From some of the best dog friendly beaches on the Gulf Coast to incredible pet friendly vacation rentals in northwest Florida, discover truly inspiring spots for you and your pup along the Forgotten Coast.
Located in the northwestern part of Florida and facing the Gulf of Mexico, the Forgotten Coast is home to fantastic destinations for a pet-friendly vacation, such as Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach.
In this blog, let us guide you through the best pet-friendly beaches in these Florida gems, as well as the top vacation rentals where you and your furry companion can create magical moments together.
Before we start...
At Pristine Properties, we're all about making your vacation unforgettable. We offer a fantastic selection of vacation rentals in Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach, all close to some of America's most beautiful beaches. Beyond finding you a dreamy rental, we're here to help you discover the best activities these charming towns have to offer.
And since we're at it, if you ever need tips on Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach, you can dive into our local destination blog. We've got the scoop on everything from the best nightlife spots to the best coffee in town. There's always more to come, so keep an eye out for our latest posts!
Ready for a "paw-fect" vacation along the Forgotten Coast? Let's dive in!
Forgotten Coast: Dog Friendly Beaches On The Gulf Coast
Salinas Park Bayside
Cape San Blas
This picturesque bayside park, with its soft sandy beach and calm waters, is perfect for a relaxing day with your furry friend. Salinas Park is pet-friendly, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a beach outing with your pup.
The park is well-equipped with amenities such as a boardwalk, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and convenient beach access. Your four-legged companion will love exploring this scenic spot while you enjoy the serene surroundings.
The beach itself boasts stretches of pristine white sand, stunning views, and shaded areas nearby. The boardwalk offers educational insights into local wildlife and vegetation, adding a touch of discovery to your visit. The park also features a water fountain with a built-in bowl for pets and a rinse-off station for sandy paws or feet.
Cape Palms Park
Cape San Blas
Cape Palms Park, located just south of St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, is another fantastic dog-friendly destination with a stunning white sand beach. Equipped with grills, picnic tables, and a pavilion, it's the perfect spot for a relaxed picnic or a day by the shore. This beach is peaceful, clean, and uncrowded—ideal for a leisurely stroll or some exercise with your furry friend. The calm waters are perfect for a refreshing dip.
Keep an eye out for treasures like seashells and wildlife, including brown pelicans, terns, and playful ghost crabs along the shoreline. If you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins gliding through the water.
To ensure everyone has a great time, be mindful of your pet's interactions with other animals and visitors. With a little care, this park offers a delightful experience for you and your four-legged companion.
St. Joe Beach
Port St. Joe
Great news: the renowned St. Joe Beach in Port St. Joe, FL, welcomes dogs, offering even more miles of gorgeous shoreline to explore with your furry companion. Stroll along the beach, soaking in the sights, sounds, and salty breeze together. Many dogs love to play in the waves, so let yours enjoy the fun of chasing the surf as it rolls onto the shore.
As with any pet-friendly beach, just remember to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them. With those simple rules, you're all set for a day of sandy, seaside fun with your pup!
Indian Pass Beach
Indian Pass
Indian Pass Beach, located in the small, unspoiled community of Indian Pass, just a 16-minute drive from Port St. Joe, is a tranquil and dog-friendly haven on Florida's Forgotten Coast — the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful escape with their furry companions.
Known for its pristine natural beauty, this secluded stretch of coastline provides ample space for your pet to roam, play, and enjoy the sand and surf. The gentle Gulf waves create a safe and inviting environment for dogs who love to splash or cool off, while the undeveloped surroundings offer a stress-free retreat for pets and owners alike.
Note: To ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment, dogs must be kept on a leash while on the beach.
Mexico Beach (What to Know)
Mexico Beach
Mexico Beach is not entirely dog-friendly when it comes to its beaches. Dogs are not allowed on public beaches within the city limits. However, there are nearby areas where you can bring your furry friends to enjoy the sand and water such as the spots we mentioned above.
While the beaches in Mexico Beach aren't dog-friendly, the town offers dog-friendly restaurants and outdoor spaces where leashed dogs are welcome. Spots like Killer Seafood, Mango Marley's, and Caribbean Coffee & Cafe are great choices for enjoying a meal with your furry companion.
Top Picks: Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals In Northwest Florida
1. Summerbay
Cape San Blas
A charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family home overlooking the tranquil waters of St. Joseph Bay, Summerbay is surrounded by natural vegetation, offering a peaceful escape with easy access to outdoor adventures like kayaking, paddleboarding, and scalloping. Unwind on the bayfront deck under the ceiling fans with a good book, cozy up on chilly nights with your pup in front of the electric fireplace, or prepare a delicious meal in the well-equipped kitchen.
Location:
Located on the bay side of Cape San Blas, Summerbay offers a unique perspective of the peninsula. With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and St. Joseph Bay on the other, you can immerse yourself in nature's playground.
Amenities:
- Bayfront deck with ceiling fans, perfect for relaxing or reading.
- Electric fireplace for cozy winter stays.
- Easy access to water activities.
Ideal For:
Perfect for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, or those seeking a quiet retreat. Summerbay is ideal year-round, whether for summer adventures or winter escapes.
What guests are saying:
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"We had a great trip and loved Summerbay. It is located very close to shops and still feels very private. The dock is a wonderful spot to watch the sunrise, fish, or kayak from. It is a short walk across the street to the beach. We will stay here again!"
