Dog Beach in Miami: Best Spots for Pups Who Love the Waves

Miami isn’t just a paradise for sun-seekers and party lovers, it’s also a dream come true for dogs who enjoy splashing in the surf. From sandy stretches to waterfront hangouts, Miami has some incredible dog-friendly beaches where your pup can run free, chase tennis balls, and make new furry friends. Let’s dive into the best spots where tails wag non-stop in the Magic City.

🏖 Haulover Dog Beach and Bark Park (Miami-Dade County)

Description:

Haulover is the best known dog beach in Miami, run by Miami-Dade County at Haulover Park, 10800 Collins Ave. The dog beach is only the designated area between lifeguard towers #2 and #3, and a separate fenced Bark Park sits nearby, so it’s the ultimate combo for pups who love both playtime and the ocean. Worth knowing: the City of Miami Beach runs its own Bark Beach sites, which are a different thing entirely and are often confused with Haulover.

Know Before You Go:

Access: Haulover Park, 10800 Collins Ave, between Sunny Isles and Bal Harbour. The dog beach is the marked area between lifeguard towers #2 and #3 only.
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset.
Amenities: Shaded picnic areas, dog wash stations, water fountains, and waste stations.
Parking & Fees: Beach parking is $7 to $10 depending on the day, and the separate fenced Bark Park costs $5.47 per vehicle.
Rules: Dogs may be off leash inside the designated area if they are under control. No puppies under 6 months, a limit of 2 dogs per person, and waste picked up promptly.

Why pet owners love it:

• Wide sandy space for off-leash play
• Waves for swimming and cooling down
• Easy mix of beach and grassy park time

🌴 South Pointe Park and the Miami Beach Bark Beaches

Description:

Located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, South Pointe Park offers stunning views and leashed dogs are welcome on its lawns, paths and walkways, but not on the sand. For sand in Miami Beach you need a Bark Beach, the city’s own dog beach programme, which runs at three free locations: South Beach at 21 Street, Mid Beach at 53 Street and North Beach at 80 to 81 Street.

Know Before You Go:

Access: The park is easy to reach at the end of South Beach, right by the pier, and the nearest Bark Beach is a short walk north at 21 Street.
Hours: The park is open sunrise to sunset. Bark Beach at 21 Street and at 53 Street runs Monday to Sunday, 7 am to 9 am from November to March and 9 am to 11 am from April to October. The city lists these times inconsistently in places, so confirm before you travel.
Amenities: Walking trails, grassy areas, picnic spots, and restrooms nearby.
Parking & Fees: Metered parking available around the park, and Bark Beach is free.
Rules: Dogs must be leashed everywhere except inside a designated Bark Beach area. Maximum 2 dogs per owner, collar and rabies tag required, no digging in the sand, and dogs in heat or unvaccinated dogs are not permitted. Cleanup required at all times.

Why pet owners love it:

• Gorgeous backdrop with the pier and ocean
• Mix of park walks and a legal patch of sand close by
• Great social spot for meeting other dog owners

🐾 Hobie Island Beach Park (Rickenbacker Causeway)

Description:

Known by locals as “doggie beach,” Hobie Island is one of Miami’s most relaxed dog-friendly waterfronts. Here pups can splash in the calm waters of Biscayne Bay, making it perfect for dogs who are new to the beach.

Know Before You Go:

Access: Right off the Rickenbacker Causeway heading to Key Biscayne.
Hours: Open daily, generally sunrise to sunset.
Amenities: Shallow waters, water sports rentals nearby, restrooms across the causeway.
Parking & Fees: Free roadside parking.
Rules: Leashes are required outside the water, owners must supervise and clean up.

Why pet owners love it:

• Calm, shallow water, great for smaller dogs
• Free parking and easy access
• Relaxed vibe compared to busier beaches

🌊 Bark Beach at North Beach (80 to 81 Street)

Description:

Up in North Beach, the City of Miami Beach runs its third Bark Beach on the sand between 80 and 81 Street. It opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, but with fewer crowds than South Beach it’s ideal for a calmer outing.

Know Before You Go:

Access: The designated Bark Beach area is on the sand between 80 and 81 Street, off Collins Avenue.
Hours: Friday to Sunday only, 3 pm to 7 pm from March to October and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm from November to February. These times are listed inconsistently on the city’s own pages, so confirm before travelling.
Amenities: Walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms.
Parking & Fees: Metered parking nearby, and Bark Beach itself is free.
Rules: Dogs must be leashed outside the designated Bark Beach area. Maximum 2 dogs per owner, collar and rabies tag required, no digging in the sand, and dogs in heat or unvaccinated dogs are not permitted.

Why pet owners love it:

• Spacious park with plenty of shade
• Quieter beach vibe
• Great for relaxed walks and picnics

🐶 Kennedy Park (Bayfront Dog Park Alternative)

Description:

While not technically a beach, Kennedy Park in Coconut Grove makes the list for its popular dog-friendly shoreline and bay access. It’s more of a waterfront hangout than a swim spot, but pups love the open space and views.

Know Before You Go:

Access: Located on South Bayshore Drive in Coconut Grove.
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Amenities: Large off-leash dog park, shaded seating, walking trails, and food trucks nearby.
Parking & Fees: Free limited parking is available in nearby park lots. We recommend parking in nearby places and walking here, since parking can be expensive in this area.
Rules: Dogs must be supervised, and cleanup is required.

Why pet owners love it:

• Shady, laid-back alternative to busy beaches
• Off-leash dog park for running free
• Great spot for people watching and waterfront views

Conclusion

Miami is a paradise for pups who love the sand, surf, and sunshine. Whether it’s chasing waves at Haulover, strolling the scenic trails at South Pointe, or splashing in calm waters at Hobie Beach, there’s something for every dog and their human.

Miami runs its dog beaches under two different authorities, which is why the rules shift from block to block, and the same is true up and down the coast among the rest of Florida’s dog beaches.

For more pet-friendly travel tips, check out the Whisker Bark blog.

And if your pup could use some fresh gear for the next adventure, come fetch something special at Whisker Bark. Your furry co-pilot deserves the best for every outing! 🐾