Top 5 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Destin & Panama City Beach

Finding dog-friendly restaurants in Destin and Panama City Beach to chow down with your dog is easy. You’re sure to have some wonderful choices ahead of you!

From restaurants with dog-friendly patios to those that provide a water bowl and special treats, there are a lot of options!

From laid-back fish camps to charming ice cream stands, all of these places welcome you and your furry friend together.

If you love fresh Gulf seafood, there is great news! You and your furry companion will find an amazing spot for a quick bite to eat.

Discover Dog-Friendly Dining

Experience the beautiful landscapes of Panama City Beach with your four-legged friend! You’ll find good dining options that will help keep your dog and your belly happy! This dog-loving region couldn’t be more excited.

There are several dedicated dog parks and a dog beach by the Russell-Fields Pier, where leashed canine companions can get out their zoomies and frolic in the surf off-leash. Over 80% of vacation rentals in Panama City Beach are pet-friendly! This has made the region a haven for visitors looking to travel with dogs in tow, and the canine culture extends even to the area’s dog-friendly dining scene.

Salty Sue’s is a great pick for dog-friendly dining. You and your canine companion can both relax after a day of exploring on the pet-friendly establishment’s outdoor covered porch. The menu here focuses much on seafood-inspired taco cravings, with delicious options like their Shrimpy Taco and fresh Ahi Tuna Tacos.

They have wraps too if you want something a little lighter, but no less hearty! With its chill vibes, it’s the perfect spot to relax after a day at the nearby dog-friendly beach.

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly restaurant by the water, don’t miss Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill. This popular Cantonese joint has a lively atmosphere and great meals! This dog-friendly spot is only a few blocks from the Pismo dog beach.

It’s an ideal spot to stop for a quick bite after a day of seaside adventuring! You and your pooch can dig into their laid-back, casual beachside menu together, all while your pup enjoys the ocean breeze with you by his side.

One more favorite—The Coconuts Restaurant, where the front patio area is HUGE with tons of space, allowing for tons of pet-friendly outdoor dining. This casual, dog-friendly restaurant—just across from the Sandpiper Beach Resort and Tiki Bar—is known for its fresh seafood and world-class BBQ ribs.

Don’t leave without sampling one of their delicious, frozen daiquiris! It’s a great option if you want a lot of variety and a casual atmosphere.

Last, but certainly not least, is Pineapple Willy’s and FINNS Island Style Grub for more distinct experiences. Don’t miss the Pineapple Willy’s Coconut-Crusted Shrimp Dinner Plate; it’s a local favorite!

At FINNS, indulge in fresh, island-inspired dishes and start your day off with delicious espresso beverages, including lattes and Americanos, for a convenient caffeine kick.

Top Dog-Welcoming Restaurants: Destin & Panama City Beach

When exploring Destin and Panama City Beach with your dog, it’s important to find restaurants that not only offer delicious food but also extend a warm welcome to your furry companions. Read our full guide to the best dog-friendly dining options in the area.

From delicious cuisine to exciting activities, each destination has amazing benefits in store for you and your canine companion!

1. Restaurant One: Pineapple Willy’s

Pineapple Willy’s in Panama City Beach is the quintessential place to grab a beachside bite with your dog. Their outdoor seating area is HUGE and welcomes your pups!

There’s something special about the ocean air as you sip a cocktail with your pup at your feet. Their menu, renowned for their frozen concoctions and award-winning baby back ribs, is guaranteed to satisfy any top dog seeking serious comfort food.

Relax with the beachy atmosphere and welcoming employees. It’s a unique atmosphere where you and Fido can kick back and be comfortable together.

2. Restaurant Two: The Coconuts Restaurant

Located across from the Sandpiper Beach Resort and Tiki Bar, The Coconuts Restaurant offers a large, inviting front patio perfect for dining with your pet. This lively, two-story restaurant teems with enthusiasm.

Conveniently located near the beach, it’s an ideal place to relax dog-friendly after a long day of playing in the sand. Their menu offers an array of fresh seafood and tropical-inspired dishes, and it’s always packed with locals and tourists who found this hidden gem.

3. Restaurant Three: FINNS Island Style Grub

FINNS Island Style Grub stands out not only for its pet-friendly outdoor seating but also for its casual, island-inspired menu. Whether you’re looking for some tacos or a poke bowl, the food is top quality, fresh, and delicious.