2. Salt Cured
Cape San Blas
Recently updated, this cozy home is nestled on a wooded lot just 300 feet from the beach. Salt Cured offers 3 comfortable bedrooms, perfect for a restful night after exploring the stunning beaches and outdoor activities of Cape San Blas. The home also features a beautiful open sun deck, a covered deck with ample seating for gatherings, a well-stocked kitchen, and picturesque Gulf views to complete the relaxing experience.
Location:
Nestled on a serene lot with Gulf views, Salt Cured is just a short walk from the beach, making it perfect for beachgoers seeking a peaceful escape.
Amenities:
- Covered and open decks with plenty of seating.
- Well-stocked kitchen.
- Outdoor shower, charcoal grill, and covered parking.
- Master bedroom with private deck.
Ideal For:
Perfect for families or small groups looking for a relaxing getaway close to the beach.
What guests are saying:
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"Very pleasant stay. We enjoyed the location and the home being pet friendly. We enjoyed the location of the beach. Beach access was less than a 5 min walk. Home was well equipped for whatever you need. Thanks again for a wonderful place for my family and pet."
3. Anchored Inn 3
St. Joe Beach
Just a short walk from the serene shores of St. Joe Beach, Anchored Inn 3 is a stylish 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom vacation rental featuring amenities such as a fenced patio perfect for pets, a spacious Gulf-view deck with a picnic and bistro table, an outdoor shower, a beautifully decorated living room with a TV, and a fully equipped, modern kitchen.
Location:
Nestled between Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe, St. Joe Beach is a quiet and pet-friendly destination with white sandy beaches protected by Cape San Blas. Anchored Inn 3 offers easy access to the beach, perfect for families and their four-legged companions.
Amenities:
- Large Gulf-view deck.
- Fenced backyard with fire pit and outdoor shower.
- Ground-floor patio.
- Retractable gate for pet and child safety on the deck.
Ideal For:
Perfect for families, pet owners, and beach lovers, Anchored Inn 3 combines comfort, convenience, and coastal charm.
What guests are saying:
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"Perfect for my daughter and I to get away for a long weekend. Extremely comfortable and close to the beach. Highly recommend it!"
4. The Surf Ranch
Port St. Joe
This is a picturesque 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom cottage-style retreat, perfect for small families, couples, or active travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure. The Surf Ranch is a single-story home featuring a spacious front porch and surf-inspired décor, making it a true coastal haven.
Location:
Located on a corner lot in Port St. Joe, The Surf Ranch offers direct access to the Port City Trail, a 4-mile illuminated pedestrian path ideal for jogging, biking, or leisurely walks. It's just a short bike ride to downtown Port St. Joe's local shops and restaurants.
Amenities:
- Secure front yard for pets and children.
- Covered parking with a pull-through driveway for boats.
Ideal For:
Perfect for families, pet owners, and adventure enthusiasts, The Surf Ranch provides a cozy base for exploring Port St. Joe and enjoying the outdoor paradise of the Forgotten Coast.
What guests are saying:
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"Cute house, clean and comfortable. Brought a 23' boat on a trailer. Plenty of room to park it on property during our stay."
5. Shore Looks Good
Mexico Beach
Shore Looks Good is a beautifully rebuilt 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom gulf-front home completed in 2021, offering modern amenities and stunning coastal views. Perfectly situated on the western end of Mexico Beach, this single-family home blends comfort and convenience, making it an ideal retreat for families, couples, or small groups.
Location:
Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, the home features a private boardwalk for easy access to the pristine beach, allowing guests to seamlessly come and go throughout the day.
Amenities:
- Coffee and wine bar outside the master bedroom overlooking the Gulf.
- Spacious living areas with contemporary design.
- Private boardwalk to the beach.
Ideal For:
This property is perfect for families, beach lovers, and pet owners seeking a modern gulf-front escape. Enjoy the convenience of beachfront living with unbeatable views and thoughtful amenities.
What guests are saying:
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"Loved every minute! Pictures don't capture how wonderful this vacation house is! Very spacious, clean. The beach is stunning. I highly recommend and look forward to returning!"
6. Sweet Home Apalachee
Indian Pass
Sweet Home Apalachee is a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom vacation home nestled in the serene community of Indian Pass. Elevated on pilings, this single-level home features an open floor plan, beautifully decorated interiors, and a fully equipped cook's kitchen. The enclosed Florida Room, with its wrap-around glass windows, provides a perfect space to enjoy meals while overlooking the tranquil surroundings.
Location:
Conveniently situated just across a quiet residential street from Indian Pass Beach, Sweet Home Apalachee offers easy access to the Indian Pass boat ramp and is close to the iconic Indian Pass Raw Bar.
Amenities:
- Open sundeck with gulf views.
- Private hot tub.
- Ample parking, including space for a boat.
Ideal for:
Perfect for families with dogs or groups looking to unwind, enjoy nature, and explore activities like surf fishing, crabbing, and shelling alongside their furry companion.
What guests are saying:
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"We can't say enough about how wonderful Sweet Home Apalachee is! The house is large with plenty of space for everyone, including our dogs. The furnishings are so nice and tasteful. I have never slept so well in my life at a vacation rental until here."
Where to stay when visiting the Forgotten Coast?
Stay like a local by booking a vacation rental with Pristine Properties. We are proud to offer a selection of Cape San Blas Vacation Rentals, Port St. Joe Vacation Rentals, and Mexico Beach Florida Vacation Rentals.
Our properties are well-located, just steps away from beautiful beaches, great dining options, and an array of outdoor pursuits. That's how you ensure a perfect holiday on the Florida Gulf Coast!
