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Picnic Island Park Dog Beach

Picnic Island Park Dog Beach is a sandy off-leash retreat for dogs in Tampa, FL. This park offers Fido ocean access and endless opportunities to play on the sand and in the water. There are also picnic tables for humans. The dog beach, located just south of the fishing pier, is a coastal open space and does not have any fully enclosed areas. Visit Website

Or call (813) 274-8615 for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating

Picnic Island Park Dog Beach has received a rating of 3.6 out of 5 bones by 46 canine critics on BringFido.


Visitors generally enjoyed the large fenced-in off-leash dog beach at Picnic Island Park, though some found the water and shore to be smelly, dirty, or rocky. They praised the amenities like doggy bags, water hoses, and shade, but some noted issues with irresponsible pet owners not cleaning up after their dogs.

AI-generated from the text of reviews

  • stanley
    Sep 14, 2023
    Smelly water, dead fish, red tide what we can do to prevent it

    Several people have mentioned visiting to see beach closed sign or smelly water and dead fish.
    Fortunately we can all help prevent this even if we don't live on the water. If you have a yard be mindful of any fertilizer you use and find a brand that doesn't use phosphates or nitrogen as it seeps into ground, runs off into storm drains and is a major contributor to Red Tide. These nutrients cause the growth of red tide to accelerate rapidly. Even if you live in a town home, apartment or condo ask the association to limit use of these fertilizers and use a natural fertilizer instead. Red tide not only kills fish but manatees, otters and porpoise often called dolphins. Due to population growth much of nature's natural defense has been removed while more and more petroleum powered watercraft contribute to the water pollution. We live in paradise and if everyone does their part to improve water quality future generations may be able to continue to enjoy the beauty we are surrounded by. Pick up trash even if you didn't drop it. Pet owners please pick up your dogs poop as it not only degrades water quality but it's just being respectful of others. We only have one Florida, one earth please respect it and leave it better than we found it for future generations!

  • Marissa
    Jul 16, 2023
    Decent, fenced in dog beach.

    pros

    •fenced in
    • doggy poo bags available
    • hose
    • fountain for dogs to drink from

    cons

    •the location is odd and makes me feel like the water around it is probably polluted since it’s next to almost a industrial park
    •there is a lot of algae
    • there isn’t enough covered space to cover from sun/rain

  • Stacy
    Jul 12, 2023
    We love It!

    Awesome dog beach. it is large enough that you can keep the little dogs away from the big ones when needed. Great leash free beach for pups

  • Marissa
    Jun 6, 2023
    Sorry but no…

    This beach has the opportunity to be a nice place. But after only 15 minutes we had to leave. I’m not sure what kind of bugs they were (they looked very similar to fleas) but whatever they were they were awful. We couldn’t take it anymore. Idk if shutting it down and finding away to treat it will help but yikes what an experience. There was also a lot of dog poo everywhere despite the fact that they adamantly request that you clean up after your dog.

  • LuAnn
    May 25, 2023
    Blue’s 1st day at beach

    Great well kept area
    Open gates and let your dog go!

  • Nicky
    Mar 24, 2023
    Awesome beach

    My husband and I brought our puppy to this beach and absolutely loved it. We have a 17 month old golden retriever mix and she spent a lot of time in the water.

  • Bonnie
    Feb 25, 2023
    Dog Beach at Picnic Island

    Dogs run free and people don’t watch them. I saw dogs pooping & no one was cleaning up after them. Disgusting!

  • Madeleine
    Oct 28, 2022
    It's okay

    Went here because I've been going to dog beaches to find the best one and this one was okay

    Pros
    + free parking
    + lots of shade and seating for the size
    + dog wash station at the entrance and 2 doggy water fountains
    + both grass and sand in fenced-in area for dogs to run around in and do their business
    + water is pretty shallow for a few feet so my dog was able to walk in it (he hates swimming)

    Cons
    - rocks and water are full of (non toxic) algae which makes everything slimy
    - rocks on half the beach limit sand space and water access
    - for a dog beach I find it pretty small luckily there were only 2 dogs when we went but I couldn't imagine more than 10 dogs there
    - next to a golf course idk I found it strange

    Like I said it was okay I didn't it love it but I didn't hate it either

  • David
    Aug 14, 2022
    5/5 for dog access and 3/5 for actual beach

    Pros:
    + Nice area for dogs to run off leash
    + Great 1/8 mile beach access for dogs
    + Enclosed area so safe for dogs
    + Many shaded areas and picnic table for use
    + Plenty of Free parking
    + Dual fresh water hoses to wash dog after swimming
    + Can use rest of park with dogs but must be on the leash but no beach direct access (frisbee disc golf course, sand VB courts, many shelters, tons of green space and parking)

    Cons:
    - Water smelly (might have been time of year - August)
    - Rocky shore with limited sand so not great for humans
    - Perfect for dogs, so so for humans unless just lounging on shore only

  • Tammy
    Jun 27, 2022
    Gross

    We drove over 2 hrs to go to this dog beach I read all the reviews about this place so we thought we give it a try .. well let’s just say I didn’t even want my dog in that water!! It was nasty. The sand was was full of rocks. Not a place I would ever go back to!!!

