The information on this page is taken from the Gulf County Florida website and is subject to change at any time. 

For more information please visit their website at www.visitgulf.com

Pet Friendly Beaches

HIT THE SAND, LEASH IN HAND!

Bring your furry friends along. Woofs are welcome all over Gulf County.

Let your four-legged best friend run through the sand, splash in the water, shake it off, and then do it all again.

Gulf County Florida is dog heaven and more families are taking their pets along on vacation. In fact, two of the Top 20 Dog Beaches in Florida are located in Gulf County. Both Cape San Blas and Salinas Park received the coveted “5-Bone Rating” for its long stretches of uncrowded beaches and gentle waves by BringFido.com.

Pets are welcome on all Gulf County beaches with the exception of St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Animals must remain on a leash at all times, it’s the law. Bring a long lead leash so you and your pet can be active.

There are over 20 pet waste disposal stations with bags and receptacles along the public beach access points. However, owners must remove any remnants left behind so it’s a good idea to pack your waste baggies for beach adventures.

Many areas on and off the beach are perfect for pets; even the Gulf County Welcome Center is pet-friendly so stop in and say hello! Located in Port St. Joe, it’s a great starting point for the Port City Trail that meanders nearly four miles throughout the town. Many of the local shops and restaurants also welcome pets on leashes.

Need help deciding where to stay with your dog? Just look for the paw prints on the vacation rentals page or contact a Concierge.

Pet Etiquette or Helpful Tips

• Always keep your dog on a leash. It’s the law.
• Respect children and adults around you who may not be familiar with your pet.
• Always keep waste bags with you. We want our beaches to be people friendly, too.
• Don’t bury pet waste. Children enjoy digging in the sand as much as pets.

 Shelling & Scalloping

Finding the perfect shell on the beach is a little like buried treasure. That indescribable feeling when you find the perfect one to add to your collection - a gem that will help you enjoy your memories long after you head back home.  

Gulf Coast beaches are considered some of the finest shelling beaches in North America and Gulf Cunty has long been popular with those who enjoy nature at this beast. The beaches from Indian Pass To T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park are especially great for finding these exotic ocean treasures.

The best time to find shells are the hours just before and after the low tides. Don't let a storm to you; some of the best shells are found right after a storm. And, winter is a great time to shell.

Remember not to take live shells (shells with a living organism still inside). That includes living sand dollars you find in the water.

 Things To Do With Kids

The relaxed atmosphere that Gulf County projects makes it a great place to vacation with the entire family and planning kid-friendly activities are easy here.  From horseback riding on the beach to taking a turtle walk, you can choose something different each day.  
 

Your daily adventures can be easy and FREE.  Here are a few ideas to get you started but check out our Blogs for more ideas.

• Turtle Walk with the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Patrol 
• Shelling 
• Turtle Trail 
• Bike ride along Loggerhead Trail

Gulf County is eager to enhance the visitor experience with the Turtle Trail while promoting conservation of our natural environment.

Did you know that Gulf County is the largest nesting place for sea turtles in Northwest Florida. Home to more than 40 percent of the nests, we covet and protect these massive, beautiful creatures and we ask that our visitors do as well.

As if on cue from Mother Nature, from May 1st to October 31st Loggerhead Sea Turtles crawl ashore Gulf County beaches during the night to lay their eggs in a sandy nest. After laying their eggs, these giants cover their nest and return back to water. After roughly a two-month incubation period, the tiny hatchlings emerge from the sand and scramble to the Gulf, counting on the light of the moon and stars to guide them to the sea.