Dogs are welcome on Ponte Vedra Beach's county beaches on a leash, even in the water. The two dog parks, the leash law and where to take a dog.

Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. Rules come from St. Johns County’s beach rules, its Beach Services FAQ, Animal Control and the county code of ordinances; park details come from the county’s park pages, linked below.

Ponte Vedra Beach is unincorporated, so St. Johns County’s rules apply everywhere here, on the beach and off it. The short version: dogs are welcome on the beach and in county parks, always on a leash, except inside a fenced dog park. Loose or stray dogs: Animal Control, 904-209-0746.

Dogs at a glance

  • Beach: dogs allowed, leashed at all times, including in the water
  • Off-leash: only in dog parks, at Davis Park (two) and Nocatee Community Park
  • Leash length: no more than 12 feet
  • Waste: pick it up; bags at most beach walkovers
  • Animal Control: 904-209-0746; Pet Center 904-209-6190

The leash law

The county enforces its Leash and Dangerous Law ordinance (Ordinance 2017-36) countywide, and Animal Control impounds dogs and cats found at large, its Animal Control page says. The rule, as the county explains it in its Beach Services FAQ:

  • An animal off its owner’s property must be leashed or restrained so it is “under the direct control of the owner or possessor.”
  • “Direct control” means immediate and continuous physical control with a restraint, such as a leash, cord or chain, no longer than 12 feet.
  • Dog parks are the only exception.

The full text is in the county code of ordinances, kept by the Clerk of Court.

Dogs on the beach

Dogs are welcome on St. Johns County beaches, but must stay on a leash at all times, including in the water. Owners must pick up pet waste; doggy bags are at most walkovers and vehicle access ramps, the county’s beach rules say. The county’s beach code covers the sand from the seawall or dune line out into the water, so the leash rule applies in the surf too.

Beach parks in Ponte Vedra Beach, all open dawn to dusk:

  • Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park, 1109 Ponte Vedra Blvd. (county page)
  • Nease Beachfront Park, 3171 Coastal Highway (county page)
  • South Ponte Vedra Park, 3721 Coastal Highway (county page)

Glass, alcohol, fireworks and open fires are banned on the beach.

Dog parks

  • Davis Park, 210 Davis Park Road: two dog parks inside a 137-acre county sports complex, with a playground, open dawn to dusk (county page).
  • Nocatee Community Park, 707 Nocatee Center Way: a dog park, playground, tennis courts and a first-come pavilion on 33 acres, open dawn to dusk (county page).

Walks and trails

  • Nocatee Preserve, 501 Davis Park Road: more than 3 miles of unpaved trails on 2,400 acres of protected land, open dawn to dusk (county page). The county leash rule applies.
  • Bird Island Park, 101 Library Blvd.: a short boardwalk loop next to the library.
  • GTM Research Reserve: the reserve’s visit page does not post a pet policy; call the visitor center at 904-380-8600 before you bring a dog.

See our walking and biking trails guide for distances and parking.

Restaurants and patios

Each restaurant sets its own policy on dogs on the patio. Few in Ponte Vedra Beach state one on their own websites, so we do not list them; ask before you sit down. Restaurants that welcome dogs can tell us through our contact page.

What this means for you

  • Bring a leash of 12 feet or less to the beach, and keep it on in the water.
  • Use Davis Park or Nocatee Community Park when your dog needs to run.
  • Report a loose dog to Animal Control at 904-209-0746.

Frequently asked questions

Are dogs allowed on the beach in Ponte Vedra Beach?

Yes. St. Johns County welcomes dogs on its beaches, but they must stay on a leash at all times, including in the water, and owners must pick up after them.

Is there an off-leash dog park in Ponte Vedra Beach?

Yes. Davis Park, 210 Davis Park Road, has two dog parks, and Nocatee Community Park, 707 Nocatee Center Way, has one. Both parks are open dawn to dusk.

What is the leash law in St. Johns County?

The county’s Leash and Dangerous Law ordinance requires dogs off their owner’s property to be leashed or restrained under the owner’s direct control, with a leash no longer than 12 feet. Dog parks are the only exception.

Who do I call about a loose or stray dog in Ponte Vedra Beach?

St. Johns County Animal Control at 904-209-0746. Officers are in the field seven days a week, with an officer on call for emergencies overnight.