Pet-Friendly Travel Guide: Florida

As a tropical destination conveniently located in the United States, Florida draws its fair share of tourists. Whether you’re seeking the glitz and nightlife of the city or a taste of laid-back island life, this great state has it all. Fortunately for your furry friends, there are many attractions, restaurants, and hotels that will welcome pets with open arms! Read on for the best pet-friendly spots in some of Florida’s most sought-after regions.

Gulf Coast

Pet-Friendly Attractions:

• Brohard Paw Park (Venice) – Time to hit the beach! Your furry friend is welcome at this off-leash beach park complete with water fountains, picnic tables, and fire hydrants. There’s even a shower for easy clean-up afterward, so you won’t have to worry about Fido tracking sand all over the rental car.
• Dockside Watersports & Parasailing (Destin) – Always wanted to take your best buddy out on the water? Here’s your chance! Dockside’s dog-friendly pontoon boats are perfect for a sunny afternoon at sea. In addition, jet skis, parasailing, cruises, and tours are available.
• The Dog Bar (St. Petersburg) – We’ve found it: the Holy Grail of dog-friendly destinations. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you crossed a full-service sports bar with an epic dog park… well, you might have to see it to believe it. It may seem too good to be true, but you really can enjoy selections from the full bar while your pup runs around the off-leash dog park. There is a doggy swimming pool shaped like a bone and an indoor, off-leash rec room with couches, ping-pong, pool, and other rainy-day games. The Dog Bar requires a membership, but there’s good news for travelers: out-of-town visitors are charged just $5 per dog for the whole day (but be sure to bring digital or paper vaccine records)!

Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Bars:

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream (Destin) – That Florida heat is no joke. Fortunately, there’s ice cream – for you and your pup. Stop by Bruster’s for a cone, and your furry friend will receive a FREE sundae with a bone on top! There’s no better way to chill after a day on the beach.
• Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille (Destin) – Fresh seafood, bay views, and live music are all served up on the patio of this Destin haunt. There’s a special canine menu, meaning while you’re devouring your catch-of-the-day, your furry friend will be in dog heaven with their burger patty. Win-win!
• The Old Salty Dog (Sarasota) – With three locations in the Sarasota area, there’s bound to be an Old Salty Dog near your hotel. For an unforgettable experience, try the restaurant’s namesake: a quarter-pound hot dog, battered, fried, and served with all the fixin’s. While you’re in hot dog heaven, your best pal can sit with you on the patio and drink from their very own water bowl.
• Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro (St. Petersburg) – Dockside dining doesn’t get much better than this. Serving a wide variety of dishes for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Fresco’s is the perfect place to enjoy a signature cocktail, a delicious meal, and an incredible view of the bay. Your four-legged friend is welcome on the patio, where they can drink from their own bowl of ice water and order off the super-secret dog menu (which you didn’t hear about from us).

Pet-Friendly Hotels:

• Lido Beach Resort (Sarasota) – Sign up for the Opal Paws program at Lido Beach Resort and receive the royal treatment for you and your furry friend! You’ll receive a gift bag outfitted with dental stick treats, waste bags, a plush mat, and bowls for food and water. You’ll also receive a list of some Gulf Coast exploration suggestions to help plan your next adventure.
• The Henderson (Destin) – Book a room at this luxury seaside resort, and you’ll be welcomed by the hotel’s Canine Ambassadors, Dune and Ranger. Your furry friend will feel right at home alongside new pals as they take nature walks, play games on the Grand Lawn, or hang out by the fire pit. Your dog-friendly room will come equipped with all the comforts of home, including a souvenir dog toy. Plus, you’ll also receive a complimentary day pass to Henderson State Park, where you and your pup can explore pristine beaches and more than 6,000 feet of natural scenic shoreline.
• TradeWinds Island Grand (St. Pete Beach) – This resort, self-described as a 25-acre beachfront playground, offers high-class hospitality to all its guests, no matter the species. Your dog can frolic in the off-leash Pet Play Zone, with its grassy areas, drinking fountain, and fire hydrants, or the two of you can head to the designated dog-walking zone along the waterway. There’s a complimentary Doggy Accessory Center stocked with supplies, and the room service menu, featuring specialty items such as Fido’s Fajitas and Kitty Kasserole, is sure to receive two paws up.

