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Dog Beaches Near Pembroke Pines

Pembroke Pines is inland, but three dog-friendly beaches are within a 20–25 minute drive — from a free off-leash stretch of Hollywood Beach to a freshwater dog lake in Dania Beach. Here's where to go, when to go, and what to bring.

🏖️ Worth the Drive

Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Pembroke Pines

None of these are in Pembroke Pines — but all are within an easy drive. Plan for late afternoon on a weekend for the best experience.

Hollywood Dog Beach — dogs playing off-leash in the surf between Pershing and Custer streets

Hollywood Dog Beach

🏖️ Worth the DriveHollywood
Off-leash Fri–Sun onlyNov–Mar: 3 PM–7 PMApr–Oct: 4 PM–8 PMFree admission20 min from PP
💡 Local's tip

Off-leash hours are limited to weekends (Fri–Sun) and late afternoon — check the time before you go. Leashed dogs are welcome outside designated off-leash hours. Bring water, a bowl, and cleanup bags — no services on the dog beach itself. Street parking fills up on weekends; arrive early or park on the parallel streets near Pershing.

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The closest and most popular dog beach for Pembroke Pines — about 20 minutes east on Hollywood Boulevard. A dedicated stretch of beach between Pershing and Custer streets where dogs can run, swim, and socialize off-leash. Free admission, free street parking nearby, and the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk is a short walk away for post-beach dining.

Fort Lauderdale Canine Beach — dogs on leash at the designated dog section near Sunrise Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale Canine Beach

🏖️ Permit RequiredFort Lauderdale
Permit requiredWeekend or annual passLifeguard tower 16 areaLeashed area25 min from PP
💡 Local's tip

Purchase your permit online before you go — weekend passes are available for non-residents. Annual passes offer the best value if you plan to visit more than 3-4 times a year. Parking near Sunrise and A1A can be tight — use the public parking garage or arrive early.

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A designated dog-friendly section of Fort Lauderdale Beach north of Sunrise Boulevard. Dogs are permitted from lifeguard tower 16 to a point 100 yards north of Sunrise. A permit is required — available as a weekend pass or annual pass for Broward County residents. About 25 minutes from Pembroke Pines.

Performance Pups Freshwater Dog Beach — dogs swimming in a fenced freshwater lake in Dania Beach

Performance Pups Freshwater Dog Beach

💧 FreshwaterDania Beach
Freshwater lakeFenced & secureOff-leash swimShade & seating25 min from PP
💡 Local's tip

A great option for dogs who don't like saltwater or waves. The fenced enclosure means no worries about your dog running off. Bring your own fresh water for drinking — the lake water is not potable. Check their website for current hours and any reservation requirements.

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A unique alternative to saltwater beaches — a fenced, off-leash freshwater dog lake in Dania Beach. Clean, calm water with no waves or currents, making it ideal for dogs who are nervous about the ocean, puppies learning to swim, or older dogs. Fully enclosed, with shade and seating for owners. About 25 minutes from Pembroke Pines.

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Dog Beach Packing List

Fresh water and a portable bowl (salt water causes dehydration and stomach upset), cleanup bags, a towel (for the ride home), dog-safe sunscreen (especially for short-haired and pink-skinned dogs), a long lead if you want control while still giving freedom, and your dog's collar with ID tags. Rinse your dog with fresh water after swimming — salt and sand can cause skin irritation if left to dry.

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Important — Broward County Dog Beach Rules

Dogs are generally not allowed on Broward County beaches. Hollywood Dog Beach and Fort Lauderdale Canine Beach are the exceptions, and each has very specific rules: limited hours, designated zones, and permit requirements where applicable. Outside those zones, dogs on the beach can result in fines. Always check current rules before you go — regulations can change seasonally.

About This Guide

Dog beach information compiled from City of Hollywood, City of Fort Lauderdale, and local dog owner knowledge. Beach access rules, off-leash hours, and permit requirements may change — verify with each beach before visiting.

Also see our guides to Dog Parks, Dog-Friendly Restaurants, and Veterinarians.

All beaches listed are Worth the Drive — none are located within Pembroke Pines city limits. Beach hours and rules are enforced. Please respect posted signs and leash other beachgoers' comfort.

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