Updated: August 13, 2025
Discover New Smyrna Beach's top pet-friendly parks, beaches, eateries, and markets—plus tips on keeping your furry travel buddy safe, happy, and welcome. From off-leash runs to ocean-view strolls, this guide shows where tails wag and adventures await.
The city is a great destination for you and your family to enjoy. But what about your faithful furry companions?
Well, we say they will love vacationing on New Smyrna Beach, FL, too! The region offers plenty of pet-friendly spots, and whether it's a large or small pet, they are sure to have a great time enjoying all the natural beauty and beachy vibes of this Florida gem.
Below we have curated some of the best pet-friendly spots in New Smyrna Beach for you and your four-legged pals to have a memorable time together.
Are you ready to discover some "paw-esome" places?
I love taking my dog to the little park on Paige Avenue—it's quiet, laid-back, and perfect for letting him run off-leash and mingle with other pups. It's a local favorite, so I often end up chatting with friendly NSB residents while he plays.
The park is divided into two areas, one for smaller dogs and the other for larger dogs, with shaded areas that include picnic tables and water fountains for both dogs and humans to relax and recharge their energy.
Extra fun amenities include concrete tunnels for your pooch to play in and a doggy pool for them to cool off. Waste bags are also available if you forget to bring your own.
Sadly, due to beach driving, dogs are not allowed on most shores in New Smyrna Beach due to beach driving, which can be unsafe for your pooch. However, Smyrna Dunes Park is an exception.
This gorgeous inlet offers miles of calm waters and white sands for your best friend to play, swim, and spend an amazing day on the beach by your side. Just keep in mind that they need to be on a leash at all times. In summer, the heat can be intense for pets by midday, so an early morning visit is safest and most comfortable.
Besides the beach, the park is home to different ecosystems and nature trails that are excellent for exploration, especially if your furry friend likes to sniff around. Thereâs also a nice boardwalk, but pets are only allowed on it before 10 am That's a great excuse for you to start your day early and make the most of your time together with your pet!
Other amenities include bathrooms, showers, a dog bathing area, community bowls, picnic pavilions, disposal bins, and waste bags. The beach is a 15-minute walk from the parking area, but the walk to the shore is pleasant and great for getting into the beachy mood. Parking fills up quickly on weekends, so arriving before 9 a.m. can help you avoid a long wait for a spot.
Note: Parking space is limited, so we recommend arriving early, and thereâs a $10 entrance fee. Leash rules are strictly enforced here; pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times, and off-leash play is not permitted anywhere in the park. In summer, bring fresh water for your pet and watch for signs of heat stress such as excessive panting. Sand temperatures can burn paws.
Just a 20-minute drive from New Smyrna Beach, Canaveral National Seashore is another place where you and your dog can enjoy the stunning natural landscape of the region.
Canaveral National Seashore is located on a barrier island and boasts a diverse ecosystem: ocean, dunes, lagoon, salt marsh, and pine flatland habitats. This is a bucket-list destination to embrace nature, spot wildlife, and have a great time with your companion. Mosquitoes can be heavy near the lagoon side in warmer months, so pet-safe repellent and protective clothing are recommended.
Although pets are not allowed on the beach at Canaveral, dogs are welcome on the lagoon side (Turtle Mound, Eldora, Seminole Rest, Eddy Creek), as well as multi-use paths and park roads, provided they are on a leash of 6 feet or less. These rules are in place to protect both wildlife and your pet.
For over 30 years, the New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market at Norwood's has been the go-to place for locals and visitors to buy fresh and locally grown produce.
Held every Saturday from 7 AM to 12:30 PM on Sam's Ave near Old Fort Park, this outdoor market is extremely dog-friendly, and you might even find some souvenirs for them.
Youâll definitely encounter locals walking their pets, so your pooch can socialize and make new friends. Many residents of the region at large even drive to New Smyrna just for the market, so this is a must-visit if you're in the city with your puppy. It's busiest between 9:30 and 11 a.m., so if you prefer a more relaxed stroll, aim to arrive shortly after opening.
The atmosphere is very pleasant, with friendly vendors, good music, and beautiful surroundings.
On top of that, you can find amazing products: from organic breads, honey, jams, coffee, and cheese to fruits, flowers, herbs, and much more.
After catching the early part of a beach cleanup event while vacationing in New Smyrna Beach, I wandered over to the farmers market with my dog in tow. The air was filled with the scent of brewed coffee and fresh herbs, and a local band's soft acoustic set carried through the stalls. We sampled honey from a nearby apiary, picked up a bundle of bright sunflowers, and chatted with a couple selling handmade dog treats. Milo was so happy I knew I was going to return with him in the near future, and I've done so several times.
After a day of adventure in New Smyrna Beach, there's nothing better than relaxing with a cold glass of craft beer in hand and Fido by your side, right? One of the best places for doing this in town is at New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company.
