OUR 5 FAVORITE THINGS
to Do with Your Dog in Jacksonville
Whether you're a local looking for fun things to do with your dog or if you're visiting the area for the first time, we've included a list of our favorite things to do with our puppers in the area.
Let us know what you think or if you have any great areas you think we should add to this list!
🌅Experience a Sunrise Beach Walk with Your 🐾 Bestie
We have the most dog friendly beaches of all of Florida. Okay, I may be a little biased but from Atlantic Beach down to Ponte Vedra Beach, all our beaches allow dogs year-round. (So that's Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach.) If you go for a sunrise walk on the beach, parking is free. (You don't have to pay until 10 am.)
In Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach, there are no seasonal hour restrictions for walking your dog on the beach. In Jacksonville Beach, dogs are only permitted on the beach before 9 am or after 5 pm from April 1 through September 30.
At ALL beaches, dogs are required to be on leash and owners must pick up after their pups.
Our favorite early morning beach access is in Neptune Beach right by the Lemon Bar on Lemon Street.
☕Savor a Post Sunrise Coffee
So, right around the corner from the Lemon Street entrance to Neptune Beach is a favorite coffee spot for us and our doggos.
Southern Grounds is a local coffee house with not only terrific espresso drinks and drip coffee but also a great menu for hungry beach walkers. (Address: 200 1st Street, Neptune Beach)
And they are pet friendly! Southern Grounds has a large outdoor patio with umbrellas and fresh ocean breezes year-round. You'll find may morning dog walkers drop by for coffee and a chat here.
🌳Take a Walk on Award-winning Natural Trails
The beauty of the Jacksonville Arboretum is that there's a walk for everyone. With miles of well manicured and marked trails, you and your dog can pick short or long adventures.
Prefer paved paths? There's a beautiful loop that goes around the arboretum.
Best part? The Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is dog friendly. (Dogs must be leashed.)
Daily passes are $3 but you're going to love this place so much that you'll want an annual membership ($40).
🐕Play at the Greatest Private Dog Parks Ever
Picture this... Your dog having the greatest time in a fabulous private play park where all dogs are vaccinated and closely monitored by park pawtrol peacekeepers for safe and fun play
AND... Owners have access to delicious espresso drinks and later, adult beverages with activities, events and frequent visits by food trucks on weekends.
Our two favorite private dog parks are BREWHOUND DOG PARK + BAR in Neptune Beach and KANINE SOCIAL in Jacksonville.
A day pass at Brewhound is $10+ tax and Kanine Social is $10 /weekday and $15/weekend.
🦴Treat Your Dog to Something Yummy
Whether your pup is a "selective" eater of treats or if they love everything they are offered, we have some great options for freshly baked treats!
BARKIN' BISCUITS Using locally sourced ingredients to craft their all-natural dog treats, Barkin' Biscuits is a culinary micro-enterprise and vocational training program for young adults with intellectual and developmental differences in the North Florida School of Special Education Transition and Postgraduate programs. And did we mention their biscuits are yummmmy?
STEPH'S PET PASTRIES A local favorite based in Atlantic Beach, FL. Steph makes her dog treats with no preservatives, no added sugars, no harmful food coloring, organic ingredients using fresh fruits and vegetables.
WOOF GANG Bakery has three locations in the Jacksonville area. Yes, it's a chain but it's a really good one.