Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Beach

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park's name might be a bit of a mouthful, but don't let that put you off visiting this pawsome, dog-friendly location. Commonly referred to as Hanna Park, this 450-acre park is packed with activities and attractions that you and your dog can explore together.

The biggest highlight of the park is the 1.5-mile stretch of sand where dogs are more than welcome to walk, run, sniff, play, and get wet to their heart's content. Abbey Park is an on-leash park, so your pet will need to be on a leash no longer than eight feet at all times, even in the water.

Found just to the north of Atlantic Beach, Abbey Park's beautiful beach is wide and spacious. It's also relatively quiet, so you and your pet can escape the crowds and enjoy some quality time together. The park is even home to one of Jacksonville's best surfing spots, The Poles, which is well worth a look if you want to sit back and watch local surfers tackling the Atlantic Ocean swells.

Once you're done exploring the beach, you and your dog can then set off to investigate the 20 miles of hiking trails, a 60-acre freshwater lake open to a host of water sports, picnic areas and facilities for cookouts. Throw in a great kids' playground, splash park and zip line, and you've got a park that offers plenty of fun for the whole family.

Access to the park is $5 for cars of up to six people, or $3 per pedestrian or biker. If you're an early riser, early bird entry to the park is available between 6 AM and 8 AM for early bird ticket holders and annual pass holders, which need to be purchased prior to coming to the park. Early bird tickets can be purchased in sets of $50, while annual passes run $99.

Always be sure to have clean-up bags on hand to pick up after your pup, and water to share with your thirsty doggo.

For a furbulous afternoon in the sun and sand, bring your pup to the Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Beach!