Greater Orlando Area

Pet-Friendly Attractions:

• Lake Baldwin Park (Winter Park) – This beautiful lakeside park is the perfect place for your pup to splash and play. Between 8am and sunset, your dog can enjoy the grass, shade, and sandy beach off-leash, while you take in the peaceful view from one of the many benches, picnic tables, or pavilions.
• Showcase of Citrus (Clermont) – Leashed dogs are welcome in this expansive citrus grove, where you can pick your own fruits from a wide variety of trees. But this 2,500-acre property and working cattle ranch offers so much more. A playground, a petting zoo, a gem mine, a weekend circus show, and an off-road monster truck safari are all on the menu. One might say it’s like the Disney World of citrus groves.
• Paw Park (Sanford) – Your pup will have the time of their life on the agility obstacles at this off-leash park. Also of note is the abundance of trees, the separate space for smaller dogs, the fountains for drinking and splashing, and the doggy shower.
• Bark Avenue Bakery (Orlando) – Advertising “gourmutt treats and treasures,” this establishment offers high-quality homemade doggy desserts, as well as rawhides, apparel, and accessories for pups and the people who love them.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Bars:

• Wop’s Hops Brewing (Sanford) – This craft brewery boasts over a dozen house-made beers, including a selection of lagers, ambers, IPAs, stouts, and sours. Even more impressive is the non-alcoholic Bowser Beer, brewed especially for four-legged friends! We’ll drink to that.
• Relax Grill (Orlando) – Good food, great service, and a beautiful view are what you can expect at this easygoing Orlando eatery. There’s plenty of space on the patio for your pooch to spread out, and they’ll even get their very own water bowl.

Pet-Friendly Hotels:

• Margaritaville Resort (Orlando) – Located just minutes from Walt Disney World, this resort brings Jimmy Buffett’s lyrics to life. Upon arrival, your best pal will be welcomed with treats, and your island-inspired room or cottage will be outfitted with a set of food and water bowls. For playtime, head to Barkaritaville – the onsite dog park full of toys, obstacles, and lots of space to run around.
• Encore Resort at Reunion (Kissimmee) – This vacation home community is targeted toward large families and groups. You’ll have your own building with multiple bedrooms and a private fenced-in yard for your pup to play in. Enjoy the water park, kids club, spa service, restaurants, and more, all conveniently located on-site.

Greater Palm Beach Area

Pet-Friendly Attractions:

• Salty Dog Paddle (West Palm Beach) – Founded in 1977, Salty Dog Paddle is the nation’s number-one nonprofit surf and stand-up paddleboard brand. Profits from their lessons, events, and apparel go toward providing care and forever homes to sick and injured animals. Sign up for a paddleboarding lesson with your dog – there’s no extra charge for them to join – and they’ll even get to use a special board and pup-sized life jacket!
• Peanut Island Park (Riviera Beach) – Leash up your furry friend and discover endless recreation opportunities, including fishing, swimming, camping, kayaking, and snorkeling. Just be sure to bring bags to pick up after your pal.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Bars:

• Howley’s Diner (West Palm Beach) – This greasy-spoon is open almost 24/7 and offers standard diner fare in a fun, vintage environment. Your dog will be spoiled on the patio with a bowl of cold water, and you can rest assured you’ll be well-fed, whether you’re there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or something in between.
• Cobb’s Landing (Fort Pierce) – A casual atmosphere and marina views await you on the dog-friendly patio at Cobb’s Landing. Your pup will be greeted with a water bowl, and you can munch on coastal faves like fried alligator or seafood gumbo while you enjoy the signature beverage: the oh-so-refreshing Pineapple Mojito.

Pet-Friendly Hotels:

• The Ben West Palm (West Palm Beach) – As downtown’s only waterfront hotel, The Ben takes its hospitality seriously. Your pup will enjoy special bath amenities, a pup-sized bathrobe, and a doggy menu during your stay. On Saturdays, head over to the restaurant patio for Pup Brunch – a feast for four-legged friends and their humans, complete with live music.
• The Brazilian Court Hotel (Palm Beach) – Pet amenities are a bit over the top at this luxury hotel with the Bark Butler, an ultimate in pooch-pampering packages. Offering daily dog walking and spa services this is a surefire way to spoil your furry friend rotten. On a budget? No problem – the standard Pet Package is a lot more down to earth, but still offers awesome perks for your precious pal. Humans will have a great time, too – this spot has been named one of the top 100 hotels in the world by Fodor’s Travel. Worth every penny!
• Kimpton Vero Beach (Vero Beach) – The Kimpton demonstrates its ongoing commitment to pet care with its dedicated Pet Concierge program. Four-legged guests will receive a slew of welcome amenities upon arrival, along with a “paw-sonalized” welcome letter from the hotel’s pet concierge. This boutique property is perched right on the water and offers ultimate beach access with stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and a beautiful outdoor pool.

Miami & Fort Lauderdale

Pet-Friendly Attractions:

• Club Nautico (North Bay Village) – For a taste of the open seas, rent a boat at Club Nautico and bring your pup on board. You can spend the day cruising around with the wind in your hair, enjoying the sights of Biscayne Bay.
• Coral Castle Museum (Homestead) – There’s a lot to take in at this iconic stone building and sculpture garden, and your leashed dog is welcome to join you. The property was constructed from 1,100 tons of sculpted coral rock, all carved by a single artist over a period of 30 years – in secret, no less – so you’ll appreciate all the unique touches and fun features on the grounds.
• Amelia Earhart Dog Park (Miami) – Touted as one of the best in the Miami area, this 5-acre dog park will check off all your boxes. Featuring separate areas for large and small dogs, exercise equipment, canine and human drinking fountains, and poop bag dispensers, your pup will be thrilled to spend an afternoon here. While they’re running around, relax at a picnic table in the ample shade and admire the gardens.
• Intimate Waterway Tours (Fort Lauderdale) – Fort Lauderdale is home to a vast network of waterways – it’s no secret why it’s been coined “the Venice of America” – and this tour is the best way to see them. Led by U.S. Coast Guard Certified captains, you and your well-behaved pet can see the sights in style on a luxury craft while you enjoy a complimentary cold beverage.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Bars:

