Fort De Soto Dog Park and Beach combines two fenced off-leash runs with Pinellas County’s only designated dog-friendly beach. The fenced area has separate sections for large and small dogs with water stations. The beach is not fenced, but dogs may play there off leash when they remain under voice control.
Plan your visit
- Park address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715. The park is commonly included in the greater St. Petersburg area.
- Hours: Fort De Soto Park is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset and is the County park-system exception that remains open throughout the year. Check current park updates for temporary facility closures.
- Parking: Pinellas County charges $6 per vehicle per day. Pay through an onsite terminal, pay-by-text, a supported parking app or an annual pass. App and text payments currently add a convenience fee.
- Fenced runs: Two fenced off-leash areas serve large and small dogs. Water stations are located near the runs.
- Dog beach: The designated beach is off leash but unfenced. Dogs must stay under voice control.
- Outside the dog areas: Use a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are excluded from the park’s other beaches, swimming areas, historic fort, piers, boardwalks, picnic shelters, restrooms, playgrounds and food-service areas.
Find the dog park and beach entrance
Enter Fort De Soto Park from Pinellas Bayway South and follow the park road toward the Bay Pier and dog-park symbols. The designated beach entrance is at the far southwest corner of the fenced dog park. You can use the path along the south side of the dog park or pass through either fenced run and leave through its beach gate.
Get directions to Fort De Soto Dog Park and Beach.
Fenced runs and open shoreline
Use the large- or small-dog enclosure when your dog needs a fenced boundary. Close each gate, keep a leash in hand and give the entry area space before opening the inner gate. Water stations provide a place to drink or rinse, but bring backup water and a bowl in case a station is unavailable.
The designated beach provides more open room for sand and water play, but it has no perimeter fence. Use it only if your dog has dependable recall and will remain inside the marked dog-beach boundary. Leash your dog before leaving the designated beach or fenced runs.
Beach and water safety
Check weather, tides, surf, water-quality notices and current park alerts before allowing a dog to swim. Salt water, hot sand, shells, fishing gear, boats and marine wildlife can all affect the visit. Stop your dog from drinking seawater, provide shade and fresh water, and rinse salt and sand from paws and coat afterward.
The park contains sensitive shorebird and sea-turtle habitat. Stay outside closed habitat areas, prevent chasing wildlife and follow every temporary boundary or nesting-season sign.
Rules for a safer visit
Handlers must supervise and clean up after their dogs and are responsible for any injury or damage. Pinellas County limits each handler to three dogs. Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated and display current tags. Aggressive dogs and female dogs in heat are prohibited.
Dog-park sections may close periodically for maintenance. Use the section that is open and follow posted signs rather than entering a closed run. Report urgent incidents to park staff or Pinellas County Animal Services.
What park goers say
Visitors frequently praise the long sandy dog beach, clear-looking water, room for running, friendly atmosphere and the choice between fenced runs and open shoreline. Recent park goers also appreciate the water stations, nearby parking and the chance for dogs of different sizes to enjoy the beach together.
Common cautions include weekend parking demand, limited natural shade on the beach, the need for reliable recall and changing marine or weather conditions. Some visitors recommend arriving on a weekday or early in the day and bringing an umbrella, chairs, towels, fresh water and familiar toys. Read current visitor reports.
Check official updates
Before leaving, review Pinellas County’s official Fort De Soto Park page for hours, parking and facility alerts. The County’s dog-park rules page explains the fenced areas, designated beach entrance and leash rules.