Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Miami for Sunny Fun (2025 Guide)
🏖️ Miami’s Ultimate Dog Beach Guide
Miami isn’t just for sunbathing humans—it’s a paradise for pups too! With year-round warm waters and soft sands, these 2025-approved dog beaches offer:
✔️ Off-leash freedom in designated areas
✔️ Freshwater rinse stations to wash off salt and sand
✔️ Shaded rest areas with cooling mats
✔️ Doggy social events (yappy hours, surf lessons)
“Miami ranks among America’s top 5 cities for dog beaches, with more pet-friendly shoreline than any other Florida destination.” — BringFido
🏆 Top 7 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Miami
1. Haulover Beach Park 🥇 BEST OVERALL
📍 Location: 10800 Collins Ave
🐕 Rules: Off-leash north of tower 3 (7am-3pm daily)
🌊 Why Pups Love It:
- Massive sandy play area (2+ acres)
- Calm, shallow waters for timid swimmers
- Free waste bags & water fountains
- On-site dog wash station
🐾 Pro Tip: Go early! Parking fills by 9am on weekends.
2. Hobie Island Beach Park 🏄 BEST FOR WATER DOGS
📍 Location: Rickenbacker Causeway
🐕 Rules: Off-leash year-round
🏝️ Unique Perks:
- Paddleboard & kayak rentals (dogs ride free)
- Tidal sandbars for splashing
- “Dogs & Donuts” events every Sunday AM
“Hobie Beach is Miami’s only year-round off-leash beach, making it a magnet for social pups.” — USA Today
3. Bark Beach at North Shore Open Space Park 🦮 BEST FOR BIG DOGS
📍 Location: 79th-87th Streets
🐕 Rules: Off-leash 3-7pm weekdays, all day weekends
🌴 Top Features:
- Separate zones for large/small dogs
- Agility equipment in the sand
- Lifeguard on duty during peak hours
4. South Pointe Park Pier 🎾 BEST FOR ACTIVE OWNERS
📍 Location: 1 Washington Ave
🐕 Rules: Leashed before 10am & after 4pm
🏃 Why It’s Great:
- Jogging trail along the shoreline
- Dog-friendly cafes nearby (Shake Shack has pup cups)
- Instagram-worthy pier views
5. Crandon Park Beach 🏝️ BEST FOR SHY DOGS
📍 Location: Key Biscayne
🐕 Rules: Leashed always
🌿 Calm Vibes:
- Protected cove with gentle waves
- Plenty of shade under palm trees
- Fewer crowds than mainland beaches
6. Lummus Park Beach 🏙️ BEST URBAN ESCAPE
📍 Location: Ocean Drive, South Beach
🐕 Rules: Leashed before 9am
🌅 Must-Do:
- Sunrise walks past Art Deco lifeguard stands
- Doggy happy hour at The Betsy’s patio
- People-watching (your pup will love it too)
7. Matheson Hammock Park Beach 🌊 BEST FOR PUP PHOTOS
📍 Location: 9610 Old Cutler Rd
🐕 Rules: Leashed except in marked dog zone
📸 Photo Ops:
- Pup reflected in the atoll pool’s glassy water
- Palm tree tunnels along the trails
- Sunset over Biscayne Bay
📊 Miami Dog Beach Comparison
| 🏝️ Beach | 🐾 Off-Leash? | 🌟 Best For | 🚗 Parking Fee | 🎉 Unique Perk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haulover Beach 🥇 | ✅ 7am-3pm | All-around fun | $7 | Dog wash station 🚿 |
| Hobie Island 🏄 | ✅ Always | Water sports | Free | Kayak rentals 🛶 |
| Bark Beach 🦮 | ✅ Evenings/weekends | Big dogs | $5 | Agility course 🏃♂️ |
| South Pointe 🎾 | ⚠️ Early/late | Runners | $2/hour | Pier views 🌅 |
| Crandon Park 🌿 | ❌ No | Nervous pups | $7 | Calm waters 🌊 |
| Lummus Park 🏙️ | ⚠️ Before 9am | City dogs | Metered | Art Deco backdrop 🎨 |
| Matheson Hammock 📸 | ⚠️ In dog zone | Photography | $5 | Atoll pool reflections 📷 |
🐶 Essential Miami Beach Tips
- Paw Protection: Sand temps can hit 120°F—test with your hand first
- Hydration: Bring fresh water (saltwater isn’t safe to drink)
- Safety: Watch for jellyfish March-October
- Local Laws: Always carry proof of rabies vaccination
📸 Must-Do Doggy Activities
- Surf lesson at Haulover’s “Pups on Boards” days
- Pup cup at LoKal’s dog menu (Grove)
- Sunset portrait at Matheson’s atoll pool
- Yappy hour at The Standard’s bark park
- Miami Heat game (dogs allowed at outdoor watch parties)
🚗 Plan Your Beach Day!
“Paws on the Coast” Itinerary:
AM: Haulover off-leash play → PM: Shaded lunch at Crandon → Sunset at Hobie
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog-Friendly Beaches in Miami
1. What are the best dog-friendly beaches in Miami?
Top dog-friendly beaches in Miami include Haulover Beach Park, Hobie Island Beach Park, and Bark Beach at North Shore Open Space Park.
2. Are there any off-leash dog beaches in Miami?
Yes! Haulover Beach and Hobie Island Beach Park offer designated off-leash areas for dogs to run and swim freely.
3. Do Miami dog beaches have entrance fees?
Some beaches, like Haulover and Crandon Park, charge parking fees ($5-$7), while others, like Hobie Beach, are free to access.
4. Can small dogs visit Miami’s dog-friendly beaches?
Yes! Bark Beach at North Shore Open Space Park has separate areas for small and large dogs to ensure safe play.
5. Are there pet-friendly amenities at Miami dog beaches?
Many beaches offer dog wash stations, fresh water fountains, shaded areas, and agility zones for extra fun!
6. What safety tips should I follow at Miami dog beaches?
Always bring fresh water, check sand temperatures, watch for jellyfish, and ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations.
7. What’s the best time to visit dog-friendly beaches in Miami?
Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal to avoid the heat and crowds. Some beaches have specific off-leash hours.
📢 Ready for Sandy Paws & Salty Kisses?
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