If your dog friend typically travels with you wherever you go, you’ll be delighted to know that Destin and Miramar Beach have a lot to offer in terms of dog-friendly access and activities. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make your Destin getaway as dog-friendly as possible.
Dog-friendly Activities
The Miramar Beach area offers several dog-friendly nature areas and trails where tourists can bring their pets. While Miramar Beach itself is reserved for resident dogs with a permit, there are several great options for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Emerald Coast alongside their dog.
Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park is an expansive nature preserve with a beautiful beach backed by sand dunes and a nature trail winding through the coastal scrub habitat. While dogs are not allowed on the beach, they are allowed to walk along the trails, where you can both stretch your legs under the shade of the tree canopy while enjoying the gorgeous views.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
South of Miramar Beach is Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, where over 15 miles of hiking trails wind through an environment of dunes, palmettos and pine trees. This park is great for bird watching, observing the unique dune lakes and learning about the history of turpentine and WWII rocket development in the area. Leashed dogs are allowed throughout the park on trails, but are not allowed onto the beach or the dunes.
Dog Parks
If your dog loves to play in the water, there are a few great options in the area. In Miramar Beach, Haugen Park is a small dog-friendly park with beautiful views and water access. A short drive will bring you to Liza Jackson Dog Park, a peaceful bayside park with a fenced-in area and a dedicated dog beach where pups can swim, as well as a fishing pier, a playground and picnic areas for the humans in your group. And if your dog just needs to burn off a bit of energy or socialize with other dogs, head to the Destin Dog Park, a 3-acre green space with shade and water stations.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
If you are hoping for a beach day alongside your dog, the Dog Beach at Pier Park is a Gulfside beach in Panama City where leashed dogs are welcome without a permit. There are also dog-friendly tour operators in Miramar Beach that allow dogs to accompany their humans. You could rent a pontoon boat for an afternoon, or embark on a cruise to Crab Island, where dogs are welcome to join the party.
Dog-friendly Shops and Restaurants
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a dog-friendly shopping and entertainment complex on the bay side of Miramar Beach. This outdoor complex offers boutiques, restaurants with dog-friendly outdoor seating, and a concert venue that provides free live music in summer and fall. There are events hosted here throughout the year where pets are welcome to join, including the Sandestin Gumbo Festival and Mardi Gras festivities.
Dogs are also welcome to walk around exploring the sights, sounds and smells of Destin Harbor Boardwalk, a bustling waterfront area with a diverse range of dining and activities. There are souvenir shops, dining options and live performances taking place throughout the day. There are also an array of water excursions that can be booked directly from the harbor, including some pet-friendly options.
A number of restaurants in Miramar Beach offer dog-friendly outdoor seating. The beachside Pompano Joe’s is a well-known favorite for Caribbean-style seafood and tropical cocktails, and dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio. The dog-friendly outdoor deck at The Crab Trap provides beautiful Gulf views alongside classic seafood dishes. The outdoor patio at Marina Bar & Grill offers pub fare and great waterfront views, with plenty of shaded seating. Boshamp’s Seafood and Oyster House is a casual spot serving up Southern-style seafood, with a dog-friendly outdoor seating area and a small beach area where dogs can lounge on the sand with their owners.
Miramar Beach Pet Care Services
If you are in need of extra dog food, supplies, or treats, head to Pet Supplies Plus or PetSmart to stock up. The Doggy Bag pet store also carries pet supplies, as well as a full-service bakery offering special doggy treats.
If you are embarking on an activity where dogs are not allowed, there are a couple doggy daycare providers in the Miramar Beach area who can ensure your dog has a fun day too. What’s Up Dog offers a variety of daycare packages, as well as grooming services and pet supplies. Goochie Poochie Doggy Spa offers full-day grooming packages so you can enjoy a beach day while your dog gets a spa treatment.
For any health needs your dog may have during your trip, the top-rated Barry Veterinary Clinic offers comprehensive appointments and urgent care in Miramar Beach. Nearby Destin Animal Clinic and Banfield Pet Hospital also offer high-quality care.
Destin and Miramar Beach are a beautiful destination with so much to offer to visitors who want to enjoy the Emerald Coast and bring their dog along. Staying in a vacation rental ensures your dog has the space to be comfortable, and some rentals even have easy access to pet-friendly amenities like fenced yards or private patios. Book your pet-friendly Miramar Beach vacation rental through Beach Bums, and make your beloved companion part of your Florida adventure!
