Dog Friendly Beaches Florida

Brohard Beach: Dog Beach and Paws Park

When it comes to dog friendly beaches Florida's Gulf coast has one of the best dog friendly Florida beaches of all, Brohard Beach and Paws Park, in Venice, Florida, on the island.

Let me just write this: If Disney World is the happiest place on earth for humans, then Brohard Beach and Paws Park must be the happiest place on earth for dogs.

Once you visit, with or even without a pet, I think you'll agree with that sentiment.

These dogs are truly happy when they are on the beach and in the water.

I think they are even happier than the people on the beach who bring them, although that would be a tough trick because you won't find any frowns at Dog Beach, only smiles on the faces of children, adults and even dogs!

Dog Friendly Beaches Florida

Yes, you can see the smiles on their faces and feel their joy in their freedom as they zip down the shoreline, jumping in and out of the water.

Dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes come to Brohard Beach and Paws Park with their "moms and dads." Our dog friendly Florida beaches here on the Suncoast must be doggy heaven for man's best friend!

Brohard Beach is the only dog friendly beach in the immediate Suncoast area.

While there is a restricted area of Brohard Beach for our furry friends they are welcome to swim, frolic and play in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico all they want.

The Beach complex area also has a Paws Park for you to bring your best friend to. It's an enclosed, gated in area, with even a special area set aside strictly for smaller dogs.

Dog Friendly Beaches Florida

There are also picnic areas within Paws Park.

It's very nicely done and all the dogs seemed to be comfortable amongst the other dogs and new people that they met.

All the dogs I encountered were friendly, having fun and, it seemed, pleased to meet me!

I felt very comfortable and safe within the friendly confines of Paws Park.

After experiencing Paws Park you can then walk your dog down a pathway to the boardwalk that leads down to the beach area and water.

Finding yourself and your little friend a spot on the beach shouldn't be a challenge, after all, Brohard Beach is comprised of about 4,800 feet of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, just south of the famous Venice fishing pier.

In fact you'll have a beautiful and picturesque view of the fishing pier, off in the distance to the north, from anywhere on this beach, one of the most famous of Florida dog friendly beaches.

The beach, dunes and sea grass areas of Brohard Beach cover about 84 acres.

So whether or not you bring a furry friend along there is still plenty of room to stretch out and watch the dogs of others' frolicking through the sand and dog-paddling it in the Gulf of Mexico, while you simply kick back and enjoy the sights, sounds and beauty of the Gulf of Mexico.

You can picnic, fish and swim here but there are no lifeguards. There is limited parking right at Brohard Beach, but there are other nearby areas to park if you don't mind a short walk. There are no restrooms at the beach but there are some nearby at the pier.

Dog Friendly Beaches Florida

Directions: From Sarasota take Rt. 41 south into downtown Venice. Turn right onto Venice Avenue. In a few blocks you'll come to Harbor Drive. Turn left onto Harbor Drive and follow until just south of the Venice Fishing Pier. The entrance to Brohard Beach and Paws Park will be on the right.

Hours: 7 a.m. to sunset.

Related: Other Paws Parks of Sarasota include: 17th Street Park and Paw Park, 4570-4730 17th St., Sarasota, Lakeview Paw Park, 7150 Lago St., Sarasota, Woodmere Paw Park, Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice.

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