Why go on vacation when you have to leave your beloved, four legged family member at home? Good news! You don't have to, your dog is welcome at Ocean Reef Resorts. We have pet friendly Destin vacation rentals that can include your pampered pooch.  In addition to our multitude of pet friendly rentals in Destin, you will find a whole world of diversions for this special member of the family including wonderful Dog Parks and even popular Pet Friendly Restaurants.

If you are planning a stay in the Destin area, be sure to bring Fido or Princess out to the Destin Dog Park where they can exercise and have some fun with other traveling canines. The Destin Dog Park was founded through a cooperative effort between a dedicated group of local dog loving volunteers and the City of Destin itself. The city provided matching funds for this venture after volunteers raised money through charitable contributions. The doggie park recently opened on January 7, 2012, providing three acres of land for a green grassy, fenced in canine retreat. It is located at 4100 Indian Bayou Trail which is at the northwest corner intersection of the rotary on Commons Boulevard West. This is just east of Airport Road and north of Highway 98 near Destin City Hall. Lush Bermuda grass provides lots of open space where pets can frolic and play. There are shaded areas as well around the perimeter along with watering stations for both dogs and their human companions. Benches are interspersed throughout the park so you may relax and converse with other dog lovers, watching your pets run about and get to know each other as you compare notes about your favorite pooch. Waste receptacles are conveniently available. There is even a big red and green fire hydrant replica providing inspiration.  The Destin Dog Park is open daily from sunrise until sunset except on Tuesdays when it doesn't open until 10:00 AM due to weekly maintenance. Although dogs are free to roam unleashed in the fenced in area, they must be kept on a leash until released within the park. There are two separate areas for large dogs over thirty pounds in size as well as smaller dogs. More information may be obtained by calling 850.837.4242 and donations are requested to help maintain this wonderful Destin haven for dogs.

For those of you staying at one of our Pet Friendly rentals in Miramar Beach or along Scenic 30A in South Walton, you may want to visit a dog park called Alaqua Unleashed.  This doggie oasis was originally founded as Bark Park, a not for profit corporation which was started by Deborah Alfassa back in 2002 as a tribute to her beloved dog "Nyx." Their Mission Statement at that time was "to establish a fenced in off leash dog park where well behaved canine citizens can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property or wildlife." After several years of fund raising, enough money was collected to buy two acres of land so that it could be cleared and fenced to create Bark Park. The park was operated in a joint venture with Walton County. It is located at the corner of J D Miller and Chat Holly Roads just one block west of Route 331 and the Highway 98 intersection. In 2011 it was obtained from Walton County by the highly respected nonprofit Alaqua Animal Refuge organization in Freeport, Florida. They expanded the park to eventually include eighteen acres of grassy lawns with piney shade trees. Future plans include even more landscaping, a sheltered seating area, special sections for senior or handicapped dogs, restroom facilities for humans and a hiking trail with a special water feature. Like the other Destin area dog park, this park is currently divided in order to provide separate spaces for large and small dogs. It is open daily from dawn till dusk. There is running water but you may still have to bring your own bowl so they can lap it up. Seating is situated around the park so that you may enjoy watching your dog at play. You are required of course to clean up after your dog and deposit waste in marked receptacles which are provided. The Alaqua Animal Refuge also offers adoption services and Canine Classes on obedience, agility, and other events. Further information may be obtained at alaqua.org and donations are greatly encouraged for this very worthy organization.

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If you are planning a stay at one of our Pet Friendly Properties in Panama City Beach there are a few more dog parks to check out. These include Dog Beach near the Russel Pier and Zottie Young Park in Panama City near the Russell Pier as well as Aaron Bessant Park which adjoins the new Pier Park in Panama City Beach. It should be noted that all Florida State Parks allow leashed pets in designated areas with lots of trails to sniff and explore. These include Henderson Beach in Destin, Topsail in Miramar Beach, Grayton Beach State Park off Scenic 30A in South Walton, and Deer Lake near Seacrest.

You will also be happy to know that Destin has a few Dog Friendly restaurants. These include Hammerheads on the Destin Docks; Dewey Destin Seafood overlooking Crab Island; Joe's Crab Shack and Jim n Nick's BBQ on Highway 98; Camille's on Scenic Gulf Drive and Harry T's at Harborwalk Village. Hammerheads and Jim n Nick's provides ice water for your pooch automatically. Harry T's does as well and also provides dog biscuits. If you're in the mood for ice cream, check out Bruster's Real Ice Cream in Destin just east of Destin Commons. Not only are they pet friendly, but they will also even give your pampered pet a free ice cream sundae with crumbled dog treats on top!

In order to view our scores of distinctive Pet Friendly vacation rentals just select the area you desire and refine your search to only include those properties that are defined as "Pet Friendly".

It is always our pleasure to provide EVERY member of your beloved family with your own "home away from home" during your stay with us.