Best Dog Parks in Florida and Other Canine-friendly Places to Visit

There’s no denying that some of the best dog parks in Florida are those close to beaches like Bayview Dog Park and Beach and Atlantic Beach Dog Park. 

However, there are several excellent off-leash spaces that are right in the heart of the Sunshine State that you shouldn’t miss checking out with Fido. Here are a few: 

Florida dog parks you should visit with Fido

1) Ed Austin Regional Park

11751 McCormick Road Jacksonville, FL 32225

Ed Austin Regional Park is a 144-acre park teeming with recreation facilities. It was known as the Dunes Golf Course before it was transformed into a spacious family destination. 

You can play or watch baseball, basketball, soccer, and golf on-site. The park also has biking and hiking trails. 

There’s also a skate park and a community center that will keep you and your family busy. 

However, the best part of the park is its off-leash dog park. It offers plenty of space where Fido can run, play, and meet new canine friends. It’s also open 24 hours, so you can bring your dog to this off-leash area no matter what time of day you’re available.

The park also has picnic tables and shelters where you can relax after watching your dog play. 

You can also bring your kids to the park. There’s a playground on-site where they can have fun. 

Check out the park’s website for more information about the best local events you can join. 

2) Logan Gate Dog Park

7374 Monterey Blvd, Tampa, FL 33610

Logan Gate Dog Park is open from sunrise to sunset. It’s one of the best dog parks in Florida because it’s equipped with everything Fido needs to have a great day out. 

For example, it has separate areas for big and small dogs, so you don’t have to worry about your dog’s safety, no matter his size. 

There are water fountains for people and dogs, so make sure you bring your dog’s bowl. 

Cleaning up after your dog is also very easy at this Florida dog park. Dog mitt receptacles and waste bins are available all around the park. 

You’ll also find dog washes where you can rinse your dog’s paws before heading home. 

The dog park also has a hitching post, which is handy if you need to let go of your leashed dog for a few minutes. 

Picnic tables and spacious shelters are also available. 

Visit the park’s website for more information about local events and important announcements. 

3) Fort De Soto Dog Park

St. Petersburg, FL 33715

The “paw playground” at Fort De Soto Park or the Fort De Soto Dog Park is a very popular dog park in Florida. 

Those who have been there before it was turned into a nice space for dogs say it used to be unfenced, too near the road, and full of sand spurs. 

Now, it has two fenced sections: one for big dogs and another for small dogs. 

There’s also a small beach area where dogs are welcome to get in the water and swim with you. 

Drinking water is available on-site, so make sure you bring your dog’s bowl.

Make sure you clean up after your pet while at the park. Bring poop bags and dispose of used ones in waste bins around the park. 

4) Coquina Key Dog Park

3595 Locust St. SE., St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Coquina Key Dog Park is the simplest but still one of the best dog parks in Florida on this list. 

It’s a nice place to relax with your dog and get away (even for a little while) from the demands of everyday life. 

There’s plenty of green space where you can relax. Meanwhile, the off-leash is spacious enough for play, exercise, and socialization. 

The rest of the park has athletic fields, courts, and a playground. 

You’ll also find cooking grills and shelters for rent. Just visit the park’s website for more information about rates and availability. 

5) Dog Wood Park

7407 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256

If you want to let your dog have a taste of the great outdoors, bring him to Dog Wood Park. 

It’s one of the best dog parks in Florida as it offers plenty of green space dotted with trees where your fur baby can run for as long as he wants. 

Dogs are also allowed to play in the water—imagine how fun that would be for them!

There are just a few requirements before your dog can enter this off-leash dog park in Florida. 

For one, you need to show proof that your dog has the current rabies vaccines. There’s a membership fee you need to pay, too. Visit the park’s website to learn more about the rates.

Other canine-friendly places to visit in Florida

Apart from checking out some of the best dog parks in Florida, you can also visit other local attractions with your dog. 

Several Florida destinations let you bring your canine with you. Here are some you should include on your list:

1) Everglades National Park

Yes, you can visit Everglades National Park with your dog, provided he’s wearing a leash. He’s allowed to check out developed areas like gravel, paved roads, and picnic areas. However, dogs are not permitted on the trails and inside buildings. 

The Everglades National Park is home to the only subtropical preserve in North America where alligators and crocodiles exist side by side. It’s also one of the best places to visit if you want to see beautiful bird species and more.

2) Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

You can stop by the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park to explore the waterfront with your dog. There’s also a planetarium, a Timucua Indian village, and a 600-foot observation deck. 

Keep your dog on a leash while you’re at the park so he doesn’t go off chasing the roaming peacocks.

3) O’Leno State Park

There are so many beautiful walking trails at O’Leno State Park, so don’t miss a chance to check it out with your dog. Make sure he’s wearing a leash so he doesn’t end up running off where he shouldn’t be.

All in all

Florida is one of the most dog-friendly places you can visit or live in. Restaurants, tourist attractions, and more national parks welcome leashed dogs. 

You won’t run out of things to do with your dog in Florida, for sure.