St Augustine is the oldest port in the United States, as well as the oldest continuously European occupied established city. It is a small city with a population of about 12,000, so it’s a good alternative if you don’t want to hit up the hustle and bustle of somewhere like Fort Lauderdale or Miami this winter, and still want Florida weather. It has a lot of history attractions, beaches and cultural institutes for such a small place, and so many things to do with your dog!
Top Dog Friendly Activities in Saint Augustine in 2024
Ghostly Encounters Walking Tour
These tours are on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, and go on for an hour and a half. They meet at 3 Orange Street at the City Gate Station. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed to join you for these tours. They go through many creepy, narrow streets in the city, so make sure you and your dog aren’t claustrophobic, even if you are not scared of ghosts! Dogs cannot accompany you in any of the buildings though. It costs $10.
Click here to meet the ghouly guides!
Saint Augustine Light House
Leashed dogs are allowed on the grounds of this pretty lighthouse, which have gardens and walking trails that offer nice views of the building. The lighthouse is over 200 feet in height; dogs and small children cannot climb to the top, but anyone else can.
Saint Augustine Scenic Cruise
The Victory III departs daily from the St Augustine Municipal Marina downtown for 1.5 hour cruises. These cruises have guided narration from the captain. Make sure to check the schedule and rates. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed to join you on this adventure.
Pet Friendly Parks and Beaches
Saint Augustine Beach
Most areas on the beach allow dogs, so long as they are leashed and cleaned up after.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
This is a 25 acre park that goes along the waterfront. It hosts a historic fort from the Spanish Empire during the 17th century. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Outdoor Restaurants
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
This is an Italian restaurant that makes a lot of food from scratch. Leashed dogs are allowed at outer tables.
Florida Cracker CafΓ©
If you’re down for some local Florida culture, this is a good place. They have a patio and well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed to join you at the outer tables. They offer things like beer, burgers, salads, gator tail, conch fritters, corn bread, oysters, shrimp po’ boys and more. It’s a good place for people who like seafood.
I am interested in visiting St. Augustine and want to know about places to stay in and around the area that will take dogs. Do you have any suggestions. Thanks.
we were there last March with our golden Dog. we had a blast. we stayed at Ocean Blue (old motel) but there was path to the beach, dogs were allowed, and we had an ocean view. we went to lighthouse and old part of town. quite dog friendly.
Is there a lot of dog friendly businesses in St. Augustine? I’m not worried about the hotels as much as shops and tours.