Overview of Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is located on a barrier island west of Clearwater, Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico. As part of the city of Clearwater in Pinellas County, it stretches for approximately 3 miles between north Beachview Drive and south Pier 60 Park. The beach is known for its white sand, calm waters, and abundant beach amenities. According to Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, Clearwater Beach was voted the #1 beach in the U.S. on TripAdvisor’s 2021 Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Visitors can enjoy an array of beach activities like swimming, jet skiing, parasailing, and fishing charters. The beach features a paved pedestrian walkway, restaurants, gift shops, ice cream parlors, beach volleyball courts, playgrounds, and public restrooms. The iconic Clearwater Beach Pier 60 allows for excellent dolphin viewing and hosts nightly sunset celebrations. Popular hotels along the beach include Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key and Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa.
With approximately 1.5 million annual visitors, Clearwater Beach is one of the Tampa Bay area’s most popular tourist destinations. Its warm waters, abundant amenities, and family-friendly atmosphere make it an ideal Florida beach vacation spot.
Rules and Regulations
Dogs are not allowed on the main public beaches of Clearwater Beach, with the exception of service animals, according to the city of Clearwater’s website Pets on Clearwater Beach. This rule bans dogs, cats, and other pets from being on the public bathing areas.
However, there is a designated dog beach area located north of Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach known as Sandpearl Resort Dog Beach. This is a fenced-in area where dogs can play off-leash. Dogs must be vaccinated and well-behaved to utilize this beach.
Elsewhere in Clearwater, dogs are allowed on passive park areas and sidewalks, but must be leashed according to city ordinance. Retractable leashes are not permitted. There are also designated dog exercise areas at Station Square Park and Morningside Park where dogs can be unleashed.
Dog-Friendly Hotels
There are several major hotels in Clearwater Beach that welcome pets, though most charge a fee and have restrictions. According to Booking.com, here are some of the top pet-friendly hotels in the area:
The Sandpearl Resort is a luxury 4-star beachfront hotel that allows small dogs under 25 lbs for a $150 non-refundable fee. Only 2 pets per room are permitted. The Camelot Beach Suites also allows 2 pets up to 25 lbs for a $25 per night pet fee. The Coconut Cove All-Suite Hotel accommodates pets up to 50 lbs for a $25 fee.
Mid-range hotels like Hampton Inn & Suites charge $50 per stay for pets up to 80 lbs. The Sunburst Inn allows pets under 25 lbs for a $15 daily pet fee. Most hotels have designated pet rooms or floors and require pets to be crated when unattended. There may be restrictions on leaving pets alone in rooms for extended periods.
When booking a pet-friendly hotel in Clearwater Beach, be sure to confirm the fees, weight limits, and other specific pet policies. Hotels typically require documentation of rabies vaccinations and may have restrictions on certain dog breeds.
Pet-Friendly Activities
There are plenty of activities in Clearwater Beach that are welcoming to dogs and pets. Bring Fido has a great list of dog friendly activities in Clearwater, including shops, restaurants, parks, and more.
For dining with your dog, check out places like Island Way Grill or Clear Sky Beachside Cafe which have patio seating perfect for pups. There are also pet-friendly stores like Pet Smart and locally owned shops like Woof Gang Bakery where you can shop with your dog.
Parks are a great place to take your dog in Clearwater. Some top choices are Enterprise Dog Park, Crest Lake Park, or Sand Key Dog Park. These off-leash areas allow pups to run around and play freely. Just be sure to bring waste bags and water for your pet.
You can also consider fun activities like a bike ride along the Pinellas Trail, taking a dog-friendly cruise, or joining a local dog meetup group. With some creativity, there are lots of ways to experience Clearwater Beach with your furry friend by your side.
Beach Access for Dogs
While dogs are not allowed on Clearwater Beach itself, there are several dog-friendly beaches nearby with amenities for pets. Honeymoon Island State Park and Pass-A-Grille Beach are two of the top options for beach access with your dog.
Honeymoon Island has a designated dog beach area with parking and trails leading down to the sand. Pets must be leashed except within the designated dog beach. There are waste bags and trash cans available.
The southern part of Pass-A-Grille beach allows leashed dogs year-round. Nearby restaurants also allow dogs on their outdoor patios. The beach has clean restroom facilities and showers to rinse off.
Other dog beaches in the area include Ft. De Soto Park and Sand Key Park. While not in Clearwater, they provide excellent off-leash areas with amenities.
Safety Tips
When bringing your dog to Clearwater Beach, it’s important to keep some safety considerations in mind. The beach environment poses certain risks that pet owners should be aware of.
