Dog-Friendly Beaches in Miami: Where Your Dog Can Actually Go
Bring a dog to Miami expecting to walk it along South Beach at sunrise and you will be stopped before you reach the sand. Dogs are banned from almost every beach in Miami-Dade County, including all of Miami Beach, Key Biscayne’s parks and the long stretch north to Sunny Isles. The exceptions are few, they have their own rules, and they are not where you might guess. If you are searching for a dog beach Miami locals actually use, the answer is short: one off-leash stretch at Haulover, one calm bay beach on the Rickenbacker Causeway, a few fenced dog parks by the sea, and two more options just over the county line.
This guide covers every one of them: where they are, when they are open, what they cost, the rules that will get you sent home if you ignore them, and how to keep a dog safe and comfortable in South Florida’s heat. Several of these places change their hours with the seasons, so read the posted signs when you arrive. For the beaches themselves, our Miami beaches guide covers every stretch of sand in the county.
Dog Beaches at a Glance
| Where | Type | When | Cost | Leash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haulover Park dog beach, between lifeguard towers 2 and 3 | Ocean beach | Daily, sunrise to sunset | Beach free; $5.47 per vehicle with your dog in lots #3 and #4, otherwise $7 Mon–Thu, $10 weekends and holidays | Off-leash allowed in the designated area |
| Haulover Bark Park | Fenced dog park, bay side | Park hours | $5.47 per vehicle | Off-leash inside |
| Hobie Island Beach, Rickenbacker Causeway | Calm bay beach | Check posted signs | Roadside parking; causeway toll | Off-leash allowed |
| South Pointe Park bark park | Fenced dog park beside the beach | Park hours | Free; paid parking nearby | Off-leash inside; leashed in the rest of the park; no dogs on the beach |
| Heritage Park, Sunny Isles Beach | Dog park, no beach access for dogs | Park hours | Free; garage parking | Off-leash inside |
| Hollywood Dog Beach, Broward | Ocean beach | Daily, sunrise to sunset | No pass required | Under control; rabies tag required |
| Fort Lauderdale Canine Beach | Ocean beach | 6-9am and 5-7pm | Check the city’s parks site for any fee or permit | On leash, 6 feet maximum |
The Rules in Miami-Dade
The ban is broad and it is enforced. Dogs are not allowed on the sand at any of the City of Miami Beach’s beaches, from South Pointe to 87th Street, or on the county’s park beaches at Crandon, Matheson Hammock and Haulover outside the designated dog area. The state park at Bill Baggs Cape Florida allows leashed pets in parts of the park but not on the beach. Sunny Isles Beach and the small towns in between, Surfside, Bal Harbour and Golden Beach, do not allow dogs on their beaches either.
The reasons are partly hygiene and partly wildlife. Sea turtle nesting season in Miami-Dade runs from March 1 to October 31, and shorebirds rest and feed at the waterline all year. The few dog areas exist precisely so that everywhere else can stay dog-free, which means following their rules matters.
Service animals are a different matter, and the Haulover dog beach sign says so explicitly. Pets, emotional support animals and therapy animals are not service animals under these rules, so do not count on that distinction to get a pet onto a regular beach.
Haulover Dog Beach: The Best in Miami
If you have one day to give your dog the sea, give it Haulover. The dog beach is a stretch of ocean sand between lifeguard towers 2 and 3, toward the south end of Haulover Park, between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles. It is one of the very few places in Miami-Dade where a dog can run on a real Atlantic beach and swim in the sea, and on a weekend morning it is full of very happy dogs.
The official rules
The county’s sign at the dog beach sets them out, and they are worth knowing before you arrive:
- Dogs are allowed on the beach between towers 2 and 3 only.
- Dogs may be off the leash in that designated area only, and only if the owner keeps control at all times. Everywhere else in the park, dogs must be leashed.
- No more than two dogs per person.
- Puppies under six months old are not permitted.
- Watch your dog at all times, pick up after it, fill any holes it digs, and stop any aggressive behavior, or remove the dog if it continues.
- Breaking the rules can get you removed from the area and suspended from the beach and park.
The sign also reminds you to keep your dog hydrated, which in Miami is not a throwaway line. The county opens the dog beach daily from sunrise to sunset, but the park’s lots close an hour before sunset, so plan a morning visit and leave yourself time to get back to the car.
