Man’s best friend. Fido. The pup. Hound. No matter what you call your pet, your family is simply not the same without his or her paws there – including vacation. If you are looking for a dog-friendly town with top-notch beaches and coastal experiences, Gulf County, Florida is waiting to welcome you and your family for your next getaway. As you plan for the ulti-mutt vacation, check out these top pet-friendly spots to eat, see, and stay along the vast shoreline (over 244 miles!) of Gulf County.
Throw the Dog a Delicious Bone at These Local Favorites
Savor the bounties of the shore al fresco at a quintessentially coastal restaurant. Enjoy fresh favorites like a Grouper Bite Basket along with new-found obsessions like Dancing Goat Cheese Balls (goat cheese rolled in macadamia nuts alongside homemade pepper jelly) at Krazyfish Grille. Kick back under a bright umbrella with a balmy breeze that gently flutters your pup’s ears. A beachy cocktail of choice from the self-proclaimed “best drink menu on the coast” (Cuban Mojito, Captain Krazy, St. Joe Rita…to name a few) will leave you barking for more – just be sure to order up some crunchy ice with your pup. Any dog owner knows their dining experience is instantly made more fun when their furry friend can be curled at their feet. The patio at Joe Mamas Wood Fired Kitchen lets your pup do just that! Joe Mamas Wood Fired Kitchen is the authentically Italian pizzeria in Gulf County that you have been craving – down to the wood fire oven imported from Tuscany. Craft beer and a balanced selection of wines, as well as a full liquor bar are the perfect accompaniments to your meal. And the best part – your pooch can sample some of your artisanal cheese or pepperoni from the top of your pizza (if you feel up to sharing). For some of the best Mexican food in downtown Port St. Joe, head to Quatro Locos Tacos and Cantina. Ponder the expansive menu – from mole enchiladas to Baja fish tacos - while you take in lighthouse views. Your furry friend will love being part of the lively cantina patio. Heated outdoor areas even make a cooler night incredibly comfortable – your pet can lap up the lower temperatures while heaters take the chill off for you.
Play on the Beach
The day’s activities in Gulf County, Florida, revolve around sunshine, good times, and toes in the sand. Speaking of, did you know that Gulf County is home to 2 of the Top 20 Dog Beaches in Florida? In fact, you can take man’s best friend with you to any beach in Gulf County, except for Eglin Airforce Base and St. Joseph Peninsula State Park of Cape San Blas. Your family can frolic in the surf right along with your pup as you make your newest favorite memory. Just remember to keep your pup on a leash (after all, it is the law). Over 20 waste disposal stations make it easy to clean up after your pet to keep the beaches at their pristine best.
Find Your Home Away from Home
Gulf County has a wide variety of places to stay to make sure your whole family – canines included – are comfortable to enjoy the low-rise lifestyle. The vast majority of Cape Escape Vacation Rental properties are dog-friendly and can host up to 9 guests, ensuring plenty of room to roam while enjoying the salt air and waves right from your door. Your dog really is part of the family when you stay at a Cape Escape Vacation Rental, down to dedicated towels for them to use to dry off after a day at the beach (following a hose rinse-off, of course). For a classically quaint beach stay, check out the ten rental properties of 2 bedroom/1.5 bathroom units at The Port Cottages. Explore a multitude of restaurants and shops in downtown Port St. Joe within walking distance, all with your pup trotting right beside you. The MainStay Suites is a pet-friendly hotel that goes the extra mile to make sure you feel right at home. Apartment-style suites boast fully equipped kitchens so you can make a delicious dinner in, but free continental breakfast is also offered if you don’t feel like firing up the stove. MainStay Suites is at the epicenter of area attractions, from The White Marlin to Historic Reid Avenue.
Thanks, Fur The Memories, Gulf County
From snuggling into your vacation rental, taking a leashed run on the beach, and maybe even sampling a few bites of your order from a local restaurant, the furriest members of your family will be pawsitively living their best life in Gulf County. To plan your next Fido-friendly vacation in paradise, click here today.