With its in-house espresso machine, FINNS stands out among dog-friendly eateries. You can get a latte or Americano to go along with your meal too!

4. Restaurant Four: Shore Dogs Grill

For a truly laid-back dining experience, Shore Dogs Grill is worth a stop. Located near Rick Seltzer Park on Thomas Drive, this casual American bar and grill is known for its friendly atmosphere and classic menu.

Grab a seat on the patio and enjoy a dog-friendly meal! Grab an old-fashioned cheeseburger or a grilled hot dog and let your pooch bask in all the adoration.

5. Restaurant Five: Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill

Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill is literally right next door to the dog beach at Russell-Fields Pier. This popular, seafood-focused restaurant serves daily fresh catches, right on the beach with an incredible view of the emerald-green Gulf waters.

The outdoor seating area is dog-friendly, so you can enjoy a tasty bite alfresco with your pup after a whole day of fun in the sand.

Waterfront Restaurants Welcoming Dogs

Sample a delicious bite alongside your canine companion and take in all the beautiful waterfront scenery and atmosphere! It sure does make dining together more fun! Panama City Beach and nearby Destin have been visionary about their public spaces, featuring multiple dog-friendly waterfront restaurants.

Indulge in a flavorful feast while your furry friend is treated like royalty! Whether it’s on shaded patios or beachside spots, these restaurants look out for all their visitors and continue to keep pups comfy.

Scenic Views and Dog-Friendly Policies

A beautiful waterfront setting helps any meal taste better. With so many restaurants here providing stunning waterfront views and welcoming dogs, it creates the absolute best pet-friendly atmosphere.

Sisters of the Sea Waterfront Bar & Grill provides dog-friendly outdoor seating, so bring Fido while you enjoy a meal with an incredible view! Feast on breathtaking Grand Lagoon vistas as you dine under the sun! This popular waterfront stop is sure to provide a great experience for you and your four-legged friend.

Relax in any climate on their outdoor covered porch, open year-round. Pineapple Willy’s is another waterfront restaurant dog fans do not want to miss, this one right on the beach. Here, the salty beach breezes and direct beachside dining with your four-legged companion combine to make a relaxed vibe that’s ideal for chilling out.

For dog lovers who appreciate craft beer as well, Patches Pub & Grill is worth the trip, too. Having more than 30 beers on tap, this beer joint marries an exciting and energetic vibe with a fun dog-friendly outdoor patio. The proximity of Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill to the designated dog beach at Russell-Fields Pier makes it a convenient choice for pet owners looking to grab a bite after some beach time.

Menu Options for You and Your Pup

Rest assured that most of these galley’s hospitality will extend to your pup’s, with plentiful water bowls rounding the corner and sometimes even doggie menu items! Enjoy delicious seafood or award-winning BBQ spareribs at local favorites such as Salty Sue’s or Pineapple Willy’s.

During this process, your dog will have the opportunity to relax and take in the warm and friendly atmosphere. For a refreshing treat, explore frozen cocktails like daiquiris or try the locally loved beer selections at Patches Pub & Grill.

Ambiance and Dog Comfort

Outdoor dining areas are clearly designed with care. Take in the shaded tables, cool breezes off the water, and enough space for your pup to kick back and bask in the atmosphere.

It all adds to that special laid-back vibe, whether you’re sitting on the porch at Salty Sue’s or on the sands at Pineapple Willy’s. You and your four-legged friend will be in dog heaven.

Beyond Restaurants: Other Pet-Friendly Spots

Destin and Panama City Beach have evolved into much more than culinary destinations. These communities feature a variety of attractions that can be enjoyed alongside your furry friends. Your pet won’t want to miss out on all the excitement and adventure! From outdoor excursions to pet-friendly lodging, there’s more to inspire your visit than you’d think.

Dog Parks and Beaches Nearby

If your dog requires a bit more room to roam and play, you’re in luck! Tons of nearby dog parks give both dogs and their humans a great place to roam. Weidenhamer Dog Park in Destin offers a wide, fenced area where dogs can run around off-leash.

Frank Brown Park and Dog Park in Panama City Beach offers plenty of shaded areas and water stations. Your pooch will have plenty of room to run around and have a great time! Other dog parks, including Liza Jackson Dog Park, Niceville Dog Park, and T.J. Brooks (Echo Park), are other great places to try.