Located in historic downtown along charming Canal Street, this craft microbrewery welcomes pets in their outdoor seating area facing the road. You can cool off, savor some of their top-notch selection of handcrafted brews, and try their specialty popcorn.
The relaxing atmosphere is great for meeting other pet owners, listening to great music, or even playing some board games.
The brewery team loves pets too, and they have even hosted an adoption event on Valentine's Day, enabling people to find their furry half or just allowing locals and visitors to spend some quality time with these beloved creatures.
Thinking about food? Just a few steps from New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company, CorkScrew Bar and Grille is another pet-friendly spot, a restaurant welcoming your pooch to their exquisite patio.
Indulge in their fantastic menu featuring classic American and comfort food with a Southern twist. From fresh seafood to premium steaks, you'll have a wide variety of options for a memorable lunch or dinner. Your pooch can join you on their beautiful patio filled with plants, lovely tables with umbrellas, and a delightful casual atmosphere. You are also likely to find other pet owners accompanied by their furry companions, so your pooch can meet other canine friends as well.
After exiting the beach cleanup event and the Farmer's Market, me and Milo went to this restaurant to try out some delicious food. I grabbed a table on the CorkScrew patio after a long stroll down Canal Street, and Milo settled contentedly at my feet while I enjoyed a plate of shrimp and grits that was as tasty as it looked. Milo received a bowl of water from one of the servers without me asking, and before long, he was making friends with a golden retriever at the next table.
The Most Pet-Friendly Spots in New Smyrna Beach, FL
Wherever the place we mentioned above you choose to take your best friends, youâll certainly see their tails wagging, ready to romp around and have the best time in New Smyrna Beach.
Heads up! There are some specifics pet parents should know before taking their pets on vacation in another state. For the necessary docs you need to carry with you and some more additional requirements, check our blog on everything you need to know before bringing your pet to NSB.
Here are some extra tips to make the most of your vacation with your pooch in tow:
- Ensure that your lodging is pet-friendly. More and more hotels and short-term rentals are allowing pets nowadays. At Great Ocean Condos, we have a great selection of pet-friendly units.
- If you're traveling by car, secure your pet in a well-ventilated crate or use a pet seatbelt.
- Just in case, it's always a good idea to have proper identification for your pet, including a collar with an ID tag containing your contact information.
- If you are going on holiday with your furry friend, schedule a visit to the vet before the trip to ensure your pet is in good health. Check if vaccinations are up to date, and if there is any new documentation that you need to bring to your destination.
- Packing essentials for your pet including food, water, bowls, medications, a favorite toy, and bedding. Traveling can be as stressful for them as it is for us, and having familiar items always brings some comfort.
- Use resources like this blog to research and plan the best pet-friendly activities and spots in the region you are visiting.
- Always study local pet regulations, including leash laws and any restrictions on pets in certain areas. You don't want to be caught with fines and unpleasant surprises.
- Always save the location of the nearest veterinary clinic at your destination and have a pet first aid kit at hand.
- Be mindful of your pet's behavior and comfort level in new surroundings. Some pets may need time to adjust to a new environment.
- While we're excited about how many local businesses are dog-friendly nowadays, donât assume without checking first. It's best to avoid disappointments for you and your furry friend.
- In Florida, some waterways are home to a familiar wild resident: the alligator. While rarely dangerous to humans (especially adults), gators do pose a risk to dogs. Be cautious along shorelines and pay attention to posted warnings.
- In many places, you will find doggie bags and other cleaning supplies, but it's always a great idea to bring your own. Carry waste bags to clean up after your pet and be respectful of public spaces.
Finally, prepare yourself to be flexible and adapt your plans based on your pet's needs and the environment.
Want more tips on New Smyrna Beach? Then head to our destination blog. We've covered everything from the best restaurants and a nightlife guide to all you need to know about fishing in New Smyrna Beach. And there's more coming soon!
Where to Stay With Your Pet in New Smyrna Beach, FL
Want another tip from us? When you visit New Smyrna Beach, we suggest choosing vacation rentals over hotels to enjoy a place with local vibes and all the privacy you want.
There are plenty of beach vacation properties, cozy condos, and charming homes in this area. This is another way to immerse yourself in the local culture shop at local markets, stroll through nearby neighborhoods, and dine at local restaurants.
You'll truly feel like a local.
For a selection of the very best vacation homes in New Smyrna Beach, visit our booking page. For all of the above, we've got you covered.
Not to brag, but we are very proud to have earned the official title of one of the "Best Vacation Rental Professionals in the World" from Business Insider.
If your travels take you from Florida's coast to the mountain trails, you'll find equally pet-welcoming stays at Stony Brook Lodging in the Smokies. Stony Brook Lodging provides pet-friendly cabins surrounded by stunning scenery, perfect for unwinding after your next adventure.
