From cozy cafés and vibrant breweries to nearby cities with parks and beaches for off-leash fun, you'll find the perfect spots to enjoy quality time along the Gulf Coast with your furry friend.
From the Smokies to the sparkling shores of the Gulf Coast, there's one thing that makes any trip extra special—bringing your furry best friend along for the adventure!
But before you hit the road, it's worth doing a little homework to make sure your destination is pet-friendly, so both you and your pup can relax and have a blast without any hiccups.
Thinking about bringing your pet to Navarre Beach? While the main beach is a no-go for four-legged visitors, there are plenty of pet-friendly spots around town where you both can have a tail-wagging good time. I've rounded up the best pet-friendly places and hangouts in and around Navarre Beach for a truly paw-some vacation!
At Navarre Beach Properties, we've got a variety of gorgeous vacation rentals, and I like to think we're pretty much local experts on all things Navarre Beach—no bragging, promise! Our destination blog is filled with helpful posts on beach day tips, where to find the best craft beer and even a quick history of Navarre Beach. First time visiting Navarre Beach? take a look at these great tips.
Can you already see that tail wagging?
First things first: Is Navarre Beach Dog Friendly?
Unfortunately, dogs aren't allowed on Navarre Beach. Local rules are in place to keep things safe, and comfy, and protect the local wildlife. But hey, don't worry! That just means you get to explore some new spots for your furry friend to run wild.
The good news? There are some awesome pet-friendly beaches just a short drive away where your pup can splash, dig, and zoom to their heart's content!
Alternative 1: head to a dog-friendly beach in Pensacola
One of the best alternatives to fully enjoy Florida's outdoor spaces with Fido while vacationing in Navarre Beach is to head to a dog-friendly beach in Pensacola, just a 35-minute drive away.
Here are some of the best spots:
- Pensacola Beach West Dog Park
This pet-friendly area is small, about the same length as a basketball court, but a great gem for the little ones to have some fun exploring the beach. You'll see signs marking the designated area for your dog to splash around.
The sands can indeed get a bit busy with other dog families around, but hey, most doggies love a bit of socializing and making friends, don't they?
You know what else they love? A day catching waves and leaving their paw marks in the super-soft sand. At the end of the day, you can all enjoy the sunset together.
Heads up: Just remember that dogs need to be leashed at all times on this beach, even in the water. Waste bags and trash bins are provided, but it's always smart to BYO. And there is no water for washing or drinking.
- Pensacola Beach East Dog Park
This is another small yet clean beach with beautiful and soft sand that's a delight for the furry ones to explore, soaking in the sea breeze and sniffing at some pretty seashells. Less busy than West Beach, this is also a great spot to take some memorable pics of the entire family — the golden hours are stunning!
Here too, dogs have to stay on a leash, but the friendly people and great waves around will compensate for it.
- Bayview Park
Bayview Park is a one-acre dog park that provides two large areas for them to run wild and off-leash. One of these areas goes down to the shore so that the doggies can fetch in the water and enjoy a good swim.
Alternative 2: head to Fort Walton Beach
Another good alternative is driving to Fort Walton Beach, which is closer, a 24-minute drive from Navarre Beach.
- Liza Jackson Dog Park
This is a dog park with a small beach area where you can let your dog play off-leash. The park boasts a secured fence with places for both small and large dogs, and both areas have water fountains. The park is very nice for two-legged visitors too, offering a fishing pier, several pavilions, and playgrounds for the kids.
other ways to make the most of a pet-friendly trip to Navarre beach
1. Book a pet-friendly boat tour
Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours & Boat Rentals is a pet-friendly gem in Pensacola Beach, welcoming your furry pals on any privately chartered pontoon or tritoon rental. Your four-legged buddy can enjoy the scenic views and the gentle sway of the boat right alongside you. Just be sure to bring some water and pop them into a safety vest—because let's face it, pups in life vests are ridiculously cute and add a whole lot of charm to your adventure!
2. Visit Navarre Central Bark Dog Park
This park doesn't have a beach, but it's still a treat for dogs. Central Bark Dog Park is nestled in the heart of Navarre, a 9-minute drive from Navarre Beach. It boasts a vast space of lush greenery that's great for dogs of all sizes, with separate areas for each.
There's a large, fenced-off leash-free area where furry friends can burn off energy, a splash pad with cool water shooting from the ground, and beautifully landscaped spots with benches and plenty of shade—so you can relax while your pup plays.
3. sip & chill at Dog-Friendly coffee shops and breweries
- Bulldog Brewing Co.: The coffee here is amazing, and their pet-friendly space is perfect for taking a break and relaxing with your best friend. The ambiance features comfy seats, blues music in the background, and a cozy reading corner. If you have kids in tow, there's even a dedicated play area where they can have fun while you enjoy your time.
- St. Michael's Brewing Company: This microbrewery serves great traditional-style beers, and Fido is welcome on its outdoor patio, where you can also often find local food trucks with delicious grubs.
4. Go on a shopping spree with fido
Pet Nation: With the motto of "Bringing people and pets together," Pet Nation has been Navarre's favorite pet store, in business since 1999. That's the place to swing by if you realize you forgot anything for Fido. There's nothing you cannot find there, and just swinging by to ask some questions to staff is also a great idea to make yourself more acquainted with the pet landscape in town.
Extra Tips for a Successful Pet-friendly Vacation
To make the most of your Gulf Coast getaway with your furry friend, here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Pet-friendly Accommodations: Ensure that your accommodation is pet-friendly. More and more hotels and vacation rentals are allowing pets nowadays. However, for the best experience and comfort, pet-friendly vacation rentals are the ultimate choice for dog owners traveling to Navarre Beach.
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Safe Ride: If you're traveling by car, secure your pet in a well-ventilated crate or use a pet seatbelt.
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Pet ID: Just in case, it's always a good idea to have proper identification for your pet, including a collar with an ID tag containing your contact information.
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Visit the Vet: Schedule a visit to the vet before the trip to ensure your pet is in good health. Check if vaccinations are up to date, and if there is any new documentation that you need to bring for your destination.
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Pet Toys and Essentials: Packing essentials for your pet including food, water, bowls, medications, a favorite toy, and bedding. Traveling can be as stressful for them as it is for us, and having familiar items always brings some comfort.
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Check Local Regulations: Always study local pet regulations, including leash laws and any restrictions on pets in certain areas. You don't want to be caught with fines and unpleasant surprises.
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Be Prepared for Emergencies: Always save the location of the nearest veterinary clinic at your destination and have a pet first aid kit at hand.
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Keep Your Eye on Your Pet's Behavior: Be mindful of your pet's behavior and comfort level in new surroundings. Some pets may need time to adjust to a new environment.
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Carry Extra Waste Bags: In many places, you will find doggie bags and other cleaning supplies, but it's always a great idea to bring your own. Carry waste bags to clean up after your pet and be respectful of public spaces.
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Be Flexible: Finally, prepare yourself to be flexible and adapt your plans based on your pet's needs and the environment.
Experience Navarre Beach like never before!
While visiting Navarre Beacg, stay like a local and book one of our beautiful rentals with all the space, privacy, and home-like amenities you and your furry friends need. From luxury beachfront homes to amazing rental condos, at Navarre Beach Properties, we guarantee you'll have a 5-star experience during your Navarre Beach vacation.
Absolutely no doubt about it! Fido is set to shower you with tail-wagging gratitude!
