You are here

Bone Voyage: A 30A Dog Friendly Guide

Planning a beach getaway doesn’t have to mean leaving your four-legged family members behind. A dog-friendly vacation on Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A lets you enjoy sugar-white sand, charming beach communities, and plenty of pet-welcoming spots all in one place. From dog-friendly vacation rentals to outdoor activities, 30A makes it easy to relax, explore, and create unforgettable memories with your pup by your side.

Walton County Dog Rules & Regulations

Dogs are only allowed on Walton County beaches with a permit, and permit access is limited to residents or property owners in Walton County. The closest dog-friendly beach for non-residents/owners is Panama City Beach, a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from WaterColor. Don’t fret, though! There are plenty of dog-friendly places and activities on 30A, so your pups won’t miss out on too much during your 30A vacation.

30A Pet Friendly Rentals

Want to travel with your furry family member? Sanders’ 30A pet-friendly vacation homes feature dog-friendly amenities, including outdoor spaces to run, fenced yards, and spacious interiors. Enjoy the comforts of home with your canine pal in one of our 30A dog-friendly vacation accommodations.

 Search 30A Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals

Dog Friendly 30A Outdoor Activities

While you’ll have to exclude 30A’s beaches from your list of things to enjoy with the pup, there are several dog-friendly outdoor activities on 30A to participate in. 

One of our favorite things to do is take our dogs to one of 30A’s many farmers' markets. Hit up Seaside Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, or the Rosemary Farmers’ Market, held every Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Several outdoor venues, such as Baytowne Wharf, allow you to walk around with your dog on a leash and enjoy community events together. 

Want to explore the outdoors? Point Washington State Forest and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park are great places to go hiking or biking with your dog. They’ll love the fresh air and explorable trails! (Note: Dogs are not allowed on the state park beaches, so stick to the trails.) If your dog is a water-lover, take them to one of the coastal dune lakes and do some stand-up paddleboarding.

Your furry family member will love Alaqua Unleashed Dog Park, South Walton’s largest secured off-leash dog park with areas for large and small dogs. 

Dog Friendly 30A Restaurants

There are a variety of dog-friendly restaurants throughout 30A that offer outdoor seating where your pups can join you on the day’s adventure:

WaterColor & Seaside

  • Bud & Alley’s
  • Amavida Coffee
  • Great Southern Cafe
  • The Wine Bar

Grayton Beach

  • The Red Bar
  • Grayton Seafood Company
  • AJ’s of Grayton Beach
  • Black Bear Bread Company

WaterSound

  • The Big Chill

30A Dog Care Services

Run out of food for your dog during your 30A vacation? The Dog Kula in Santa Rosa Beach has everything when it comes to the nutrition and wellness needs of your furry friend. Shop from an extensive selection of healthy treats and food, and enjoy having access to the highest-quality pet products.

If your dog has health needs while you are on vacation, many qualified veterinary clinics on 30A can help. The highly-rated 30A Vet in Santa Rosa Beach offers routine and emergency services. For any urgent care needs, OnPoint Veterinary Urgent Care in Fort Walton Beach or the Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Niceville can assist at any hour of the day. 

If you are heading out for an excursion where dogs are not allowed, why not send your furry friend for a spa day or a play day? Emerald Coast Kennel is a popular choice, offering dog boarding, day boarding, and grooming. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 30A a pet-friendly vacation destination?
Yes, many areas along 30A are very pet-friendly, with dog-friendly vacation rentals, outdoor dining options, and walking trails.

Are dogs allowed on 30A beaches?
Dogs are not allowed on 30A beaches unless you have a permit. Permit access is given to property owners and residents ONLY. 

Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals on 30A?
Sanders Beach Rentals offers 30A vacation rentals that welcome dogs, though restrictions, fees, and breed or size limits may apply depending on the property.

What pet services are available near 30A?
The 30A area offers pet shops, grooming services, dog daycares, and nearby veterinary and emergency care to support travelers visiting with their pets.

Are there dog-friendly restaurants and patios on 30A?
Yes, several restaurants along 30A offer dog-friendly outdoor seating, making it easy to enjoy a meal without leaving your pet behind.

What should I pack when traveling to 30A with my pet?
Bring essentials like food, treats, leashes, waste bags, vaccination records, and daily dog supplies to best prepare for your 30A adventure.