My Search For a Dog Friendly, Florida Beach House Rental

My family and I are ready for a beach vacation.

We scoured the Internet for a beach house that we could rent that would let us bring our sweet dog, a Golden Doodle that goes with us everywhere.

(See from the expression on his face? He is dreaming about a beach in Florida.)

At first we found a condo that was dog friendly in South Padre Island, Texas. After calling to speak to the manager, he assured us that it was dog friendly. The travel agent we used even promised us that it was dog friendly and that we could take our beloved Golden Doodle on the beach to play. Then, I did some more research. I found the websites for the beaches in the vicinity and found that they do not allow dogs. I was ALMOST duped. Can you imagine if I had driven all that way only to discover that I could not bring my dog on the beach? It would have been a complete loss and my kids would have been disappointed.

The Search for a Dog Friendly Beach House

So I started searching for really pet friendly accommodations. I searched and found many that would let you bring your dog on the beach with a leash. That would not work for my dog. He loves to run and make new friends. He would never hurt anyone, except to lick them in an effort to be friendly.

Dog Friendly Florida Beach and Dog Friendly Beach House Rental

I stumbled upon a beach in Florida that is dog friendly - they let the dogs in the beach houses they rent and they let the dogs roam on the beach with no leash. They even provide a list of restaurants nearby that are within walking distance that will let you bring your dog, if you call ahead.

The name of this oasis - Cape San Blas Beach Vacation Rentals Barrier Dunes: Florida Panhandle, Pet Friendly Beach! And because it is located on the Northwest Florida Panhandle, the drive to the beach would not be too bad. I estimate around eight hours from Texas. I would make a small bed for my dog in the back, buckle in the kids, load up an ice chest, negotiate my husband to join us, and off I could go. Before I knew it, the entire family could be in paradise. I haven't been there - yet - but am about to make my reservation for Spring Break or the first part of summer in 2009. I can't wait. My family and dog will love it!