[CFrance]

A lady at Doggie Doo Run Run today told me about Honeymoon Beach. Apparently you can let dogs swim there unleashed, and they have shower stations, for dogs and people. She said it is over by Tampa, an hour and a half drive away.

I'm wondering if anyone has been there, and is this 1.5 hour drive time for real? The closest non-leash dog beach we've been to so far is Venice Beach, which is not close at all.

[seashorecaroline]

I've been to Honeymoon Beach but not with my dog. It is a beautiful beach and they do have a very large section where you can let your dog run free. I don't know about a place to wash your dog but there are bathrooms, changing rooms and a little bit up from the dog beach they even have a place where you can get something to eat. I don't remember how long it took to get there but an hour and a half seems about right. Give it a try. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

[Taltarzac725]

Welcome to Florida State Parks

Dogs are allowed in designated areas such as the pet beach on the southern tip of the island and on the nature trail. Pets must be on a 6 foot hand held leash at all times while in these areas.

I loved to go to Honeymoon Island when I lived in Palm Harbor and would often go there once a month or so. Things change though so I would call them to see if the dogs have to be on leashes on the pet beach. http://www.floridastateparks.org/hon...nd/default.cfm

[Lucko]

The dog beach at Honeymoon Island State Park lets dog run and romp on white sand and in shallow clear water -- I think it might be the best dog beach in Florida -- Lucko

[CFrance]

Thanks for the info!

[janmcn]

Originally Posted by CFrance

A lady at Doggie Doo Run Run today told me about Honeymoon Beach. Apparently you can let dogs swim there unleashed, and they have shower stations, for dogs and people. She said it is over by Tampa, an hour and a half drive away.

I'm wondering if anyone has been there, and is this 1.5 hour drive time for real? The closest non-leash dog beach we've been to so far is Venice Beach, which is not close at all.

It's probably closer to a two hour drive. Once you get across the Courtney Campbell causeway, you have to drive clear across Pinellas county. It is all stop and go, no east-west expressways. And once you get to downtown Clearwater, you have to go north a few miles to Dunedin on 19A, again all stop and go. The good news is, this time of year the traffic is lighter, and there are no lovebugs in Pinellas county.

You could also swing by the new South Tampa Trader Joe's on your way home, if that interest you.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by janmcn

It's probably closer to a two hour drive. Once you get across the Courtney Campbell causeway, you have to drive clear across Pinellas county. It is all stop and go, no east-west expressways. And once you get to downtown Clearwater, you have to go north a few miles to Dunedin on 19A, again all stop and go. The good news is, this time of year the traffic is lighter, and there are no lovebugs in Pinellas county.

You could also swing by the new South Tampa Trader Joe's on your way home, if that interest you.

All the more reason to go!

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by CFrance

All the more reason to go!

If you do make the trip to Honeymoon Island State Park's Pet Beach, I would like to know about whether or not you needed to keep your dog on that six foot long leash? The rule looks pretty straightforward, but why then have a Pet Beach at all?

Fort De Soto Park supposedly has a very nice Pet Beach. https://www.pinellascounty.org/park/dog_parks.htm

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725

If you do make the trip to Honeymoon Island State Park's Pet Beach, I would like to know about whether or not you needed to keep your dog on that six foot long leash? The rule looks pretty straightforward, but why then have a Pet Beach at all?

Fort De Soto Park supposedly has a very nice Pet Beach. https://www.pinellascounty.org/park/dog_parks.htm

I will find that out before going. Would hate to drive all the way over there and find out they can't swim free.

[Waverunner]

We have taken my son's dogs to Honeymoon Beach. This is a state park. There are no lifeguards and few employees. The dogs swim loose and pet owners are there to have fun with their dogs. A lot of playing fetch. I don't remember if they need to be leashed otherwise, but everyone seems very respectful of one another, and no "monitors". There is an entrance fee (by individual or car load). There are bathrooms and a snack bar with limited hours. There are also chairs and umbrellas for rent (in the humans area near the snack bar). Parking is very open on weekdays with a very short walk to the beach. This beach is narrow and natural and not maintained like Clearwater Beach or other tourist areas, so there is seaweed and other natural debris in the sand. It also can be very rocky in parts of the surf under the water. It is best to wear beach shoes there if you plan to get in the water. I know there are showers near the snack bar that abut the parking lot, but don't remember if they are also in the dogs area. Great place to pack a snack, bring a chair and enjoy the scenery!

[DougB]

Not sure if they need to be on a leash at all times, but I hear doggie bikinis are optional.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by DougB

Not sure if they need to be on a leash at all times, but I hear doggie bikinis are optional.

How, otherwise, would they greet each other??