Go pet friendly in Pensacola FL! From a fun-filled day under the sun at a beautiful Pensacola dog beach to exciting water activities, this Florida paradise is ready to welcome you and your furry companion.
Sitting on the stunning Florida's Gulf Coast, Pensacola Beach is known for its sugar-white sands, emerald-green waters, and vibrant atmosphere. This Sunshine State gem offers a mix of outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, and scenic beauty, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and adventure.
Did you know that all of this can also be enjoyed by your favorite creature on Earth? That's right! In Pensacola Beach dogs are more than welcome, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy your dream beach vacation alongside your furry companion.
In this blog, we've curated five experiences in Pensacola Beach to share with your pet for an unforgettable vacation.
About Us
At Pensacola Beach Properties, we provide a fantastic selection of monthly rentals in Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, including options with pools and pet-friendly accommodations. When you stay with us, all you need to do is relax and soak up the Gulf Coast vibes.
For more insider tips on Pensacola Beach, check out our destination blog. We cover everything from the best pet-friendly spots to the hottest nightlife in the area.
Ready for the pet-friendly vacation of a lifetime? Let's dive in!
Create Memories with Your Furry Friend
Bringing your pet along to Pensacola Beach will turn your vacation into a shared experience, allowing you to make memories together, from splashing in the waves to sunset strolls along the beach. Pets are part of the family, and including them makes your trip feel more complete.
1. Enjoy Pensacola Dog Beach, As Well as Shores and Parks
The city boasts a variety of pet-friendly spots, from waterfront beaches welcoming dogs to scenic parks and off-leash areas suitable for pups of all sizes. Here are the best outdoor places in Pensacola Beach where you can share happy moments with your best friend:
Pensacola Beach West Dog Park
This pet-friendly spot in Pensacola Beach may be small—roughly the length of a basketball court—but it's a fantastic little gem where your furry friend can enjoy some playful exploration. Look for the signs marking the designated area for your dog to splash and play.
Your furry friend is sure to love splashing in the waves and leaving paw prints in the velvety-soft sand. To top it all off, you can all relax and enjoy a beautiful sunset together.
Note: Keep in mind that dogs must remain leashed at all times on this beach, including while they're in the water.
Pensacola Beach East Dog Park
This is another small but pristine beach with soft, beautiful sand that's perfect for your furry friends to explore while enjoying the sea breeze and investigating some lovely seashells. Quieter than West Beach, it's also an ideal spot for capturing memorable family photos—especially during the stunning golden hour!
As with West Park, dogs need to stay on a leash here, but the welcoming atmosphere and fantastic waves more than make up for it.
Big Lagoon State Park
Situated along the northern shoreline of Big Lagoon, this coastal park offers beaches, shallow bays, nature trails, and open woodlands—perfect for outdoor fun or a bit of nature exploration. Tucked beneath the shade of pines and oaks, the West Beach picnic area makes an excellent spot to enjoy a relaxing meal.
Leashed pets are welcome in most areas, though not on the beaches—and for good reason. While alligators typically steer clear of people, dogs don't always respect boundaries, which can pose a real risk. Stay alert and watch for signs as you explore to keep everyone safe.
Bayview Park
A beloved spot for both locals and visitors, Bayview Park offers a variety of activities for people of all ages, including basketball and tennis courts, smaller playgrounds, and plenty of community spaces. You can even rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to make the most of the park's waterfront setting.
For the four-legged guests, a spacious one-acre dog park features two large off-leash areas. One of these areas extends right to the shoreline, giving pups the chance to splash, fetch in the water, and enjoy a refreshing swim.
Lexington Terrace Dog Park.
This well-kept park is easily one of the top dog parks in the area, offering plenty of room for your furry friends to play. The expansive grassy areas help keep pets cleaner compared to sandy beaches, and there's a convenient canine water station to keep them hydrated. With several trees and intriguing spots filled with local flora, there's plenty for curious pups to explore.
The main play areas are securely enclosed with a fence tall enough to contain even the most determined jumpers, so dogs can safely roam off-leash within the limits. Lexington Terrace Dog Park also features separate spaces for large and small dogs, ensuring every pup has a safe and enjoyable experience.
