Explore Destin with your dog using our ultimate guide to pet-friendly dining, parks, and adventures, plus practical packing tips for a stress-free vacation.
Dog-friendly vacations are on the rise! Have you ever dreamed of hitting the pristine beaches of Destin with your fuzzy sidekick by your side? Well, dream no more!
I'm here to spill the beans on making your vacation in Destin not just possible but absolutely unforgettable for you and your pet. Grab a cold one for you and a treat for your furry friend, and let's dive into this tail-wagging guide.
At Travel Life Vacations, we specialize in providing premium, boutique-style management services, offering guests private, resort-style luxury homes. We take pride in creating an oasis where you can truly escape from everyday life.
We know "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village" like the back of our hands. Traveling here with pets? First-time visitor? Looking for a family fun itinerary? It's all covered in our blog. We have many more tips to help you have a trip of a lifetime and enjoy the perfect Destin getaway.
TLD;R
- Start your day with a dog-friendly breakfast at Another Broken Egg Café, First Watch, or Ruby Slipper.
- Let your dog run free at Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park.
- Head to HarborWalk Village for shopping, live music, and waterfront dining with your furry friend.
- Rent a pet-friendly pontoon or paddleboard for a Crab Island or Choctawhatchee Bay adventure.
- Don't forget essentials: leash, bowls, ID tags, toys, and vet records for a smooth trip.
Ready? Let's discover how to get those tails wagging in Destin!
Morning Vibes
Alright, fellow pet enthusiasts and food connoisseurs! You've got your beach gear ready, your pet's tail is wagging in anticipation, and you're both waking up in beautiful Destin, wondering, "Where will our taste buds take us today?" Fear not, for I've combed through the local scene, offering you and your furry friend the crème de la crème of breakfast spots that warmly welcome both humans and pets. So, let's embark on a culinary journey that promises a delightful start to your day.
1. ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE
Nestled within the heart of Destin and its charming neighbor Miramar Beach, Another Broken Egg Cafe is where the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sizzle of the griddle beckon you and your four-legged companion. Here, the menu is brimming with an array of tantalizing options, ranging from lofty, fluffy pancakes that can easily become your dog's envy to savory, spice-kissed Louisiana-inspired crab cakes Benedict. The outdoor seating is not just pet-friendly; it's pet-inviting, ensuring you and your buddy can savor each bite under the gentle Florida sun.
2. FIRST WATCH
For those who are health-conscious yet unwilling to compromise on flavor, First Watch in Destin is your sunrise sanctuary. Famous for their Avocado Toast and farm-fresh specialties, this place has a knack for serving wellness on a platter. Enjoy a vibrant, nutrient-packed morning meal in their pet-friendly outdoor seating area, where your dog can bask in the attention of the friendly staff who are known to spoil pets with treats and pets.
3. RUBY SLIPPER
Cross over to the chic side of the coast to Ruby Slipper in Miramar Beach, where New Orleans hospitality meets Florida's seaside serenity. This brand invites you and your pet to dive into a decadent breakfast experience, featuring Big Easy favorites like Bananas Foster Pain Perdu and award-winning benedicts that promise to leave your taste buds dancing. The welcoming outdoor patio is the perfect spot to relax with your pet, ensuring everyone gets a piece of the good life.
Things to Do That'll Make Tails Wag
1. Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park
Full-on playground for pups with two roomy areas for big and small dogs.
Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park is Destin's go-to spot for happy tails and wagging fun. This isn't just a patch of grass: it's a full-on playground for pups. With two roomy areas for big and small dogs, shady benches for owners, and plenty of space for zoomies, it's the perfect place to burn off energy and meet fellow dog lovers. Bring water, a toy or two, and maybe a treat for good measure; this park guarantees smiles all around.
Highlights
- Spacious, well-maintained park in central Destin.
- Separate play zones for large and small dogs.
- Lush grass for fetch, chasing, and all-out zoom sessions.
- Shaded benches and seating for owners to relax.
- Friendly local crowd and great dog-watching.
- Easy to reach from nearby vacation rentals.
- Handy spot to brush off fur and grass before heading home.
2. HarborWalk Village
Perfect mix of coastal charm and energy.
Looking for a spot where you can shop, stroll, and soak up Destin's waterfront magic, with your pup in tow? HarborWalk Village has you covered. It's got the perfect mix of coastal charm and energy: boats gliding by, live music in the air, and treats for both humans and dogs around every corner. Come for the sunset, stay for the food, and let your four-legged sidekick lead the way through this colorful harborside playground.
