Last Updated on April 7, 2016 by Marybeth
We’re making our way down Florida’s east coast (and eventually back up the gulf coast) to share with you our picks of the best places to swim, play and stay with your dog. Because we all know that had you decided to leave Buster or Coco at home – for some trips – you would never be forgiven.
Truly travels everywhere with Maggie!
Click here for Florida’s northernmost coastal dog-friendly beaches, restaurants/bars, and places to spend the night, and here for Ormond Beach down to Cocoa Beach.
Today we’re starting in Indialantic, a small friendly beach town about 16 miles south of Cocoa Beach.
INDIALANTIC
SWIM
Canova Beach Park
3299 Highway A1A
Indialantic, Florida
321-255-4400
Would you call this a scent chain?
- 9.1 acres, includes a small pavilion, grill, picnic shelter, restrooms, drinking fountain, outdoor showers.
- All dogs must be on a leash and must wear tags showing their current license and vaccinations.
- Open 7 a.m. until dark. Admission and parking are free.
PLAY
(“Play,” for us, means where can we sit and have a drink or two and bring our dog?)
Longdogger’s Radically Relaxed Grill and Brew
890 N. Miramar Ave. (A1A)
Indialantic, FL
321-725-1115
- Longdogger’s has a number of beach town locations including Cocoa Beach and Satellite Beach (pictured above.) Happy Hour is Monday through Friday 2 – 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. – close. Steel drum music some nights. Check their website for other specials on designated nights.
- Dogs are welcome on the outdoor deck.
STAY
Sea Scape Oceanfront Motel
1745 A1A North
Indialantic, FL 32903
321-6767507
- Small family owned and operated, 1950’s style, clean, cute and updated.
- Big ocean front deck with lounge chairs, grill and tiki hut.
- Rates are approximately $121/night and $97/night if booking for a week.
MELBOURNE BEACH
SWIM
As Melbourne Beach is only 1.5 miles south of Indialantic, you can use the Canova Beach Park at 3299 Highway A1A; see above for details.
PLAY
Coppola’s Bar and Grill at the Historic Sebastian Beach Inn
7035 Highway A1A South
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
321-728-4311
The view from the deck of Coppola’s Bar and Grill at the Sebastian Beach Inn
- Large and interestingly ramshackle, The Sebastian Beach Inn is housed in Brevard County’s last remaining Coastal Watch Station that served our nation during WWII.
- Happy Hour Tuesday thru Friday 2 – 7 p.m. Live music from 1 – 5 p.m. Friday Saturday and Sunday.
- Dogs are welcome on the outdoor deck most of the time, but the manager did state that while the bands are playing during the busy season, your dog may be happier staying home! Call ahead to see how crowded it is the day you decide to go.
SEBASTIAN
The town of Sebastian is overlooking the Intracoastal and a short drive over the bridge to the beach. The town has a decidedly beachy/boaty vibe and so is one of our favorite places for bar sampling and just spending the day on or by the water.
SWIM
As Sebastian is not on the ocean, there isn’t a dog beach. Instead take your dog to:
Sebastian Bark Park
245 Keen Terrace
Sebastian, FL 32958
772-228-7054
- Dogs must have current rabies vaccine, tag, collar, and visible i.d.
- Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
PLAY
Pareidolia Brewing Co.
482 US 1
Sebastian FL 32958
772-584-0331
Photo courtesy of Pareidolia Brewing Co.
- Sebastian’s first and only craft brewery, Pareidolia’s outdoor patio overlooks the river.
- Live music some nights; check their website for the schedule.
- Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio.
VERO BEACH
SWIM
I could have sworn one of our Instagram friends said there is a dog beach in Vero, but I can’t find it. Let us know if you know! Otherwise there is a dog park:
Vero Dog Park
3449 Indian River Dr. E
Vero Beach, FL 32963
- Dogs must have a current license and vaccinations.
- Open dawn to dusk. Admission and parking are free.
PLAY
Casey’s Place
917 Azalea Lane
Vero Beach, FL 32963
772-231-4790
- Casey’s is not a bar and does not have live music, but beer and wine are served, and we love its prime location in the downtown, beachside area of Vero.
- All seating is outside, so your dog is welcome at any table at Casey’s!
While there are more restaurants who are dog-friendly, we’ve rounded up our favorites. Please tell us yours! And if we’ve missed any family owned, local businesses who welcome our dogs, let us know.
