Dog Friendly Beaches
by America's Best and Top Ten

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Top Ten Pet Friendly Beaches

1. St. George Island , Florida
   St. George Island is located just across the bay from historic Apalachicola. St. George Island offers the area's choicest beach vacation homes. This twenty-nine mile stretch of paradise is no wider than a mile at it's widest point, providing access to both the seafood rich waters of Apalachicola Bay, and the emerald green waters of the Gulf. St. George Island beaches have been consisently ranked as one of the top in Florida. One third of the island is Florida state park land which does not allow dogs. But the rest of the island offers  public beaches, which do allow dogs on a  leash or off-leash and under direct voice control.      
    

2. Dog Beach, California(Near San Diego)         
   Don't expect people without dogs at this beach. This is a gaint dog playground.  Directions: take Hwy 8 West until it ends and then it becomes Sunset Cliffs Blvd, and then turn right onto Point Loma Blvd and follow the signs to Ocean Beach's Dog Beach.
    

3. Cape San Blas, Florida
   Cape San Blas is a beautiful 20 mile section of Florida’s gulf coast which is located 35 miles east of Panama City and just outside the town of Port. St. Joe. In 2002, the state park at the end of the cape was one selected as the best beach in America by Dr. Beach. Today, its currently being restored from Hurricane erosion. One resident of the area, has this to say about the area, Cape “San Blas and Indian Pass Beach are "definitely dog friendly" and even though Gulf County says "dogs on beach must be leashed" it is definitely not enforced. "However, it is common beach courtesy here to leash your dog when you see another dog or persons coming, and unleash after passing, assuming your dog is under complete control."  During the off season, you can sometimes walk a mile or two on the beach without seeing another person or dog.
    

4. Carmel City Beach, California
   This beach is about 7 blocks from the quaint village of Carmel. Your dog is allowed to run off-leash as long as he or she is under voice control. There are a couple of hotels and several restaurants that are within walking distance of the beach. To get there, take the Ocean Avenue exit from Hwy 1 and follow Ocean Ave to the end. Two other pet friendly beaches, Carmel River State Beach and Garrapata State Park  are also near by.
    

5. Dog Island, Florida
   I'm sorry, but this place has to be considered. The main beach is Dog Park Beach. This beach maybe hard to get to, but its on our list. This island is a small remote island that is accessible only by boat, ferry or airplane. Dogs are allowed on the beach, but must be on leash. This island is south of Carrabelle on the FLorida Panhandle and is about 50 miles east of Panama City.
    

6. Hunting Island , South Carolina
   This park offers over 4 miles of beach. Dogs on a 6 foot or less leash are allowed on the beach and on the trails at this state park. People need to clean up after their pets. You can walk for a mile or so and not meet another person on this beach. Great deals on state park cabins.
    

7. Grayton Beach State Recreation Area, Florida
   Grayton is a beautiful 400-acre oceanfront park and was one selected as the best beach in America by Dr. Beach. Today, its currently being restored from Hurricane erosion. It is located on S.R. 30-A, south of U.S. 98 between Destin and Seaside. Hours are 8 a.m. to sundown.  Pet policy from the Web site, says, "Pets are not allowed in camping areas, on bathing beaches, in concession areas and may be restricted in other designated areas of the park. Where pets are allowed, they must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and well-behaved at all times."
    

8. Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint, Oregon
   This beach is popular for ocean windsurfing and even once held the windsurfing national championships held at this beach.  There are no day use fees. Dogs are allowed on the beach, but must be on a six foot leash. Just outside of Oregon State Park boundries, dogs sometimes are allowed to be  off-leash and under direct voice control,  look for signs or postings.
   Directions:  This park is located off U.S. Highway 101, 11 miles south of Gold Beach.
    

9. Jekyll Island, Georgia
   Dogs on leash are welcome year round on the beach and the paved and dirt trails.  During the summer, stay  on the 10 miles of beaches and paved trails. And during the other months, enjoy the dirt trails. It is recommended that dogs and their owners stay off the dirt trails during the summer because there are too many ticks in the woods.
    

10. Ft. Fisher State Recreation Area, North Carolina
    Enjoy miles of beachcombing, sunbathing or hunting for shells at this beach. Dogs on leash are allowed everywhere on the beach, except for swimming areas that have lifeguards on duty.
    Directions: Fort Fishier is located outside of Wilmington, NC and is located on the southern tip of Pleasure Island.