Practical tips for Haulover
- Park in the southern lots for the shortest walk to towers 2 and 3. With your dog in the car, lots #3 and #4 charge $5.47 per vehicle for dog access. Standard car parking is $7 from Monday to Thursday ($1 more in the North Lot and Lot #1) and $10 at weekends and on holidays.
- Go early. There is no shade on the dog beach, and by late morning in summer the sand is hot enough to hurt paws.
- Bring plenty of fresh water and a bowl, and do not let your dog drink seawater.
- Watch the water. Haulover has the liveliest surf in Miami-Dade, and the inlet just to the south has strong tidal currents. Keep your dog close to the beach and well away from the inlet and the jetty.
- Rinse off afterwards. Salt and sand in a dog’s coat and paws cause irritation, so bring a jug of fresh water for the car if you are not sure of finding a tap.
The Haulover Bark Park
Across Collins Avenue on the bay side of Haulover Park, the fenced Bark Park is a separate, enclosed dog run with its own vehicle fee of $5.47. It is the better choice for a dog that is not reliable off the leash, does not like water, or would rather play with other dogs than chase waves, and its fence makes it easier to relax. Note that dogs are not allowed at Haulover’s Tuesday-night food truck event, except for service animals. Our Haulover Beach guide covers the rest of the park.
Hobie Island Beach
On the Rickenbacker Causeway, between the mainland and Key Biscayne, Hobie Island Beach is the other place in Miami where dogs and their owners go to the water. It is a long strip of sand and shallow bay water along the causeway, best known as the city’s windsurfing and kiteboarding beach, and dogs are welcome.
What it is like
The water is calm and shallow, with no surf to speak of, which makes Hobie ideal for older dogs, small dogs and dogs who are new to swimming. The views are wonderful: the downtown skyline across the bay, boats coming and going, and sails on the water. Getting there means driving the Rickenbacker Causeway, which is a toll road.
The rules
Plan on keeping your dog leashed. Some guides describe Hobie as an off-leash beach, but current pet-travel listings say dogs must be on a leash at all times, and the safest assumption is that the posted signs mean it. Pick up after your dog, keep it clear of the windsurfers and kiteboard lines, which move fast and can injure a dog that runs into them, and bring water, because there is little shade.
Combining it with Key Biscayne
Hobie makes an easy start to a day on Key Biscayne, but plan carefully: dogs are not allowed on the beaches at Crandon Park or Bill Baggs Cape Florida, so if you are heading on to either with your dog, it will be watching from the car or the trail, not swimming. A morning at Hobie and an afternoon back at the hotel is the more realistic plan.
Fenced Dog Parks by the Beach
South Pointe Park, South Beach
At the southern tip of Miami Beach, South Pointe Park has a fenced bark park on its west side where dogs can run off the leash. Elsewhere in the park, dogs must be leashed, and they are not allowed on the beach. It is the obvious place for a morning run if you are staying in South Beach, and you can then walk your dog on a leash along the park’s wide paths, with views of the cruise ships passing through Government Cut. Our South Pointe Park guide covers the rest.
Heritage Park, Sunny Isles Beach
Sunny Isles does not allow dogs on its beach, but Heritage Park, a four-acre city park, has a dog park alongside its playgrounds and splash pad, with a public garage next to it. It is the place to go if you are staying in one of the Sunny Isles towers. Our Sunny Isles Beach guide has the details.
Over the County Line
Hollywood Dog Beach
Half an hour north of Miami, the city of Hollywood in Broward County runs one of the best-organized dog beaches in South Florida, on the stretch between Custer Street and Pershing Street.
- Hours: every day, sunrise to sunset.
- Passes: none required, for residents or visitors.
- Rules: a current rabies tag on every dog, dogs under the owner’s control at all times, and owners clean up after them.
In summer, go in the first or last hour of daylight, when the sand is cooler. Pair it with a walk along the Broadwalk beforehand, though dogs are not allowed on the beach outside the designated area. Our Hollywood Beach guide covers parking and the rest of the town.
Fort Lauderdale Canine Beach
Farther north, Fort Lauderdale has a Canine Beach on the ocean near Sunrise Boulevard. It is open to dogs from 6 to 9am and 5 to 7pm, dogs must stay on a leash of no more than 6 feet, and they need current vaccinations and a license. Hours have changed over the years, so check the city’s parks website before you go. Our Fort Lauderdale from Miami guide covers the trip.
