Dog Beach (Key West)

Being a really small stretch of sand on a scenic shore in Key West, Dog Beach is worth visiting only if you’re traveling with your furry friend or just happen to pass it. It’s as tiny as just 20 feet across and has pretty many rocks and way too much seaweed which sometimes smells.

Still, it’s the only beach in the Florida Keys which allows to bring pets and let them run and swim off-leash, and dog owners do appreciate that. Usually, there aren’t many visitors which makes up for the lack of space.

Location and Access

Located at 1500 Vernon Avenue in Key West, Dog Beach is conveniently close to the town’s shops, cafes, restaurants, and other businesses. The beach is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. It is bordered by a walkway and restaurant on one side and a wood fence running down to the water on the other.

Facilities and Amenities

There aren’t really any facilities on this beach. Take your own poop bag since they don’t provide them. The good news is that you will find a large trash can for waste.

Dog Beach isn’t a place for a picnic (although locals do picnic here sometimes) but if you get hungry don’t worry: since the beach is located within walking distance to all kinds of eateries in the town, you will easily find a place for your taste and budget.

Dog-Friendly Eatery

A great place to finish your beach day and relax with a meal and drink may be the adjacent Louie’s Backyard. They allow dogs, so you can enjoy your time together with your pet without any worries. They have good cocktails and a great view.

Sand and Water

Overall, the sand is soft and clean but heavily covered with seaweed along the waterline. This amount of algae also makes it difficult to enter the water and enjoy swimming. Usually, it’s not a problem for a dog but people tend to avoid getting in. You may have to get through 10-15 feet of thick seaweed before you reach the clear water.

Other Beach Activities

Some people on Dog Beach spend time sunbathing, reading, or picnicking in the shade of the palm trees. However, it’s not a proper spot to come specifically for that – only if you come here to make your dog happy, in the first place, and also want to somehow entertain yourself at the same time.

Driving Time

• 1 hour 10 minutes from Marathon, FL
• 2 hours from Key Largo, FL
• 3 hours 20 minutes from Miami, FL

Hotels and rentals

If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:

• Nearby rentals from VRBO.
• Nearby rooms and properties from Booking.com.

Beaches nearby

Additionally, there's a number of beaches near Dog Beach (Key West) which you can visit:

• The Reach Resort Beach (0 miles)
• Casa Marina Beach (0 miles)
• South Beach (Key West) (0 miles)
• Higgs Beach (0 miles)
• Rest Beach (C.B. Harvey Rest Beach Park) (1 mile)