St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest European city in the United States. The historic city has been continuously occupied since being established. Dog-friendly hotels welcome the family dog or cat to travel along when visiting this beautiful historic city.
According to history, the mainland of the North American continents was sighted by Spanish explorer Don Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513. The explorer claimed the land for Spain, naming it La Florida, meaning “Land of Flowers.”
Historic sites include Castille de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas, The historic city has an architecture for its British, French and Spanish heritage.
Popular St. Augustine attractions include the Fountain of Youth Park, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, horse carriage sightseeing tours. and riverboat cruises.
St. Augustine is a great walking town, with historic sites to explore throughout the town. Imagine how much the family pet would enjoy walking the historic streets.
St. Augustine is 40 miles north of Daytona Beach and about 100 miles from Orlando, with Disney World and Sea World.
There are several options available that accept cats and dogs, whether you’re looking for pet-friendly lodging on the beach or in the downtown historic district. Inquire about breed and size limits if you have a large dog. Hotel policies are subject to change without notice, so be sure to verify policies when making plans.
Bayfront Westcott House, Bed and Breakfast
This inn is in a romantic tropical setting overlooking Matanzas Bay and the Bridge of Lions. The Westcott House is in the historic district, on the Intracoastal Waterway, near the city’s Marina and near the beaches. The Westcott House was built in the 1880s, known as the Flagler era. The Victorian Inn is furnished with Victorian-period furnishings. Pets are allowed in specific rooms only. Pets must be discussed at the time of reservation. The Pet fee is $15 per night. 1-904-824-1681.
St. Francis Inn Bed and Breakfast
This inn has its own stretch of beach, eight miles away. Our Beach Cottage is available for guests of the Inn to use. Inn amenities include morning breakfast, evening social hour, and evening desserts. Small (45 pounds or less), well-mannered pets are allowed in certain rooms. Make advance reservations for pet accommodations. The Pet fee is $15 per night. 1-800-824-6064.
Comfort Inn St. Augustine Beach.
Comfort Inn is just three blocks from the Atlantic Ocean beaches. The historic downtown is 10 minutes away and World Golf Village is 15 minutes away. Amenities include free wireless high-speed Internet, free continental breakfast, and a heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. Pet friendly. 1-904-471-1474.
Holiday Inn St. Augustine Beach
Holiday Inn is on the warm, sandy beaches of the Atlantic OceanAmenities include an oceanfront outdoor swimming pool. Pets are allowed in designated rooms. Pet fee $20 per night.
Super 8 by the Beach. 1-904-800-8000.
Ramada Historic Downtown St. Augustine
Located in the heart of the historic district. Pets are permitted in designated rooms with payment of a pet fee. Call ahead for availability. 1-904-824-4352.
Information in this article was gathered on hotel websites and over the telephone. Hotel policies are subject to change with notice.
For more travel with canine and feline companions, read: Pet-Friendly Hotels in Jacksonville, FL; Amelia Island, FL; Daytona Beach, FL; Cocoa Beach, FL
St. Augustine Dog-friendly Things to do
While having a pet-friendly hotel is excellent, we understand that you also want to spend time with your pet while you are there. There are several pet-friendly accommodations in St. Augustine, and we believe we have the ultimate mutt list! (Note: Although all of these were pet-friendly as of the time of writing, we always advise you to double-check before you travel.)
The Colonial Quarter, St. Augustine Scenic Cruise, St. Augustine “Pup” Crawl, A Ghostly Encounter, the Cellar Upstairs, and the lawn in front of Castillo de San Marcos are all wonderful places to spend the day with your pet (which is perfect for a picnic with your pup). Additionally, St. Augustine has a few dog parks where your dogs can run about loose without a leash.
St. Augustine beaches
Dogs are permitted on all St. Augustine beaches, with the exception of Anastasia State Park. Dogs must be kept on a leash, and pet owners must remember to pick up after their animals. There are usually bags at the entrances to the beach, but you might want to bring your own in case they run out.
Ron Parker Park
607 Old Beach Road, St. Augustine.
Lots of water for your dog to cool off in and a fantastic area for your dog to play in the shade (particularly important since concrete surfaces can get HOT here in Florida). Just 3.7 miles away, or a 10-minute drive, from the hotel.
Treaty Park
1595 Wildwood Drive, St. Augustine.
A park that welcomes canine visitors! There are drinking fountains, fire hydrants, and a lot of open space in this nearly acre-sized park. Grab a ball or a frisbee and spend some time with your dog.
St. Augustine Historic Downtown
St. George Street Area, St. Augustine
We always advise our visitors to explore the town on foot to fully appreciate its history and beauty. Dogs are welcome to accompany you on street walks, and many shops and eateries put water bowls outside for your pet to use. You and your pet will be raising a woof at these additional sights and excursions!
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
1 South Castillo Drive, St. Augustine
You will probably see the enormous fort close to the city gates as you move through our town. Your dog will probably notice the countless acres of wide-open, lush grass that are ideal for running about on! Pets are welcome on the fort grass, but if you intend to remain for a while, bring water because there isn’t much shade.
Ghostly Encounters Walking Tour
3 Aviles Street, St. Augustine
You will go through the historic St. Augustine’s dark, winding streets on this guided walking ghost tour. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome on tours, which start at 8 p.m. and last for one and a half hours, with the exception of the first part of the trip, which takes place within the Spanish Military Hospital Museum.
St. Augustine Lighthouse
81 Lighthouse Avenue, St. Augustine
While your pup isn’t allowed to climb their way to the top of their lighthouse, they’re welcome on the grounds of the lighthouse. There are some beautiful gardens and trails to explore here.
St. Augustine Scenic Cruise
City Marina, St. Augustine
The Victory III departs from the Marina in the heart of St. Augustine every day for a (doggie) paddle on the Matanzas Bay. A bit more than an hour passes throughout the cruise.
Fountain of Youth
11 Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine
The Fountain of Youth is a fantastic place to spend the day outside with your pet! Discover the history of St. Augustine by studying Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the settlement of St. Augustine, Juan Ponce de Leon, and the Timucua civilization. A Timucuan village, the Spring House, the Navigators Planetarium, the Nombre de Dios Mission, cannon firings, excavations, a Spanish watchtower, and a lot more exhibits are available for you to visit here.
Oldest House Museum
14 St. Francis St, St. Augustine
You are aware of its location because it is close to the Bayfront Marin House’s parking lot. A home museum, the Gonzalez-Alvarez House features two museums, a colonial kitchen, and a museum shop. The Oldest House, which serves as the St. Augustine Historical Society’s headquarters, provides tours all day long and has a lovely decorative garden you may stroll through.