If you aren’t new around here, you know that we love taking our poodle Leia to the beach. Previously we had really loved going to Honeymoon Island Dog Beach, and we still think it is a great place to go, but it is no longer our favorite dog beach since we recently discovered the Picnic Island Dog Beach in Tampa, Florida.
There are a couple of things that really set this beach apart from other dog beaches we visit, the first being that it is in a fenced in area and your dogs can run off leash! Other dog beaches we go to they want your dog leashed, which does take some of the fun out of it for them. Another thing that helps set this beach apart, is that there isn’t a long walking distance from parking to where the actual beach is. At Honeymoon Island, for instance, the parking is quite a hike from the actual beach. There are a few different parking areas here, so even if one parking lot fills up there is another one and the walk still isn’t that far.
As you can tell from the slideshow, Leia had a great time! I wish I would have gotten more photos of her playing with the other dogs, but at some point one needs to put the camera down and just enjoy the day. Next time though for sure.
Not everyone’s dogs were off leash, but most were and everyone was very cool about the dogs all running around and playing and getting wet and sandy. It was nice to see so many dogs playing together so well and for them to just enjoy being dogs. Leia may be just an 11 pound mini poodle, but she definitely runs with the big dogs when she gets the chance! She really prefers to play with the larger dogs rather than one her own size for some reason, and luckily there were plenty of dogs in a variety of sizes. Even if your dog isn’t a big fan of the water, there is plenty of area for them to run around in and even a few trees for shade.
I would like to point out that area surrounding the dog beach is kind of industrial so don’t be alarmed and think you are lost like we did when we were driving there! There also is a disc golf course, child’s playground area with pavilions and restrooms, a NON dog beach, as well as access for boats and kayaks at Picnic Island. If the dog beach isn’t your thing, it still is worth checking off your list if you have never been.
I do want to say that if you are visiting any of these dog beaches or any other activities with your dog please pick up after them! It is really unfair that there are outdoor places where dogs aren’t even allowed because of laziness. Besides the fact that it is gross, it also spreads diseases. So just please do your part, and if you happen to not have a bag just ask another nearby dog owner! Nobody will ever refuse you a bag to clean up! Ok, that is it for my soap box for the day lol.
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I loved this beach and the whole area on general