Where to Swim, Play and Stay in Florida with Your Dog : Ormond Beach to Cocoa Beach

Last Updated on January 27, 2016 by Marybeth

 

While we here at Triple B tend to revel in a short break from our 4-leggers (including Illy, the squirrel) we know that many of you plan your trips based on where your precious pups will be welcomed like the cherished family members that they are.

We’re doing the research for you, starting with the Northeast coast (read about that region, here.) Today we’ve got your go-to list of the best dog beach (in this region, dog park), the best pet-friendly patio dining, and the best bungalow-style motel or mom-and-pop from Ormond Beach down to Cocoa Beach.

We’ve visited and reviewed some of the properties, for which we’ve provided a link to our post. The others are suggestions based on affordability, locals’ recommendations and other positive reviews we’ve combed through online.

 

 

ORMOND BEACH

 

SWIM

Dogs aren’t allowed on Volusia County beaches with the exception of service animals, but there are dog parks:

Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park

1800 N. Oceanshore Blvd.

Ormond Beach

Curly is a rescue from a flood in Kentucky!

• 4 acres, separate areas for large and small dogs
• Watering stations, benches and shade trees
• Admission is free, hours are sunrise to sunset

 

PLAY

(by which we mean “Where can we go sit and have a drink with our dog?”)

Lagerhead’s Bar and Grill

2986 Oceanshore Blvd.

Ormond-by-the-Sea

 

 

• Right across the street from the ocean
• Dogs are welcomed at outdoor tables

Read our review of Lagerhead’s Bar and Grill, and Ormond-by-the-Sea, here.

STAY

 Ocean Mist

1732 Oceanshore Blvd.

Ormond-by-the-Sea

 

 

• Right across the street from the ocean with unobstructed views
• Basic mom-and-pop, no frills, clean
• Very affordable at approximately $60 a night on weekends

Read our review of Ocean Mist, and Ormond-by-the-Sea, here.

 

 

DAYTONA BEACH

 

I’m not sure why I feel I must apologize to towns like Daytona Beach, but I do. I’m sorry Daytona; you’re not our kind of place. I’m sure you have your specific appeal, but you’re not exactly lesser known or off the beaten path. BUT, as is our habit and quest, we DID find your lesser known, more charming parts, Daytona! So I guess I need not apologize after all.

Across the river from the Daytona Beach that is famous (infamous?) is historic riverfront Daytona Beach. (“Historic” and “riverfront”t being two words that perk up our ears like our Chihuahua when she hears bacon sizzling.)

 

SWIM

No dogs allowed on the beaches here but there are several dog parks, our pick after doing much research would be:

Frank Rendon Park

2705 S. Atlantic Ave.

Daytona Beach

Lucy is a shy, gentle mixed breed rescue

• Sheltered picnic areas, grills, children’s playground
• Restrooms and outdoor showers
• Admission is free, hours are sunup to sundown

 

PLAY

As of press time, one waterfront dining and dancing restaurant we’d heard was decent seems to have closed, and the other, a BBQ place, is for sale!  If you know of the perfect eatery to take your dog in Daytona Beach, please let us know!

 

STAY

Coquina Inn Bed and Breakfast

544 S. Palmetto Avenue

Daytona Beach (located in the Old Daytona National Historic District)

386-254-4969

 

Photos courtesy of the Coquina Inn Bed and Breakfast

• Four guest rooms, gazebo spa, fresh flowers, 5 course breakfast
• Rates are approximately $119 – 139

 

 

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

 

SWIM

We’re still in Volusia County, so, still not dogs on the beaches.

Smyrna Dunes Park

2995 N. Peninsula Avenue

New Smyrna Beach

Hello, Rosie!

• Pavilions, picnic areas, nature trails, observation towers, 2 miles of elevated walkways and 73 acres total acres
• Dogs must remain on their leash
• Open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., admission is $10

 

PLAY

JB’s Fish Camp

859 Pompano Avenue

New Smyrna Beach

386-427-5747

 

Photo courtesy of JB’s Fish Camp

• Rustic, funky, waterfront delicious seafood and pub grub type food with live music on the weekends
• Dogs are welcome on the outside deck
• Not within walking distance of the quaint downtown area but worth the drive

We haven’t written a post about JB’s, but we’ve dined there (ha: “dine” sounds so white table cloth!) and LOVED IT.

 

STAY

Buena Vista Inn

500 N. Causeway

New Smyrna Beach

386-428-5565

 

Photo courtesy of Buena Vista Inn

• 8 unit, family 0wned property overlooking the Indian River. Located on Coronado Island, the connection between Historic Canal Street and Flagler Avenue
• Tropical courtyard with fountain and seating areas, grills
• Depending on the season, rooms range from $80-125 a night

 

 

COCOA BEACH

 

SWIM

Apparently, though we’re finally out of Volusia County, dogs still can’t cavort directly on the beach in Cocoa Beach.

Lori Wilson Park

1500 N. Atlantic Avenue

Cocoa Beach

 

• Separate areas for big and small dogs
• Open from 7 a.m. until dusk

 

PLAY

Longdoggers Radically Relaxed Grill and Brew

350 W. Cocoa Beach Causeway

321-613-0002

 

 

• Absolutely delicious food (burgers, dogs, wraps, fresh fish etc.) and fun atmosphere
• Dogs are welcome on the outside deck
• One of our very favorites for casual meals and great service in Brevard County

 

STAY

South Beach Inn

1701 S. Atlantic Avenue

Cocoa Beach

1-800-546-6835

 

 

• Oceanfront with fully equipped kitchens
• Family owned and operated
• Located at the quiet southern end of Cocoa Beach

Read our story of “Retro Florida Without the Masses: South Cocoa Beach” here.

 

Though we’ve happily spent days and days researching this article, I’m sure we’ve missed some awesome businesses who will welcome your dogs. Please let us know what we’ve skipped over (unintentionally!) And in the case of “play,” we choose a more drinking type establishment, as we occasionally like to have a cold beverage or two while at the beach. There are plenty of cafes, breakfast spots and diners who are dog friendly, and a great resource for more info is bringfido.com.

 

Our next pet friendly trip for tips for our fellow animal lovers will find us headed further south on the Atlantic coast, check back for more!