  • Brenda
    Jan 8, 2022
    Awesomeness

    The best place for a dog to play Shallow enough to be able to have great romp with a frisbee

  • Alice
    Jul 11, 2021
    Red tide, very sad

    we actually drove about an hour to get here because we like to go on “dog park day trips.” we saw a hand painted sign at the entrance that said “closed due to red tide”. it looked like it was an old sign. so we decided to explore the place anyway. it was deserted, and when we arrived at the tip of the peninsula we walked to the end of the boardwalk. the shoreline was littered with thousands of dead fish. What a heartbreaking sight. it’s not the park’s fault, but check the levels of red tide before you come here.

  • Robin
    Jul 11, 2021
    Had a great time!

    We went on a Thursday, and it was not busy at all. We were able to use our SUPs and swim, and enjoy watching all the dogs have fun. Friendly people and friendly pups. We found it a great place for us to spend time at the beach without having to leave our pup at home.

  • SAVANNA
    Jun 26, 2021
    Loved everything about it!

    Park is perfect, drive there is a little sketchy but worth what's around the corner! Double gate to get in, plenty of poopie bags, lots of running room and tables. On the south side of the park there is an opening where the water is to the non dog beach, just owners beware. Other than that, enjoy!

  • Fatima
    Jun 3, 2021
    Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!

    This place is SUPER nice for pups! We went later in the evening when it was cooler. Handful of dogs and low tide. This was our favorite out of all the beaches in the area! Great that they have a water hose you can use to rise pups off. I know the previous reviews said it smelled but when we went there wasn't any smell.

  • Araceli
    Feb 21, 2021
    Great Place

    loved it here. free parking, clean. We have a beagle, small toy Shepherd and a mini Australian shepherd and they all got along well with the other dogs. quite a few large dogs and they all played well with our tiny one. we went right before a storm hit or else we probably would have stayed a lot longer because we were having such a great time. Very family friendly as well! lots of sweet kids just playing with all the pups. melted my heart!

  • Jose
    Feb 4, 2021
    Best one in the area

    Plenty of free parking and tucked away near some industrial sites. Off leash dog beach, but no separate fenced area for small/large dogs, so keep an eye on your fur baby if they hate tiny puppers or have a Napoleon complex. There is some grass areas but mostly sand, plenty of trees to use as shade, and a water fountain/hose near the entrance to wash off the sand before heading out.

  • Bo
    Aug 21, 2020
    Life's a Beach

    We thought this beach was very nice. Fenced off, lot's of grass and shade trees and picnic tables. They have an area to hose off the pups before heading home. Yes the shore line is rocky and filled with seaweed but all in all it was a great day

  • Pam
    Jun 12, 2020
    Stinky

    we were in Tampa for a few days as my husband has work down here .... so we decided to take the dog with us ..... the park isn’t what I expected
    at all .....
    it stank like dead fish and had huge mud pit at the water front . we stayed for like 5 mins and left. wouldn’t recommend it and won’t ever be returning.

  • Sky
    May 30, 2019
    Fun Time at the Beach

    We stopped by Picnic Island so I could stretch my legs a bit. The beach was nice ( I don't do water but other pups were enjoying ), grassy areas to play and shady spots to rest. Made some new friends. And, there was an area to shower off the salt & sand before we got back in the car.

  • E
    May 1, 2019
    FAVORITE Dog Beach

    Out of the dog beaches in the area, this is by far my favorite. Very laid back, next to a boat ramp in a park area so not much surrounding traffic. Very large fenced in area so loads of room for running. Full access to beach sand, the ocean water and grassy area! Has shady tree areas and a hose off spot at the gate! You can’t knock a park for the other pet owners, they’re at all the parks! Just know how to keep an eye on your pooch and make the right decisions based on the other pups there :)

  • Hannah
    More than a year ago
    Not what I expected

    We have been testing out dog beaches in Tampa for our puppy. The beach and water smelled like dead fish. Filled with seaweed and right next to an industrial park. Filled with bugs that’s chased us. Our dog also found a dead fish head. Will not be returning.

  • Maria
    More than a year ago
    Sharp rocks among beach

    There are really SHARP rocks along the beach during low tide. My dog cut open his paws pretty badly. :( I don't recommend bringing energetic dogs that like running. We are on day 4 after the beach and his wounds are still healing.

