Dog Beach Park
A free, sandy beach and dog run in Bonita Springs, perfect for pups to splash and play off-leash in shallow waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Dog Beach Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, sandy beach and dog run in Bonita Springs, perfect for pups to splash and play off-leash in shallow waters.
"Absolutely in love with this park! Every doggie should come here and have a good time splashing."
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Wade through 1-2 ft of water to enter. Check tides to plan your visit!
Bring Water & Snacks :water_wave:
Essential for you and your pup. Basic amenities only.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shallow Water Play
Beach area
Perfect for all dog sizes, with gentle, shallow waters ideal for splashing and swimming.
Canine Freedom Zone
Designated beach area
Once on the beach, dogs can roam leash-free, enjoying the sand and surf with their furry friends.
Post-Beach Wash Station
Parking area
Convenient fresh water showers available to rinse off your dog (and yourself!) after a fun day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tide Times & Entry
Pack Smart for Pups
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Wade through 1-2 ft of water to enter. Check tides to plan your visit!
Bring Water & Snacks :water_wave:
Essential for you and your pup. Basic amenities only.
Leash Up Near Parking :dog2:
Dogs must be leashed from parking to beach access.
Clean Up After Your Pet :trashcan:
Responsible visitors keep the beach pristine. Bags provided.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Wade through 1-2 ft of water to enter. Check tides to plan your visit!
Bring Water & Snacks :water_wave:
Essential for you and your pup. Basic amenities only.
Leash Up Near Parking :dog2:
Dogs must be leashed from parking to beach access.
Clean Up After Your Pet :trashcan:
Responsible visitors keep the beach pristine. Bags provided.
Water Shoes Recommended :athletic_shoe:
Protect your feet from submerged roots and shells.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dog Beach Park is a beloved free facility where dogs can play off-leash in shallow, sandy waters. Visitors praise the clean environment and the joy of seeing happy pups interact, though the wading entry at high tide and occasional debris after storms are noted drawbacks.
"Totally worth the wading! Somewhat secluded beach with some mangrove shade. Plenty of shallows for shorter breeds. Kept clean by the responsible visitors and tides. The entrance is covered by 1-2 feet of seawater at high tide so hike your shorts up or check a tide chart. The beach is on the right past the clearing. There are porta-potties and a foot/dog wash area."
Samuel Engemann
"Absolutely in love with this park!
I believe that every doggie should come here and have a good time splashing in the water with other dogs! 🥹
You'll have to traverse a large puddle to get to the beach, so be mindful that the roots of the bushes are concealed in the puddle and can cause serious damage, as well as at the park entrance(!)
People who don't clean up after their pets - you know who you are 💩"
Nadya Dontsova
"This is a fantastic dog beach and a great place to bring your dog. It gets lively and crowded on the weekend, but all the happy pups just add to the fun. Be prepared to wade through some shallow water if you go during high tide. Oh, and bring fresh water."
Gregory Beaulieu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dog Beach Park is located in Bonita Springs, Florida. Access involves a short walk through shallow water, which can be 1-2 feet deep at high tide. It's recommended to check tide charts before you go.
Yes, there is free parking available on the side of the road near the entrance to the park.
While specific GPS coordinates can vary, look for signs for Bonita Springs Dog Beach. The entrance is often described as being past a clearing, with the beach on the right.
Dog Beach Park is specifically designated for dogs. For other beaches, always check local regulations regarding pet access.
Many visitors recommend checking tide charts as you may need to wade through shallow water to reach the main beach area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Dog Beach Park is a fantastic public, free facility for dogs and their owners.
Yes, there are rules: no dogs under 4 months old, no dogs in heat, no aggressive dogs, and no children under 5 years old are permitted.
The park is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific hours can vary, but it's a public park.
Dogs must be on a leash between the parking lot and the beach access point. Once on the designated beach area, they can be off-leash.
While rare, owners are quick to intervene. If you feel unsafe, calmly remove your dog and report any persistent issues to park authorities.
🎫 :compass: Onsite Experience
Amenities include porta-potties, waste receptacles, free dog waste bags, and a fresh water shower area for dogs and people.
The water is generally shallow, clear, and sandy, making it safe for most dogs. However, be aware of potential debris after storms.
It's a sandy beach backed by mangroves, with shallow waters perfect for dogs to play in. It's kept clean by visitors.
Children under 5 years old are not permitted at Dog Beach Park.
Expect lots of happy dogs playing, swimming, and interacting. While most are friendly, occasional dog disagreements can occur and are usually quickly resolved.
📸 :camera_with_flash: Photography
Capture your dog's joy as they splash in the shallow water or run freely on the sand. The natural mangrove backdrop adds to the scenic shots. +1
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting for photography, and fewer people can mean more unobstructed shots of your dog.
You can capture action shots of dogs swimming, playing fetch, or interacting with other dogs. Candid moments of pure canine happiness are abundant.
It's always polite to ask permission before taking photos of other people's pets. Most owners are happy to oblige if their dog is behaving well.
A waterproof camera or phone case is advisable due to the water. Consider a zoom lens to capture candid moments from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great spot for teaching children about responsible pet ownership, including cleaning up after dogs and respecting animal behavior. The joy of seeing happy dogs can be infectious for kids who love animals.
🐶 Dog Owners
Keep an eye on your dog's interactions and be ready to step in if needed. The community here is generally friendly and understands dog behavior. Enjoy watching your pup have the time of their life!
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The natural mangrove backdrop provides a scenic setting. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography. Remember to bring waterproof protection for your gear due to the water and potential splashes. Be mindful of other visitors and always ask permission before photographing other people's dogs. The dynamic nature of dogs playing means you'll get shots full of personality and movement.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Entrance: The Wading Experience
Despite the initial wading, the beach itself is described as clean and well-maintained, largely due to the responsible efforts of visitors who clean up after their pets.
A Haven for Happy Hounds
While most interactions are friendly, it's important to be aware that occasional dog disagreements can occur. However, owners are typically quick to manage these situations, and most dogs end up being buddies.
Essential Packing List for a Paw-fect Day
Don't forget your dog's favorite toys! While the beach is a great place for fetch, be prepared for the possibility of toys being shared or 'borrowed' by other enthusiastic pups.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit