The Ultimate Guide to Jacksonville's Dog Parks & Beach Access

As a new Jacksonville resident and real estate agent, I've been eagerly exploring every corner of this beautiful city I now call home. Moving here was bittersweet – I had to make the difficult decision to leave my aging dog Ruger back in Georgia with my parents. After living with them for two years, it didn't seem fair to uproot him from the comfortable routine and familiar surroundings he'd grown accustomed to in his senior years. I miss him terribly, but pictures from my parents where he is lounging on the couch wrapped up in a blanket after a bath or playing fetch in the pool help ease the separation.

Fortunately, my boyfriend's energetic dog Amy has become my exploration buddy here in Jacksonville. Finding the best spots for her to run, play, and make new furry friends has been a welcome distraction from missing Ruger. Between morning training sessions with clients, hitting the gym for my own workouts, afternoon showings, and building my real estate business, my schedule stays packed. But as a personal trainer turned real estate agent, I know the importance of balancing work with active outdoor time. That's why Amy and I have been checking out all the local dog-friendly spots, and I'm excited to share our discoveries!

If you're a dog parent in Jacksonville (or thinking about moving here), you're going to love the incredible options we have. From gorgeous off-leash parks to beach access that'll make your pup's Instagram followers jealous, Jacksonville truly delivers for our four-legged family members. Here's my curated guide to the best spots Amy and I have discovered in our adventures around the city.

Julington Creek Animal Walk Dog Park (https://g.co/kgs/cjL2eEi)

I was showing homes in the Mandarin area and discovered Julington Creek Animal Walk Dog Park. This 9-acre off-leash pet campus has it all – splash park, pools, nature trails, fields, and wash stations (which are a lifesaver after a good play session). The park's design really prioritizes safety, which I appreciate as a somewhat helicopter dog mom-by-proxy. The staff is super friendly, and we've met several clients here just by chatting with fellow dog owners!

Ed Austin Regional Park Dog Park (https://g.co/kgs/MTTgwEj)

This is our go-to weekday spot since it's free and open seven days a week. What I find fascinating is that it used to be an 18-hole golf course before being transformed into a park! Located just east of downtown near St. John's River, it offers four acres of off-leash fun with separate areas for large and small dogs. There's ample shade for those scorching summer days, water stations for thirsty pups, and plenty of disposal stations for... well, you know. I've knocked out many work calls while watching Amy play with her newfound friends. Between early morning personal training sessions and afternoon property showings, these quick park visits help break up my busy days.

Abess Dog Park (https://g.co/kgs/hkodHGm)

As someone who loves checking out new spots, I was thrilled to discover Abess Dog Park, one of Jacksonville's newest additions that opened in 2020. It's inside Leonard Abess public park and offers separate spaces for dogs of different sizes. The small dog area has a lovely shaded field, while the large dog section includes both an open field and a woodland trail that's perfect for a leisurely stroll. After a stressful day of negotiations, there's nothing like watching Amy run wild here to put everything in perspective. It reminds me that sometimes the simplest joys—like an energetic dog enjoying open space—can be the perfect antidote to a high-pressure day.

BrewHound Dog Park + Bar (https://g.co/kgs/VtwBvJz)

OK, this place might be my absolute favorite discovery! BrewHound in Neptune Beach is the perfect combination of things I love – dogs, craft beer, and coffee. It's an acre of beautifully maintained grounds where Amy can play in separately fenced areas based on size, while I enjoy a local IPA or morning cold brew. They even have staff they call "Ruffarees" who keep watch over the pups. I've hosted informal client meetings here, and everyone always loves the concept. My boyfriend and I have made this our Sunday tradition – often following my morning training sessions with clients. Talk about work-life balance!

Atlantic Beach Dog Park (https://g.co/kgs/Eh4kWPH)

Just off Atlantic Boulevard near Mayport Road, the Atlantic Beach Dog Park has become our weekend morning tradition. They have a nice pond where Amy loves to cool off (though the post-swim smell is... challenging), plus a walking path where I get some steps in. There's a separate small dog area if your pup is on the petite side, and a convenient hose station to rinse off before heading home. Pro tip: bring an extra towel for your car seats! As a personal trainer, I love that I can combine a light cardio workout with Amy's playtime – multitasking at its finest.

John Gorrie Dog Park at Riverside Park (https://g.co/kgs/RV8d4uJ)

When I'm showing properties in the historic Riverside neighborhood, John Gorrie Dog Park is our go-to spot for a quick break. It has two enclosed runs with water fountains, tennis balls (though they disappear quickly), and beautiful shade trees. The park is thoughtfully divided for small and large dogs. What I love most is that after Amy burns off some energy, we can walk to nearby restaurants with pet-friendly patios. The breakfast burrito at that corner café is to die for! I often use this park as a midday reset between client meetings—getting outside helps clear my head and refocus my energy.

When Can Dogs Visit Jacksonville Area Beaches?

One major reason I was thrilled to relocate to Jacksonville was the beach access. Coming from Atlanta, having beaches nearby felt like such a luxury! Here's what I've learned about bringing your furry beach buddy along:

Jacksonville Beach

During winter months (October 1st through March 31st), dogs are welcome anytime – we've enjoyed some gorgeous sunset walks! During the busier season from April 1st through September 30th, dogs are only allowed BEFORE 9am and AFTER 5pm. Amy and I have become early risers just to take advantage of those peaceful morning beach walks. These early sessions actually work perfectly with my personal training schedule – I can get Amy's exercise in, enjoy the sunrise, and still make it to my first client appointment of the day. Remember to keep your pup on a leash 8 feet or shorter, bring proof of rabies vaccination, and always (always!) clean up after them. Nobody wants to step in that during a romantic beach stroll.

Neptune Beach

Major update alert! As of September 2023, dogs are now permitted on Neptune Beach year-round thanks to a new ordinance. Previously, they had the same restricted hours as Jacksonville Beach during summer months. You'll need to provide shade and water for your pup – I bring a pop-up shade tent and collapsible bowls when we make a day of it. I've found that prepping my beach bag the night before (with plenty of water, towels, and snacks for both Amy and me) makes these outings so much more enjoyable. Staying hydrated is just as important for your pup as it is for your workout recovery!

Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach has become our weekend go-to. Dogs are welcome year-round, and they have this cool rule where if you and your dog are in the ocean together, your pup can swim unleashed (while staying within your voice and sight range), then must go back on leash when returning to the beach. Amy absolutely lives for these swimming sessions – she's a natural water dog! Just note this doesn't apply to walking your dog in the water – leashes required for that. After these swimming sessions, I usually squeeze in a quick beach workout – lunges, sprints, and bodyweight exercises with that perfect ocean backdrop.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

When clients ask me about the locals' favorite beaches, I always mention Hanna Park. The 1.5-mile stretch of beach welcomes leashed dogs year-round, and the park itself spans 450 beautiful acres with trails and a 60-acre freshwater lake. There's a two-dog limit per visitor, which works perfectly for my boyfriend and Amy. The small entry fee is absolutely worth it for the less crowded experience. We typically pack a picnic and make a morning of it before I head to afternoon showings. As a fitness enthusiast, I appreciate the variety of terrain – from beach to trails – that provides different workout intensities in one location.

Mickler's Landing (Ponte Vedra)

If you're house hunting in Ponte Vedra, Mickler's Landing is a must-visit with your dog. It's famous for shark teeth hunting (yes, I've become slightly obsessed with this new hobby), and dogs are allowed anytime as long as they're leashed. The distinctive pink sand from crushed coquina shells makes for the prettiest photos. Amy isn't convinced about the shark teeth hunting obsession yet, but she humors me. Between property showings in this gorgeous area, I've gotten surprisingly good at spotting those triangular treasures while getting in my steps for the day.

My Top Tips for Jacksonville Dog Parents

• Always bring more poop bags than you think you'll need (learned this the hard way!)
• Invest in collapsible water bowls for every car, purse, and beach bag you own
• Early mornings at the beach are magical – fewer people, cooler temps, and happy dogs
• Join local dog Facebook groups to stay updated on events and rule changes
• Respect the leash laws – I've seen some hefty fines handed out
• Keep dogs away from the dunes and sea turtle nests (marked with special signs)
• A quick rinse after salt water swimming extends the time between baths
• The local pet stores often have great intel on new dog-friendly spots
• Schedule dog park visits as workout recovery days – gentle walking while Amy plays
• Take lots of photos – Jacksonville's scenery makes for perfect social media content

Jacksonville has truly exceeded my expectations as a dog-friendly city. Exploring this beautiful area with Amy has been a wonderful way to ease the transition to my new home. Our weekend adventures send me back to my laptop on Monday mornings with renewed energy and a deeper appreciation for this city I now call home. There's something special about combining my passions for fitness, real estate, and the outdoors – from beach workouts to property showings with water views, Jacksonville offers the perfect blend.

Whether you're a current resident or considering a move to our beautiful city, I can promise your furry family members will love the outdoor lifestyle that makes Northeast Florida so special. And while I miss Ruger every day, I take comfort knowing he's happy and settled back in Georgia – getting daily video updates of him enjoying his senior years with my parents while I build my new life here.

Looking for a pet-friendly home in Jacksonville? Let's chat! I specialize in finding properties with the perfect yard, nearby parks, and neighborhoods that truly welcome four-legged family members. After all, finding the perfect home means finding a place everyone in your family will love – fur babies included!