Walton Rocks Beach - Port St. Lucie's Hidden Off-Leash Dog Paradise
Florida's Best-Kept Secret for Dog Owners
Just 20 minutes from Port St. Lucie lies Walton Rocks Beach - a rare 24-acre off-leash dog beach where your pup can run free in the sand and surf. Named by Coastal Living as one of Florida's best dog-friendly beaches, this is something you won't find anywhere else in the area.
The Basics
Location: 6700 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach (South Hutchinson Island)
Hours: Daily 6:00 AM to sunset
Cost: Free - no entry fees or permits
Drive Time: 20 minutes from Port St. Lucie via US-1 North
Important Rules
Off-Leash Freedom: Entire beach allows off-leash dogs, but you must carry a leash (8 feet max). If your dog bothers others, you must leash immediately.
Key Requirements:
Maximum 3 dogs per person
You're responsible for behavior and waste cleanup
Owner supervision required at all times
What's There
Facilities: Free parking, clean restrooms, dog wash stations with hoses, covered picnic pavilions
Beach Features: Soft sand, clear Atlantic water, excellent shell collecting, natural undeveloped coastline
Best Times to Visit
Ideal: Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM-sunset)
Avoid: Midday summer visits - hot sand can burn dog paws
What to Bring
Essential: Leash (required to have), fresh water and bowl, shade umbrella, dog-safe sunscreen, waste bags, towels
Optional: Tennis balls for surf fetch, camera for photos
Safety Tips
Watch For: Jellyfish occasionally wash ashore, hot sand in summer, no lifeguards on duty
Dog Etiquette: Most dogs are well-socialized, but supervise interactions and be ready to leash if needed
Getting There
Route: US-1 North to Jensen Beach, follow signs to South Ocean Drive on Hutchinson Island
Landmark: Just south of St. Lucie Power Plant and Blind Creek Beach
Why It's Special
Unlike Port St. Lucie's fenced dog parks, Walton Rocks offers unlimited space, natural ocean stimulation, and social interaction impossible to replicate elsewhere. The combination of sand, surf, and freedom makes this a weekly tradition for many local dog owners.
Pro Tip: Use the rinse stations to clean salt water and sand off your dog before heading home. The beach also offers excellent shelling while your pup plays.
Bottom Line: Walton Rocks Beach gives Port St. Lucie dog owners a unique, free off-leash ocean experience that's worth the short drive for the memories and exercise it provides.
Bonus Tip: If you're unsure how your dog will handle off-leash beach conditions, Dogs On The Run can help evaluate your pet's readiness and provide conditioning walks to build stamina.
Book expert dog care today: www.dogsontherun.com
