Dog walking in Jacksonville

Mayport

Where the river meets the sea there are some barking good times to be had. The Kathryn Abby Hame Park and Beach offers over 450 acres of outdoor wonderfulness just waiting to be discovered by you and your four-legged companion. The grounds are great for camping and hiking, while the ocean, freshwater lake, and water park offer great ways for both dogs and humans to cool off. Leashes are needed everywhere but the fenced-in dog park, and must be 8 feet in length or less. Day passes come in at $5, so a visit to Kathryn Abby Hame Park and Beach is not going to break the bank. If you'd like to travel across the river, both pups and their people are invited on the St. John's River Ferry, which offers both drive-on or walk-on entry. Canines who board in cars must stay inside their vehicles, while pedestrian pooches can stay in the back of the boat.

Baymeadows

Hounds in Baymeadows are pretty spoiled, because they have two awesome dog parks nearby! The Dogwood Dog Park has everything your pup could ever dream of, including ponds, fields, forests and a lake. Test your dog's skills on the full agility course, or clean your pooch up at the dog shower. The area is staffed so it is always maintained and memberships are not outrageously priced. In addition to all of this, they also feature a small dog area, a lighted field open until 10 pm, a rentable section, and a kids playground! If you're looking more for something small and free, the St. John's Town Center Dog Park in front of Dick's Sporting Goods has you covered. The area is fully fenced in and has lots of sand for digging. Keep in mind that this spot is strictly BYO-Bags and you'll need to supply your own water and bowl as well.

Five Points

There aren't many places that are more dog-friendly than Five Points in Jacksonville.  If you are looking for a day filled with barktastic fun, head on down to this riverside heart of the community. You can pick up all of your doggy goods at the Bark Boutique, a self dubbed “urban dog retreat” with a doggy salon and a shop filled with specialized canine accoutrements. From pup apparel to baked goods for dogs, you can find it all at this glamorous pet store. The Riverside Market and Unity Plaza offer on-leash fun, with amphitheaters, dog-friendly restaurants and even vendors with bowls of water for all of their four legged patrons. There is no better way to spend a nice day than listening to live tunes with your pooch at the Five Points river shore.

Atlantic Beach

Wagging tails are better at the beach. Atlantic Beach has some great spots for fun in the sun with your dog. Dogs are allowed all day and into the evening at the main beach area as long as they are leashed. If you head into the ocean for a swim with your canine compadre, you are allowed to ditch the leash until you're back on dry land. If you're looking for total pup freedom, head over to the Atlantic Beach Dog Park. For $50 a year, your dog can have access to sandy fun and clean swimming in an aerated lake. This park is open 24 hours a day, to fit the schedules of all different woofers. Neptune Beach becomes dog friendly as the sun drops, with on-leash visits allowed between 5pm and 9am. The next time you're looking for a way to spend the day (or night) with your dog, check out Atlantic Beach because there's nothing quite like catching a Florida sunset with man's best friend.

Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville Beach has some great spots to take your pup to. Not far from the ocean lies Paws Park at Wingate Park. This off leash dog park is home to good times for both tiny puppers and big barkers. A membership is needed to enter Paws Park, but it gives you access to amenities like onsite restrooms and automatic water bowls. The park is accessible for those in wheelchairs and supplies poop bags and waste bins. Dogs can take a dip in the large pond located in the middle of the grounds. If you’re looking to get some time in the sand, Jacksonville Beach allows four-legged guests from 5pm to 9am each day. As long as your dog stays on leash and you are a tidy visitor, you and your pooch will be welcome in the sand and the sea of this beach.