Keeping Your Dog Safe at the Beach
South Florida is hard on dogs in ways that catch visitors out. A few precautions make the difference between a great day and a trip to an emergency vet.
Heat and paws
- Test the sand. Put the back of your hand on it for a few seconds. If you cannot hold it there comfortably, it is too hot for paws.
- Go early or late. From May to October, aim to be finished by mid-morning or to arrive in the late afternoon.
- Bring shade. A portable umbrella or shelter and plenty of water go a long way toward keeping your dog from overheating.
- Know the signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, stumbling, vomiting and bright red gums. Move the dog to shade, cool it with water and get to a vet.
- Never leave a dog in a parked car. In Miami, a car becomes dangerously hot within minutes, even in winter.
Water
- Bring plenty of fresh water and offer it often. Dogs that drink seawater can become very ill.
- Watch the surf and currents. Rip currents and inlet currents can carry off a dog as easily as a person. Keep swimming dogs close to the shore, and consider a dog life jacket for weak swimmers.
- Read the flags. A purple flag means dangerous marine life, usually jellyfish or Portuguese man o’ war, which sting dogs too, even when washed up on the sand.
- Rinse off afterwards to remove salt, sand and anything your dog has rolled in.
Other hazards
- Seaweed and debris. Sargassum seaweed washes ashore from late spring through summer. Do not let your dog eat it, or anything else it finds on the beach.
- Thunderstorms. Summer storms arrive quickly in the afternoon, and lightning on an open beach is a real danger to dogs and people alike.
- Bugs. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums gather near mangroves at dusk. Keep your dog’s flea, tick and heartworm prevention up to date, as heartworm is common in Florida.
Dog Beach Etiquette
An off-leash beach only works when owners keep their side of the bargain, and the regulars at Haulover notice who does. A few unwritten rules sit alongside the official ones:
- Know your dog. If it is anxious around strange dogs, guards its toys or does not come back when called, start at the fenced Bark Park rather than the open beach.
- Keep the leash on until you are inside the dog area, and put it back on before you leave.
- Bring your own toys, and be ready to share them or put them away. A single ball can start an argument among six dogs.
- Leave a female in heat at home. It is simply kinder to everyone.
- Ask before your dog greets a child, and keep it away from people’s towels, coolers and picnics.
- Pick up immediately, including on the walk from the car, and fill in any holes your dog digs before you go. The county sign asks for both.
- Step in early if play starts to turn rough. Under the rules, an aggressive dog has to leave.
Getting Around With a Dog
The dog beaches are spread out, from Haulover in the north to Hobie Island in the south, and none is easy to reach without a car. A rental car is the simplest option, but expect a cleaning fee if your dog leaves sand and hair behind, so bring a seat cover. Rideshare apps offer pet-friendly ride options in many cities, usually for an extra charge; check what the app shows in Miami before you rely on it, and expect a driver to decline a wet, sandy dog without a towel. Public buses and trains generally accept service animals and, at most, small pets in carriers, so check the rules before you set out.
If Your Dog Gets Sick or Hurt
Before you travel, look up a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital near where you are staying and save the number and address in your phone. Heatstroke, cut paws, stings and stomach upsets from eating something on the beach are the usual reasons visiting dogs end up at a vet in Miami, and every one of them is easier to deal with quickly. Carry a copy of your dog’s vaccination records and any medication it takes, and make sure its tag shows a phone number that works while you are away from home.
What to Bring
- A leash, even for off-leash areas, because you will need it to get there.
- Proof of vaccinations and a rabies tag on the collar.
- Plenty of fresh water and a collapsible bowl.
- Poop bags, more than you think.
- A towel, and something to cover the car seat.
- Shade, sunscreen for you, and dog-safe sunscreen for pale noses and thin coats.
- A toy that floats, if your dog is a swimmer.
When to Go
| Months | Conditions | Best time of day |
|---|---|---|
| December to March | Highs around 76°F to 80°F; sand comfortable; occasional man o’ war on east winds | Any time, though mornings are busiest at Haulover |
| April and May | Hot and mostly dry; sand heats up by late morning | Early morning or late afternoon |
| June to September | Hot and humid, afternoon thunderstorms, seaweed | Early morning only |
| October and November | October still hot and wet; November cooler and drier | Mornings, then more flexible as it cools |
For more on the weather, see our Miami weather by month guide.
