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Pet-Friendly Activities Near Destin 

Your Pup Can Join Your Vacation Fun in Destin, Miramar Beach, and 30A

Your four-legged pal is always up for any adventure, so of course he should get to come on vacation with you. Lucky for you (and the doggo), Destin, Miramar Beach, 30A, and many other beach towns on the Emerald Coast offer plenty of dog-friendly activities for you to enjoy together. As locals of the area, we know all the best places to go for some quality time with your BFF. Plus, our pet-friendly rentals give you a comfortable place to stay with your pup, so your vacation can feel just like home. Be sure to check out some of these pet-friendly activities during your stay  on the Emerald Coast!

Things to Do with Your Dog in Destin

Take a Dog-Friendly Cruise on the Water 

Want to get out on the water, but not fully confident in your captaining abilities? No worries –  there are several boat rental options in the Destin area that provide your own private captain. And pups are welcome on many of these tours! Pack a cooler of drinks and snacks and be prepared for a memorable day on the water. Your family and pup will see many of the popular spots around the area, like Crab Island, a submerged sandbar where you can swim, float, and have fun!

Take Your Pup to a Destin Dog Park

Sometimes, your dog needs to stretch his legs and get out some energy. The Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park is the perfect place to do just that. This off-leash dog park is 3 acres and has separate areas for both large and small dogs. Let your dog roam and have fun with other four-legged companions while you have a seat in the shade. It’s a great place to take your pup to get them some exercise during your vacation.

Stroll the Shops in Destin Commons with Your Pup

At Destin Commons, you can get some shopping done with your furry pal by your side. This outdoor shopping center offers more than 85 stores and restaurants. Several of the shops sell dog products and allow you to bring your pup inside – just be sure to ask the store associate beforehand. In addition, all of the restaurants with an outdoor patio allow your dogs to join you outside, which means your pup can join you for shopping and a meal.

What to Do with Your Dog in Miramar Beach

Explore Nearby State Parks 

There are plenty of opportunities to get outside with your pup when you visit Miramar Beach. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is just a short drive from the area and offers more than 15 miles of hiking trails to enjoy. Dogs are welcome to wander the trails on leash with their human, but are not permitted on the park’s beaches. However, you’ll still be able to fully take in the unique landscape from the trails with the opportunity to meander through ancient dunes, scrub communities, and longleaf pines. You may even get the chance to see a gopher tortoise in their natural habitat!

Visit Baytowne Wharf 

This charming Miramar Beach community, which is located in the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, allows you to bring your dog along for the fun. Explore the area’s many shops, restaurants, and other activities with your four-legged friend in tow. Many shops allow dogs inside, but be sure to ask before entering. Your dog can also dine with you on many of the village’s restaurant patios. Be sure to check out the community’s events calendar, as they host many events, including live concerts, themed days, and other happenings perfect for the whole family.

Take Your Water-Loving Pup on the Ocean

If you have a pup that loves the water, they’ll definitely enjoy time exploring the waterways with their human. Many of the rental shops in the area offer dog-friendly rentals of kayaks and paddleboards. This is likely best for dogs who have some experience on the water, so keep that in mind when booking your rentals. For those new to the area, we recommend paddling in Choctawhatchee Bay or Destin Harbor. Both are accessible via launch points at Haugen Park and Legion Park in Miramar Beach.

Dog-Friendly Activities in 30A

Take Your Furry Friend to Explore Hiking Trails in 30A 

See the beauty of Florida’s natural habitats on the trails in Point Washington State Forest. Dogs are welcome on leash at this park where the trails take you through sandhills, wet flatwoods, and cypress swamps. Many endangered species call this forest home, making it a great place to see unique plant and animal life. You and your pup can choose to complete the 3.5, 5, or 10- mile loops.

Get Some Off-Leash Time at a Community Dog Park 

Both humans and dogs alike will enjoy the serene atmosphere of the Walton County Dog Park. This community park offers three separate areas for small, medium, and large dogs, as well as a fenced, wooded area for dogs of all sizes. There’s even plenty of space for the humans to relax under the trees, offering some much needed shade from the Florida sunshine. And don’t worry if the pups have a little too much fun romping around – there’s a bath area where you can hose off your dog after play time.

Dine at a Dog Friendly Restaurant

In 30A, your dog can even join in on your dinner plans! There are numerous dog-friendly restaurants where well-behaved pups can dine with their owners on the establishments’ outdoor patios. Though there are countless dog-friendly dining options to take your pick from, some of our favorites include:

  • Local Catch Bar and Grill: This establishment serves up classic seafood and coastal dishes with a southern twist. 
  • Beach & Brew: This pet-friendly brewery offers unique pours from brewers near and far. Pups are welcome on the patio and inside.
  • Grayton Seafood Company: For fresh seafood, we recommend this local favorite. They’re open for lunch and dinner and even offer a tasty Sunday brunch!

 Plan a Beach Day with Your Pup

If you want to get some beach time with your pup, there are a few great options within driving distance. While the beaches within the city limits of Destin, Miramar Beach, and 30A do not allow dogs, you can easily plan a day trip to neighboring cities where dogs can join you on the beach. Both Pensacola Dog Beach and Pier Park in Panama City are within an hour of Destin and welcome any furry companions tagging along with their humans. This is a great way to get out and explore more of the sunshine state with your four-legged friend.

Plan Your Vacation to Destin Today

Are you ready to experience the beauty of Florida with your pup by your side? Destin, Miramar Beach, and 30A should be at the top of your list for your next pet-friendly vacation. With plenty of activities to keep you, the dog, and the whole family busy, you’re sure to have a memorable time on the Emerald Coast. Our vacation rentals offer you a front row seat to all the fun, while also providing a cozy place to stay that feels like home. There’s no reason to stress the pup or the family by staying in a crowded, bustling hotel. Instead, get your own private vacation rental and experience the beauty of Destin like a true local.