The Ultimate Dog Guide to America’s Oldest City
Welcome to St. Augustine, a town that’s not just rich in history, but also loves furry companions. The Ancient City is a wonderful destination for pet owners, offering a blend of history, natural beauty, and pet-friendly amenities. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying a meal at a local café, you’ll find that St. Augustine welcomes you and your pup with open arms.
With a little advice from our golden retriever, Louie, we’ve put together a round-up of everything you need to know to make your trip to St. Augustine a memorable one for both you and your four-legged friend. So pack your bags, grab your leash, and embark on a pet-friendly adventure in the nation’s oldest city!
Top Pet-Friendly Attractions
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
If you’re a history buff, you’ll love visiting the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. This spot is not only educational but also incredibly scenic. Pets are allowed in the outdoor areas as long as they are leashed, which makes it a great place for a stroll. Just be sure to bring water and waste bags – keeping the grounds clean is a must!
Note: Only service animals are allowed in the historic buildings and no animals are permitted to climb the lighthouse.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Another historical gem is the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. While pets aren’t allowed inside the fort itself, they are welcome in the surrounding park areas – which might be the most underrated and overlooked in the city. Take a walk along the seawall, where your dog can enjoy the breeze off the bay and you can soak up some history. Be sure to bring a picnic blanket to lounge in the shade of the trees just north of the Castillo after your walk. The early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to avoid the heat and the crowds.
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Who wouldn’t want to visit the legendary Fountain of Youth? This archaeological park is not only fascinating but also pet-friendly. You’ll fall in love with the lush, historical ambiance and your pup will love watching the peacocks that roam the grounds. Just make sure your pet is on a leash and be mindful of the other animals in the park. And, hey, one sip from the fountain and your furry friend might end up living for a couple hundred (dog) years.
Best Pet-Friendly Beaches
St. Augustine Beach
One of our favorite spots is St. Augustine Beach. The sandy shores and gentle waves make it perfect for a day out with Louie. Dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed, and there are plenty of pet waste stations to keep the beach clean. Luke loves to board over with Louie to get in early morning surf sessions.
By the way, you’re always welcome to stop by our offices on A1A Beach Boulevard and give Louie a treat in person!
Vilano Beach
Vilano Beach is another excellent choice for pet lovers. It’s a bit quieter than St. Augustine Beach, which makes it perfect for a relaxing day. Remember to bring fresh water and some shade for your pet, and be sure to follow the local pet rules to keep this beach beautiful and welcoming for everyone.
Pet-Friendly Dining Options
Outdoor Cafés and Restaurants
St. Augustine offers a variety of outdoor dining spots where your pet is welcome. Here are a few of our favorites:
- The Floridian: Known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients, The Floridian offers a delightful menu and a pet-friendly patio. You’ll definitely want to try their famous ‘N Grits – don’t be turned off by the color, they’re made locally by Congaree and Penn and are naturally purple!
- O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits: This charming restaurant has a beautiful outdoor seating area with a water view where pets are welcome. The seafood dishes are delicious, and dogs always get plenty of attention from the friendly staff.
Local Favorites
For a true taste of St. Augustine, check out these local favorites:
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Osprey Tacos: This health-conscious restaurant loves to take advantage of local produce and protein to make some of the best tacos in town. Wander to Old Coast Ales next store and you might even find some dog treats.
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Burrito Works Taco Shop: Located right on St. Augustine Beach, this spot is perfect for a meal after a day in the sun. The outdoor patio is pet-friendly, and the beachy vibe is a hit with both humans and pets.
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Boat Drinks: If you’re looking to live the island lifestyle in St. Augustine, you won’t find a better spot than Boat Drinks. Bring your dog and they just might be featured on the ‘Pups on the Patio’ highlight every week on their Instagram stories!
Accommodations for Pet Owners
Finding the right hotel can be a challenge. Add in a pet and your options become limited fast. If you prefer a more home-like setting, consider renting a pet-friendly vacation home. Stay Vidorra has a variety of options including some with fenced-in yards and proximity to parks and beaches for added convenience.
Parks and Green Spaces
Dog Parks and Trails
St. Augustine offers several dog parks and trails where your pet can stretch their legs and socialize with other dogs. Some popular spots include:
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Treaty Park: This park features a large off-leash area for dogs, as well as shaded walking trails. It is a bit of a trek from the beach and historic downtown, but with 47 acres to explore and plenty of other dogs to meet, Treaty Park is well worth a visit.
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Ron Parker Park: Located in St. Augustine Beach, this park has a designated dog area and plenty of open space. It’s a great place for an afternoon play session.
Public Parks
Explore St. Augustine’s pet-friendly city parks for a relaxing day out. Some of the best spots include:
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Anastasia State Park: This park offers miles of trails where pets are welcome. Leashes are required and dogs are not allowed on the beach, but everyone will enjoy the variety of scenery. The small ($8) entry fee is more than worth it – Anastasia State Park is probably one of the least crowded publicly accessible areas less than 15 minutes from downtown St. Augustine.
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Pomar Park: A smaller, quieter park in the West King neighborhood is perfect for a peaceful walk with your pet. The well-maintained paths will feel great on your pets pads. No hot concrete here!
