Janelle

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