1. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in Jacksonville, Florida

This dog friendly beach can be found within Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. Dogs must remain on leash when hiking on the trails and playing on the beach. There is a $5 entry fee. The park also offers dog-friendly camping and canoeing. There are restrooms in theparking lot of the beach that also offer an outdoor shower that you could use to rinse your dog off before jumping back in the car. My only complaint: I did get attacked by “no-see-ums” in the parking lot. I did not notice them on the beach itself, however. Max enjoyed alternating between relaxing on the beach and cooling off in the water! He slept the whole car ride afterwards.

2. Ormond Dog Beach in Daytona, Florida

Ormond Dog Beach is a half mile strip of Daytona Beach where dogs are newly (as of 2023) allowed (leashed) on the beach. You can park for free in the parking lot at the Andy Romano Beachfront Park and then walk down to the beach, or you can pay $20 – $30 to park directly on the beach if you have a car with four wheel drive. I opted for the parking lot after a local told me it costs $250 to be saved if your car gets stuck in the sand on the beach! There were lots of dogs on this beach and Max made some new friends. The best part was that Ormond Beach Rentals also provides umbrellas, chairs, and tables (for a fee) incase you didn’t bring your own. Max thoroughly enjoyed the shade of an umbrella left by the friendly Ormond Beach Rental guys on the four wheeler!