Daytona Beach welcomes pet owners and their furry friends to enjoy the sun and sand together. While not all areas are open to dogs, there are designated pet-friendly locations where you and your canine companion can have a fantastic beach day. Volusia County offers specific stretches of its beautiful coastline where dogs are permitted, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
The primary dog-friendly beach area in Daytona Beach is located in Ormond Beach. This designated section extends from the northern boundary of Rockefeller Drive to the southern boundary of Milsap Road. Known as Ormond Beach Dog Beach, this 0.6-mile stretch allows dogs to frolic in the sand and surf, provided that pet owners adhere to a few important rules.
To ensure a pleasant environment for all beachgoers, certain regulations are in place for dogs visiting Ormond Beach Dog Beach:
- Cleanliness: Pet owners are responsible for immediately cleaning up after their dogs and properly disposing of all waste.
- Environmental Protection: Dogs must be kept away from dune areas and should not disturb or harm any beach wildlife.
- Vaccination and Leashes: All dogs must have a current rabies vaccination and must be kept on a leash at all times while on the beach.
- County Guidelines: Visitors are expected to follow all posted guidelines and regulations set by Volusia County regarding dogs on the beach.
This dog-friendly zone between Milsap Road and Rockefeller Drive is also open to beach driving. Conveniently, there are several parking options available in this area. Visitors can utilize a 124-space parking lot at Cardinal Drive and a 33-space lot at Rockefeller Drive. Additionally, Andy Romano Beachfront Park provides 90 parking spaces, and the Milsap ramp offers six public parking spaces. River Beach Drive also serves as another public access point to this dog-friendly beach.
To easily identify the designated dog area, signage is installed at each beach ramp leading to the Ormond Beach Dog Beach section. Furthermore, signs or flags are placed on posts at the northern and southern boundaries of the dog-friendly zone. Dog bag dispensers are also conveniently located on trash and recycling bins within the permitted area.
Beyond Ormond Beach, there are additional options for dog owners in the wider Daytona Beach area. Ponce Inlet offers two more leash-required dog beaches. One is situated on the north shore of Ponce Inlet at Lighthouse Point Park, and the other is on the south shore in New Smyrna Beach at Smyrna Dunes Park. These locations provide even more opportunities to enjoy the beach with your beloved pets when visiting Daytona Beach.
