Living in Jacksonville means you’re surrounded by beach towns worth exploring with your dog. Some are close enough for a lazy lunch. Others are worth a full weekend. Here are the spots Ansel and I keep coming back to.
(Hitting the road? Don’t forget to check out my road trip essentials for traveling with your dog.)
Jacksonville Beach
Drive time: 25 minutes
You don’t have to go far. Jax Beach has a ton of dog-friendly restaurants — over 40 according to BringFido — so finding a patio that welcomes your pup is never a problem.
One favorite is Salt Life Food Shack, just three blocks from the beach. Dogs are welcome on the downstairs patio, and they’ll bring out a water bowl without you asking. Great surf-and-turf menu with tacos, sushi rolls, and fresh seafood. It’s casual, breezy, and Ansel always gets compliments from other diners.
Pro tip: Go for a late lunch to beat the crowds. The patio fills up fast on weekends.
Amelia Island
Drive time: 45 minutes
This is one of the most dog-friendly spots in the area. The beaches allow leashed dogs, downtown Fernandina Beach has plenty of dog-friendly patios, and the whole island has a relaxed, walkable vibe. Great for a day trip or a quick overnight.
One spot I always recommend is The Patio at 5th and Ash — a casual American bistro with a beautiful outdoor patio under oak trees draped in Spanish moss. They’re genuinely dog-friendly and even have a dog menu with homemade biscuits. Ansel was very focused on earning one.
Pro tip: If you’re staying overnight, check out the Hilton properties on the island. Some are pet-friendly and bookable on points. (See my credit cards guide for how I earn free nights.)
Palm Coast / Flagler Beach
Drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Flagler Beach is low-key and locals love it. Dogs are allowed on the beach (leashed), and the pier area has a few casual spots to grab food. It’s less crowded than Daytona and has more of a small-town feel.
This is a good “decompress” destination — not a ton of activities, just beach, food, and chill. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
New Smyrna Beach
Drive time: 2 hours
NSB has a great mix of beach access and dog-friendly dining. The vibe is artsy and laid-back — lots of murals, local shops, and good food.
One spot I always stop at is Yellow Dog Eats — a funky sandwich shop with a big outdoor patio where dogs are welcome. The food is creative (think smoked meats, interesting sandwiches), and the whole place just feels like it was made for people who travel with their dogs.
Ansel cooling off on the patio. That sign in the background says it all.
He’s very polite about sharing. Usually.
Daytona Beach
Drive time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Daytona is hit or miss for dogs — the main beach doesn’t allow them during peak hours, but there are designated dog-friendly areas. The boardwalk area has some pet-friendly patios, and it’s a good base if you want to explore the surrounding towns.
Honestly, I usually skip Daytona proper and head to NSB or Flagler instead. But if you’re in the area, it’s worth a stop.
Quick Reference
| Destination | Drive Time | Beach Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville Beach | 25 min | Limited dog hours | Quick lunch, tons of patios |
| Amelia Island | 45 min | Leashed dogs allowed | Day trip or weekend, walkable downtown |
| Flagler Beach | 1 hr 15 min | Leashed dogs allowed | Quiet beach day, low-key vibes |
| New Smyrna Beach | 2 hrs | Dog-friendly areas | Artsy town, great food, worth a weekend |
| Daytona Beach | 1 hr 45 min | Designated areas only | Skip unless passing through |
The Bottom Line
All of these are easy drives from Jacksonville and make great trips with your dog. Pack a travel bag, book a pet-friendly hotel (on points, of course), and go explore.
Want more posts about the places we eat and stay? Shoot me an email and let me know what you’d like to see.