Each one serves a unique purpose, from free-range play fields to fenced-in enclosures separated by small and large breeds. Beach bums and sun worshippers alike will rejoice! With the Emerald Coast’s pet-friendly beaches open to dogs, frolic in the warm Gulf waters with four-legged family members.

Note that some beaches have leash policies, so it’s best to look up local laws before heading out! Get ready to have some fun! Discover the picturesque pathways of the surrounding state parks, perfect for a leisurely walk or a challenging trek.

Timpoochee Trail, the scenic route that hugs the coast, is a wonderful introduction to the area’s natural beauty. It’s the ideal place for your pooch to release some pent-up zoomies!

Pet-Friendly Hotels and Accommodations

Whether you’re seeking a resort, lodge, cabin, beach house, or hotel, dog-friendly accommodations are easy to come by. Many hotels and vacation rentals in Destin and Panama City Beach are pet-friendly, offering amenities like designated pet areas and even welcome treats for your canine companion.

Many accommodations even provide on-site doggy daycare services to keep Fido happy while you golf or spa. That way, you can spend a few hours on yourself without worrying.

Whether you prefer a beachfront hotel or a quieter cottage, there are options. Many of these options are perfect for the rapidly increasing traveler who wants their pet to be just as comfortable as they are.

Recent Updates in Destin & Panama City Beach

Lately, though, Destin and Panama City Beach are quickly rising on the list of dog-owner’s favorites. From doggy dinners to pooch playdates—they have it all on tap! Find new restaurants and new rules that make your visit even better. With all of these canine-centric events, it’s the best time ever to experience a trip with your four-legged friend!

New Dog-Friendly Establishments

Several new restaurants in Destin and Panama City Beach have embraced the pet-friendly trend, adding welcoming spaces for dogs and their owners. Island Wing Company has one of the most picturesque patios around. There, you can enjoy tasty meals such as the Island Quesadilla while your canine companion lounges at your feet.

Located next to the dog beach at the feet of Russell-Fields Pier, Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill is another great spot. Its proximity to the beach makes it a convenient stop after a day of sun and sand, offering casual seafood options perfect for unwinding.

For burger lovers wanting something different, Gulf Coast Burger Co. in Panama City Beach has quickly established itself as the People’s Choice favorite. Their famous Mac & Cheese Burger is a delicious indulgence as much as it fits the casual, dog-friendly vibe.

These recent additions to the list underscore the panhandle’s growing trend towards welcoming pet owners whilst still offering remarkable culinary options.

Policy Changes at Existing Restaurants

Lots of old favorites have made the switch, amending their rules to embrace fuzzy companions. Dewey Destin’s Harborside, a favorite for its fresh seafood and relaxed vibe, now actively promotes its pet-friendly patio, enhancing the overall experience for dog owners.

With its beautiful waterfront view, Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House Grits a Ya Ya has improved their pet-friendly outdoor seating experience to make it more inviting for pets and their owners alike.

Accordingly, 9 out of 10 of the area’s restaurants have added pet-friendly patios—an astounding feat in pet-centric tourism. Each of these updates allows patrons to enjoy all of their dog-friendly local establishments with their four-legged friends in tow.

This intentional move resonates considerably with residents and tourists alike.

Community Events for Dogs and Owners

It’s not just dining that makes Destin and Panama City Beach dog-friendly destinations. Holiday events like pet parades, charity walks, and other seasonal festivities bring out residents and visitors alike and create a flourishing community spirit.

These events not only provide entertainment but also promote awareness about local pet-friendly amenities, including vacation rentals and dog parks.

Wrapping It Up

Dog-friendly restaurants in Destin and Panama City Beach are super easy to find when you’ve got the insider scoop. From waterfront restaurants with outdoor patios to cozy spots that offer water bowls and treats, these towns make dining with your pet enjoyable. With dogs allowed in restaurants, you’ll search up dog-friendly restaurants near me to find hidden gems that have the best of both worlds.

Don’t limit yourself to restaurants alone. Visiting dog-friendly parks and beaches can make your trip paw-sitively unforgettable. Whether you live here or are visiting for the first time, there’s always something new to discover.

Take in the very best of what these cities have to offer—all with your four-legged friend by your side.