I love the beach. I love the sound of the ocean lapping against the shore, the squeal of sea gulls, the feel of the sand underfoot, and the smell of the salt air. So does Wayne. We also love watching Murphy explore the dunes, chase sand pipers through the surf, and then run from the waves he’s sure are trying to get him.
When we lived in Jacksonville we’d often take him to Mickler’s Landing in Ponte Vedre because dogs were welcome there all the time. (Jacksonville’s beaches have a policy whereby dogs are only allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. in summer. In winter the policy is a little more lax.) However, we’d often go to Mickler’s early in the morning or late in the afternoon anyway, because it was less crowded and afforded us the best times to let Murph run free off his leash. (That was another upside to going to that beach, leash laws were not strictly enforced.)
However, I watched a show a few months back ranking the top 10 most dog friendly beach destinations. The number one result surprised me because it happened to be located in Florida. (Florida is often accused of being one of the most dog unfriendly states, as many beaches –and other places– prohibit pets.) So which Florida beach nabbed the #1 vote for most dog-friendly beach in 2006? Cape San Blas.
It’s a barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast side. One rental company kept stressing: “Dogs are not just allowed on beaches and our properties, they’re WELCOME.”
WOW! That’s a novel approach.
But wait, it gets better. The beaches are white sand. Yes! The area is not crowded because it hasn’t become overly commercialized, so peace and solitude abound. Yes! There are even a few restaurants listed with outdoor patios that allow dogs to hang out with their owners for mealtimes. Groovy!
I keep bugging Wayne that our next vacation should be here. The drive is a little longer than I normally like, but if I have the prospect of a dog-friendly, relaxing place waiting for me at the end…I’m there!
Murph likes the sound of it too. He’s got his bag all ready to go. He just needs his people to get their keisters in gear and set a date for our adventure to the #1 most dog friendly beach, a.k.a Puppy Eden to him.
Poll
Does your pooch like the beach?
What’s your favorite dog-friendly sea side destination?
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