Hollywood, Florida is a sun-kissed coastal gem, perfect for bringing your pup along to enjoy sea breezes, boardwalk strolls, and sandy paws. While direct off‑leash beach access is limited to a designated dog beach on the oceanfront, the surrounding area offers excellent off‑leash fun too. Here’s your go‑to guide for dog beaches and a bonus dog lake around Hollywood.
🏖 Hollywood Dog Beach
Description:
Located on Hollywood Beach between Pershing and Custer Streets, this is the official spot where pups are welcome to romp off-leash in the Atlantic during set hours. It’s the only city-sanctioned dog beach in Hollywood.
Know Before You Go:
Access: Walk north on Hollywood Beach Blvd to 49th St/S. Surf Road area.
Hours: Off-leash permitted Fri–Sun: November–March, 3 pm–7 pm; April–October, 4 pm–8 pm. Leashed dogs are allowed anytime outside these hours.
Amenities: No official facilities, bring water and cleanup supplies.
Parking & Fees: Metered street parking; daily permit required ($5 resident, $10 non‑resident per dog).
Rules: Dogs enter/leash on path; off-leash under voice control in the dog beach zone. Owners must clean up and dogs must be non‑aggressive.
Why pet owners love it:
- Only official off‑leash beach in Hollywood
- Great for socializing with local dog lovers
- Sandy shoreline with light waves to splash in
🌊 Performance Pups Freshwater Dog Beach (Dania Beach)
Description:
Just south of Hollywood in Dania Beach, this private freshwater dog beach offers fenced play space and a clean lake for pups to swim safely off-leash.
Know Before You Go:
Access: Located in Dania Beach, admission is typically by reservation or sign‑up at the entrance.
Hours: Usually open daily during daylight hours (check local listing for current schedule).
Amenities: Fenced park, swimming lake for dogs only, rest benches, water fountains.
Parking & Fees: Small entry fee (often cash only).
Rules: Dogs swim off‑leash in the designated lake; cleanup required; owners must supervise at all times.
Why pet owners love it:
- Freshwater swimming without ocean salt
- Very clean and well-maintained environment
- Less crowded, more relaxed vibe than the beach
🐶 Dr. Von D. Mizell‑Eula Johnson State Park (Dania Beach)
Description:
Formerly John U. Lloyd State Park, this beautiful coastal park allows leashed dogs on the beach and certain trails. It's a fantastic option not far from Hollywood, with nature and openness that pups and pet parents will adore.
Know Before You Go:
Access: Located on A1A in Dania Beach, just a few minutes’ drive north. Follow signs for the main recreation area.
Hours: Open daily from 8 am until sunset.
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic pavilions, kayak/canoe rentals, nature trails, and scenic beachfront.
Parking & Fees: $5 for Florida residents, $10 for out-of-state visitors per day.
Rules: Dogs must remain leashed on beach and trails; cleanup is required and lifeguards are absent.
Why pet owners love it:
- Scenic stretch perfect for coastal walks with pups
- Spots to paddle or splash in calmer water
- Less busy and more natural than city beaches
✨ Ready to Plan Your Hollywood Pup Day?
Whether you’re splashing in the Atlantic at Hollywood Dog Beach, enjoying fresh-lake fun at Dania’s Performance Pups, or socializing at Emerald Hills Bark Park, the Hollywood area has spots well worth the visit.
For more pet-friendly travel ideas and local hidden gems, check out the Whisker Bark blog. And if your pup needs a new harness, cozy travel bed, or stylish collar for the outing, come fetch something special at Whisker Bark.