Clearwater Beach is renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and sparkling waters, which draw visitors from around the world year after year. If you can’t imagine vacationing without your pets, this coastal gem has something for you too.
From restaurants with inviting patios to outdoor spaces that both two legged and four legged companions can enjoy, the area makes it easy to bring the dog along. The trick is knowing the rules before you go, because the famous main beach is not one of those places.
This guide covers where your dog can and cannot go on Clearwater Beach, the two true dog beaches within a drive, a few patios and taprooms that welcome dogs, and the homes we manage where pets can stay too. Every rule below comes from the city, county or state park that sets it, and we have linked each one.
First, the Clearwater Beach rules
The City of Clearwater does not allow dogs, cats or other pets on the public bathing beach, with the exception of service animals. That covers the busy stretch around Pier 60 that most visitors picture when they think of Clearwater Beach.
There is one quieter option. North of Somerset Street, the city allows dogs on the beach on a leash. The city is clear that this is not a dog beach, so think of it as a place for a leashed walk at the water’s edge rather than a game of fetch. South of Somerset Street, dogs are not allowed on the sand at all.
The city’s own suggestion for the main beach area is a leisurely walk along Beach Walk, the curving promenade beside the sand. In all city parks, dogs must stay on a leash, under constant physical control, and cannot be tied to trees or plants.
Good to know: No pets on the public bathing beach (service animals excepted). Leashed dogs allowed north of Somerset Street only. City of Clearwater pet map.
Two real dog beaches within a drive
When your dog needs to run into the water, head to one of the two places in the county built for it. One is a short drive north, the other a longer trip south, and each makes a good half day out.
Honeymoon Island State Park Pet Beach
Honeymoon Island has about four miles of shoreline, and the south end of the island is set aside as a pet beach. It is the only pet friendly stretch of beach in the whole Florida State Parks system, which says a lot about how rare it is to let a dog into the Gulf here.
Dogs may go into the water, but they must stay on a hand held leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Dogs are also welcome on the park’s nature trail, which makes a nice cooler morning walk before the beach. They are not allowed on the main swimming beach, boardwalks, playgrounds or inside buildings.
Bring water for your dog and for you, and pack bags; the park asks owners to pick up after their pets and use the trash cans. It is about 13 miles by road from Pier 60. Our guide to Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island has more on the park and the ferry to its neighbor.
Good to know: Pet beach on the south end; 6 foot hand held leash; dogs also allowed on the nature trail. Florida State Parks.
Fort De Soto Paw Playground and Dog Beach
Among the most talked about destinations near Clearwater Beach is Fort De Soto, a sprawling county park at the southern tip of Pinellas County. Pinellas County says it is the only county park where dogs are allowed on the beach, in a designated area, and the park was named among the top 10 dog friendly beaches in America in 2024.
Next to the beach are two fenced areas for large and small dogs, each with water stations, so you can let a timid dog play away from the big ones. The beach entrance is at the far southwest corner of the dog park. Dogs must be leashed everywhere outside the dog park area, and handlers can bring up to three dogs each.
Fort De Soto is about 37 miles by road from Pier 60, so make a day of it: the park also has nearly three miles of white sand beach, a historic fort and a paved trail. Parking is paid.
Good to know: Open daily, 7 am to sunset, all year. Parking fee charged. Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated and wear tags; no dogs under 4 months. Pinellas County and county dog park rules.
Closer fenced run: Sand Key Park, about 2 miles south of Pier 60, has one of the county’s dog parks. It is not a dog beach, but it is the quickest place to let your dog stretch its legs off leash. County dog parks.
Dog friendly dining and drinks
Florida’s weather means patio season most of the year, and plenty of local spots set out a water bowl. Policies can change with the season or the manager, so it is always worth a quick call before you arrive with a dog in tow.
Reefers Social Club
Reefers Social Club combines good food with a relaxed social setting, and dogs are made to feel right at home on its outdoor seating. The craft cocktail lounge sits at 600 Mandalay Avenue, about a mile north of Pier 60, so it is an easy stop after a walk along Beach Walk. We also list it in our guide to craft beer, cocktails and wine in Clearwater.
