Dog-Friendly Activities in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Eden Gardens State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, is a small, dog-friendly park with shaded trails perfect for a peaceful walk. Pets must be leashed and are not allowed in the Wesley House. Enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking and picnicking across 163 acres of historic grounds. Entrance fee required.

Dogs are welcome at Topsail Hill Preserve State Parkin Santa Rosa Beach, FL, named after the sand dunes in the area which supposedly have the appearance of boat sails dipping up and down. Unfortunately, Fido isn't welcome on the beaches or in any of the cabins at the park, but you can take Fido with you to enjoy the pet-friendly old-growth pine forests, sandy scrub land, dunes, and wetlands on one of the many hiking trails. There are ten miles of pathways that weave around the area and you can access all of the trail heads from the main car park.

Distillery 98 is a dog-friendly taproom located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Well-behaved pups are welcome to accompany you both indoors and outdoors, where you'll find an awning and seating available in the yard. This homegrown, sustainably operated micro-distillery proudly serves vodka and craft cocktails. Food trucks are available on select days.

Walton County Dog Park is a pet-friendly park in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Bring your dog for some off-leash fun in the fenced, 2-acre dog park, which includes a separate small dog area, chairs, shade trees and running water.

Fido is welcome to join you on the trails at Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Located between Panama City Beach and Destin, this popular, pet-friendly state park is a great place to take your pooch for a nice walk. Dogs must be kept on a leash during their visit and under control.

Deer Lake State Park in Santa Rosa, FL is pet friendly. You and Fido can enjoy the park together, but dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk, beaches, or in buildings. A 1.5-mile nature trail is accessible from the park entrance on the north side of Country Road 30-A. Enjoy views of Southern magnolias, golden asters and scrub oaks. Keep your pup leashed during your visit to the park.

Wet N Wild Watersports in Destin, FL, offers dog-friendly pontoon boat rentals, perfect for exploring the Gulf Coast with your pup. Just minutes from Crab Island, their spacious boats provide a comfortable, smooth ride for humans and dogs, with room for pups to relax in the sun or shade. Crab Island’s shallow waters are ideal for dogs to splash and swim, while the serene coastline offers quiet spots for exploration. Wet-N-Wild provides complimentary coolers with ice and helps ensure your dog’s safety and comfort, making it a perfect day on the water for you and your furry friend.

Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park, located in Destin, FL, is a dog-friendly, 1.5-acre, secure area for Fido to play. Originally known as Destin Dog Park, it was renamed Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park in 2017 to honor the memory of its founder. Fido is welcome to run off leash at this popular neighborhood gathering spot. There is a separate area for small dogs to play. All dogs must be secured on a leash when entering and leaving the dog park. Benches and water stations are available.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a pet-friendly venue in Miramar Beach, FL. Affectionately known as the "heart and soul" of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, it has more than 12 restaurants, 15 retail stores and several nightlife venues, and has become the gathering place for everyone visiting, living or working along the Emerald Coast. All canines must be on a leash. Owners are required to clean up behind their pets. Waste stations are located throughout the Village. They also hold several dog-friendly events throughout the year including an Annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade. Each establishment has its own rules for being dog-friendly; inquire with each before taking Fido inside.

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, a former WWII gunnery and bombing practice range, is a dog-friendly natural area in Niceville, FL. Longleaf pines, some of which are over 300 years old, surround a number of the trails in the area, including the Red Cedar Trail that is lined with stunning red cedars; the Sand Pine Trail that follows the Eastern Shore of Puddin Head Stream; and the Rocky Bayou Trail that runs along the shoreline of the Bayou.

Destin Commons is a pet-friendly outdoor shopping area located in Destin, FL. Fido is welcome to join you as you walk around a vast area boasting over 95 shops and restaurants. You will find six outdoor hydration stations conveniently located throughout the center to keep Fido cool and hydrated. All restaurants with a patio are dog-friendly and many stores are too, simply ask the shop associate. Dogs are also welcome to participate in numerous events at Destin Commons, including the popular annual Halloween Haunt Costume Contest.

Bring Fido to the pet-friendly 30A Farmers' Market in Rosemary Beach to shop for sweets, fresh produce, oils and vinegars, dog treats and more. Dogs must be leashed during their visit. 30A Farmers' Market in Rosemary Beach is open Sundays, year-round from 9am to 1pm.

Camp Helen State Park in Panama City Beach, FL, is dog friendly. Well-behaved dogs are allowed to visit but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. The 180-acre park is a day-use recreation area with an array of visitor activities, including swimming, beach combing, nature study, hiking, and both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Note that pets are not permitted on the beaches, playgrounds, bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Entry fees apply.

Endless Weekend Pontoons LLC Private Charter specializes in offering a captained pontoon excursion to Crab Island in Destin, FL. This dog-friendly private charter welcomes Fido aboard as you cruise the waters, enjoy the ocean breeze and explore this popular area together.

Bring your pet to play off-leash at Niceville Dog Park in Niceville, FL. This shady, fenced dog park has its own doggie drinking fountain for your convenience. The dog park is located within Twin Oaks Park.

This Destin rental company has dog-friendly pontoons, Waverunners and kayaks for rent. They offer total fun and enjoyment on the water, especially to Crab Island. 20 ft Pontoon Boat, 24 ft Pontoon Boats, 28 ft Pontoon Boat, Waverunners, Kayaks, & Paddleboards are available.

Bass Pro Shops is a pet-friendly retailer specializing in hunting, fishing, camping and other related outdoor recreational merchandise in Destin, FL. Dogs are allowed in all locations except where prohibited by law. Be sure to keep Fido leashed while you shop.

Bring Fido along with you to Props Brewery in Hammock Bay within Freeport, FL. This dog-friendly brewery welcomes you and your pup inside and in the outdoor area. They produce a variety of high-quality small-batch beers and host five rotating food trucks in the adjacent lawn area. Live music and other events are often featured at the brewery as well.

Double Fun Pontoon Rentals offers dog-friendly double-decker boat rentals in Destin, FL, perfect for a fun day on the water with your pet. Boats feature a Bluetooth radio sound system, two waterslides, safety equipment, Lily Pads, and plenty of plush lounge seating in both sun and shade. Choose a half-day or full-day rental for your ideal boating adventure, just a 10-minute cruise to Crab Island. Rentals are available from March 1 through October 31. Conveniently located on Destin Harbor, Double Fun Pontoon Rentals offers three nearby rental locations at 316, 390 and 404 Harbor Blvd.

Niceville, FL, based company S.E.A. Chase Watersports rent pet-friendly pontoon boats. All boats are fully equipped with Coast Guard safety equipment, bimini tops for shade, an anchor and ladder. Every pontoon rental comes with a free kayak and paddleboard to utilize on the open water.