ORLANDO, Fla. – I love taking my dogs to the beach!
They love getting out and stretching their legs, swimming in the surf and chasing a tennis ball.
A tired dog is a good dog, and the beach does the trick.
Here are five dog-friendly beaches in Central Florida.
1.Canova Beach - 3299 N. Highway A1A, Indialantic, Fla., 32903
Let’s be clear right off the bat, not all of Canova Beach is dog-friendly, but there is a stretch to the south that is not only dog-friendly but dog-encouraged.
This beach is located just north of the Melbourne city line, right off of State Road A1A.
Doggie bags are provided before you enter the beach, and several years ago the city revamped the dog wash area.
2.Fort DeSoto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, Fla., 33715
This is one of my favorite dog beaches for many reasons.
First, it’s a large beach area with lapping waves instead of the intense Atlantic waves.
Second, it’s a large space. The dog-friendly beach spans hundreds of yards in this park, which features overnight camping and fishing.
Third, there are also grassy dog run areas with dog washes.
You can bring a picnic and stay the day, or just pay the $5 fee and hop in and out.
3.Smyrna Dunes, 2995 N Peninsula Ave., New Smyrna Beach, Fla., 32169
My first advice about Smyrna Dunes is get there early.
I usually target 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on a weekend, because when I leave, there is a line of cars waiting to get in.
What do I love about this park?
First, you have choices. You can choose the lapping waves on the river side of the park or the rushing waves on the Atlantic side.
Second, this park is so scenic. From the shores of either side of the park, you can spot the Ponce Inlet lighthouse. Just when you think you’re feeling very “New England,” you put your toes in the warm water and remember you’re in Florida.
Third, this park will tucker you and your dog out. The boardwalks shuttle you from the entrance and parking lot to the key points of the beach. To the Atlantic side, it’s a half a mile. To the river side, it’s a short walk.
4.Baldwin Park, 2000 S. Lakemont Ave., Orlando, Fla., 32792
OK, OK, I know this isn’t on the ocean, but it IS a beach within the confines of the City Beautiful.
This dog park sits on the banks of Lake Baldwin, allowing dogs to swim and play fetch. It also hosts walking trails flanked with palms.
I love a Sunday morning stroll along these trails with my dog, and I clean him off in the great washing stations before I leave.
5.Daytona Beach Dog Beach (Ormond Beach)
The Daytona Dog Beach is on a trial run and, so far, our dogs love it.
The dog-friendly portion of the beach runs north from Andy Romano Park to Rockefeller Drive.
It’s managed by a group of volunteers that work hard to make sure litter and any doggie leftovers are cleaned up from the beach.
6.Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Park
My dogs love the small patch of beach that sits on the northside of Ponce Inlet inside Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Park.
Volusia County residents get access with registration with the county, while visitors will have to pay a day rate.
The water is a little more calm than the Atlantic-facing ocean, and the sunrise is truly breathtaking.
7.Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach allows dogs on the beach on a stretch that runs from 4th Street South to the north end of Murkshe Park, but they are only allowed during specified hours.
Dogs are allowed 6 a.m.-10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (5 p.m. to 9 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time).
8.Flagler Beach
One of the most beautiful stretches of beach that allows dogs is Flagler Beach.
Dogs are allowed north of N. 10th Street or south of S. 10th Street, and leashes are required.
As with all of the dog-friendly beaches in Central Florida, make sure you clean up after your best friend.
