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Salty Dogs Invited

Tribune photo by JAY CONNER

Sandy Landon and "Tucker" enjoy the dog beach at Honeymoon Island State Park. Tucker is retrieving a ball thrown into the water.

By KAREN HAYMON LONG

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 16, 2008

Pet-Friendly Places

Use our maps for places to enjoy time with your pet.

Nearly 30 million Americans travel with pets, so it's no wonder dog beaches are popular.

Florida, naturally, has its share of watery pet playgrounds, some with picnic shelters, doggie showers and nearby pet-friendly beachside bars.

Here's a look at four; one in each part of the state:

NORTH

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Jacksonville

Where: 500 Wonderwood Drive

The scoop: Dogs on leashes are allowed on 11/2 miles of beach in this Atlantic-front park. There are a few rules: Only two dogs per person are allowed, and owners must pick up after their pets.

The park encompasses nearly 500 acres and has almost 300 campsites, a general store, cabins, a concession stand, 15 miles of bike trails, a wedding/banquet facility, picnic shelters, a playground and grills.

Open: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April through October and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. November through March

Information: (904) 249-4700; www.jaxparks.com

SOUTH

Dog Beach, Key West

Where: Vernon and Waddell avenues, next to Louie's Backyard, a popular restaurant.

The scoop: Only about 20 feet long, but THE best beach in Key West, thanks to its white-sand bottom, according to Philip Tenney, an owner of Louie's Backyard.

"We like to say, 'They gave the best beach to the dogs,'" he jokes.

Dogs on leashes are also welcome at the restaurant's outdoor bar, Afterdeck, during daylight hours.

The beach has no bathhouses.

Open: 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily

Information: 1-800-352-5397; www.fla-keys.com; www.louiesbackyard.com

EAST

Lighthouse Point Park, near Port Orange

Where: 5000 Robert Merrill Parkway (State Road A1A), Ponce Inlet

The scoop: This park on the north side of Ponce Inlet has 52 acres, nature trails, an observation tower and picnic tables. Besides, swimming, fishing and playing with their pets on the beach, visitors may spot some of the park's resident skunks, armadillos, raccoons and shorebirds.

Open: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Contact: (386) 756-7488; www.volusia.org/parks/front.htm

WEST

Pet Beach, Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin

Where: Far west end of Curlew Road/Causeway Boulevard, past the Dunedin causeway bridge

The scoop: This quarter-mile-long beach allows dogs and other domestic pets, but they must be on a leash, even in the water.

This nationally ranked park also features bathhouses, nature trails, a nature center, showers, umbrella and pavilion rentals, and a snack bar. A ferry leaves from the park on multiple daily cruises to Caladesi Island State Park.

Open: 8 a.m. to sunset daily

Contact: (727) 469-5942; www.floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland

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