  • Cat
    More than a year ago
    Disappointed July 2016

    Drove to this beach while in the area and came out disappointed. It is not located in the best area, we passed many factories on the way in. We were worried about what might be in the water for our dog but decided to still check it out. When we arrived we saw people fishing off a long metal pier next to the dog area. We were excited about the fenced in part of the beach but once we saw the shoreline and realized the smell we were let down. Black gunk and algae all along the shoreline. Best thing this park offered were some palm trees for shade and picnic tables to sit down. Stayed for a little bit to play some frisbee and left.

  • Wendy
    More than a year ago
    Fantastic Fun

    We have a 1 year old white german shepard that we adopted from the pound. This was her first and will not be her last swimming experience. We traveled an hour after reading previous reviews and we were so pleased. Princess had a blast playing with other dogs and children fetching her ball and other toys with the dogs. This was a great way to spend Memorial Day

  • Ashley
    More than a year ago
    Update on park 1/2016

    I used to love this park, the only off leash dog friendly beach I could find in Tampa. It's like the county forgot about this park; its rocky, trash everywhere, and the fence is hideous that dogs can crawl under. If they would put some time into it, it would be fantastic. A small dog area would be nice, but I can't see where they could make an available area fenced off for them. This is a dog park, not a leashed dog beach, so honestly children are not welcome here (IMO). I will most likely not return unfortunately.

  • Sandra
    More than a year ago
    Not very safe!!!

    this park needs to have separate areas for large dogs and small dogs so everyone's dogs can enjoy the beach I have a large dog and naturally she's curious about small dogs running around her only problem the small dogs like to nip at her and being a dog she will react to someone biting her face. And the other reviewers were right this beach is filthy there was dog crap everywhere and no one seem to want to pick up after their own dog!

  • Taylor
    More than a year ago
    Rocky Water

    Nice beach for a picnic but there are a ton of rocks in the water that make it almost impossible to go in it without shoes on. Would not go back.

  • Tom
    More than a year ago
    1st time

    Brought my two pups here today to tire them out and it did just the trick; they are exhausted. Just be weary of the awkward tourists with their high socks and sneakers.

  • Mima
    More than a year ago
    beautiful and fun.

    hubby and i visited picnic island on july 5 2015, i absolutely loved the park.they had a water shower area for dogs and it was fenced in. dogs were roaming off leashes which made me a lil nervous but i loved how all the dogs were very friendly and social with each other and plenty of room foe our 4 legged babies to run around.. bad part was ... the beach was dirty, lots of sea weed and it was rocky so i would invest in water shoes for the beach area.. the otherside of beach was pretty nice too.. i dont think your supposed to be on that side but i saw other dogs so i went to the other side with my dog and she loved it just as much. i love how this park has benches with shade areas .. so perfect for dogs.. i forgot my dogs cooling pad and the shade was perfect.. be careful walking on grass some owners did not pick up after theyre dogs but other than that great place to take your baby (pooch)

  • Laurie
    More than a year ago
    Had so much fun!

    We visited both Davis Island and Picnic Island today. We enjoyed both but preferred Picnic Island. We visited Ft. DeSoto yesterday. Our favorite was Ft. DeSoto, second was Picnic Island and third was Davis Island, mostly based on the Iroom for the dogs to run and play but certainly liked all. It's really nice to have so many good choices. This area seems very dog friendly almost everywhere and we are very happy we came with our three four legged buddies.

  • CheezWiz
    More than a year ago
    Loved It!

    First time to the beach with the dog - had a great time. Picnic tables and a few covered benches available. Dog poo bags and disposal available. Would advise to wear swim shoes as it is a bit rocky. A bit busy but everyone seemed super nice.

  • Nicole
    More than a year ago
    not a family friendly destination

    I was on vacation with my dogs plus my family and wanted to go to a beach where dogs were allowed and saw this destination. First of all the the view isn't that great the sand is more like rockish, dogs are everywhere unleashed, I got a splinter in my toe (really can't be barefoot here) and owners don't really care where they are and poop is around... Other than that I think it would be a great park for singles with dogs only.. No children beach!

  • Karla
    More than a year ago
    BEST BEACH DOG PARK!!

    Loveedddd this dog park . Pretty far from my house in Tampa. But I didn't mind the commute since it was for my beagle. My dog is still a puppy so it was a great way for him to release his energy. Plenty of space to sit and enjoy the nice sunset. 5 bones all the way :)

  • Katie
    More than a year ago
    Great Dog Park

    Picnic Island is a great place to take your dog. We live right down the street and enjoy spending the day at this beach park. It has been clean every time I have been there, all the other dog owners are very friendly, and we have not encountered a bad experience with another dog. Picnic island has a lot to offer besides the dog park. I highly recommend it. For first timers- the drive to Picnic Island is very... interesting, you will get to a point where you think you may be going in the wrong direction, you are not! Keep driving and you'll end up at your destination.

