Clearwater, Florida is famous for its powdery white sand and sparkling Gulf views, but it’s also a fantastic place to explore with your dog. While the main Clearwater Beach itself doesn’t allow pups, the area is surrounded by dog-friendly beaches and parks that are perfect for wagging tails and salty snouts. Here’s your guide to the best places near Clearwater to let your furry friend dip their paws in paradise.
🏖 Honeymoon Island Dog Beach
Description:
Just a short drive from Clearwater, Honeymoon Island State Park offers a designated dog beach on its southern tip. It’s a beautiful stretch of coastline where leashed dogs can explore the sand and splash in gentle Gulf waves.
Know Before You Go:
Access: Easy to reach, about 25 minutes from Clearwater. Follow signs within the state park to the dog beach parking area.
Hours: Open daily from 8 am to sunset.
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic pavilions, rinse stations for sandy paws, and water fountains.
Parking & Fees: Entry is $8 per vehicle (up to 8 people).
Rules: Dogs must remain on a 6-foot leash. Owners are required to pick up after their pets and supervise at all times.
Why pet owners love it:
- Calm, shallow water perfect for cautious swimmers.
- Plenty of shady spots under trees for breaks.
- Close to trails for a longer adventure after beach time.
🌴 Fort De Soto Paw Playground & Beach
Description:
Located about 45 minutes south of Clearwater, Fort De Soto Park has one of Florida’s best dog-friendly beach experiences. It features a fenced Paw Playground plus an off-leash section right on the sand, where dogs can romp in the water freely.
Know Before You Go:
Access: Enter Fort De Soto Park and follow signs to the dog beach and Paw Playground.
Hours: Open from 7 am to dusk.
Amenities: Separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, dog showers, water fountains, picnic tables, and restrooms.
Parking & Fees: $5 per vehicle parking fee.
Rules: Dogs can be off-leash in designated areas but must be under voice control. Owners must clean up and supervise.
Why pet owners love it:
- True off-leash beach experience.
- Fenced areas for safe play before heading to the water.
- Gorgeous natural setting with views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
🐾 Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp & Beach
Description:
Closer to Clearwater, this spot is a local favorite for wading with dogs. It’s not an official dog beach, but many locals bring their pups here to splash in the shallows along the causeway.
Know Before You Go:
Access: Located right on the Belleair Causeway Bridge, with parking areas on both sides.
Hours: Open 24/7.
Amenities: Basic, no restrooms or dog rinse stations.
Parking & Fees: Free parking available on the shoulder and small lots.
Rules: Dogs should remain leashed and under control. Bring your own waste bags and water.
Why pet owners love it:
- Convenient for quick dips and sunset walks.
- Shallow, calm water makes it easy for dogs to splash.
- Lots of friendly local dogs and owners.
✨ Plan Your Next Beach Day with Your Pup!
Whether your dog is splashing through gentle waves at Honeymoon Island, racing off-leash across Fort De Soto’s sandy stretches, or cooling off in the shallows by the Belleair Causeway, the Clearwater area is full of spots to wag, play, and explore.
For more pet-friendly travel tips and guides to tail-wagging destinations, sniff around the Whisker Bark blog. And if your pup needs new beach gear, like a dog car seat cover, cozy travel bed, or stylish collar, come fetch something special at Whisker Bark. Your next adventure deserves it! 🐾
