The Ultimate Guide to Exploring St. Augustine With Your Dog

3 Tips to Explore St. Augustine Without Leaving Your Furry Friend Behind

Vacations are never the same if you have to leave your four-legged friend behind. Thankfully, 

St. Augustine is an incredibly dog-friendly town! Don’t let the fear of having to leave them at home or in a hotel room keep you from enjoying your well-earned vacation.

Whether you are in town for one day, a weekend, or a long trip, there are numerous activities and places to visit with your pet! Check out our list of top experiences to check out the next time you are in town with your dog. 

Dog-Friendly Tours

There are many historical tours around St. Augustine, but walking tours may not be the best option for those with a dog. During the warmer months, the uneven and hot pavement can be dangerous for paws. That is why guided golf cart tours are a great option for all when exploring St. Augustine.

Pineapple Ride & Tour offers pet-friendly tours every day of the week for locals and visitors alike. Just hop on one of the electric golf carts and let your knowledgeable and dog-loving guide show you some of the best parts of the town.  

This is a great option for older dogs who still love an adventure, but may not have the energy that they used to. Allow them to enjoy the nice seaside breeze and recharge while you learn the abundant history that surrounds St. Augustine. 

Transportation Options

If you already have a fun day planned, but need a ride, Pineapple Ride & Tour can help with that, too! One of the friendly guides can pick you up anywhere around town, including a hotel or bed & breakfast and drop you, your group, and your pup off wherever you need in the historic district. When you are ready to call it a day, they will pick you back up and give you a relaxing ride to wherever you need to go.

Parking in St. Augustine can be a hassle, especially for those just spending a day in town. Pineapple Ride & Tour offers free parking on site, and will bring you where you are looking to go. There is no need to struggle to find a place to park with Pineapple Ride & Tour. It is a great way to enjoy a stress free day-trip with your whole family while avoiding the process of circling town for an hour to park.

Pet-Friendly Patios 

Thanks to the beautiful weather often seen in St. Augustine, the historic district is full of dog-friendly patios and dining options to explore!

For those looking for a fun pub experience in the middle of town, consider The Backyard at Meehan’s! This huge patio space has plenty of seating for dogs and dog parents to sit and have a bite to eat. While the food is delicious, oftentimes the conversations with new friends you meet at the bar are even better. 

Looking for a quick lunch? Try Osprey Tacos on Anastasia Island. The small, but comfortable patio provides shade and relaxation while enjoying a few delicious tacos with house-made datil pepper sauce. Right next door is Old Coast Ales, which boasts a wide range of beers, including some local favorites. The cozy picnic table style seating connects both businesses, allowing for easy access and a chance to unwind.

If you and your pup prefer a spot outside of the crowds and lines, check out Boat Drinks. This is one of the most dog-friendly bars in town, so much so that they even hosting dog-friendly events on site! While it is a short trip from the busy historic district, it is a local gem with some of the freshest oysters and shrimp the town has to offer. 

Outdoor Areas to Explore

For the high-energy dogs that love exploring the world around them, St. Augustine is surrounded by nature trails and activities open to all, dogs included! 

The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a great place to learn about the historical preservation of St. Augustine and its earliest inhabitants, while letting your dog enjoy an exciting walk. If it is just one of your many stops while in town, the site offers free parking, ensuring that you and your pup do not have to walk on the hot pavement before, during, or after your long walk around the grounds. 

Vilano Beach is the perfect spot to take a nap in the sand alongside your best (furry) friend. Just north of the historic district, this beach is recognized as a hidden gem among locals. It has the same gorgeous sand and Atlantic Ocean waters without the hustle and bustle often seen on Anastasia Island. This also means that there are fewer restaurants and stores on this side of town, so make sure that you plan accordingly for your beach day.

Tips for Visiting St. Augustine with Your Pup

Even though St. Augustine is a pretty dog-friendly town, it is important to prepare before making your visit. 

1. Bring plenty of water for you and your dog to drink throughout the day. There are many shops in town to buy more, but it is important to be prepared.

2. Check to make sure your planned stops are pet-friendly beforehand. While there are many options, some of the old, historic sites are less pet-friendly than others. 

3. Avoid hot pavement during mid day – if you wouldn’t walk on it with bare feet, your dog doesn’t want to either!