A Dog-Friendly Miami Day
- 7:30am: Drive to Haulover and park in the southern lots.
- 8am: Off-leash time on the dog beach between towers 2 and 3, before the sand heats up.
- 9:30am: Rinse off, then a leashed walk around the park’s bay side and a few minutes in the shade.
- 11am: Back to the hotel through the heat of the day.
- Late afternoon: A leashed walk in South Pointe Park and a run in the bark park, with the cruise ships heading out.
- Evening: Dinner on a patio that welcomes dogs. Many restaurants with outdoor seating do, but ask before you sit down.
Swap the afternoon for a drive north to the Hollywood Dog Beach, which is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
Where to Stay With a Dog
Miami has plenty of hotels that welcome dogs, from boutique properties in South Beach to big resorts in Mid-Beach, and some charge no pet fee at all. Policies on size, number of dogs and fees vary a lot, so read the small print before you book. Our pet-friendly hotels guide compares the best options, and the neighborhoods around Haulover, including North Beach, Surfside and Sunny Isles, put you closest to the dog beach. Vacation rentals can also work, but many condominium buildings restrict pets, so check before you book.
The Honest Verdict
Miami is not an easy beach city for dogs. The rules are strict, most of the famous beaches are off-limits, and the heat for much of the year means beach time has to be short and early. But the options that exist are good. Haulover’s dog beach is genuinely excellent, a real ocean beach where dogs can run free, and Hobie Island is a lovely calm-water alternative.
Plan around Haulover if your dog loves to run and swim, with the Bark Park as a backup. Choose Hobie Island for an older, smaller or more nervous dog. Use Hollywood for a second dog beach a short drive north, open every day. And do not try to sneak a dog onto South Beach. The fines are real, and the lifeguards will spot you long before you reach the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a dog beach in Miami?
Yes. The main one is the designated dog beach at Haulover Park, between lifeguard towers 2 and 3, where dogs can be off the leash. Hobie Island Beach on the Rickenbacker Causeway also welcomes leashed dogs.
Can I take my dog on South Beach?
No. Dogs are not allowed on any of Miami Beach’s city beaches. South Pointe Park has a fenced bark park on its west side, and dogs can walk on a leash in the rest of the park, but not on the sand.
Is the Haulover dog beach off-leash?
Yes, within the designated area between towers 2 and 3, as long as you keep your dog under control. Dogs must be leashed everywhere else in the park.
How much does the Haulover dog beach cost?
There is no charge for the dog beach itself. The cheapest way in is through lots #3 and #4, which serve the fenced Bark Park and the dog beach: the county charges $5.47 per vehicle there, and the dog must be in the car. Other car parking at Haulover Park is $7 Monday to Thursday, with a $1 surcharge in the North Lot and Lot #1, and $10 at weekends and on holidays.
Can puppies go to the Haulover dog beach?
Not if they are under six months old. There is also a limit of two dogs per person.
Are dogs allowed at Crandon Park or Bill Baggs?
Not on the beaches. Bill Baggs allows leashed pets in parts of the park, but not on the sand, and Crandon’s beach is off-limits to dogs.
When is the Hollywood Dog Beach open?
Every day, from sunrise to sunset, and you don’t need a pass.
Do I need proof of vaccination?
At the Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale dog beaches, current vaccinations and a rabies tag are required. At Haulover, it is simply sensible and expected under county rules, so keep the paperwork on your phone and the tag on the collar.
Related Miami Guides
- Miami Beaches: The Complete Guide — every beach in the county, and the rules on each.
- Haulover Beach — the park with Miami’s dog beach.
- Pet-Friendly Hotels in Miami — where to stay with a dog.
- South Pointe Park — the bark park at the tip of South Beach.
- Hollywood Beach — the dog beach in Broward.
- Sunny Isles Beach — and the dog park at Heritage Park.
- Key Biscayne — the island beyond Hobie Island.
- Fort Lauderdale From Miami — including the Canine Beach.
Photo Credits
The Hollywood Dog Beach: Dog Beach – Hollywood, Florida – DSC08787 by Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Sunrise over South Beach and PortMiami: Miami Beach and Port of Miami Skyline (2720195951) by joiseyshowaa, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.