GULF COAST CANINE-COOL BEACHES BONITA BEACH DOG PARK, FORT MYERS
KEY WEST DOG BEACH Enjoy a tropical paradise of turquoise water for dogs to meet, run and play at 1500 Vernon Avenue. The sand is a bit rocky and slippery, so be mindful of your pet’s paws. When you and your canine buddy need refreshment, head next door to the Afterdeck Bar at Louie’s, where dogs are welcome until 5:00 p.m. (keywest.com/beaches)
HAULOVER BEACH DOG PARK, MIAMI BEACH
These sprawling 177 acres include two separate fenced in and shady areas for dogs under 35 lbs. and dogs over 35 lbs. The Bark Park is open from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Between Lifeguard Towers 2 and 3, the beach is open to dogs and humans from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You need to pay a small parking fee, but water fountains and poop bags are available. (miamidade.gov/parks/haulover.asp)
Discover this beautiful beach where dogs can run free on the south end of Lovers Key State Park at 14436 Bonita Beach. Secluded from the main road, it offers clear shallow water for romping around. Doggy showers and porta potties are available, but you need to bring poop bags, water, an umbrella and snacks. (leegov.com/parks/beaches/dogbeach)
New Smyrna Beach
BROHARD BEACH & PAW PARK, VENICE
Located at 1850 Harbor Drive South, this beach is open from 7:00 a.m. to dusk.The Paw Park features a fenced sandy play area that leads to the only dog-friendly beach around.They offer waste bags, benches, showers and drinking fountains for dogs and humans. (visitsarasota.com/beaches/ brohard-beach-and-paw-park) DAVIS ISLAND DOG BEACH, TAMPA Two fenced in areas await your canine companion at 1002 Severn Avenue, where you have two options for play: a 1.5 acre fenced area that includes 200 feet of beautiful waterfront and a one-acre dry land park. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., several amenities are available: trash cans, poop bags and freshwater hoses for washing and cooling down your hound. (tampa.gov/parks-and-recreation/ parks-and-facilities/dog-parks) FORT DE SOTO PARK PAW PLAYGROUND, ST. PETERSBURG Throughout the park, dogs must be on a leash, but they can cut loose in the paw park and on the dog beach. Surrounded by palm trees, separate grassy fenced spaces are etched out for small and large dogs. Shower hoses and water fountains help cool down canines on hot days.The beach is free, but parking at 3500 Pinellas Bayway South costs $5. (fortdesoto.com/ pawplayground.php)
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WINTER 2022
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