Whether you want to celebrate Spring Break, bask in the summer sun, or escape the cold of winter, Pensacola Beach is the place to go. It’s not as commercial as Destin or Panama City Beaches so it isn’t as crowded. It’s a wonderful destination for the young and the old alike. From public beach access to national shores, there are plenty of places to jump in the water or sunbathe.

Just minutes away is the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is part of the National Park Service. You’ll love the white sandy beaches and clear aquamarine waters. The area is abundant with wildlife including nesting birds, so make sure you keep your speed down to 25 miles per hour in this area. They do ticket. There are tons of parking spaces and sometimes the parking is free, but at the very least it is cheap, and you can use the pass for the whole week. One hundred percent of the fees collected at national parks are used by the National Park Service for the improvement and maintenance of park facilities and programming. There is an annual pass available for just $45. Pets are not allowed in the park areas.

There are two dog beaches available in Pensacola Beach. One is on the west beach and another on the east side. Dogs must have their vaccination tags on them and be on a leash at all times. There are a number of trails that are perfect for you to take your pet along with you. The Naval Live Oaks which is located on US 98 east of Gulf Breeze just across the sound from Pensacola Beach offers over 7.5 miles of trails.

There are a few hotels that will accommodate your pet. The Hyatt Place Pensacola Airport will allow pets for a $75 non-refundable fee. Candlewood Suites Pensacola-University area welcomes pets under 80 pounds starting at $25 a night. Residence Inn by Marriott Pensacola Downtown allows pets for a $100 fee. But the “Have Bone Will Travel” pick is Paradise Inn which features live entertainment and food at the Paradise Inn Bar & Grille. Your pet can stay for a small $25 pet fee. The motel also has a dog run as is walking distance to some dog-friendly restaurants.

Just a few blocks away is Flounders, the Shrimp Basket, Red Fish/Blue Fish, and Crabs which all allow pets on their patios. Not far from there are the Frisky Dolphin, Café Nola, and Shaggy’s which also allow dogs on their patios. Shaggy’s even has a dog menu!

And if you don’t feel like walking, there is a trolley bus that will cart you around the island. The Santa Rosa Island Authority offers a free trolley service that runs daily May 25 through Labor Day from 4pm to midnight. These open-air trolleys are environmentally friendly and provide a 360-degree view. To see a map of all trolley stop locations, or for more information, go to visitpensacolabeach.com/trolley-information.

And there are several attractions that allow dogs, but our favorite is the Pensacola Bay Brewery in downtown Pensacola. You can bring your pooch into the taproom or sit on the patio and enjoy at pint with your favorite drinking buddy. The taproom opens every day at noon.

There are a number of restaurants, cafes, bars, and coffee shops downtown that boast being pet-friendly, and here are a few:

1. Beef O’Brady’s – 22 S. Palafox St.

2. Blend Lounge – 200 S. Palafox St.

3. Bodacious Brew – 407 S. Palafox St.

4. The Cabaret – 101 S. Jefferson St. E.

5. Carmen’s Lunch Bar – 407 S. Palafox St. B

6. Cottage Café – 203 W. Gregory St.

7. Dog House Deli Downtown – 30 S. Palafox St.

8. Deluna’s Chat and Chew – 920 S. Palafox St.

9. Dharma Blue – 300 S. Alcaniz St.

10. Dolce & Gelato – 221 Zaragoza St.

11. End of the Line Cafe – 610 E. Wright St.

12. Four Seasons – 212 Palafox Pl.

13. Gulf Coast Brewery – 500 E. Heinberg St.

14. George Artisan Bakery & Bistro – 1124 W. Garden St.

15. Hub Stacey’s Pensacola – 312 E. Government St.

16. Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille – 997 E. Government St.

17. Nick’s Boathouse – 455 W. Main St.

18. Newk’s Eatery Downtown – 400 E. Chase St.

19. Nom Sushi Izakaya – 410 S. Palafox St.

20. The Oar House – 1000 S. Pace Blvd.

21. Old Hickory Whiskey Bar – 123 S. Palafox St.

22. O’Riley’s Irish Pub Downtown - 321 S. Palafox St.

23. Pensacola Bay Brewery – 225 Zaragoza St.

24. Perfect Plain Brewing Co. – 50 E. Garden St.

25. Polonza Bistro – 286 N. Palafox St.

26. The Round Up – 560 E. Heinberg St.

27. Ruby Slipper Café – 509 S. Palafox St.

28. Shux Oyster Bar – 509 S. Palafox St.

29. South Market – 232 E. Main St.

30. Sumo Sushi – 224 E Garden St. #6

31. The Tin Cow Downtown Pensacola – 102 S. Palafox St.

32. The Wine Bar on Palafox – 16 Palafox Pl.

33. World of Beer – 200 S. Palafox St.

34. Xiscali – 920 E Gregory St.