Panama City, Florida, is one of the panhandle’s best places to vacation and enjoy some relaxing time on the water. However, Panama City and its surrounding county are very strict about dogs on the beach. The county has a ton of rules and regulations that have restricted the number of dog beaches in the area to just one. If you want to have more options for time outside with your dog, you will need to take a short drive out of Panama City to Gulf County, Florida.
Before hitting the beach with your dog, you need to brush up on the rules. Panama City has a long list of rules and regulations you must follow before bringing your pup. You can read the full list of rules on the city’s website.1
Here are the top five best dog friendly beaches near Panama City, Florida, for you to enjoy with your dog.
The 5 Dog Friendly Beaches Near Panama City, FL
1. Panama City Dog Beach
2. Saint Joe Beach
3. Windmark Beach
🗺️ Address: | 📍 Seagrove Way, Port St Joe, FL 32456 |
🕐 Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
💲 Cost: | Free |
🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes |
🚗 Distance From Panama City: | 30 miles (40 minutes) |
4. Cape San Blas Beaches
🗺️ Address: | 📍 Cape San Blas, FL 32456 |
🕐 Open Times: | 24/7 |
💲 Cost: | Free |
🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes |
🚗 Distance From Panama City: | 48 miles (1 hour) |
5. Salinas Park
Conclusion
Panama City, Florida, has just one official dog beach. If that beach is not to your liking, there are multiple other dog friendly options a short drive east in Gulf County. Gulf County, Florida, is much more dog friendly than Bay County. Panama City’s dog beach is right in the heart of all of the great stuff to do in Panama City Beach, but there is more freedom for your dogs in the Panhandle’s more secluded beaches.
Featured Image Credit: Zach Zimet, Shutterstock