Florida’s Historic Coast Rates Two Paws Up for Pet Friendly Travel

Where else can you take your dog along for a guided tour of a museum, on a scenic ocean cruise, or a historic walking tour created just for pups and their people? Special pet accommodations allow for dogs to enjoy local attractions, museums, beaches, outdoor dining and plenty of dog parks.

St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches have approximately 50 pet friendly accommodations ranging in price points and variety - from hotels, to bed and breakfast inns and beach resorts. Feel secure that you won’t lose your curious friend at Beacher’s Lodge, where they will provide you with a dog tag with the hotel’s information pointing your pup back in the right direction.

Unlike other destinations, you do not have to leave your dog at the resort when you go out for fun. Leashed dogs are welcome in several area attractions including the world famous Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. Meet an icon at the Potter’s Wax Museum or immersive yourself in the rich history of St. Augustine as you journey through the two-acre Colonial Quarter Museum and the visit the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse for a lesson in 18th century education, which hands out a doggie treat for A+ pups.

Pets can tour the city by water or carriage. Well behaved pets are welcome to sail the seas of St. Augustine on the Schooner Freedom and St. Augustine Scenic Cruise and explore the beautiful city from a different angle aboard a horse drawn carriage. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum welcomes pets in its popular museum and on their Red Train Tour to explore the city with more than 20 hop-on and hop-off stops on the route. Hold your companion close as you face your fears on a Ghost Tour for a paranormal experience!

Your pet will find refreshing water bowls outside shops in St. Augustine’s historic district. Florida’s Historic Coast has convenient outdoor seating at many restaurants in the heart of the city and beachside, welcoming pets. Some restaurants serve up doggie treats alongside fresh water bowls including Old City House, Meehan’s, and La Herencia.

Well-behaved, leashed dogs may visit all St. Johns County Beaches, as long as their owners clean up after them. Anastasia Island State Park allows leashed dogs in the campground, but not on the beach

Providing Every Pet Need for day camp, boarding, grooming and spa treatments, training, pet supplies and even veterinarian services, there are plenty of trusted businesses designed to take care of all your dog’s needs. After a day at the beach, grooming will wash away the sand with a relaxing spa treatment. There are several local groomers.

PetSmart provides grooming services, veterinarian, training, and pet supplies

1779 US Highway 1 S, St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-495-0785

PetCo provides grooming services, training and pet supplies

430 Cbl Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32086
904-824-8520​

Dog Town USA, provides grooming, daycare and boarding

6988 U.S. 1 #301, St. Augustine, FL 32095
904-347-2363

Pet Paradise provides boarding

125 Ponce Harbor Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32086
904-797-9770

Society Pet Spa provides grooming and training

1665 Old Moultrie Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-824-8895

These businesses will help you bring home a better behaved dog. These pet camps provide training for various skills such as accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting and grooming, going out for a walk (on a loose leash), walking through a crowd and commands such as “sit,” “down” and “stay” coming when called, reaction to another dog, reaction to distractions and supervised separation.

Florida’s Historic coast is also home to over 10 veterinary hospitals and animal clinics if an accident should occur.

Parks for Man’s Best Friend Paws Park in Treaty Park is a leash free playground with drinking fountains, fire hydrants, and plenty of open space to enjoy playing catch. Located at 1595 Wildwood Drive in St. Augustine.

Davis Park includes two large fenced in areas with a pond and obstacles for play. Located at 210 Davis Park Road in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Veterans Park is a 3 acre playground divided to separate large dogs from small ones, drinking fountains, picnic shelter, and plenty of open space. Located at 1332 Veterans Parkway in St. Johns.

Paws Dog Park at Ron Parker Park is an off-leash, fenced-in park allowing for plenty of running space. Located at 607 Old Beach Rd in St. Augustine.

Pet friendly Deleon Shores Park is located at 82 Dolphin Blvd E in Ponte Vedra Beach.

The pet friendly travel experts at BringFido.com rate Vilano Beach five bones! Vilano beach is a clean, pet-friendly beach lined with pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals.

For a full list of pet friendly hotels and attractions on Florida’s Historic Coast visit www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com and when making lodging reservations, be sure to ask for a pet-friendly room.

Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. For more information on events, activities, holiday getaways and vacation opportunities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com, become a fan on Facebook or call 1.800.653.2489.

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