Fort De Soto Dog Park / Beach - St. Petersburg, FL
Fort De Soto Dog Park / Beach – The Premier Dog Beach in St. Petersburg, Florida
If you’re searching for an exceptional dog park in St. Petersburg, Florida, look no further than Fort De Soto Dog Park / Beach. This pet-friendly haven offers a pristine, off-leash dog beach just steps from the Gulf, making it a unique destination for both you and your furry friends. With plenty of shaded, fenced areas for dogs to play and direct beach access, your pets can swim, run, and socialize in a safe and beautiful setting. Visitors highlight the clear swimming water, relaxing atmosphere, and scenic picnic spaces with barbecue grills and tables—perfect for a full-day outing with both canine companions and family.
Fort De Soto not only provides a large fenced area with shade and seating but also features running water (bring your own bowls), public restrooms, accessible parking, and miles of pet-friendly trails ideal for hiking and exercise. Wheelchair accessibility makes this dog beach welcoming to everyone. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, Fort De Soto Dog Park is the go-to spot for dog-friendly hiking, beach fun, and memorable outdoor adventures in St. Petersburg, FL.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in the designated beach and fenced park areas.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, there is a large, fenced dog area near the beach.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? There is running water available for dogs. Bring your own doggie bowl.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there are plenty of shaded areas for dogs and owners.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? Sometimes, but it’s best to bring your own as they may run out.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there is seating available in the shaded areas.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms are available nearby.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, both the entrance and parking are wheelchair accessible.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, picnic tables and barbecue grills are available for use.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is easy, accessible parking next to the dog park and beach.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are pet-friendly trails for hiking and walking your dog.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, dogs are welcome to swim in the ocean at the designated beach area.
Reviews
This is the best dog beach we have visited! Great place for Corgi friends to meet up and spend a day playing in the sand and swimming! We will definitely continue to visit again as we vacation from Wyoming each year!
Fort De Soto Dog Beach is our must-stop spot!
Every time we visit the Bradenton area, we make sure to come here. I have two Maltese pups and they absolutely love it! The people are friendly, the dogs are great, and the whole vibe is just so relaxing and fun. It’s the perfect mix of beach time and bonding with my girls. Plus, parking is super easy. Always a great experience!
This beach is the closest off-leash beach to us (40 mins) and it has such beautiful, clear water to swim in! Weekdays are super easy to find parking, they have bathrooms and it’s NULL to park. Our giant dog had a blast, and found so many friends to play with!! Highly recommend this spot 🫶🏻
Nice beach to take the dogs to on the calm side of fort to Soto lots of room for the dogs to run. They do have signs that say no dogs along or past this point, but the space is pretty good. Nice sand nice small ways for the dogs to run and play and jump in the water and have a great day with their family. Nice walk to get the dogs exercise. Just be careful with people and certain dogs that are not trained. We had one bad incense. So that’s why I give four stars five stars if I didn’t get bit.
I want to live here! It is LITERALLY the most beautiful beach; closest to my house. Dog beach is pristine. It’s a little piece of heaven; words cannot express my love for this beach. AND the dog park. It is absolutely amazing to have a fenced in, huge, shaded, area about 300 feet from the ocean. Running water provided at the park. Not for shampoo dog baths; just for drinking. I saw some people actually use soap to clean off their dog, which is not allowed. And one very important factor- BYOB- bring your own doggie bowls. Luckily, I had a foldable one on the leash otherwise we would have been sol. You may want to bring some potty bags with you because the last time we went the complementary rolls were completely empty. Other than that, you are good to go. Peaceful, tranquil, plenty of trails to walk the kids with lots of shade. I would be there EVERY DAY if it wasn’t an 80 minute drive. It is ALWAYS a perfect day when we go there!!! (Also, NULL to park for the WHOLE day; not per hour.)