Home / Trips / Seaside Florida
Photo: Jody Claborn, “Beach buddies” (public domain), via Flickr
A Gulf Coast beach trip built around the cooler hours and the whole family. Many Florida beaches do not allow dogs, so this is the part of the plan we check most carefully.
A pet-friendly beach rental with a fenced yard and an outdoor shower
Fly into a Gulf Coast airport or drive in, with pet rest stops planned
March to May and October to November, when the beach is cooler and quieter
Beach dogs, families with kids and groups with more than one pet
A sample plan. Yours is fitted to every pet in your group: size, breed, age and energy.
Travel day, with water and rest stops planned for your pets.
Check in to your rental and walk the neighborhood so your pets learn the new smells.
Sunset walk once the sand has cooled, then dinner on the porch.
Pet tip: Touch the sand with the back of your hand. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for paws.
Sunrise on a beach where dogs are allowed, with the dog hours confirmed for you.
Shade and a nap in the AC for the pets, and pool time for the humans.
Sunset walk and dinner on a dog-friendly patio.
Pet tip: Do not let your dog drink salt water. Bring fresh water and a folding bowl.
A shaded nature trail in a state park that welcomes leashed dogs. Pets usually are not allowed on state park beaches.
Explore a walkable beach town, where many shops put water bowls out front.
Family dinner out, with a vetted pet sitter at the rental if you want one.
Pet tip: Ask before your dog greets other dogs on busy paths. Not every dog likes visitors.
One more beach walk at sunrise.
Rinse the salt and sand off everyone, pack up and head home.
Home, with sandy memories.
Pet tip: Salt and sand irritate skin. Rinse paws and coats before the drive.
Two minutes. Tell us who is coming along, two legs and four.