O’Keefe’s Tavern
Few dining spots capture a sense of tradition like O’Keefe’s Tavern. Bill O’Keefe opened it in 1961 as a small tap room, and the DuQuesnay family has run it since 1980, serving hearty Irish pub classics such as shepherd’s pie and fish and chips. Its patio has long welcomed diners with their dogs.
One update for 2026: local news reported in October that O’Keefe’s has moved from its longtime home on South Fort Harrison Avenue to 1653 Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater, with the next generation of the family now in charge. Call ahead to confirm the patio pet policy at the new location. News of the move; O’Keefe’s Tavern.
Southern Lights Brewing Company
If your crew prefers a pint, Southern Lights Brewing in Clearwater welcomes dogs in its taproom and Biergarten, as long as they stay leashed and supervised at all times and owners clean up after them. Kids are welcome too, which makes it an easy family stop on the way back from Honeymoon Island. The taproom is at 2075 Sunnydale Boulevard. Southern Lights FAQ.
A day out: the St. Pete Pier
Located about 24 miles from Clearwater Beach, the St. Pete Pier offers scenic views across Tampa Bay and is officially pet friendly. Dogs must be on a leash of 6 feet or less under the owner’s control, and pet bag dispensers are placed throughout the Pier District.
Two spots are off limits: dogs are not allowed on the Majeed Foundation Splash Pad or on Spa Beach. Everywhere else, a slow walk out to the end of the pier and back is a lovely way to spend a cooler evening with your dog. St. Pete Pier FAQ.
Keeping your dog comfortable in the Florida sun
Florida State Parks offers practical advice that applies anywhere here. Carry plenty of water and offer it gradually, watch for signs of heat exhaustion such as heavy panting, excessive thirst or lethargy, and test the ground temperature with your hand before a walk on pavement or sand. Never leave a pet in a parked car, even with the windows down and in the shade. Florida State Parks pet guidance.
Early mornings and evenings are the most comfortable times for long walks, especially from late spring through early fall. Keep a towel in the car for sandy, salty paws after the dog beach.
Pet friendly vacation rentals in Clearwater Beach
Where you stay matters even more when you travel with pets: room for a crate, space to relax after a long beach day, and a kitchen so you are not leaving the dog alone for every meal. All four homes below accept pets, subject to our pet policy and approval at booking.
Coastal Breeze has a private heated pool and is a 4 minute walk to the sand. Sandy Shores 2 is a two bedroom beach house steps from the Gulf that welcomes one pet. The Bayway Luxury Waterfront Townhome has a private rooftop terrace over the Intracoastal, and Casa Del Mar sleeps 12 with a private screened pool. You can see more on our pet friendly rentals page and in our guide to Clearwater Beach with a dog.
Coastal Breeze
Sandy Shores 2
Bayway Luxury Waterfront Townhome
Casa Del Mar
Questions we get asked
Are dogs allowed on Clearwater Beach?
Not on the public bathing beach, except service animals. The City of Clearwater allows leashed dogs on the beach north of Somerset Street, but it is not a dog beach, and dogs are not allowed on the sand south of Somerset Street.
Where is the nearest dog beach to Clearwater Beach?
The Pet Beach at Honeymoon Island State Park, about 13 miles by road from Pier 60. Dogs can go in the water but must stay on a 6 foot hand held leash.
Can my dog go off leash on the beach at Fort De Soto?
Fort De Soto has a designated dog beach next to its Paw Playground, plus fenced areas for large and small dogs. Dogs must be leashed everywhere outside the dog park area.
Do your vacation rentals allow pets?
Many of our homes accept pets, subject to our pet policy and approval at booking. Browse our pet friendly rentals online or email [email protected].
Let’s plan it
Plan Your Visit
Explore our Clearwater Beach vacation rentals, perfect for a relaxing coastal getaway with your furry friend. Questions about bringing a pet? Email [email protected].
See you on the sand.