There are some really fabulous dog beaches in Pensacola. If you’re looking for some beautiful dog friendly beaches in Pensacola, then read on to find out more!
Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle, an area in the northwestern part of the state. The Florida Panhandle has long been popular for its beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.
Pensacola has a population of around 53,000 and it’s the county seat of Escambia County in Florida.
The weather in Pensacola is generally very pleasant, with short, mild winters and hot, humid summers.
All in all, it’s a great city to visit with your dog – did we mention that there are some wonderful dog beaches in Pensacola?!
Well, in no particular order, here they are.
Oh, and before we forget, if you’re looking for some great beaches to take your dog further south in Florida, then be sure to read our article all about the best dog friendly beaches in Sarasota – it’s not to be missed!
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Table of Contents
Pensacola Beach West Dog Park
Location: 1481 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Pensacola Beach is located at the western end of Route 399, on the Gulf Coast barrier island of Santa Rosa.
The Pensacola Beach West Dog Park can be found near the historic Fort Pickens, one of four military forts built in the 1800s to protect Pensacola.
To get there, head to Parking Lot B, which is the first parking lot past the last Gulf condos. To get to the beach, use Beach Walkover no. 21E.
Pensacola Beach West Dog Park is an on-leash dog beach, so please make sure that your dog is on a leash at all times.
Dog Beach Opening Hours
In the off-season, the dog beach is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The peak season coincides with turtle season, from May 1st through October 31st. During these warmer months, dogs are allowed on the beach daily from 7am to sunset.
The dog beach area is designated by highly visible signposts, so you can’t go wrong!
There are trash cans at the beach and doggie bags are available, but there is a limited supply, so be sure to bring your own as well.
As stated in Florida law, your dog MUST be wearing a current rabies vaccination tag whilst at the dog beach.
Website: Pensacola Beach West Dog Park
Pensacola Beach East Dog Park
Location: FL-399 (Via De Luna Drive), Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Beautiful soft sand and crystal clear water – what more could you and your furry friend ask for?!
Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get at the Pensacola Beach East Dog Park.
Both this dog beach and the one at Pensacola Beach West are in fact part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This protected region includes several mainland areas and parts of seven islands, including Santa Rosa.
This gorgeous dog beach park in Florida is located close to the Portofino Island Resort, a 3-star hotel.
Ensure Your Pup Is On A Leash At All Times
You’ll need to head to Parking Lot E, which is the first parking lot past Portofino. Beach Walkover 28B gives you access to the beach.
As with its westerly neighbor, Pensacola Beach East Dog Park is also an on-leash dog beach, so please be a responsible dog parent and ensure that your canine companion is on a leash at all times.
Signposts designate the dog beach area.
Although there are trash cans dotted around the beach and doggie bags ARE available, it’s advisable to bring your own, just in case. Better safe than sorry!
Dog Beach Opening Hours
During the quiet season, the dog beach is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The busy season is from May 1st through October 31st, and this is also turtle season. During these warmer months, leashed dogs are permitted on the beach daily from 7am to sunset.
And don’t forget that in order to comply with Florida law, your pooch MUST sport a current rabies vaccination tag whilst at the dog beach.
With their laid back atmosphere, beautiful sand and clear waters, these two Florida dog parks are undoubtedly two of the best dog beaches in Pensacola.
Go try them out – your dog will thank you for it!
Website: Pensacola Beach East Dog Park
Bayview Dog Park and Beach – A Fabulous Dog Beach in Pensacola
Location: 2000 East Lloyd Street, Pensacola, FL 32503
The Bayview Dog Park and Beach in Pensacola is a favorite spot for dogs and their owners.
This 1-acre dog park hugs the shores of Bayou Texar, a winding estuary that’s fed by a number of small springs.
The Bayview Dog Park and Beach are located in the southwest corner of the gorgeous Bayview Park, which has been a popular Pensacola recreational area for over a century.
This delightful 35-acre city park offers tons of outdoor fun and recreational activities for residents and visitors of all ages.
Dogs Are Allowed To Run Off Leash
Dogs are allowed to run freely off leash in this doggy haven! Your pups will undoubtedly have a great time splashing around in the water, running around and chasing each other.
This fenced dog park is directly on the beach and offers two separate areas for dogs to run off-leash. One of the areas leads down to the shoreline. The second area is a reasonably large space that’s all solid ground.
Excellent Amenities
One of the best things about the Bayview Dog Park and Beach is that it has excellent amenities.
Water bowls for fresh water are available, to help stop your furry friend from overheating and becoming too thirsty.
There are several clean-up stations located around the park, some of which have doggy wash stations, so you can leave the park with a nice, clean pup.
There are also on-site showers for both dogs and humans.