  • Jessica
    More than a year ago
    Hit or miss

    Sometimes the park is great sometimes it's terrible... Obviously the summer is their busiest time of year + weekends and many people bring their wild animals there and it can get out of hand sometimes. Also at low tide parts of the fence are exposed and dogs can escape!!! But, I do LOVE that this is a fenced in, off leash, dog beach! It really just depends on the day... It's a hit or miss.

  • Tracy
    More than a year ago
    Gross

    I thought this was a hideous beach...Will never go back. I will drive the 20 min to a Clearwater dog beach. The water and beach here at Picnic were dirty. I didn't want my dog even swimming in it, much less my family. Worth a drive to Honeymoon Beach in Dunedin!!!!

  • Adam
    More than a year ago
    First visit review

    Took my dogs to the beach today - first time at Picnic Island dog beach. Nice size area for dogs and people to relax and splash. All dogs were very well behaved. Several waste clean up stations available as well as a hose to rinse off at the entrance/exit. Only 30 mins from my home, so this will be our preferred dog beach.

  • Dawn Kennedy
    More than a year ago
    Picnic Island Dog Beach has it all!

    Great dog beach! I have to drive an hour to get there, but I will definitely go again. Because I had to drive so far, and have some disabilities, I looked online for videos of the place to see if I could get some questions answered. I couldn't find enough detail, so I went anyway and made my own. I'm not a very good videographer but in these videos you can see everything that's there. The first one is about the dog beach, and the second one is of my own dog whooping it up. But here are some details: The dog beach is fullly fenced on 3 sides, with the bay on the 4th, of course. Parking is just on the other side of the fence, very close. There are bathrooms at the entrance to the parking lot before the dog beach, and also over at the main park. As for how safe it really is to take your dog off leash, I suppose they COULD swim around the fencing in the water and get loose, so make sure your dog is one that stays around you, or comes when called. Be careful of other people's dogs. Some lady's huge lab charged my dog and grabbed him a couple of times growling, and I had to be the one to tell him NO! His owner didn't even bother saying anything to him. But all in all, it's a GREAT dog beach I absolutely love it that it's fenced. It has alot of shade and picnic tables inside the dog beach part. Dont expect to put out a big picnic though, without all the dogs coming up, obviously. It's for the dogs!!

  • Ed
    More than a year ago
    Toby loved it

    Coming from 8" 10" of snow I didn,t know what to except here in Fl. After driving the St Pet beaches with no dogs allowed I really was feeling bad for Toby, but PicIslBeachDog Park came right up on Google. 15min. later my 18 lb.Cockapoo was swiming in the water above the reaach of his paws and loving it. Great Place

  • J.
    More than a year ago
    Murder is the case that they gave me

    I went to the park an early Saturday morning, only to be turned away because there was a body found and the police were investigating. An early morning dog walker happened to stumble upon it. I haven't been back since, but the body doesn't keep me back, just that it is out of the way and a long drive. If I am going to drive an hour, then I'll drive to Fort De Soto.

  • Amanda
    More than a year ago
    Nice park

    A little hard to find. There was a lot of room for the dogs to run and play. It seems to be clean and pretty well gated. Nice park.

  • Marty
    More than a year ago
    Great Beach

    The beach is really nice and the dogs seem to get a long nicely. The view is awesome. The negative is there aren't a lot of places to sit or picnic when there are more than four families out there. Owner's need to be more responsible and pick up after their pets. Nothing like stepping in Dog droppings!! This needs to be inforced....

  • Mike
    More than a year ago
    Fun Beach

    We drove all the way from Georgia just to go swimming. The Beach was nice, but there was lots of seaweed floating in the water. Not much shade, but there are picnic tables to sit at. All the dogs were well behaved and had fun playing in the water. It is a little rocky for the first few feet out, but the pup didn't seem to mind. Fun beach, worth the trip!

  • V.
    More than a year ago
    My dog love's it

    Even though my dog only goes up to his knees in the water, he loves this beach and has a ball every time I take him out there!! The beach is clean and offers plenty of other stuff to keep the other family members occupied (fishing pier, people beach and playground area). We have never had any trouble with any other dogs and the other parents are always friendly. The only real negative about the dog beach is that there are a lot of rocks and broken shells, so make sure you wear water shoes or sandals.

  • Aundria & Daryl
    More than a year ago
    Nice Beach.

    The drive to the beach makes you question how nice of beach it is since it's set back between an industrial area. It's a very nice beach that is gated off for the off-leash dog beach. There is one area of the fencing where dogs could sneak out over to the non-dog area. The beach area is rocky the first few yards out.

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Picnic Island Park Dog Beach