Best Dog Parks and Beaches in Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is home to some of the best dog beaches in Florida, along with numerous freshwater areas, off-leash parks and cool places for your pet to roam about. While it's important to stay masked and safe, these local dog parks can help your pet let off some steam while help you to remain sane during these difficult times. We've compiled a helpful list for those in Jax wondering, "What are the best dog parks near me?" and hoping to have a safe, fun adventure locally.
The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Beach
503 1st Street North, Jacksonville Beach, Fl 32250
This is one of many dog-friendly beaches in Florida, but it's important to note that dog must be leashed. Also, the beach is available to dogs only between October 1st through March 31st.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
500 Wonderwood Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32233
This massive park has a lake, hiking and biking trails and 1.5 miles of sandy beaches. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed in specific areas.
The Best Dog Parks in Jacksonville, Florida
Dog Wood Park
7407 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256
This is arguable the best dog park Jacksonville, FL, has to offer, though it does have an admission fee of $11. (Locals may want to look at getting an annual membership.) That being said, it's a massive 42-acre park where dogs can run off-leash, swim in a lake, hike or chase frisbees. They provide a dog-shower as well as an area for dogs under 25 pounds.
Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park
7000 Roosevelt Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32244
This park bordering the river has numerous hiking trails, and a dog park has been added in recent years. It's also part of a greater hiking trail that's accessible for leashed dogs.
Oceanway Park
12215 Sago Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218
This is a huge park with numerous outdoor activity areas, but it also includes a few sectioned-off areas for small and large dogs as well as a pet water fountain.
St. Johns Park
1403 Riverplace Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Bordering the St. Johns River, this small park is friendly to dogs and offers doggie bags for cleanup.
Veterans Park Dog Park
1332 Veterans Parkway, St. Johns, FL 32259
There is a 3-acre playground for dogs in this park, which is a short drive from downtown Jacksonville.
Atlantic Beach Dog Park
268 Aquatic Drive, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Passes are issued at city hall and cost $50 and require a formal application. Dogs must be off-leash while inside the park.
Confederate Park
956 Hubbard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
This fenced, off-leash dog park is a small, convenient park located near downtown. It has a lot of recreational activities and places for a dog to play.
Ed Austin Regional Park
11751 McCormick Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225
This huge recreational park reclaimed from an old golf course has an area that's perfect for your off-leash dog. Trails for hiking and biking, playgrounds, picnic areas and even a skate park are also found there.
Paws Dog Park
468 Penman Rd South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
This is a closed, membership-only, off-leash dog park with an area for both small and large dogs.
Other Northern Florida Beaches That Allow Dogs
Mickler's Landing Beachfront Park
110 Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
This Ponte Vedra beach is dog friendly. Dogs must be kept on a leash and picked up after. There are beautiful dune walkovers that are great for Instagram!
Atlantic Beach
800 Seminole Rd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Dogs are allowed on this beach and even in the water (assuming an adult owner and the pet are swimming near each other).
Neptune Beach
Strand St, Neptune Beach, FL 32266
This is another one of the pet-friendly beaches in Florida that permits leashed dogs during the day. It's open to pets from April 1st to September 30th. This beach recently expanded its hours for dog access.
Fernandina Beach
32 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Dogs are welcome as long as they're leash and don't chase or harass the local wildlife.
Amelia Island
Centre Street, Amelia Island, FL 32034
Most beaches on the island (other than the state park) are open to pets. Locals ask that dogs be leashed and avoid bothering the local turtle nests.
Of course, sometimes pets need a little bit of time away from home while their parent is away or fixing up the house.
For those looking for pet boarding and daycare, consider contacting us! We'd be happy to discuss our services with you.
