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America's #1 Beach is for the Dogs
America's #1 Beach is also Fido's #1 Beach. That's right, Ft. De Soto Park, TripAdvisor's #1 Beach in America, is pet friendly and was recently named fifth on Petside.com's Top 10 Dog-Friendly beaches.
No more choosing between man's best friend and man's favorite vacation spot, you now have it all in one location. The sand, the surf, and the bark. And don't forget about scenic Honeymoon Island, Florida's most visited state park in 2007, it also allow pets on a designated pet beach area.
Fort De Soto Park
Opportunities for four-legged adventure and fun abound at this 1,135-acre county park named TripAdvisor's #1 Beach in 2008 and Dr. Beach's favorite beach in 2005. Dogs are allowed anywhere in the park on a six-foot leash, except the beaches, because they have their own. Ft. De Soto features several Paw Playgrounds including beaches, with separate areas for smaller and larger dogs. These fenced in areas allow furry friends to run free and unleashed in the warm Florida sun, or go for a splash in the Gulf of Mexico. There are even pet amenities including cooling stations complete with showers and dog-level water fountains.
Paw Playground is located just before you come to the turnoff for the fort. Parking is in the Bay Pier parking lot. Paw Playground is open daily from 7AM to sundown, 365 days a year unless otherwise posted, and admission is free. Human amenities at Ft. De Soto include bathhouses, camping, concessions, lifeguards, nature trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, restrooms, showers and wheelchair access. For more information please call 727-582-2267 or visit www.pinellascounty.org
Honeymoon Island State Park
A natural barrier island, this state park boasts four miles of sandy beaches, miles of nature trails, wildlife, a nature center, concessions and abundant parking. Don't be surprised to hear the call of an osprey or see an endangered gopher tortoise walking across your path. And if you do so, remember animals have the right-of-way here. Honeymoon Island has one of the few dog beaches in Florida for you and Fido to splash around on, so don't forget to bring a ball for catch. Both you and your pet will enjoy the crystal clear, shallow water, which is the perfect depth for dogs to wade through comfortably while cooling off.
Dog beach is located at the southernmost tip of Honeymoon Island, which gives it a beautiful view of award winning Caladesi Island and the rest of the gulf. Parking is about 500 yards away. Honeymoon Island and its dog park are open from 8 AM to sundown 365 days a year. There is an admission fee of $8.00 per car up to 8 people or $4 for single occupants, with no additional cost for pets. Human amenities include bathhouses, concessions, nature trails, picnic areas, a playground, restrooms, showers and wheelchair access. For more information please call 727-469-5942 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland
Pet Friendly Accommodations
St. Pete/Clearwater offers a range of pet friendly accommmodations. For a complete list of accommodations that welcome you and your pet, click here to do a search.
Pet Playgrounds
Dog parks are located throughout the Pinellas County area. For a list of County dog parks, click here.
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