Pet Friendly Destin Vacation Activities to get your Tails Wagging
A Destin vacation with your pet can be really fun if you know where to go and what to do. The Destin area has dog parks where your pooch can run around and play leash-free and Florida’s many State Parks and hiking trails are great ways to get both you and Fido panting. Or perhaps browsing paws-itively unique boutiques, catching up over yappy hour and dining al fresco with Fife is more your style. Either way Destin has plenty of pet friendly vacation activities to get your tails wagging.
Shopping:
HarborWalk Village – 10 Harbor Boulevard, Destin
The Village is one of Destin’s top pet-friendly tourist attractions offering many unique shops, including Alaqua Animal Refuge where a new friend for Fido can be adopted, and has some dog friendly restaurants.
Destin Commons – 4300 Legendary Drive, Destin
Leashed pets are welcome to join their owners for some of the best Destin shopping and dining, with many well known retailers and locally owned specialty stores. Destin Commons holds many pet events throughout the year, such as the Doggy Fashion Show at Christmas.
The Village of Baytowne Warf – 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Destin
Home to more than 30 world-class Destin, Florida shops and specialty boutiques, The Village is another of the area’s great tourist attractions. Located in the 2400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, it also has a dog friendly atmosphere and has a number of specialty boutiques and Destin souvenir shops.
The Doggy Bag – 34904 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 126, Destin
A “Gourmutt” bakery and boutique, The Doggy Bag is a unique experience for dogs and their humans. Their homemade dog treats look good enough for you to eat, and since they are made with all natural, human-grade pet foods you actually can. The boutique carries a large variety of doggie apparel, and accessories.
Bark Avenue – 106 Cannery Lane, Sandestin
An upscale gift and accessories shop for the pampered pooch. Bark Avenue is the ultimate in dog luxury and style featuring a variety of “fur-bulous” finds from earth friendly organic toys to elegant Swarovski crystal collars.
Dining:
Hammerheads – 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W (Baytowne Wharf), Destin
You can’t get much more pet friendly than Hammerheads. Pets are welcome anywhere in the restaurant and besides serving up grilled and steamed seafood, chicken, burgers and chowders, the chefs at Hammerheads have also developed a doggy menu featuring items such a hot dogs, burgers, and even a 20-ounce bone-in porterhouse “for the doggie with a big appetite,” all entrees are served with filtered, ice water and come with a doggy biscuit appetizer.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – 4655 Gulfstarr Dr Destin
Treat the whole family to rich, creamy homemade ice cream made with fresh, natural ingredients. Bruster’s offers free baby cones to children less than 40″ and your four legged family members get a free doggie sundae topped with dog biscuits.
Harry T’s -46 Harbor Boulevard, Destin
While Harry T’s menu offers traditional seafood, steak, chicken, and pasta dishes, this restaurant is anything but traditional. The circus memorabilia on display at Harry T´s honors the brief but brilliant career of “The Flying Harry T” as a trapeze artist with the Miller Brothers Circus. Leashed dogs are allowed on the outdoor patio, after all, Harry T had quite a menagerie of animals of his own – everything from a picnic basket stealing bear, a circus giraffe, a pod of life-saving dolphins, a kitten loving pelican, and even racing ostriches.
Dewey Destin Seafood Restaurant – 9 Calhoun Avenue, Destin
Voted the best outdoor restaurant on the emerald coast, Dewey Destin offers fresh seafood and excellent “LandFood” in a laidback open air environment. Dewey’s great, great grandfather, Leonard Destin, founded Destin, Florida in 1835 and today the original Destin Family recipes are still used. Dewey Destin has a great dog-friendly outdoor seating area and a walk-up window for takeout.
Parks:
Henderson Beach State Park – 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin
Get an up close and rare glimpse of the coastal dune ecosystem that once flourished in the Florida panhandle. Henderson Beach State Park’s dune system extends from gentle rolling dunes near the shoreline to larger dunes that can reach a height of 30 feet. A three-quarter mile pet-friendly trail provides a beautiful view of the park from atop the higher dunes and highlights some of the last remaining coastal scrub communities in the Florida panhandle. Quiet, well mannered dogs are allowed on the nature trail, in the camp area, and on the sidewalk in the day use area. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily.
Central Bark – 99 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach
The only off-leash dog park in Fort Walton Beach, Central Bark is completely fenced in so dogs can run free. The area is divided into two sections by a fence separating the big dogs and small dogs. Besides having plenty of grass to play in, Central Bark also provides a spigot and bowls for fresh clean water; play equipment for those inclined, and trash containers and baggies for clean-up. Central Bark also offers dog training sessions including free Puppy Socialization Classes, Dog Etiquette ‘Drop-In Classes’ and Obedience and Agility Lessons
Bark Park – J.D. Miller Road, South Walton
Whether a local or a visitor to Walton County you and your canine companions are welcome at Bark Park. This 2- acre off-leash dog park is dedicated to providing dogs a safe and fun place to play. There are two fenced areas for large and small dogs and water is available, but owners are should bring bowls for their pets. Founded in 2002 by Deborah “Spike” Alfassa as a tribute to her beloved dog, Nyx, Bark Park is a non-profit organization of responsible dog owners, their canine companions, and the greater community of Walton County.
Niceville Dog Park – Hwy 85 and College Boulevard, Niceville
Bring your pet to play off-leash at Niceville Dog Park. The 4 acre park has shade trees, and plenty of space for both large and small dogs to stretch their legs and run leash-free with no worries about cars, etc. The park provides a continuous flowing dog water station, and toys and plastic bags have been donated to park to ensure all dogs are having fun and are cleaned up after.
Beaches:
Okaloosa County, Bay County and the City of Destin do not allow pets on their beaches, and South Walton County allows only property owners to obtain beach pet permits. However, the nearby beaches of Panama City (such as Alligator Point in Franklin County) are less regulated regarding dogs on the beach, and allow dogs that are either leash or under the owner’s control. As a general rule dogs (and their owners) need to be self regulating and on good behavior while enjoying their time at the beach.
Pet Services:
Companion Animal Hospital of Destin – 247 Main Street, Destin
Traveling with your pet can be a rewarding experience. Unfortunately, no matter how prepared you are the unexpected can always happen and there are times when you might need a veterinarian. Dr. Collier, of Companion Animal Hospital of Destin, is available for emergencies and urgent care visits anytime the clinic is open.
Four Paws Pet Saloon – 4217 Henderson Beach Rd, Destin
Pamper your pet while on vacation, Four Paws Pet Salon offers complete grooming services by highly skilled and experienced groomers. This top of the line grooming salon is a is a one of a kind experience. Their experienced and professional groomers cater to your pets grooming needs, from a simple bath to a full out doggy makeover.
In the Moment Pet Care – 850-269-0800
Although Destin, FL is a pretty pet friendly city, there are still times when you may want to leave your pet behind to enjoy some of Destin’s great activities. In the Moment Pet Care offers a selection of services to ensure that you’re pet is taken care of while you’re out. From a mid-day walk or run to short term in-home pet sitting, In the Moment has your (and your pets) needs covered.
Let us know of your favorite Destin pet friendly places or should you find an establishment that no longer allows pets so we can adjust our list.
Before you visit an establishment or place, please contact them and verify that they are still dog-friendly and available, as policies and management change frequently.
