I am lucky to travel through and explore the sunshine state. I enjoy exploring Florida with my family, including our family dog Café. Café is a German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) that is very energetic. He is sweet and caring, but if not exercised or mentally stimulated, he can be a hand full. 

We decided to take a family trip to Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach this past spring break. This area has so much to offer, and you can enjoy most of the fun with your four-legged friend. 

Before planning a trip with your dog, read up on information about the area. Although Florida is pretty dog friendly, there are certain limitations and a few things to remember. 

German Shorthaired Pointer on a Florida Vacation

Dog-Friendly places to stay in Jacksonville Beach, Florida

The Four Points by Sheraton in Jacksonville Beach is a great place to stay with your dog. The location is unbeatable. The Four Points is located right on the beach. It is also a short walk down a no-driving boulevard to Downtown Jacksonville Beach. This allows the hotel to remain calm and quiet at night yet close enough to all the nightlife. The Four Points Sheraton has a Daily Fee of $45 USD per pet per night. There is a maximum of 2 pets per room. They also charge a non-refundable pet fee per stay of $25 USD. The maximum pet weight is 40 lbs. Check out The Four Points by Sheraton

Dog-Friendly Jacksonville Beach Apartment with Yard is the perfect place to stay with your dog while visiting Jacksonville Beach. This is a great fit if you prefer an apartment vs. a hotel. This property is located 0.8 miles from Jacksonville Beach. It features one bedroom and one bathroom with linens, a full kitchen, flat-screen TV, and Wi-Fi. The apartment has one sofa bed and one queen bed. Check out Dog-Friendly Jacksonville Beach Apartment with Yard

Pet-Friendly Jacksonville Beach Home this property is located within a short walking distance of the ocean. This house is perfect for larger families. This vacation home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a backyard, and it even comes with free bikes for the family. The location is perfect to explore Jacksonville and its surrounding areas. Check out Pet-Friendly Jacksonville Beach Home

Element by Westin is another excellent dog-friendly accommodation in the Jacksonville Beach area. Although it is not right on the beach, it is only a short 2-minute walk to the ocean. Element by Westin has a Daily Fee of $50 USD per pet per night. There is a maximum of 2 pets per room. They also charge a non-refundable pet fee per night of $55 USD. The maximum pet weight is 40 lbs. Check out Element by Westin

Four Points by Sheraton on Jacksonville Beach, Florida

The Holiday Inn Express in Jacksonville Beach is also pet friendly. They are about a 10-15 minute walk to the beach. The pet fee per night is $35 USD. They also charge a non-refundable pet fee of $35 USD per night per pet. Two pets and 40 lb maxim per pet. Check out The Holiday Inn Express

The Courtyard by Marriott is an Oceanfront pet-friendly hotel in Jacksonville Beach. They assess a non-refundable pet fee per stay of $150 USD, and there is a maximum of 2 pets per room. Check out The Courtyard by Marriott

The Hampton Inn is another pet-friendly hotel for you and your dog to explore Jacksonville Beach and the surrounding areas. The Hampton Inn has a $75 USD non-refundable fee per pet. There is a 2 pets maximum per room. Maximum weight of 75 lbs. Additional costs of $75 USD (1-4 nights), $125 USD (5 + nights). Check out The Hampton Inn

The Fairfield Inn and Suites in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, is a pet-friendly hotel one block from the ocean. There is a $75 USD per stay non-refundable pet fee. Maximum 2 pets per room. Check out The Fairfield Inn and Suites

Where can I park in Jacksonville Beach?

On-street parking is available on Third Street and Second Street. The most street ends on First Street in Jacksonville Beach have public parking and beach access. There are also a few parking lots:

  • P4 Jacksonville Beach Pier N. 5th & 6th Avenues
  • P5 N. 1st Street & 4th Avenue
  • P6 N. 2nd Street & 2nd Avenue

Dog-friendly Dining in Jacksonville Beach

Salt Life Food Shack is located about 3 blocks from the beach and is super dog friendly. Their open-air patio is perfect for dining with your pup while visiting Jacksonville Beach. They have a variety of dishes, from seafood to tacos and burgers, as well as beautifully crafted cocktails. 

