Dog-Friendly Rest Stops on I-95 in Florida: Exit by Exit
Florida is the home stretch of I-95, and it is a dog-friendly one. Every Florida Department of Transportation rest area and welcome center on the route has a designated pet walk area, and the corridor also has a genuine fenced dog park and even an off-leash dog beach if you have time to detour. Below are the I-95 stops in Florida where your dog can get out and stretch, listed north to south in mile-marker order for drivers heading south.
Verified as of July 5, 2026 against FDOT rest area information, official business listings, and current Google Maps reviews. Rest areas occasionally close for maintenance and truck-stop amenities change without notice, so treat this as a planning guide and call ahead if a specific stop is your only option.
I-95 dog-friendly stops in Florida, north to south
Florida Welcome Center, Yulee
MM 378, Nassau County
Direction: Southbound only. First stop for drivers entering Florida from Georgia.
FDOT PET WALK AREAOfficial Florida welcome center just south of the state line, with grassy grounds, restrooms, and a designated pet walk area per FDOT. Free citrus juice samples inside. Open daily, staffed during business hours. A natural first stop before Jacksonville traffic.
Source: FDOT rest area information, Visit Florida
St. Johns County Rest Areas
MM 302 North, MM 331 South, near St. Augustine
Direction: Both. Separate northbound and southbound facilities.
FDOT PET WALK AREALarge, well-kept FDOT rest areas on both sides of I-95 south of Jacksonville, each with a dog run and grassy walking space. Vending, clean restrooms, ample parking, and overnight security. Rated 4.4 of 5 by more than 1,800 reviewers on Google Maps for the northbound side.
Source: FDOT rest area information, Google Maps
Buc-ee’s, St. Augustine
Exit 323, St. Johns County
Direction: Both, standard interchange access.
ON-SITE GRASSMassive travel center with generous, well-maintained grassy areas around the building. There is no fenced dog park, but the grassy perimeter gives dogs plenty of room to walk. Clean restrooms, 120-plus fueling stations, and extensive food options. Dogs are not allowed inside. Rated 4.3 of 5 by more than 3,300 reviewers on Google Maps.
Source: BringFido, Google Maps
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Exit 358, Jacksonville (about 5 miles east)
Direction: Both, standard interchange access.
OFF-LEASH DOG BEACHCity of Jacksonville park with a designated off-leash dog beach on the Atlantic, plus miles of trails and a freshwater lake. About 5 miles off Exit 358 via the Wonderwood Connector, so worth the detour only if you are not in a rush. A small entrance fee applies. Rated 4.8 of 5 bones by canine critics on BringFido and 4.3 of 5 by more than 600 reviewers on TripAdvisor. The dog beach is separate from the main swim beach.
Source: BringFido, City of Jacksonville Parks
Brevard County Rest Area, Grant-Valkaria
MM 169, Brevard County
Direction: Both. Separate northbound and southbound facilities near Palm Bay.
FDOT PET WALK AREAFDOT rest areas on both sides of I-95 with large grassy pet walk zones, shaded picnic tables, and vending. Reviewers call it a perfect place to bring your dog. Rated about 4.4 of 5 on Google Maps.
Source: FDOT rest area information, Google Maps
Martin County Rest Area, Palm City
MM 106 North, MM 107 South, Martin County
Direction: Both. Separate northbound and southbound facilities.
FDOT PET WALK AREAFDOT rest areas with dog walk areas at both ends of the parking lot, covered picnic tables, clean restrooms, and vending. Monitored by security in the evening hours. One of the last rest areas before the South Florida stretch.
Source: FDOT rest area information, traveler reviews
Love’s Travel Stop, Fort Pierce
Exit 129, St. Lucie County
Direction: Both, standard interchange access.
ON-SITE DOG PARKLove’s Travel Stop at 7150 Okeechobee Rd, open 24 hours, with a fenced dog walk area confirmed for this location (Love’s store #415), roughly 50 yards long per travelers. Arby’s on site, clean facilities. Rated 3.9 of 5 by nearly 800 reviewers on Google Maps and 4.0 bones by canine critics on BringFido.
Source: Love’s dog park program, BringFido, Google Maps
A few tips for dog-friendly stops in Florida
Keep your dog leashed at every rest area pet zone; these are busy stops right off the interstate. Clean up using the waste stations provided. Florida heat is the real hazard here: never leave a dog in a parked car, use the shaded picnic areas when you can, and carry water. If you want a real off-leash run, the Fort Pierce dog park at Exit 129 is the standout on this route, and Hanna Park near Jacksonville is worth the detour if you have the time.
Driving the whole corridor? See our exit-by-exit dog rest stop guide from Maryland to Florida for every state on I-95.