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St. Augustine is located in St. Johns County, Florida. St. Johns County is one of the most dog friendly counties in Florida and allows leashed dogs on most of its miles of public beaches. St. Augustine is also the oldest city in North America, with plenty to do and see in town and on the beach. Dense history, tourist attractions, amenities, and gorgeous beaches make St. Augustine one of the best places in Florida to visit with your dog.
Here are 10 of the best dog friendly beaches to check out in St. Augustine whether you are visiting or live locally.
The 10 Dog Friendly Beaches in St. Augustine, FL
1. St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier Beach
🗺️ Address:
📍 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
🕐 Open Times:
24/7 (November 1st – April 30th) | 8:00 am to 7:30 pm during sea turtle season (May 1 – October 31)
💲 Cost:
Beach is free, the pier is $2
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Free parking is available, but the lot is small
Dogs are allowed on the beach but are restricted from the pier
Gift shop nearby sells food, drinks, and souvenirs
Plenty of shade and seating for those warm summer days
Restrooms are available for general use
Awesome views of Saint Augustine Beach from the pier
2. Ocean Hammock Park
Shady trails are perfect for dog walking
Water fountains are available to keep your pup hydrated
Long boardwalk winds through beautiful natural Florida wilderness
Beach is wide but resist the urge to let your dog off leash
Usually not as crowded as other nearby beaches
3. Vilano Beach
One of the most popular local Saint Augustine beaches
There is a large grocery store nearby to help you stock up on supplies for the day
Plenty of free parking is available year round
Perfect beach to watch the sunrise in the early morning
Mind your pup during crowded times
4. Saint Augustine Beach
Primary beach for the Saint Augustine area
Tons to do nearby, including historic downtown Saint Augustine, local beach resorts, delicious restaurants, and a variety of bars
One of the best and largest dog friendly beaches in all of Florida
Plenty of amenities on the beach, including lifeguards, restrooms, tables, and pavilions
Beautiful scenery and plenty of room to roam make this a great beach to return to time and again
5. Frank B. Butler County Park
Known to the locals as Butler Beach
Free access and free parking year round
There is an east and west park, but both are dog friendly
Dog waste stations are conveniently posted at boardwalk entrances; be sure to use them
Horses are allowed on the beach, so be aware before you bring your dogs
6. Crescent Beach
Pristine white sands stretch for miles
Picnic benches are available for when you need to take a break
Be aware that vehicles and horses are sometimes present on the beach
Stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere define this excellent beach
Beach can get crowded during tourist season and good weather
7. Matanzas Inlet Bridge Beach
Beautiful vistas showing off Matanzas Inlet and Matanzas Inlet Bridge
Local spot rarely has crowds
Great spot for fishing with your dog
Twenty minutes from downtown St. Augustine
Dogs will love the shallow waters, large mangrove roots, and soft cool sands
8. North Beach
Bring your pup to experience a breathtaking sunrise
Free parking and pavilions are available year round
Keep an eye out for amazing natural shells but also watch for dangerous marine life
Bring your own waste bags and pick up after your pet
Just minutes north of Vilano Beach and downtown St. Augustine
9. Matanzas Beach
Fort Matanzas and a national monument are located nearby to explore
Matanzas Inlet is surprisingly beautiful
Smooth and shallow waters are great for swimming
Access to the intercoastal for boaters and fishermen
Few crowds compared to larger, more popular beaches
10. Anastasia State Park
One of the most beautiful state parks in the St. Augustine area
Dog friendly camping is available for the outdoorsy
Check and obey all leash laws inside the park, but some areas require more attention than others
Not all beaches in the park are pet friendly, but some are
Consider getting a Florida state park pass1 if you plan to visit often
Conclusion
St. Augustine is home to some of the best beaches in the southeast. There are miles and miles of pristine sands to explore with your dog. Between the numerous local parks, public beaches, fishing piers, and historical landmarks, there is more than enough to explore for a day, a week, or a lifetime, depending on if you are just visiting or if you live nearby.
Featured Image Credit: Zach Zimet, Shutterstock
Written by
Nicole Cosgrove
Lead Pet Expert & Pet-ditor in Chief
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts’ knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.…Read more
