(WTHR) — Going on vacation is never easy when you have to leave your best friend back home. How can you truly enjoy relaxing on the beach when your dog is at a kennel.
That doesn't have to be the case when you're heading to Florida. There are plenty of dog-friendly beaches so you can bring Fido along.
Panama City
You'll have to keep your dog on a leash, but there is still plenty to enjoy. This Northwest Florida beach has some 400 feet of beach with powder white sands. It is located at Pier Park on the southern beach end. There's a hose on the boardwalk to get them all rinsed off before you head to one of the many pet-friendly restaurants around Pier Park.
Davis Islands
There is so much here to let your dog romp around and burn off some energy. Located south of downtown Tampa it has a nice beach and an acre of fenced-in dry area. There are water stations to rinse off and keep your pooch hydrated.
Fort De Soto Park
This beach has made the list in the past as one of the top beaches in America and one of the top five dog parks in the south. You can take them off-leash to play and swim on some 300 yards of beach. Next to it is another three acres of fenced-in grassy park space with sections for large and small dogs. There are plenty of water options to keep your dog hydrated and rinsed off. there to help you pick up after your dogs.
Gulfside Beach
Sanibel offers many dog-friendly beaches and one of the favorites is Gulfside or Algiers Beach. Dogs have to stay on a leash, but there is plenty of room to walk off some energy. There are picnic tables, wash stations, and restrooms as well.
Bonita Beach
Located south of Fort Myers, this beach lets you take your dog off-leash. The waters are calm so no worries letting them go for a swim. There are doggie showers as well for getting them cleaned off after a romp in the sand or waters.
Key West
Key West dog beach is a smaller beach but gives your dog the chance to romp around with others at the nation's southernmost point. There's a popular pet-friendly restaurant nearby names Louie's that you both can relax afterwards.
Jupiter Beach
On the Atlantic side, this beach has more than two miles of area for you to take Fido on a walk or run along the coast. It's all free and dog bags are provided.
Rickenbacker
This doggie retreat is at Hobie Beach. You can take them off-leash for a splash in the shallow waters while you stare out at the beautiful skylines.