6 Amazing Dog-Friendly Places in South Florida to Take Your Dog Swimming

As the summer months heat up, we all want to cool down by spending some time in the water. And our dogs are no different! To help your pups get time to splash and play, we put together a list of 6 dog-friendly beaches and lakes where your dog is welcome to swim and play off-leash.

Haulover Beach Park

10800 Collins Avenue, Miami, FL

Haulover Beach Park has one of the biggest stretches of undeveloped beaches in Miami-Dade County. The beach spans 1.4 miles, sporting white sands, open ocean, beautiful vegetation, and a Bark Park and dog-friendly beach where your dog can roam free and splash in the waves.

• Dogs and their companions can access the beach every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Dogs can play off-leash and roam free in the beach area and waters between lifeguard towers #2 and #3.

• There is a $5 parking fee on weekdays and $7 parking fee on weekends.

Bark Beach at North Beach Oceanside Park

8232 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL

North Beach Oceanside Park offers a calm and tranquil space with sand dunes and trails to walk along the beach or under shady canopies. Your dog is welcome to explore the park with you on leash. But head off to the dog-friendly Bark Beach for some off-leash fun to cool down from the summer sun!

• Bark Beach is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Dogs can run off-leash and play in the water along the stretch of beach between 80th and 81st Street.

• When your dog needs a break from sand and surf, head over to the big or small dog park that is open daily.

Hobie Island Beach Park

Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL

Hobie Island Beach Park is a man-made space that windsurfers, kayakers, and paddle boarders enjoy. But they aren’t the only ones! Dogs and their companions love the dog-friendly beach with its calm, shallow waters for some ocean play.

• The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

• There is a toll to cross the bridge into Key Biscayne.

• Parking is free.

South Pointe Park

1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL

South Pointe Park is at the tip of South Beach with beautiful views and a landscaped park. You’ll find playgrounds, trails along the water, and areas designated just for off-leash play for your dogs! Enjoy the park or head over to the dog-friendly beach for a swim to start your morning or cool off after a long day.

• Dogs are allowed off-leash from sunrise to 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

• During all other times, dogs are required to be on a leash.

• The area is not enclosed, so keep this in mind when your dog is off-leash.

Snyder Park

3299 SW 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Snyder Park is north of Miami in Fort Lauderdale, but so worth the drive. Snyder Park has both a Bark Park and a dog-friendly lake for swimming. The Bark Park is fenced in and large enough for lots of room to run off energy from the car ride. And the lake is clean and for dog swimming only!

• Dogs are allowed off-leash in both the park and lake.

• The Bark Park is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., September through April; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., May through August.

• The dog swimming hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., March to October; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. November to February.

Perrine Wayside (Dog) Park

16425 S Dixie Highway, Palmetto Bay, FL

Perrine Wayside Park is south of Miami offering a park for both small and large dogs. The park is enclosed by a fence and has beautiful walking areas. Your dog will love the dog-friendly lake where they may encounter fish, tadpoles, or turtles as they splash and swim.

• The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

• There are dog-friendly water stations throughout the park.

Prefer an enclosed area for your dog’s water play?

Check out our doggy daycare and boarding at Fit & Go Pets where we sport multiple pools for your dog to play in and cool off on a hot summer day! Come check us out! You can find us on 711 NW 24th Street in Miami, Florida.