Pet Friendly Florida’s Historic Coast

The ancient city is known for welcoming furry friends.

With 42 miles of pristine, dog-friendly beaches, St. Augustine makes traveling with your pet both easy and fun. On a stroll along St. Augustine Beach, you will likely encounter dogs running with their owners, chasing balls in the ocean, and plenty of opportunities for your dog to socialize with others.

Dog bag stations are conveniently located at beach entrances, but it’s a good idea to bring an extra bag just in case. Many of the beach parking lots also feature outdoor showers, perfect for rinsing the sand off your furry friend.

For pet-friendly dining, many local restaurants welcome dogs, often offering special menus and water bowls. When it comes to lodging, St. Augustine boasts a variety of pet-friendly accommodations, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your pet.


pet friendly tours in st augustine
PicturedCastillo de San Marcos Fort from the water.

Things to Do with Fido

From lodging at bed & breakfasts to dining outdoors along St. George Street and shopping at the quaint shops on Aviles Street, it’s easy to enjoy everything this historic city has to offer with your pet. Many attractions are pet-friendly, including The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Here, your pet can enjoy the beautiful plumage of the peacocks as they strut their stuff to grab attention and perhaps a snack to eat. Want to keep your pet young at heart? A sip of water from the famous fountain might help. Even The Oldest Wooden School House welcomes pets on its tours (so maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks).

Pets are also welcome on guided tours at The Spanish Military Hospital Museum on Aviles Street where visitors learn about the fascinating medical practices of earlier times in the ancient city. While the Castillo de San Marcos does not allow pets inside the fort, visitors and their pets are welcome to set a blanket outside on the lawn. It’s a perfect spot to take a break, enjoy the breeze and the stunning view. Small dogs on a leash are also allowed on tours of the San Sebastian Winery and its rooftop bar, The Cellar Upstairs.

"Paired with a long list of dog-friendly restaurants, tours, and hotels, St. Augustine in North Florida is perfect for some fun in the sun for you and your dog."
Be.Chewy.com (June 2021)

If your pup likes live music, you’re in luck. The Concerts in the Plaza take place every Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. starting the end of May through September. Bring a chair or a blanket and listen to the best local and regional musicians play outdoors at the Plaza de la Constitución. Out at the pet-friendly St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park in St. Augustine Beach, Music by the Sea holds concerts on Wednesdays evenings at 7 p.m. Bring a cooler or purchase a meal made by one of the featured local restaurants. These concerts run from May through September.

Of course, there’s nothing like taking your dog for a walk and soaking in the history along the brick-lined streets and the bayfront in St. Augustine. One of the more popular pet-friendly tours is the Conquistatour of St. Augustine. This one and a half hour guided walking tour of Downtown St. Augustine will take you along historic buildings and streets as you learn about the city from its founding to the Flagler Era.

Ancient City Tours offers a Ghostly Encounter guided walking tour that explores the Historic District after dark with legends and tales that will give you goosebumps. Leashed pets are welcome to join the tour, assuming they don’t scare too easily.

Plan Your Trip

family walking on beach
Skimboarder catching a wave during the Florida Skimboarding Pro/Am Tournament in St. Augustine, FL.

And, finally, after all that walking around, maybe your pet deserves to sit and see the sites from the water. With advance notice, friendly and well-behaved pets can enjoy the beautiful views of the city from a kayak or guided boat tour with St. Augustine Eco Tours. The 76-foot Schooner Freedom is a delightful way to see the historic city from the Matanzas Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway if you call in advance of your planned trip. Hop aboard the pet-friendly Victory III with St. Augustine Scenic Cruise for a one hour and 15 minute narrated tour of the St. Augustine waterfront and bay. Going Coastal Boat Tours allows pets only on private charters and only with prior written approval. If you prefer to get closer to nature, rent a kayak from Florida Water Tours and bring your buddy along for a chance to meet some curious dolphins or manatees.

PicturedVillage Garden Food Truck Park

Pet Friendly Dining

Things to Do

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