Key West is the southernmost city within the continental United States and is located in the Florida Keys. It’s a hot spot for tourists and is an extremely dog-friendly area. The Keys stretch over 180 miles, with 800 Keys in total, so it is home to beautiful beaches with breathtaking scenery. And what’s more, you have six beach options to enjoy with your doggie.
Come with us to explore dog-friendly beaches in the Florida Keys so that you’re prepared for where you can go and what to expect.
The 6 Top Dog-Friendly Beaches in the Florida Keys
1. Higgs Beach Dog Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍100 Atlantic Blvd., Key West, FL 33040 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Despite the name, this is a park across from the beach where dogs are allowed to play and roam
- Features an off-leash fenced-in area for dogs/a separate area for small dogs
- Dog-friendly beach across the street but must be on leash
- Features shade, benches, doggie waste bags, and drinking water
- Free parking and access to the dog park
2. Key West Dog Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍1500 Vernon Ave., Key West, FL 33040 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Sunrise to Sundown |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Features a small strip of sand for your pooch to sink its paws into off-leash
- Heads up: this is a rocky beach with no amenities or restrooms
- Grab a bite at Louie’s Backyard, a dog-friendly restaurant next door
- Don’t forget to bring waste bags and pick up after your pooch
3. Anne’s Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍MM73, Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Sunrise to Sunset |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Features restrooms, picnic tables, and 5 covered pavilions
- Features a ½ mile boardwalk to observe natural wetlands
- Shallow water is not ideal for swimming, but dogs can wade in the water
- Dogs must remain on a leash
4. Harry Harris Beach and Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍50 E. Beach Rd., Tavernier, FL 33070 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Dogs are not allowed on the beach but are allowed in the park
- Dogs can enjoy the trails and the sites while on a leash
- Picnic tables available
5. Sombrero Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍2301 Sombrero Beach Rd., Marathon, FL 33050 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 7:30 a.m. to Sunset |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Features showers, restrooms, and a grassy area for dogs not fond of the sand
- Dogs must remain on leash
- Lovely dog-friendly beach that’s not overcrowded
- Has palm trees for shade, pavilions, and grills
6. Coco Plum Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍200 36th St., Marathon, FL 33050 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Features restrooms and a covered pavilion
- Waste bags are available
- Beautiful beach that is always dog-friendly
- 1 mile of sandy beach with shallow water
Conclusion
The Florida Keys offer plenty of places to take your pooch so that they can enjoy the beaches and frolic in the water. After a fun outing, you can choose from many dog-friendly restaurants to grab a bite and cool off.
Remember to always clean up after your dog, bring water, and ensure no rules have changed with whatever beach you are taking your dog to, as some beaches change the rules occasionally. But most of all, have fun with your dog, and be safe and courteous, of course!
See Also:
- 10 Amazing Dog-Friendly Beaches in Florida
- 5 Spectacular Dog-Friendly Beaches in Melbourne, FL: Off & On-Leash Places
Featured Photo Credit: Michelle Raponi, Pixabay
The 6 Top Dog-Friendly Beaches in the Florida Keys
