2/26/10

Dogs on the Beach, Dogs on the Beach, What you gonna do? Dogs on the Beach!

Watching my 14 year old yellow Labrador, Chandler, who is arthritic and hip dysplasic, joyfully  retrieve sticks out of water made my thoughts turn to dog beaches.  Is there anything that makes dog happier than water, sand and their beloved master (or mistress). 

















Chandler's Fun in the Sun
Dog owners in the United States are becoming more active in pursuing areas where we can take our canine family members, but always being courteous of others, of course!  My home town (Newnan, GA) will be having a Walk-n-Wag fun walk on May 22 with dogs to raise money to purchase more doggie clean up stations in our city.  Not sure if Chandler's arthritis will allow him to walk but I'll take my other beloved lab, Sweetie.





































Sweetie kickin' it and drying in the sun

There are many great dog beaches all over the country.  I've been to a few and plan to enjoy more puppy vacations.  DogFancy Magazine has a Get Out of the Cold feature in their March issue, highlighting three beaches. 
















Del Mar, North Beach - Dog Beach
When we go to Del Mar, our friend's home looks out on this very dog-friendly stretch of shoreline.  Dog Beach is open year-round to dogs and they may be off leash from after Labor Day to June 15.  During the summer months, dogs are supposed to be on 6-foot leashes. Del Mar is such a pet-welcoming town you see pooches and their family everywhere -  jogging together, dining alfresco at cafes and even visiting the popular Saturday Farmer's Market.   Americana is a great choice for outside dining with your leashed friend and DogFancy recommends a stop at Three Dog Bakery for excellent doggie treats. If you are looking for accommodations so you can stay and play, the Del Mar Inn offers dog-friendly rooms.
















Panama City Beach, Florida
Florida has many great dog beaches and the sugar-white sand of the Gulf Coast make these destinatins family favorites as well.  DogFancy didn't mention Panama City Beach, but I'd like to give them a special "bark out"!  In 2007, Panama City Beach approved an official dog park on the western portion of the city-owned beach at Dan Russell Pier.  This beach is conveniently located by Pier Park, an upscale and action-filled shopping plaza.  There are many area parks that welcome leashed dogs including Aaron Bessant, Frank Brown and Zollie Young Parks.  Shell Island is also a great choice for visitors with dogs.  This uninhabited barrier island is only accessible by boat but is a treat for day trip. Click on Florida Pets  for info on finding a pet-friendly boat rental to carry you there.  Shell Island has some of the best shelling around. If you want to stay awhile,  LaQuinta Hotel Chain encourage guests to bring their dogs and there is one conveniently located at Pier Park!  Panama City is one of our favorite family getaways.

The DogFancy article also gave high marks to Bonita Springs in Florida.  Bonita Springs is one of the top-dog rated beaches on Florida's west coast.  Pet Friendly rooms abound at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort.  LaQuinta also offers several nearby locations, including 2 in tony Naples.


















Barrier Island off Savannah, GA
Florida's neighbor, Georgia, also offers many opportunities to bring your pups to paradise. Quiet Jekyll Island  is known as one of the most popular dog destinations in the South.  The Villas by the Sea Resort at Jekyll is a good choice for families traveling with pets.

For a list of doggie beaches across the U.S., click on this link: dog friendly beaches.  I'd love to hear about your favorite canine adventures!

2 comments:

  1. good looking dogs but Sweetie doesn't look like she is the "sharpest tool in the shed".

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  2. You can tell my husband "anonymous" plays favorites!

    ReplyDelete