Best Dog Beaches & Parks in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is famous for its sun-soaked beaches, sparkling canals, and vibrant downtown, and yes, it’s also a great place to bring your pup for a seaside romp. While the main Fort Lauderdale beach stretches don’t allow dogs freely during the day, there are dedicated dog-friendly beach hours, and they are short: 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. Plan around those windows, and there are fantastic nearby spots where pups can splash and play too. Here’s your guide to the best dog beaches around Fort Lauderdale, designed to get tails wagging.
🏖 Fort Lauderdale Canine Beach
Description:
This is Fort Lauderdale’s official dog beach section, running from lifeguard tower 16 to a point 100 yards north of Sunrise Blvd, around 1269 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. Dogs can walk the sand and dip into the Atlantic, but only during two short windows each day.
Know Before You Go:
Access: From lifeguard tower 16 to a point 100 yards north of Sunrise Blvd, around 1269 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. Dogs may also be walked on the west side of A1A north of Sunrise Blvd 24 hours a day.
Hours: 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm only. Outside those two windows dogs are not permitted on the sand.
Amenities: Beach access only, bring your own water and bags.
Parking & Fees: Metered parking nearby. The city does not currently list a dog beach permit or fee.
Rules: Dogs must stay on leash the whole time, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, with a maximum of 3 dogs per handler. Current vaccination and a licence are required, and owners must carry waste bags.
Why pet owners love it:
- Dedicated dog-friendly slice of iconic Fort Lauderdale beach.
- Great for splashing in gentle waves.
- Fun social atmosphere with local pups.
- As of November 2024, leashed and vaccinated dogs are also welcome in all 110 Fort Lauderdale city parks.
🐾 Hollywood Dog Beach
Description:
Just south of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Dog Beach is now open every day from sunrise to sunset and lets pups frolic right on the sand by the ocean.
Know Before You Go:
Access: Located between Pershing & Custer Streets on the beach.
Hours: Seven days a week, sunrise to sunset.
Amenities: Bring water and dog waste bags.
Parking & Fees: Metered parking nearby. The dog beach itself is free and the old paid pass has been abolished.
Rules: Dogs must be leashed outside the designated area and may be on leash or under voice command inside it. Current rabies vaccination documentation is required, and no alcohol, glass or single-use plastics are allowed.
Why pet owners love it:
- Spacious sandy stretch for off-leash play.
- Friendly locals make it a social hangout.
- Beautiful spot for sunset romps.
🏞 Snyder Park Lake & Dog Swim Area
Description:
Right in Fort Lauderdale, Snyder Park is a hidden gem for pups. It has a large off-leash dog area plus a freshwater lake where dogs are welcome to swim, a great option for a splashy day without the salt and sand.
Know Before You Go:
Access: Located off SW 4th Ave near the airport; easy to find with ample signage.
Hours: 7 am to 7 pm daily.
Amenities: Fenced off-leash zones, freshwater dog lake, rinse station, shaded benches.
Parking & Fees: $1 per hour or $5 max daily for parking.
Rules: Proof of vaccination required; dogs under voice control in off-leash areas; must clean up after pets.
Why pet owners love it:
- Clean freshwater lake so dogs can splash without ocean salt.
- Lots of shaded areas and space to run.
- Convenient city location to combine with other errands or a beach day.
✨ Ready to Plan Your Fort Lauderdale Dog Beach Day?
Whether it’s chasing waves on Fort Lauderdale’s designated dog beach, enjoying seven-day-a-week freedom at Hollywood, or cooling off in shady parks before hitting the sand, this sunny corner of Florida has plenty of adventures waiting for you and your furry travel buddy.
Because every city sets its own hours, it is worth comparing these windows with dog friendly beaches across Florida before you drive anywhere new.
For more pet-friendly travel ideas and hidden local gems, sniff around the Whisker Bark blog.
And if your pup needs a fresh harness, cozy travel bed, or a snazzy collar for beach pics, come fetch something special at Whisker Bark. Happy exploring and wagging tails ahead! 🐾
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