South Florida may have miles of coastline but there aren’t a lot of places where dogs can dip their paws in the surf. But a dog’s life got better earlier this year, when Hollywood city officials approved a new dog beach.

And you don’t even have to be a Hollywood resident to enjoy it – although you will have to pay extra for the privilege.

Dog Beach of Hollywood is located between Pershing and Custer Streets, east of Ocean Drive (State Road A1A) and north of Sheridan Street. It’s open from 5 pm to 9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. One-day passes are $5 per dog for residents, and $10 per dog for non-residents. Six-month passes (come on, your dog will want to go more than once!) start at $30 for residents, $60 for non-residents.

Passes can be purchased from rangers on site, when the beach is open, or at the Hollywood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Office, 1405. S. 28th Ave., Hollywood. For more info, call 954-921-3404.

Beach-goers must use the Pershing Street entrance and sign in with the ranger. And the Web manager for FloridaPets.net warns on her site: Follow the rules! It took years for dog-lovers to get the city to agree to the concept, she said, and the project will be routinely reviewed. “So don’t give the naysayers any ammunition,” she wrote.

Do you know other places where dogs can hit the beach? Let us know!