Dog Friendly Travel Guide

Jacksonville is going to the Dogs! Bring along your furry family members on your next Jacksonville vacation, There's so much to do with your pup in Jax. Here's an overview of dog-friendly locations and activities in Jax.

Fetch News! Jacksonville is Going to the Dogs!

#OnlyInJax Fact: Jacksonville is the largest city in the U.S. to adopt a no-kill pet shelter policy. We love our dogs! So obviously, Jacksonville is a pet-friendly city with hundreds of parks, restaurants, hotels, bars, and even shopping malls welcoming furry travelers.

Flying into Jacksonville

Jacksonville International Airport has two designated bathroom areas for jet-setting dogs. A pet and service animal relief area, which is located inside the terminal past security, includes a mock front porch area with seating, a hand-washing sink, pickup bag dispenser and waste receptacles. The space has dedicated air handling equipment to keep it odor free. A second pet relief area is located outside baggage claim on the south side of the terminal.

Where to "Beach" with Your Dog in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is home to 22 miles of white-sandy and relaxing beaches where you and your furry companion can play in the sand, swim in the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy the salt life.

  • Atlantic Beach: Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach during the day and evening.
  • Jacksonville Beach: Dogs are allowed on the beach at any hour from October 1 through March 31. Dogs are not permitted on the beach between 9 am and 5 pm, 7 days a week, from April 1 through September 30. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
  • Neptune Beach: Dogs are allowed on the beach at any hour from October 1 through March 31. Dogs are not permitted on the beach between 9 am and 5 pm, 7 days a week, from April 1 through September 30. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
  • Mayport Beach: Dogs are welcome on a leash all day until dusk.
  • Hanna Park: Pets are allowed in all outdoor areas of park, however they must be properly restrained and picked up after. No pets are permitted in Dolphin Plaza, shelters or cabins.

Jax Best Pet-Friendly Winners:

JaxBest is a voter-centric guide to all of the local things that make our city unique. Check out the most recent winners for our dog friendly categories.

Best Dog Park:
1. BrewHound Dog Park + Bar
2. Ed Austin Park

Best Pet Boarding/Daycare:
1. Fresh Prints Pet Resort and Day Lodge
2. Coastal Veterinary Hospital and Pet Resort
3. Luba’s Pet Studio


Check out a four legged review of JACKSONVILLE FROM ROSWELL WEENIE'S RECENT TRIP
@visit_jax Check out our Dog Friendly Travel Guide for more places to visit with your pup! #onlyinjax #fyp #dog #SmellLikeIrishSpring ♬ Hello Gentle Breeze - Official Sound Studio

Visit our Neighborhoods

Riverside Avondale

  • Riverside Arts Market is perfect for dog lovers. They have several vendors with natural and organic dog treats and a place to walk your dog on the paved RiverWalk. They also host special dog-themed events throughout the year.
  • River & Post is a great local option near the market with a patio for you to dine with your pet.
  • Riverside Park and Memorial Park are just feet from RAM. Riverside Park has an off-leash dog park.
  • Walk the RiverWalk, visit Five Points, Kanine Social-a craft beer/coffee bar and doggy park and daycare all in one. Bark on Park Boutique has treats, clothing and a park for dogs. Check out Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming and Dirty Dogs for any grooming needs.

Restaurants with outdoor patio seating:

  • Cool Moose Café - coffee shop serving traditional and unique homemade breakfast favorites.
  • Bold Bean Coffee Roasters – locally roasted coffee with a variety of light breakfast options.
  • Southern Grounds – hip coffee/tea joint with great eats and outdoor seating, one of 3 locations around Jacksonville (Neptune Beach, San Marco, Avondale).
  • Carolina Jax - known for their Angus smash burgers, the brand is continuously labeled the best burger in Northeast Florida.
  • Biscottis - a small bistro style restaurant specializing in eclectic American cuisine infused with Southern charm and some of the best desserts in Jacksonville.
  • Mojo No. 4 - a premier barbecue, southern food, and craft cocktail destination

Beaches/Mayport

  • Atlantic Beach: Dogs are welcomed on a leash all day until dusk.
  • Jacksonville Beach: Dogs are welcome at the beach with a leash before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
  • Neptune Beach: Dogs are welcome at the beach with a leash before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
  • Mayport Beach: Dogs are welcomed on a leash all day until dusk.
  • Hanna Park: Dogs are welcomed on a leash all day until dusk.
  • BrewHound Dog Park + Bar in Neptune Beach lets you have a craft beer with your best bud. This beautiful dog park has a pretty cool bar, making it the best spot to enjoy social time with your furry friend and some humans too.
  • Cradle Creek Preserve
  • Island Dog Pet Spa
  • Rent a kayak from Adventure Kayak and take your pup out on the water.

Restaurants with outdoor patio seating:

  • Flying Iguana - taqueria & tequila bar.
  • The Local - a little bit of everything with a great outdoor patio and drink menu.
  • Poe’s Tavern – Edgar Allen Poe themed décor with burgers and pub fare.
  • Sago Coffee - coffee shop with modern atmosphere serving craft coffee & breakfast.
  • Southern Grounds – hip coffee/tea joint with great eats, one of multiple locations around Jacksonville.
  • European Street Café - family-owned restaurant providing award-winning food, beer selection and service since 1980. Four locations throughout Jacksonville.
  • Maple Street Biscuit Company – restaurant founded in Jacksonville and serving biscuit sandwiches & Southern sides. Multiple locations throughout Jax.
  • Beach Diner – Atlantic Beach – offering breakfast and lunch favorites home cooked and made fresh every day.
  • Cantina Louie – Atlantic Beach - wide selection of a la carte tacos, unique burritos, fresh salads, specialty cocktails, and a diverse selection of Mexican Street Food.\
  • Culhane’s Irish Pub – Atlantic Beach - modern sports pub that specializes in "comfort food with an attitude."
  • ABBQ - authentic Texas-style BBQ restaurant, smoking only prime brisket and duroc pork to perfection.
  • Dockside Seafood Restaurant - relaxed spot with great seafood options overlooking the water.
  • Salt Life Food Shack - Did you know the Salt Life brand was founded in Jacksonville Beach? Enjoy this surf themed restaurant.
  • Hoptinger Bier Garden - hip pub with sausage sandwiches & other Bavarian-inspired pub grub, plus lots of craft beers on tap. There is a second location in the Riverside neighborhood.
  • Angies Subs/ Angies Grom - popular counter-service sandwich shop and diner. Dine on the patio or order to go to enjoy at a park or on the beach.
  • TacoLu’s - local favorite for tacos and tequila.
  • Engine 15 - part of the Jax Ale Trail. Serving locally made beer and bar food.

Arlington

Downtown

Mandarin

Northside

San Marco

Springfield

Southside

Westside