Fun spot for dog lovers

This weekend we decided to explore Tampa Bay a bit. On Saturday we headed down to Fort Desoto in St. Petersburg. We heard they had a leash-free dog area, so we took the pup along. I didn’t expect much more than a beachfront park with a few charcoal grills and gazebos, so imagine my surprise when I saw the “Nation’s #1 beach” signs.

Fort Desoto’s North Beach is consistently included in lists of America’s top beaches. The park is 1,136 acres and made up of five interconnected islands with sandy white beaches that are a tourist attraction and favorite day trip for locals.

We spent most of the day at the Paw Playground, a fenced in area where dogs can roam free and a beach that’s just for dogs. We’re always looking for places to take our spoiled mutt, and Fort Desoto definitely passed the test.

Usually there are a few absent-minded owners who don’t notice their 75-pound German shepherd leaving his business in the middle of the park, which results in some land mines for other visitors, but Fort Desoto was really clean and well kept—a trait that makes users want to keep it that way.

There’s a picnic area and bathrooms nearby, so you can make a day out of taking Rover to the dog park.

The Paw Playground’s dog beach was the best part of the day. It’s just as clean as the park and twice the fun for dogs. There’s plenty of room to run up and down the shoreline, and owners are allowed to get in and swim with their dogs. The water is nice and calm so dogs a little nervous about diving in can splash around with ease.

My favorite part of the park was the cooling station. There was a water doggy water fountain and an area to hose the salt water and dirt off your pup before he gets in the car. Most owners rise their dogs off and then let them run around in the sun to dry off.

I definitely recommend taking your pooch on a day trip to Fort Desoto. It’s the perfect place for an afternoon of outdoor fun for the whole family. Oh, and don’t forget to pack your bathing suit.

For more information on Fort Desoto click here or here.