A covered area with picnic benches is a nice touch and there are lots of trees around the park, offering plenty of shade to both you and your furball.
Plenty of trash cans help to keep the dog park beautifully clean and doggy bags are usually available, though taking your own is always a good idea.
Parking At Bayview Park Is A Breeze
There’s also a children’s playground nearby, located in the main Bayview Park. This is just a few minutes’ walk away from the dog beach and dog park.
The 2000 East Lloyd Street Parking Lot is conveniently located right next to the dog park and dog beach, making parking a breeze!
The 35-acre Bayview Park itself is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bayview Dog Park and Dog Beach are open from 7:30am through 7:30pm, 7 days a week.
Dog owners love this spot – it’s the perfect place to take your dog!
The ease of parking, the excellent amenities and the fact that your pooch can run around off-leash make this one of the best dog beaches in Pensacola. If you’re in the area and you own a dog, then it’s a must!
Website: Bayview Dog Park and Beach
Perdido Key River Road Park
Location: 14484 River Road, Pensacola, FL 32507
The River Road Dog Park at Perdido Key is a short 30-minute drive from downtown Pensacola, down Florida State Road 292.
Perdido Key enjoys a fabulous location in the Northwest Panhandle of Florida. The Perdido Community includes locations in the states of both Florida and Alabama.
Perdido Key stretches for around 16 miles and it is one of the last remaining untainted areas of wilderness in the Florida Panhandle.
An Off-Leash Dog Beach in Pensacola
The beaches here are truly jaw-dropping: we’re talking crystal clear blue seas and pure snow-white beaches. Pure heaven!
Perdido Key River Road Park contains an off-leash dog beach in Pensacola, so your pooch can run around to its heart’s content!
However, do make sure that your dog is in the designated dog beach area. The designated area is known as Gulf Access Point no. 4 and is on River Road.
Two Separate Areas In The Park
There are two separate areas in the park – one for small dog breeds and one for large dog breeds. Both these areas are completely enclosed, so are very safe for your furry friends.
There are few amenities here and there is no fresh water available, so make sure to take your own. However, there is a lovely pavilion offering some shade, where you and your pup can take some time out and cool off.
Oh, and doggy bags are provided, but we always recommend taking your own to any dog park anyway.
Situated outside of the dog park area, but close to it, there is a kayak launch and a children’s playground.
Free Entry To The Dog Park
It’s free entry to the dog park and there is a parking lot nearby.
The River Road Dog Park is in operation every day of the year, between sunrise and sunset.
The word “perdido” means “lost” or “hidden” in both Spanish and Portuguese.
Perdido Key River Road Park is a small but beautiful dog park for you and your pup to lose all sense of time in, as you enjoy the snow-white sand and crystal clear blue water. And all off-leash. Have fun!
Website: Perdido Key River Road Park
Conclusion About Dog Beaches in Pensacola
There are some truly wonderful dog beaches in Pensacola for you and your pup to enjoy.
From the two dog parks on Pensacola Beach to the Bayview Dog Park on the shores of Bayou Texar, to the small but delightful River Road Dog Park at Perdido Key – each place has its own unique aspects, features and character.
There is something here for all dogs and all dog parents.
So come on and enjoy the best that these dog-friendly beaches in Pensacola have to offer – you won’t be disappointed!
If you’ve enjoyed finding out about some of the fantastic dog friendly beaches in Pensacola, then take a look at our comprehensive round-up of some of the best dog beaches in the US
So what do YOU think? Which is YOUR favorite dog beach in Pensacola? Let us know by leaving a comment – we’d love to hear from you.
Things change all the time, so if any of the information in this article is incorrect or out-of-date, please let us know – just leave us a comment below. Many thanks!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Beaches in Pensacola
Pensacola Beach West Dog Park and Pensacola Beach East Dog Park are beaches that allow dogs in Pensacola. Both are on-leash, so please make sure that your dog is on a leash at all times. River Road Dog Park at Perdido Key is an off-leash dog beach in Pensacola. Bayview Dog Park and Beach is also off-leash, and is one of the best dog beaches in Pensacola.
While most of Pensacola Beach is off limits to dogs, there are 2 designated dog beaches to be found there. The Pensacola Beach West Dog Park and the Pensacola Beach East Dog Park. They are both on-leash, so your furry friends must be kept on a leash at all times while you are there.
Yes, many Florida beaches allow dogs. At least on certain sections of the beach, anyway. At Perdido Key Beach, you’ll find the River Road Dog Park, which is an off-leash dog beach in Pensacola. The Bayview Dog Park and Beach is also located in Pensacola. It’s off-leash and has excellent amenities. It’s pure pup paradise!
