Summertime is a fantastic time to explore the country with our four-legged friends. Do you and your fur baby love nothing better than soaking up the rays along the coast? Is so, here are some of the country’s best and most welcoming dog-friendly beaches!
Warren Dunes State Park: Sawyer, Michigan
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Warren Dunes has nearly 2,000 acres of grass-lined, dog-friendly land. Two and a half miles of the park’s three miles of shoreline allows pets. Dogs are allowed to splash and swim in the lake, but throughout the park they must be under a handler’s control and on a six-foot leash, at all times.
Montrose Dog Beach: Chicago, Illinois
You’ll find Dog Beach on the northwest corner of Montrose Beach. It has the distinction of being the city’s very first legal off-leash beach, and it’s accessible from sunrise until around 9 p.m. All dogs must have a Dog Friendly Area tag which can be bought at most vet offices in the city. The cost is $10 and be aware that all shots and licenses must be current. Leashes are required when entering and exiting the beach.
Topsail Beach and Topsail Island Beach: Topsail Beach, North Carolina
Dogs are allowed on these stunningly pristine beaches from May 15 until September 30. Leashes under 25 feet are required, and owners can expect to be fined for not scooping the poop, which seems like a small price to pay to keep the pale, powdery beaches clean year round!
Fort DeSoto Beach Park: Tierra Verde, Florida
This popular and charming beach allows dogs on the sand in a designated area. As an added bonus, the park provides two fenced-in areas for friendly dogs to roam free and wash up in the doggie showers afterward! Your BFF is required to be on a leash shorter than six feet, and must be at least four months old, with a proper license and up-to-date vaccinations. Drinking water is available for your pooch.
Dog Beach: Fort Myers Beach, Florida
You and your favorite dog are allowed to run free at the beach from 7 a.m. until dusk. Surrounded by gorgeous woodland, the beach is open seven days a week. Amenities include dog shower stations. Parking is free, but please note that neither alcohol nor glass containers are permitted.
Related: 5 Games You Can Play With Your Dog
Jekyll Island Beach: Jekyll Island, Georgia
This secluded island is an oasis of clean sandy beaches and lush woodland. Dogs are allowed north of South Dunes Picnic Area but note that the beaches are narrow and may be unreachable during high tide.
Leashed dogs are allowed on Driftwood Beach, on leashes shorter than 16 feet; they are not allowed to run free in order to protect the island’s birds and sea turtles.
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Double Bluff Beach: Whidbey Island, Washington
Double Bluff offers up a wild, sometimes rocky coastline, and includes dog showers as well as barbecue areas. Leashes are required inland, but are optional out toward the beach. Owners are requested to clean up after their dogs.
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