Taking your dog to a local off-leash dog park is certainly fun for your dog, but is it fun for you too? Below are some places that you may want to visit that allow you to bring your furry family member. Make the most out of living in Brevard County with your dog!
Dog Friendly Beaches
Most of the beaches in Brevard County prohibit dogs, but in unincorporated areas (such as just north and south of the Pineda Causeway) this restriction is rarely enforced. If you want to take your dog to the beach without fear of getting a ticket, you have two options in Brevard County:
- Conova Beach Park has a small beach area that allows dog on a leash. The park is located in Indian Harbour Beach at the end of Eau Gallie Blvd. But note that this area is very small. You won’t be taking your dog on a beach walk unless you like walking in circles!
- Within the last few years, parts of Cocoa Beach have been designated as dog-friendly during certain times of the day. The area is very large – it is from south 4th street down to south 16th street. Dogs are allowed before 10am and after 5pm during daylight savings and after 4pm the remainder of the year. Dogs must be on a leash. There is public metered parking at the beach at the end of every street.
- If you want your pup to enjoy an off-leash dog beach, the closest one is on Hutchinson Island – Walton Rocks Beach/Dog Park. It’s a bit of a drive but an easy day trip. The parking lot is well off of the main road so there is no need to worry that your dog would run off into traffic. My dog, Josie, thinks it is well worth the trip!
Nature Trails to Enjoy with Your Dog
Below is a list of hiking opportunities to enjoy with your dog in Brevard County and north Indian River County:
- The National Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge has seven trails to choose from ranging from a 1/4 mile loop to a 5 mile loop. The trails are open to leashed dogs but be wary of alligators. If you prefer not to hike, you and your pup can take in the scenery and spot birds from the comfort of your car on the 7 mile Black Point Wildlife Drive.
Brevard Zoo Linear Park
- The Brevard Zoo Linear Park is a 2.9 mile trail that extends from a parking area off of Murrell road just south of the Brevard Zoo to a cul-de-sac at the end of Turtle Mound road. Much of this trail is on a raised boardwalk and leashed dogs are welcome. We recommend going on weekdays if possible; on the weekends the trail has a fair number of walkers and bicyclists going in both directions.
- The Buck Lake East Loop trail is off of State Road 46 near Mims. This is a 1.5 mile loop where you and your dog will stroll through a scrub forest enjoying wildflowers; you may also come across gopher tortoises and scrub jays. We recommend avoiding this trail after heavy rains and during hunting season.
- If you find yourself in Cocoa Beach, consider taking your dog for a quick sniff at the small but pretty Maritime Hammock Preserve. The entrance is right off A1A and just a couple blocks south of the Cocoa Beach off-leash dog park.
- Sebastian Inlet State Park welcomes dogs in most areas of the park except for in buildings and on the beaches. Take the easy 1 mile loop Hammock trail which is found at the north end of the park. Note: The park has an entry fee of $8 per vehicle.
- The Historic Jungle Trail is a 7.8 mile dirt road that was built in the 1920’s for citrus growers to haul their crops. You can still drive your car on this road but it primarily attracts walkers and bicyclists. Dogs are allowed on most of the road/trail but not on all of the side trails and not on the part of the trail that goes through the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Other Fun Stuff with Your Dog
- Have a party on the water with your pup and up to 5 of your friends when you charter with Tiki Cruises in Merritt Island. Captain Dave will drive the boat while you enjoy the party – bring your own drinks, music and food and have the kind of party you want! There is even a BBQ grill and a hammock!
- Your dog is welcome to shop with you at the world’s largest surf shop – Ron Jon in Cocoa Beach.
- Do you love plants and gardening? If so, Rockledge Gardens it’s a must! They are dog-friendly and offer frequent events and workshops.
Ron Jon Loves Pups
- Cocoa Village is known for being dog-friendly. Stroll along the water, eat in an outdoor café and your pup will even be welcome in some of the shops (ask before entering). Consider planning your visit to coincide with one of Cocoa Village’s many dog-friendly events.
Dog Friendly Restaurants
Many local restaurants offer outdoor seating that is dog friendly. Below is a list of just a few of them:
Cocoa Beach
- If you are craving lobster or crab legs, visit the highly-rated, family-owned Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster with your pup.
- The Island Time Restaurant allows dogs on their back deck that overlooks a small marina. Try the fish tacos in this very laid-back environment. (Note: when we visited in Jan 2021, servers did not wear masks.)
- In addition to their great food, the 4th Street Fillin Station has amazing shakes and waffle sundaes and they are now serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can sit with your pup on their back patio or “inside” their open-air restaurant! Open at 7am seven days a week!
- Hang out with your pup at Jenna’s Breezeway‘s “beach” where you can play cornhole while waiting for your food. And if you time your visit right you can enjoy live music or perhaps enter a horseshoe tournament. Happy hour is Monday – Friday from 11am to 7pm. (Note: Jenna’s is not on the beach, their back patio area is set up to look like a beach.)
Cocoa Village
- Pub Americana offers a variety of interesting salads, sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, pasta, and personal pizzas (but no traditional entrees). They are open late on Friday and Saturday night and have outdoor seating in the front of the restaurant that you can enjoy with your dog.
- Murdocks Southern Bistro is a local favorite offering a good selection of casual, reasonably priced meals. They open every day at 11am and often offer live music in the evening.
Indian Harbour Beach
- If you take your dog to Canova Beach Park, but sure to stop at Coasters Pub & Biergarten for a great meal and an awesome beer selection! Located in the Walmart shopping plaza on the corner of A1A and Eau Gallie Blvd – just across the street from Canova Beach Dog Park. They have a cute outdoor patio behind the restaurant that is dog friendly.
- The quirky Too Cool Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are open 7 days a week but they close at 3pm on Sundays. Their food is delicious and their small outdoor patio is dog friendly.
Melbourne
- You and your dog can enjoy a view of the Indian River on Bonefish Willy’s back deck. This rustic restaurant is open for lunch and dinner everyday except Monday. They have a selection of appetizers, salads and entrees. Their lunch menu is served until 5pm. Happy hour is from 2-6pm daily.
- Enjoy delicious food on the Nomad Cafe‘s outdoor patio. They are open every day except Sunday, and they offer lunch specials Tuesday through Friday.
Titusville
- Enjoy locally brewed Playalinda Beer in the Brix Project‘s outdoor beer garden. The beer isn’t the only attraction – order some great food from their interesting menu.
- You and your dog can enjoy a beautiful river view while eating at Shiloh’s. This family owned and operated restaurant offers an extensive menu so you are sure to find something you’ll love. Shiloh’s is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday and Friday through Sunday they are open for lunch and dinner.
In the comments below, please share with us where you like to take your dogs in or near Brevard County.
Cathy Laurenzi
Broker / Owner
GRI, SRES® REALTOR®