Bonita Springs is a charming Gulf Coast city in southwestern Florida, known for its beaches, warm weather, and pet-friendly atmosphere. For dog owners, Dog Beach Park (sometimes called Bonita Beach Dog Park) is the premier designated dog beach in the area. Let’s explore what makes it a perfect destination for you and your furry friend.
🏝️ Dog Beach Park
Description:
A Lee County–run off-leash beach just south of Lover’s Key State Park and north of Bonita Beach Road. Dogs can enjoy shallow calm water, perfect for splashing and swimming. Off-leash access means they can run free, but supervision is required at all times.
Know Before You Go:
- Access: Beach access depends on the tides — during mid to high tide, you may need to wade through shallow water to reach the sand.
- Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk.
- Amenities: Portable restrooms, pet waste bags, garbage cans, and a dog rinse-off shower.
- Parking & Fees: Free parking and no entry fee.
- Rules: Owners must pick up after their pets. No glass, alcohol, grills, or fishing in dog zones. Not supervised, your dog is your responsibility.
Why pet owners love it:
- Off-leash space right on the Gulf.
- Calm and shallow water, great for dogs of all sizes.
- Regulars report a friendly, well-behaved dog community
🐕 Bark‑n‑Play Dog Park (Fenced Off‑Leash)
Description:
A city-run, fenced dog park split into areas for small, medium, and large dogs. It's not a beach, but excellent for play and socialization.
Know Before You Go:
- Access: Easy walk-in access from the parking lot, fully fenced with separate sections for different dog sizes.
- Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk; closed Thursdays 11 am–3 pm for maintenance.
- Amenities: Grassy play areas, shaded spots, picnic tables, benches, a dog wash station, pavilion, and a small creek.
- Parking & Fees: Free on-site parking, no entry fee.
- Rules: Owners must supervise dogs and clean up after them. No aggressive or unvaccinated pets. Park is not monitored by staff.
📍 Nearby “Dog‑Friendly” Beaches (Leashed Only)
🌳 Lovers Key State Park (Leashed Only)
Description:
A nearby multi-acre state park known for beautiful trails, wildlife, and kayaking, but dogs are only allowed on leash in certain areas, not on the main swimming beach.
Know Before You Go:
- Access: Easy parking near trailheads and boardwalks. Dogs can walk on marked trails and picnic areas, but not on Gulf beaches.
- Hours: Open daily from 8 am until sundown.
- Amenities: Nature trails, wildlife viewing, canoe and kayak rentals, restrooms, picnic pavilions.
- Parking & Fees: $8 per vehicle entrance fee.
- Rules: Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash. Owners must clean up after pets. No dogs allowed on the beach or in the water.
🏖 Gulfside City Beach Park (Sanibel)
Description:
A popular Sanibel beach spot where dogs are welcome on leash. Easy access and facilities make it a favorite for a relaxed beach day with your pup.
Know Before You Go:
- Access: Short paths from parking lots lead directly to the sand, easy for walking leashed dogs.
- Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk.
- Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, and a rinse station.
- Parking & Fees: Metered parking; pay per hour.
- Rules: Dogs must be on a leash (max 8 ft) at all times. Owners must clean up after pets. No off-leash access.
✨ Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Whether it’s chasing waves at Bonita’s dog beach, wagging tails at a shady park, or strolling sunny boardwalks, there’s no shortage of places around Bonita Springs to explore with your furry sidekick.
For more pawsome travel tips and dog-friendly spots, sniff around the Whisker Bark blog. And if your pup needs some new gear for the journey, like a comfy harnesses, cozy travel beds, or stylish collars, come fetch something special at Whisker Bark. Your next adventure deserves it! 🐾
