As summer approaches, families decide where to go for vacation. South Florida has several beaches where tourists visit during the summer months. Parks and recreation areas allow people to bring their dogs. However, beaches are patrolled by officers who ask tourists to leave if a dog is present. Visitors who want to bring their dog can visit these beaches and let the dog play in the water and sand without repercussions.
Miami Beach – Rickenbacker Causeway, South Pointe Park
Rickenbacker Causeway is a toll road between the main Miami city and South Beach. On each side of the road is a park area on the ocean. Picnic tables are also available for lunch on the beach. The causeway does not have large beaches, and since it’s next to a major road, it is recommended that dogs stay leashed.
South Pointe Park is off of Washington Avenue, a trendy area of South Beach filled with restaurants and clubs. This park is not directly on the beach, but it contains playground equipment to bring kids as well. Dogs are required to wear a leash.
Ft. Lauderdale – Canine Beach
Canine Beach is located on A1A (the main beach strip in Ft. Lauderdale). The beach strip starts at Sunrise Boulevard (one block north of downtown Ft. Lauderdale) and continues north for 100 yards. This park is perfect for tourists to South Florida who vacation on Ft. Lauderdale beach hotels or the surrounding area. The main advantage of this beach is that it is an off-leash area, so dogs can run freely.
Palm Beach – Jupiter Beach
Palm Beach is very strict with dog laws in beach areas. Park rangers cruise the area ticketing tourists who bring dogs on the beach. The only dog friendly beach is Jupiter, which is in northern Palm Beach. A 2.5 mile stretch of beach from Jupiter to Juno Beach allows dogs. Dogs are allowed off-leash to play on the beach provided owners clean up after their pet. The dog friendly beach starts north of the Carlin Park lifeguard area and continues north to the Juno Beach lifeguard area.
These beaches allow tourists to take their pet with them on vacation to South Florida. Before planning a trip, ensure the hotel is also dog friendly. Bring flea and tick spray, and plan to wash the dog regularly after running in the salt water and sand. Most parks require a leash, so purchase a new one with a long chain to give the pet plenty of room to run.
