If you've ever felt guilty about leaving your best friend at home while you step out for a day at the beach, now you don't have to.

  • Honeymoon Island State Park is in Pinellas County
  • Island is one of the last natural barrier islands in the county
  • The park includes a dog beach

Riley is a pretty lucky pup.

"We wanted to take her to a dog beach where she could run around and swim, because she loves to do that,” says Gracy Hardin, a new puppy owner.

The dog days of summer include a trip to the beach in Dunedin.

"She needs some exercise,” Hardin says of Riley, who’s smaller than a house cat at 3 months old.

Honeymoon Island State Park is Florida’s most visited state park with more than 1.2 million pouring through the gates. Even with the crowds, Jack Cassidy from Vail, Colorado is a fan as he holds Riley’s leash.

"It's pretty peaceful, pretty tranquil,” Cassidy says.

There’s good reason for that.

"It's one of the last remaining natural barrier islands here on the coast of Pinellas County,” boasts park manager Peter Krulder.

Dog treats, fresh water, a blanket and a 6-foot-long leash are a must.

"Dogs are going to do what dogs are going to do,” Krulder says a with a laugh. But the 6-foot-long-leash rule is no laughing matter.

"We have shorebirds that come out here and nest. We also have eastern diamondback rattlesnakes,” Krulder says.

According to Krulder, the only time dogs have been bit have been when they were off leash. The snakes, nor the rain, seemed to ruin Cassidy or Riley’s day at Honeymoon Island State Park.

"It's a pretty secluded place with a lot of versatility,” Cassidy firmly believes.

"Dogs love the water out here," he says.

Good to know:
Entry fee is $8 per car. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year. Dog owners should plan to bring fresh water, shade and a blanket. Tents are allowed on the sand. More on the Honeymoon Island State Park dog beach can be found here.

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