As a dog owner who loves traveling to Florida, I’ve spent years searching for the perfect beach vacation where my dog could enjoy the trip as much as I do. Eventually, I discovered one of the best hidden gems on Florida’s Gulf Coast: Cape San Blas, located near Port St. Joe.
This quiet coastal area offers something rare: beautiful oceanfront homes, peaceful beaches, and a welcoming atmosphere for travelers with dogs.
Cape San Blas is one of the few dog friendly beaches in Florida. The beach is generally safe but here are a few tips to make sure your experience is both safe and fun:
Keep all dogs on a leash. A great way to do this while letting your dog sniff, run, exercise, and explore is by using a long line. We recommend at least a 15 foot long line made of leather or biothane, both of which can withstand elements such as heat, sand, and saltwater. Make sure to rinse the metal clips and keep the long line inside after using to prevent the salt from rusting the metal.
Make sure to bring waste baggies to pick up after your dog. There are several areas along the beach to dispose of waste including one that provides extra poop bags but it's best to come prepared.
Be mindful of creatures that may be living in the sand or may have washed up on to the shore. Doing a quick scan of the area ahead is usually an easy way to keep your dog safe.
Bring fresh water for your dog especially if you plan on spending an extended period of time on the beach.
Try to prevent your dog from drinking the saltwater as excessive quantities can be harmful.
If you're planning to spend the day on the beach with your dog, make sure to remember the essentials such as: plenty of fresh water, a cooler, something for shade, towels, and something to safely anchor the leash when you're not actively holding the leash or monitoring your dog.
Lastly, please respect and avoid the sea turtle nests at all costs.
We created Two Palms with dogs in mind. Two Palms is a pet friendly oceanfront property with specific features to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for families and their pets.
Not only are you steps away from the beach but the main outdoor deck has three latching gates to keep your dog contained while relaxing on the deck. You can sunbathe, grill, eat, read, relax, etc., with peace of mind knowing your dog can safely roam around on the deck (just make sure those gates are latched). One gate leads directly to the beach boardwalk while the other two take you to the main level giving you convenient and sand free options for potty breaks. We recommend a flashlight or headlamp for potty breaks when it's dark outside. There is also a main stairway leading directly to a patch of grass for quick potty breaks.
In addition to the main deck, there is a screened in upper deck that can provide shade and additional options to safely keep your dog with you without needing a leash or worrying about your dog wandering away.
Two Palms also features a screened in patio off of the primary bedroom and a deck off of the main floor for additional outdoor options to spend some safe and worry-free quality time with your dog.
After your beach walk or beach excursion, an outdoor area with a shower head is conveniently located just off of the board walk before the gated deck if you need tquickly rinse the sand off of you, your dog, and your kids before entering the gated outdoor deck. No need to worry about sandy paws!
Lastly, there is a private outdoor shower if you need to fully bathe your dog at any time making it easy and convenient to give your dog a full grooming session.
We know how hard it can be to find a pet friendly beach vacation rental, especially one right on the beach. Knowing how much we love our dog, our wish was to create a family friendly and dog friendly home away from home that not only welcomes dogs but also caters to your dog's safety and wellness.
Cape San Blas is truly one of the best places to travel and adventure with your dog. The wide, uncrowded beaches make it easy and fun to take a morning or sunset beach stroll with your dog. Unlike other dog friendly beaches, you can experience long stretches of sand without worrying about tons of people.
Aside from the dog friendly beaches, you can also visit additional dog friendly areas such as Salinas Park (located near Indian Pass) where you and your dog can enjoy the scenic walking trails and explore the open spaces with tons of areas to sniff. Need a break? Salinas Park also has picnic tables if you want to sit and relax or have a quick snack.
If you're in the mood for a leisurely hike with your pup, St. Joseph Peninsula Park offers nature trails that take you through the marshes sand dunes. If you love to kayak, this is also a favorite spot for people to kayak and bird watch with their dogs. As always, just be sure to keep your dog on a leash.
Not only are the beautiful white sand beaches dog friendly but there are several dog friendly restaurants throughout Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas. You will often find dog water bowls lining the streets with outdoor tables and seating options to accommodate your dog. Some of our favorite spots include:
Joe Mama's-Featuring Pizzas and artisan meats and cheeses with outdoor seating for dogs
Krazyfish Grille-funky seafood with additional options and live music
Provisions-Contemporary bar and eatery
Keeper's- Features a covered patio overlooking the marina
Hunt's Oyster Bar and Seafood-Overlooks St. Joe Bay with an elevated deck
Make sure to arrive extra early to avoid long wait times and to secure outdoor seating.
If you’re searching for the perfect Florida beach rental with your dog, Two Palms is the perfect gem but here are some general helpful tips that can save you time and frustration:
1. Use the right search keywords
When searching online, use phrases like:
"pet friendly oceanfront vacation rental Florida"
"dog friendly beachfront rental Florida"
"Cape San Blas pet friendly beach house"
"Port St Joe oceanfront rental pets allowed"
These keywords help surface listings that truly match what you’re looking for.
2. Filter for pet-friendly listings
On platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo, make sure to enable the “pets allowed” filter.
However, always double-check the listing details for:
number of pets allowed
size restrictions
additional pet fees
3. Confirm the property is actually oceanfront
Look for listings that clearly state:
"Oceanfront"
"Gulf front"
"Direct beach access"
Photos showing the home directly on the sand are usually a good sign.
4. Check beach rules before booking
Different Florida counties have different rules about dogs on beaches.
Before booking, make sure the beach nearby allows dogs so your pet can enjoy the trip too.
Traveling with your dog to Cape San Blas can be fabulous but it's important to remember the essentials such as medications, food, treats, leashes, long lines, poop bags, water bowls, food bowls, toys, towels, and your flea, tick, and heart worm prevention of choice.
Many white or light colored dogs can experience sunburn so a dog safe sunscreen or a dog sun shirt/jacket is recommended to avoid a sunburn.
Be mindful of the signs of heat exhaustion in dogs and give your dog plenty of breaks in the shade or inside and provide ample access to water.
If your dog experiences anxiety with thunderstorms, please plan accordingly for that.
If your dog is more comfortable with a dog bed or a crate, Two Palms has plenty of room for both. We want your dog to feel at home.
If you plan on bathing your dog in the outdoor shower options, please remember to bring shampoo/conditioner.
Be sure to search for local veterinarians as well as Emergency Veterinarians so you can be prepared in case of an emergency.
For a local veterinarian, we recommend Port St. Joe Animal Hospital. In case of an emergency, it is also helpful to have your dog's medical records downloaded.
We have made some of the best memories with our dogs at Two Palms and we hope your stay is just as memorable, enjoyable, and comfortable as it has been for our family.