Hoptinger is a German-style Beer Garden and Sausage House in Jacksonville Beach that is pet friendly. They offer a large patio with plenty of coverage from the sun for you and your pup. In addition, they offer a variety of beers and German/American-style food to enjoy with family and friends. 

Cup of Job Community Cafe is a lovely pet-friendly small cafe in the heart of Jacksonville Beach. It is a 1-2 block walk to the beach. Their coffee is top-notch; however, the breakfasts and sandwiches are also to die for. They have a small outdoor patio where you can dine with your dog while watching beachgoers come and go to and from the ocean. This is an excellent place for breakfast/brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up. 

Downtown Jacksonville Beach. Cup of Job Community Cafe

Dog-friendly Activities in Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville Beach and the surrounding areas have many things to do with your dog. Activities vary from dining with your dog, swimming with your four-legged friend, birdwatching, exploring local parks, relaxing, and even spending a day at a unique dog park. 

Are dogs allowed on Jacksonville Beach?

Yes! Dogs are allowed on Jacksonville Beach. From October 1 through March 31, dogs can be on the beach anytime. Having said that, dogs are not permitted on the beach between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 7 days a week from April 1 through September 30. You can, however, explore the beach with your dog before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. during this time of the year.

Remember that all dogs must be leashed at all times while on the beach. 

Jacksonville Beach with Dog
Jacksonville Beach City ordinance Dogs on Beach

Explore local parks with your dog in Jacksonville, Florida.

Alpine Groves Park is located 40 minutes from Jacksonville Beach, and it’s the perfect place to take your dog for a walk, enjoy a picnic, experience natural Florida and learn about Historical sites. The park spans about 55 acres and has a lot to explore. Don’t forget to walk the boardwalk towards the magnificent St. Johns River that will captivate you. There is no fee to access this park and no fee to park. Dogs must stay leashed the entire time. 

Alpine Groves Park with dog
Alpines Grove Park with dog

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a dog-friendly park 20 minutes from Jacksonville Beach. Hannah Park has a 1.5-mile public beach where you can play with your dog. It also has 447 acres ready to be explored next to your four-legged friend. There are a variety of activities that you can partake in, from kayaking, swimming, biking, and hiking. This park has an entrance fee of $5 per car (up to six people) that you pay at the park entrance. 

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Jacksonville

Brew Hound Dog Park + Bar

Brew Hound Dog Park and Baris a fantastic dog park and bar to spend a lovely time with your dog. BrewHound Dog Park is located 11 minutes from Jacksonville Beach. You can grab a coffee, beer, wine, and simple snacks for the humans. In addition, they have menus from nearby restaurants in case you want to order for delivery. Finally, you will find the most adorable doggie bakery to buy little treats for your dog. 

BrewHound Dog Park in Neptune Beach
BrewHound Dog Park in Neptune Beach with German Shorthaired Pointer

Are dogs allowed on Jacksonville Beach Pier?

No, dogs are not allowed on the Jacksonville Beach Pier except for service animals. As you stroll, walk, or swim at Jacksonville Beach, you will undoubtedly see the Jacksonville Beach Pier. The Jacksonville Beach Pier is almost a mile long. 

Jacksonville Beach Pier

How much does it cost to access the Jacksonville Beach Pier?

  • $2.00 Day Pass (non-local)
  • $1.00 Day Pass (local)
  • $90 Annual Pass (includes VIP discounts)
  • $5.00 for day fishing (non-local)
  • $4.00 for day fishing (local)
  • $300 Annual Pass (includes VIP discounts)

Can I fish at the Jacksonville Beach Pier?

Yes, you can fish at the Jacksonville Beach Pier. If you like to fish, this is the perfect place as you will find many people fishing. 

Is the Jacksonville Beach Pier only for fishing?

No, you can walk and enjoy the pier. The Jacksonville Beach Pier is almost a mile long and offers impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean.

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