There is a special kind of magic that happens when the Florida sun starts to dip below the horizon. In 2026, St. Petersburg continues to shine as a top-tier destination for pet parents who live for that golden hour glow. ☀️🐕
At Paws in the Green, we believe the best way to end a day is with a salt-aired stroll that honors the natural beauty of our coast. Today, we’re highlighting the premier waterfront spots in St. Pete and the surrounding Florida shoreline where you and your pup can watch the sky turn to cotton candy—sustainably, of course! 🌳💖🌊
1. The Golden Hour Icon: St. Pete Pier, St. Petersburg 🎡🐕
The St. Pete Pier is the ultimate sunset destination in St. Petersburg. 🏛️🐾 With 26 acres of waterfront beauty, you can walk the long pier for panoramic views of Tampa Bay. While dogs aren't allowed on the Splash Pad or Spa Beach, the grassy "Tilt" lawn is the perfect place to sit and enjoy the breeze. 🌊🌾
The Vibe: Modern, vibrant, and postcard-perfect. 📸
Eco-Tip: The Pier has pet bag dispensers throughout, but we always recommend bringing your own Paws in the Green Biodegradable Waste Bags to ensure your clean-up is 100% plastic-free! 💩2. Dinner with a View: Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, St. Petersburg 🍹🐩
Located right on the St. Petersburg waterfront at the Pier, Doc Ford’s is a legendary spot for "paw-tio" dining. 🍴🐶 They offer plenty of shady, dog-friendly tables with umbrellas on the ground level, perfect for cooling off after a sunset walk.
Social Snap: Capture your pup enjoying the sea breeze and tag them at @docfords! 🤳✨
Pro-Tip: If your dog gets restless during dinner, keep them occupied with a natural hemp chew toy from Paws in the Green. 🦴💚
3. Set Sail: Shell Key Shuttle Sunset Cruise, St. Pete Beach ⛵️🌅
For a truly unique experience just minutes from downtown St. Petersburg, hop on the Shell Key Shuttle for their pet-friendly sunset cruise. 🌊🐕🦺 Your pup can ride for free as you cruise through the residential waterways and pristine barrier islands. It’s the most relaxing way to see Florida from the water!
Stay Prepared: Boat trips can be chilly! Bring along a recycled-fiber pet blanket from our Comfort Collection to keep your furry co-pilot cozy. 🎒🐾
4. A Hidden Local Gem: Gandy Beach, St. Petersburg 🏝️🐚
If you prefer a more rugged, "Old Florida" sunset, head to Gandy Beach in St. Petersburg. 🌅🌾 This stretch of mangroves and sand along Gandy Boulevard is a favorite for locals to park right by the water and watch the sunset over Old Tampa Bay.
Green Rule: This area is delicate! Help us protect the mangroves by keeping your dog leashed and always carrying out what you carry in. Check out our Adventure Gear for heavy-duty, eco-friendly leashes that handle the sand and salt with eChasing the Light! 🚀☀️🐾
Whether you are lounging at a pier-side bistro in St. Petersburg or catching the last rays on a boat off the Florida coast, every sunset is a reminder of why we work so hard to keep our planet green. 🍯🌿
Shop the Sustainable Look:
Elevate your evening walk with eco-friendly essentials from Paws in the Green and follow us for more Florida lifestyle tips:
Instagram: @pawsinthegreen 📸
Facebook: Paws in the Green 👥
TikTok: @pawsinthegreen 🎥ase. 🦀🌍🌿
