If your perfect day includes sandy paws and ocean breezes, you’re in luck. Ormond-by-the-Sea now offers a legal, well-marked place where you and your dog can enjoy the beach together. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly where dogs are allowed, the rules to follow, how to park, and smart safety tips for a carefree visit. Let’s dive in.
Dog-friendly zones near Ormond-by-the-Sea
The county’s designated dog beach runs about 0.6 miles between Rockefeller Drive and Milsap Road, and it is now permanent after a successful pilot program. Local officials approved the permanent dog-friendly area on April 1, 2025. During the pilot, the county recorded roughly 12,800 to 12,900 dog visits, no bite incidents, and only a small number of issues that were mostly resolved through education.
Looking for alternatives when the Ormond stretch is busy? Leashed dogs are also allowed in designated areas at Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Inlet and Smyrna Dunes Park in New Smyrna Beach, according to Volusia County’s official guidance. Outside these dog-approved sections, pets are not allowed on county-managed beaches except service animals.
Rules and etiquette you need to know
Follow these simple rules so everyone can keep enjoying this privilege:
- Leash and control: Dogs must be on a leash at all times, with a maximum length of 6 feet. Owners must maintain control and pick up all waste.
- Hours: Dog-beach hours are sunrise to sunset.
- Wildlife and dunes: Stay out of posted wildlife and nesting areas and keep off dune vegetation. See the county’s beach rules and dune protection guidance.
- Compliance checks: Enforcement staffing and procedures can change. Check Volusia County’s dogs-on-beach page before you go for the latest details.
Best times and seasonal notes
Early mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times in summer. Hot sand can burn paws quickly. The AKC’s warm-weather advice is simple: if the sand is too hot for your hand after a few seconds, it is too hot for paws. Review these AKC summer safety tips.
May 1 through October 31 is local sea turtle nesting season. Keep lights off the beach at night, avoid marked nests, fill any holes before you leave, and remove all gear at day’s end. Learn more about the county’s beachfront lighting and nesting-season rules.
Parking, permits, and access
Volusia County uses ParkVolusia’s virtual system for parking and beach-driving permits.
- Parking and beach driving: Find parking locations, driving zones, and current updates on ParkVolusia’s beach parking page. Off-beach lots serving the Ormond dog-beach include Rockefeller Drive and Cardinal Drive.
- Fees and permits: As of October 1, 2024, the daily non-resident beach-driving fee is $30 per day, plus taxes and fees. Residents can register for no-cost virtual passes. Check current fees and buy permits through the permit portal.
- Driving hours and rules: Beach driving is allowed only in signed zones. Obey the 10 mph speed limit. Hours vary by season, for example 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May 1 to October 31, and sunrise to sunset from November 1 to April 30, tides permitting. Always verify current hours before heading out.
Safety tips for your dog
Heat and paw care
- Visit early or late, bring shade, and give frequent water breaks. If the sand is uncomfortably hot to the touch, carry your dog or wait until it cools. See the AKC’s heat and paw guidance.
Water and sand safety
- Offer fresh water often so your dog does not drink saltwater. Rinse sandy toys and avoid items that trap sand. Watch for signs of sand ingestion like vomiting or lethargy and call your vet if needed. Get details on sand ingestion risks.
Surf and marine hazards
- The Atlantic can change fast. Keep your dog close, avoid rough surf, and do not attempt risky rescues. Review general beach safety and rip current basics from the National Park Service.
Wildlife and clean-up
- Watch for jellyfish, fishing hooks, and sharp shells. Do not let your dog chase birds or enter fenced areas. Follow the county’s beach rules and always pack out waste.
What to pack for your pup
- Fresh water and a collapsible bowl
- Leash 6 feet or less and spare collar with ID
- Poop bags and a small scoop or bin
- Towel, shade umbrella, and water-resistant toys
- Pet-safe sunscreen for light or thin coats
- Basic first-aid items for minor scrapes
Nearby dog-friendly alternatives
If the Ormond dog-beach is crowded or temporarily closed, consider Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Inlet or Smyrna Dunes Park in New Smyrna Beach. Both allow leashed dogs in designated areas as noted by the county’s dogs-on-beach page.
Local pet care and supplies
For peace of mind, note nearby resources before you go. In the Daytona-Ormond area, examples include Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia for after-hours needs and neighborhood clinics such as Ormond Beach Family Vet, Atlantic Animal Hospital, and Tomoka Pines Veterinary Hospital. Confirm current hours and services before visiting.
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FAQs
Can I bring my dog to any Ormond-by-the-Sea beach?
- No. Dogs are only allowed on the designated stretch between Rockefeller Drive and Milsap Road, plus specific areas at Lighthouse Point Park and Smyrna Dunes Park. Other county-managed beaches do not allow pets except service animals.
What are the dog-beach hours in Volusia County?
- The dog-friendly areas are open from sunrise to sunset.
Are there fines if I break the rules?
- News coverage during the pilot referenced fines in the range of $150 to $250 for violations. Policies can change, so always check county updates. See local reporting on the pilot decision process for context here.
How do parking and beach-driving permits work?
- Volusia uses virtual permits tied to your license plate. Check fees, parking locations, driving zones, and current hours on ParkVolusia, and use the county’s permit portal to purchase or register.
What should I do if I see a nesting turtle or hatchlings?
- Keep your distance, avoid lights, do not disturb marked areas, and alert a lifeguard if you see an injured or stranded animal. During nesting season, fill in holes and remove all gear when you leave.
