Dog lovers have declared Brohard Paw Park and beach to be the best dog park in the state of Florida.
Located on the island of Venice this dog-friendly park is adjacent to a beautiful clean sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico. It is the only beach in Sarasota County where dogs are allowed to roam free. (with supervision by their owners/companions) There is a double gated walkway from the dog play yard to the beach area.
Doggie waste bags are available at several stations at the park. A beach and park clean of waste and debris is just one of the reasons this is such a favorite attraction for dog lovers. After a visit we’re sure you’ll find several more reasons to bring your furry friend often.
Just minutes South of Addy’s Villas, Brohard Paw Park is located at 1600 S. Harbor Drive in Venice Florida. (Follow driving directions below for US HWY 41 from the North) Open daily, 7 a.m. – dusk.
Park Amenities: Fenced dog play yard with doggie drinking fountains, showers on decks for dogs only, fire hydrants and leash posts. Other amenities are picnic tables, benches, showers, drinking fountains for humans and small play pools for dogs. (Suggested to bring bottled water and a dog bowl for the beach)
Note: There have been reports of temporary closure (renovations?) so before you drive a long way give a call to 941-861-9830, to be sure. Also, visitors have mentioned that there are spiked burrs in the sand dune areas which are hard to remove from fur and paws, so best to keep your pets from exploring the grassy beachside areas.
To the south is South Brohard Beach providing beach access for humans only, includes boardwalks, benches and showers. Parking is available at both places. Link to Google Map Page for Brohard Paw Park
Quote from Amanda, a Paw Park Patron:
“When I say that this place is ‘dog heaven on earth’ I really do mean that. This place is absolutely GORGEOUS and so well taken care of. Okay, so this is the way Brohard Paw Park and Beach works – The first portion of this place is a dog park, plenty of space for your furry child to run around and make plenty of friends. It includes several benches for dog parents to sit and relax while they let their child burn some energy…. if you have a water dog, she/he will love it as the park officials leave a few kiddie pools to use AND there are plenty of water spouts and hoses to play or wash down your pup. Now, to the beach- AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING! On a still day, the water is sooo clear that you can see all the little fishes, shells and small crabs that inhabit the water (I’ve gotten lucky and seen a few sting rays and manatees). This place is second to NONE in the state – I willingly drive 2 1/2 hours for this dog beach so me and my fur-baby Chico can have fun.”
Directions to Brohard Beach Paw Park
I-75 – FROM THE SOUTH: Exit 193 – JACARANDA BLVD. Turn LEFT on JACARANDA BLVD and go ¾ miles At the THIRD traffic light turn RIGHT onto VENICE AVENUE, proceed 5 miles After crossing the Intercoastal Waterway Drawbridge, Turn LEFT at the SECOND traffic light (HARBOR DR), go 2.25 miles to Brohard Beach Paw Park
I-75 – FROM THE NORTH: Exit 200 – ROUTE 681 – Stay LEFT for SOUTHBOUND US 41, proceed SOUTH on US 41, go 4 miles. Then after crossing Dona Bay, veer RIGHT onto BUSINESS 41. After proceeding over the Intercoastal Waterway Drawbridge Turn RIGHT at the SECOND traffic light (VENICE AVENUE), proceed ½ mile Turn LEFT at the FIRST traffic light (HARBOR DR), go 2.25 miles to Brohard Beach Paw Park
US-41 – FROM THE SOUTH: Take US 41 NORTH. After Shamrock Blvd go ¼ mile and veer LEFT on BUSINESS 41, then go 1 mile to The SECOND traffic light and turn LEFT onto SAN MARCO DR Proceed WEST ½ mile to the end Turn LEFT onto HARBOR DR, go 1.25 mile to Brohard Beach Paw Park
US-41 – FROM THE NORTH: Take US 41 SOUTH. After crossing Dona Bay stay RIGHT onto BUSINESS 41, After proceeding over the Intercoastal Waterway Drawbridge Turn RIGHT at the SECOND traffic light (VENICE AVENUE), proceed ½ mile Turn LEFT at the FIRST traffic light (HARBOR DR), go 2.25 miles to park.