Highlights
- Wander along the bustling boardwalk as boats sway and the sun sets in a blaze of orange and pink.
- Shops keep water bowls out front and welcome furry guests like family.
- Browse beachy boutiques, quirky art galleries, and souvenir spots for something uniquely Destin.
- Grab a patio seat where dogs get their own menu and you get the freshest seafood in town.
- Catch live bands, outdoor movies, and community events that make evenings here feel like a local celebration.
- Between the lights, the harbor views, and wagging tails, you'll want your camera ready.
3. CRAB ISLAND CRUISES
Pet-friendly pontoon rentals for enjoying a day at Crab Island with your furry companion.
Crab Island Cruises offers pet-friendly pontoon rentals, allowing you to enjoy a day at Crab Island with your furry companion. Each cruise includes a captain, so you can relax and focus on the fun. They provide essentials such as beach towels, water toys, bottled water, a case of your preferred beverage, plates, napkins, utensils, a cooler with ice, and a photo book of your excursion. Just make sure your pup is well-behaved, and all that's left to do is enjoy a day of fun on the Caribbean-like waters of Crab Island.
4. Kayaking & Paddleboarding with Your Furry Friend
Pet-friendly rental options for exploring places like Choctawhatchee Bay and Norriego Point.
Kayaking and paddleboarding with your furry pal in Destin is a fun and memorable experience, thanks to the area's calm, clear waters and pet-friendly rental options. Popular spots like Choctawhatchee Bay, Norriego Point, and Crab Island offer shallow, protected areas perfect for paddling.
Many rental companies, such as SUP Express, Destin Kayak Rentals, and Get Up And Go Kayaking, welcome pets on their kayaks and paddleboards. To ensure an enjoyable outing, equip your dog with a life jacket, bring fresh water and waste bags, and choose quieter locations if your pet is new to water activities.
Checklist Before You Pack Your Bags (and Theirs!)
Before you zip up that suitcase and get your four-legged friend's tail wagging with the word "vacay," I've got a little checklist to ensure you're all set for a smooth and joyful journey:
Pack the Paw-fect Travel Gear
- Collapsible Bowls: For hydrating and munching on the go, because adventures make everyone thirsty and hungry.
- Leash and Waste Bags: Essential for respectful explorations and making new two-legged and four-legged friends.
- Their Favorite Toys: Nothing says "home away from home" like having their trusty playthings by their side.
Update Those ID Tags & Snap a Quick Pic
In the off-chance your buddy embarks on an impromptu solo adventure, updated ID tags with your cell phone number will be a lifesaver. And why not take a fresh, adorable photo of them before you set off? It's not just for the 'gram—having a current pic can help others help you if you two get separated.
Vet Records? Check!
Whether you're planning a bit of pet pampering at local grooming spots or simply want peace of mind, having a copy of your pet's vaccination records tucked away with your travel docs is a smart move. This is especially handy if you decide to try out pet-sitting services for a spontaneous day trip or a romantic evening out.
quick FAQ: Visiting Destin with Your Furry Friend
1. Can dogs go on the beach in Destin?
Most public beaches in Destin don't allow dogs, but nearby areas like the designated dog beach near Henderson Beach State Park welcome pups. Always check local signs before heading out.
2. Are there restaurants in Destin that allow dogs?
Absolutely. Many local spots, such as Another Broken Egg Café, First Watch, and Ruby Slippe,r have pet-friendly patios. Several harbor restaurants even offer special dog menus.
3. Is Destin good for outdoor activities with dogs?
Yes! Between kayaking in Choctawhatchee Bay, paddleboarding at Norriego Point, or cruising to Crab Island, Destin has plenty of water adventures suited for well-behaved dogs.
4 . Where can I take my dog for some exercise?
Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park is a local favorite. It's spacious, clean, and divided for large and small dogs, a great place for playtime and socializing.
5. Do I need to bring any paperwork for my pet?
It's smart to travel with your pet's vaccination records, especially if you plan to use grooming or pet-sitting services during your stay.
Wondering where to stay with your furry companion?
Stay like a local and make yourself at home in one of our Travel Life Vacations rentals. Each private, resort-style home is designed with your comfort (and a little indulgence) in mind.
In a world full of the ordinary, we create spaces that feel refreshingly one-of-a-kind: homes built for unforgettable stays that'll have you planning your next visit before you even leave.