Ponce Inlet
Ponce Inlet, FL
Ponce Inlet centers on Lighthouse Point Park, a 52-acre park at the tip of the peninsula with an 800-foot jetty deck and views of the working Ponce de Leon Inlet. A dog-friendly swimming beach along the park's inlet and river shoreline is a genuine rarity, since dogs aren't allowed on the Atlantic Ocean side anywhere in the park.
The dog-friendly inlet beach and jetty views give it real character beyond a typical ocean beach, though the lighthouse's separate, restricted parking can catch first-time visitors off guard.
How we score beachesHead to the inlet and river shoreline side of the park specifically if bringing a dog, the ocean-facing beach is off limits to pets. The historic Ponce Inlet Lighthouse nearby is worth combining with a beach visit, though its own parking is reserved for lighthouse and hotel patrons.
Paid parking is available at Lighthouse Point Park, 5000 S. Atlantic Ave.
Elevated wooden boardwalks connect the park's lots to the beach.
Leashed dogs are welcome on the inlet and river shoreline beach; the Atlantic Ocean beach is off limits to pets.
Winter and spring bring mild, dry weather. Summer's heat and hurricane season, June through November, bring the warmest water and the biggest crowds along with afternoon storms.
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