2. Dine at a Local Gem
After spending some time playing with your furry pal at Pensacola Beach's parks and beaches, take a well-deserved break to recharge before continuing your adventures and making the most of your vacation.
There are quite a few restaurants and eateries that are pet friendly in Pensacola FL, great places where you can enjoy delicious meals with your four-legged companion by your side. These are two of the most beloved pet-friendly restaurants in town among pet owners:
— Shaggy's Pensacola Beach: A fun, island-style eatery offering waterfront views and a laid-back atmosphere. Their pet-friendly outdoor seating ensures your furry friend can join you while you enjoy fresh seafood and tropical drinks.
— Red Fish Blue Fish: This waterfront restaurant features open-air seating and a large outdoor lawn, making it a welcoming spot for dogs. Known for its Gulf-inspired menu and eco-friendly practices, it's perfect for a relaxed meal with your pet.
3. Explore Pensacola Beach Waters Paddleboarding with Your Pet
Exploring the waters of Pensacola Beach with your dog is an epic experience, and there's a few local businesses that offer pet-friendly paddleboard rentals to accommodate you and your furry companion for an unforgettable experience.
The calm and turquoise waters around Pensacola Beach provide an ideal environment for paddleboarding, even for beginners. You'll enjoy stunning vistas of the Gulf of Mexico, nearby islands, and coastal wildlife, making the outing even more memorable.
Offering paddleboard and kayak rentals with free delivery, Coco Locos Watersports is the go-to spot in Pensacola Beach for you and your furry friend to embark on a water adventure while in town.
4. Go on a Dolphin Cruise with your Furry Friend
Embarking on a dolphin cruise to spot these captivating creatures and take in the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico is an unforgettable adventure. Now, imagine sharing this special experience with your furry friend—truly unbeatable!
If you're searching for the best dolphin cruise providers in Pensacola Beach, these two top-rated pet-friendly options stand out:
Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours & Boat Rentals
Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours & Boat Rentals is a pet-friendly company in Pensacola Beach that happily welcomes pets on all privately chartered pontoon and tritoon rentals.
Your furry friend can relax and enjoy the scenic views and gentle rocking of the boat. Just remember to bring some water for them and outfit them with a safety vest—it's not only practical but undeniably adorable!
Jolly Sailing & Dolphin Cruise
Provides pet-friendly private cruises, including dolphin watching and sunset trips. Their boats are equipped with shade, comfortable seating, and restroom facilities, ensuring a pleasant experience for both you and your dog.
5. Stay in a Pet-friendly Vacation Rental
We saved the best experience you can share with your pet in Pensacola Beach for last. Staying in pet-friendly vacation rentals with your dog offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and fun.
Many pet-friendly rentals feature fenced yards, easy beach access, and spacious interiors to accommodate you and your furry friend. You'll have the freedom to explore nearby dog-friendly beaches, parks, and trails, and after a day of adventure, you can unwind together in a cozy, home-like setting. With amenities like pet beds, outdoor rinse stations, and proximity to pet-friendly eateries, it's an ideal choice for a relaxing, inclusive vacation.
Beyond offering a tailored experience, choosing one of these accommodations ensures stress-free travel since you won't need to worry about pet sitters or boarding services while you're away. Your pet can stay safely by your side, enjoying the comforts of a home-away-from-home rental. Additionally, it eliminates travel guilt—leaving pets at home can be tough, but bringing them along means they won't miss you, and you won't miss them.
Make Your Pet-friendly Vacation Unforgettable
Here's an idea: to make the most of your stay in Pensacola Beach, why not book a beautiful vacation rental? That's the best way to stay like a local. There's nothing like experiencing this piece of paradise in Florida with all the privacy and comfort you need.
At Pensacola Beach Properties, we offer a wide selection of the best short-term rentals in Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, including vacation rentals with pools and pet-friendly options. Staying with us, all you have to do is kick back, relax, and soak in the Gulf Coast vibes to the fullest.