One major hazard is the potential for heat stroke. Dogs can easily overheat when out in the sun and sand for extended periods. Make sure your dog has access to shade and fresh water. Watch for signs of overheating like heavy panting and lethargy. Apply dog-safe sunscreen and consider bringing a cooling mat or vest (1).
You’ll also want to keep a close eye on your dog around the water. Not all dogs are natural swimmers, so have a secure collar and leash for controlling your dog. Beware of rip currents that can pull dogs out into deep water. Avoid areas with choppy waves or boating traffic. And rinse your dog off after swimming to remove salt and sand (2).
When interacting with other beachgoers, be courteous by keeping your dog under voice and sight control at all times. Clean up after your dog promptly. Be aware some areas have leash laws. And not all people are comfortable around unfamiliar dogs, so give them space (3).
Taking a few simple precautions will help make your beach trip fun and safe for both you and your dog!
Top Things to Bring
When taking your dog to the beach, there are some essential items you’ll want to pack to keep your pup safe, comfortable, and entertained. Here are some of the top things experts recommend bringing:
Water and Collapsible Bowls – Bring plenty of fresh water to keep your dog hydrated. Collapsible bowls are convenient for travel and take up less space. Reusable stainless steel or silicone bowls work well.
Waste Bags – Be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your dog on the beach. Bring enough waste bags for the duration of your stay.
Towel – A large beach towel or dog-specific microfiber towel is useful for drying your dog off, providing a spot to relax, and protecting against hot sand.
Sunscreen – Dogs can get sunburned too. Bring a dog-safe sunscreen and apply regularly.
Life Jacket – For water-loving dogs, a dog life jacket allows them to swim safely.
Dog Booties – Protect paws from hot sand and debris with breathable booties.
Toys – Pack some durable, waterproof toys to keep your dog engaged.
Treats – Bring your dog’s favorite treats for positive reinforcement and reward.
First Aid Kit – A basic kit for minor injuries is recommended. Include gauze, bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors, etc.
Leash – Don’t forget the leash to keep your dog under control.
Nearby Dog Parks
There are several excellent off-leash dog parks near Clearwater Beach for pups to play and get exercise:
Enterprise Dog Park is a spacious 5-acre park with separate areas for small and large dogs (https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/parks/city/clearwater_fl_us/). It has picnic tables, benches, shade, water fountains, waste stations, and agility equipment.
Dog Park at Crest Lake Park is another top pick with lake views and walking trails in addition to the off-leash areas (https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/parks/city/clearwater_fl_us/). There are separate spaces for small and large dogs here too.
Sand Key Park’s dog park has beach access so pups can play in the sand and water. There are waste stations and rinse areas to wash off dogs afterwards (https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/parks/city/clearwater_beach_fl_us/).
Northeast Park & Paw Place is fully fenced with obstacles and play equipment in the off-leash area. There are benches, shade, and water fountains for pets and owners (https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/parks/city/clearwater_fl_us/).
Pet-Friendly Day Trips
There are plenty of fun day trip options near Clearwater Beach that are dog-friendly. Here are some ideas for dog-friendly activities near the beach:
Take a boat tour: Many local companies like Chadillac Adventures offer dog-friendly boat rides so you can explore the beautiful waters near Clearwater with your pup. It’s a great way to spend time on the water together.
Hike local trails: Pinellas County has some excellent hiking trails that allow leashed dogs such as Sawgrass Lake Park and Honeymoon Island State Park. Wander through nature with your dog.
Check out a dog park: There are several off-leash dog parks near Clearwater Beach like Enterprise Dog Park where your dog can run around and play.
Visit a pet-friendly town: Nearby dog-friendly towns like Dunedin or Safety Harbor make for fun day trips. Explore boutiques, restaurants, breweries and more that welcome pets.
Conclusion
In summary, Clearwater Beach is quite dog friendly as long as some basic rules are followed. Dogs are allowed on the beach before 10am and after 5pm each day, and there are pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and activities to enjoy with your furry companion. Be sure to bring plenty of water, collapsible bowls, toys, towels, waste bags, and sunscreen to keep your dog safe and make the visit pleasant for everyone.
To ensure you and your dog have the best possible experience, walk your dog early or late in the day when the sand is cooler. Watch them carefully around the water and be mindful of keeping them under voice control. Be prepared to clean up any messes immediately. Avoid the busiest areas of the beach during peak sunbathing hours. Check ahead of time regarding individual hotel or restaurant pet policies. With some thoughtful preparation and respect for the rules, Clearwater Beach can be a doggone good time!