New Smyrna/
New Smyrna Beach
Note of 05-1-07: According to the Shark Attack File (ISAF), which includes all known shark attacks from the mid-1500’s to 2007, New Smyrna is the, "shark-attack capital of the world." People need to be careful, both for themselves and their companion animals while in the water at the following locations.
1. Dog Beach - Ponce Inlet
One of our kind readers tells us there is a beach in Ponce Inlet (also in Volusia County) where leashed dogs are welcome and even scented clean-up bags are provided. She said the beach is inside the Ponce Inlet/ Volusia County park which costs $3 to get in unless you have a decal for $30/yr. (The toll booth attendant will give you directions to it.) She said the area is at the west end of the rock jetty and curves around the river. It has a nice grassy area where you can walk for probably a mile down the river. Except for summer, there are very few people with dogs there.
2. Dog Beach - New Smyrna Beach
Note of 05-05-06: Another reader clarifies the location of this beach, saying it's across from the Smyrna Dune Park on the opposite side of Ponce de Leon Inlet. "You cannot get to one from the other unless you are in a boat."
Note of 05-01-06: Thanks to the reader who told us about this dog-friendly portion of New Smyrna Beach, at the northern tip of the barrier island. We understand the leash law is enforced here and that warnings are given, followed by a $55 fine.
Note of 02-10-06: A reader tells us the dog beach in New Smyrna Beach is accessible North on Beachside) and the other in Ponce Inlet on South on Beachside). He said both are county parks and require a fee.
3. Smyrna Dunes Park
Located at Ponce Inlet and Peninsula. Open 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Benches, tables, poopbags, trees, parking, phones, restrooms, water, trash cans, shelter. Space for dogs to run, play on the beach and swim.
Note of 04-13-08: A reader tells us he confirmed with the park manager that dogs are still permitted on this beach, just not the boardwalk - see next note.
Note of 04-11-08: A pilot program is planned within 30 days at Smyrna Dunes Park to limit dogs to natural areas only. This means dogs will not be allowed on the boardwalk, but officials promise to make the trails areas more Fido-friendly. Check Volusia County for more info.
Note of 01-26-08: One of our readers tells us the Volusia County Council has recently banned dogs from this scenic, one and one half mile ocean beach. They have also banned dogs from the mile and a half river boardwalk, due to the "irresponsibles"...dog poop left on the boardwalk, dogs lunging at people and/or other dogs as they pass each other, dog fights and bites.
"This is a tragedy beyond description," our reader says. "We have formed a committee which has suggested restricted hours, such as park opening (6am) until 10am. Also suggested are no flex leashes, plus dogs only walk one way on the boardwalk, so that they do not have to walk towards each other, which sometimes creates a bad situation with some dogs. The boardwalk is very narrow, and passing room is small.
"We get so many people who come down here and rent houses and condos, specifically to be able to walk their dogs at this park. We even have a couple from England. Others come from all over North America and beyond. Our committee will continue to work with the county, to see if we can get this boardwalk ban lifted, as we have so many seniors who walk their dogs, and are physically unable to negotiate the sand trail that we all must now use.
"We would be grateful if anyone has any suggestions, would care to email the Volusia County Commissioners, or email Volusia County Manager James Dineene at: jdinneen@co.volusia.fl.us."
Note of 01-08-08: A reader tells us this is not a National Park, it is a County Park. It is owned by the Federal Government, but run by Volusia County Parks and Recreation. They had the following comments after a recent visit:
"Due to irresponsible dog owners who fail to control their dogs, clean up after them, and allow them to run off leash, harrass shorebirds, and run in the dunes, even though the rules are clearly posted throughout the park and poop bags are available throughout the park, the Volusia County Commisioners have voted to ban dogs from the boardwalk, and restrict them to a VERY SMALL beach area along the river from the Coast Guard Station to Walkway #2. NO DOGS beyond walkway 2.
"Dog owners who visit the park almost every day, are fighting to have these new rules overturned. It dosen't look good. Being new to Florida (6 months), I have found that, although unleashed dogs swimming and playing frisbie and ball on the beaches are found in many ads for tourists and new residents, this state has turned out to be a very 'unfriendly' place for people and their dogs. Most beaches don't allow dogs at all, and the few that do allow them have leash rules.
"I can't understand how California beaches can set aside up to 3 miles of beach, in one area, where dogs are welcome off leash, and we have to fight tooth and nail to keep about 1/4 of a mile, from the Coast Guard Station to the jetty, open for dogs.
"Shame on Florida. Enforce the rules you have. Don't make more rules.
'Thank you' irresponsible dog owners, for ruining a wonderful park for all of the responsible dog owners!"
Note of 12-04-06: A reader tells us they visited this area recently. They offered the following observations:
"We found it fabulous. There's so much beach for dog owners.
The only catch is that you have to access the beach through the
national park and pay the $3.50 and walk about 1/2 mile boardwalk to
get to it but it is definitely worth it. We have lived here for
years and always thought dogs were not allowed on the beach
because everywhere you go there are signs saying, 'No dogs on the beach in Volusia County.' But if you go through the national park, you will have
plenty of beach. Directions in New Smyrna - Take Peninsula north
until you reach the coast guard station entrance, turn into the Dunes
National Park place and you are there!"
Note of 05-05-06: A kind reader clarifies the location of this park by saying, "...located in New Smyrna Beach at the end of N. Penninsula Ave next to the Coast Guard Station."
Note of 07-09-04: The inlet-side beaches in Volusia county, including the Dunes, and the area at Lighthouse Point, both at New Smyrna Beach, permit dogs - leashed only.
4. Canaveral National Seashore
This National Park is on a barrier island and is spread out over both Volusia and Brevard Counties. Our research indicates dogs are allowed here, but in the parking lot only. It would seem prudent then, to not visit this park if you have your dog with you. It's way too hot in Florida, year-around, to leave pets in your vehicle.
5. Volusia County parks
Pets are welcome at county parks (in addition to the parks listed above) as long as they are kept leashed and under control. Guardians must clean up after
their pet and aggressive animals should be left at home.
NOTE: We can't visit every area on a regular basis, so if you have information about any dog parks or beaches, or any other animal recreation facilities, in the New Smyrna/Volusia County area, please contact FloridaPets.net.
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