• Sushi Kong (Coral Gables, Miami) – Here, you’ll find creative takes on traditional sushi and rolls, as well as a variety of wok dishes. Best of all, there’s a menu offering just for your pup: it’s called “Kongle,” and it’s a delicious mixture of wet and dry dog food with salmon and carrots. You’ll both be licking your chops!
• Yolo (Fort Lauderdale) – You only live once, so make sure to stop by this Fort Lauderdale staple next time you’re in town, because it’d be a shame to miss it. With beautifully plated dishes, eclectic upscale menus for brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour, and a generously shaded dog-friendly patio with water bowls for four-legged guests, it’s sure to hit the spot.
• El Vez (Fort Lauderdale) – The menu of inventive Mexican meals is award-winning. The seaside views are breathtaking. The patio is the perfect spot to sit, stay, and lie down… and there are bacon-flavored treats for pups. Whether you decide on huevos rancheros, ceviche, or the whole fried yellowtail snapper, you and your pup will both leave with full bellies and happy hearts.

Pet-Friendly Hotels:

• EAST Miami – This four-star hotel offers a contemporary, fun, and relaxing getaway for you and your pet, with dog-friendly amenities including beds, bones, toys, and treats. You’ll love the view from the rooftop garden bar, the signature Uruguayan restaurant on-site, and the convenient location right in the center of the action.
• W Fort Lauderdale – Extravagance awaits at this luxury boutique hotel with stunning ocean views. Your pet-friendly room will come stocked with food and water bowls, a bandana, a plush dog bed, and a Tinkle Turf pad on the balcony for an easy-access pup potty. There’s even a special dog menu, available via room service, boasting tasty fare like hamburgers with pineapple, salmon fillets with steamed asparagus, and beef hotdogs with broccoli.
• W South Beach – The Pets Are Welcome (PAW) program at this towering seaside hotel is designed to treat four-legged guests to the same level of luxurious service as their humans. Doggy tails will be wagging at check-in, where all furry guests are treated to a welcome package. In the room, the fur family will find a pet bed and food and water bowls. As an added bonus, a pet-friendly treat comes standard with turndown service to ensure that furry companions enjoy the lap of luxury.
• Hyatt Centric South Beach – This mid-century masterpiece is home to the Wooftop, the first of its kind in the South Beach area. You can kick back, enjoy a mutt mojito or wooftini, while your furry friend has the time of their life at the dog park. Complimentary water bowls, toys, and sanitary bags will be provided for your stay.
• The Confidante Miami Beach – Colorful, cozy, and eclectic, this oceanfront hotel offers just the right amount of Miami flair blended with upscale luxury. Your pup will be greeted with a pop-up water bowl and bone-shaped baggie dispenser. Head to The Backyard, the hotel’s iconic pool and outdoor lounge area, for a $5 locally-made pupsicle for your best pal. Pet-sitting and pet-walking services are available, too.
• Plunge Beach Resort at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea – At Plunge, the atmosphere is free-spirited and laid-back, making it the perfect vacation destination. Your furry friend will be welcomed with open arms: pet stations positioned around the resort feature water bowls, treat boxes, toys, and waste bags. Additionally, the resort hosts a Tails & Tinis event every month, where you can enjoy martini specials alongside your pup (who will receive a dog-friendly version for themselves). A portion of proceeds from the event will go to United Dog Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding loving homes for shelter, stray, abandoned, and surrendered dogs.

Florida Keys

Pet-Friendly Attractions:

• Lazy Dog Kayak (Stock Island) – For fun-in-the-sun-loving pups, this is the place to be. Rent a kayak for you and your dog and float to your heart’s content. You can also learn to paddleboard with your pooch, dive into some snorkeling, or embark on a backcountry adventure tour. The fun never stops!
• Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden (Stock Island) – Butterflies, birds, and lush tropical flora await at this decadent botanical garden. Explore the peaceful trails and catch a glimpse of the last two remaining freshwater ponds in the Florida Keys. Fido is welcome as long as they’re leashed.
• Catman’s Circus Cats (Key West) – Yes, you read that right. Head to Westin Pier to witness entertainer slash animal trainer Dominique LeFort and his trained house cats performing dazzling feline feats. All pets are welcome to watch, as long as the sight of cavorting cats won’t cause any disruptions.
• Sombrero Beach (Marathon) – Leash up your pet and head to Sombrero Beach for a day of seaside fun! There’s an abundance of tables and grills prime for picnicking and, of course, white sandy beaches and an astonishing Atlantic view. There’s also a shower and foot rinse for easy cleanup afterward.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Bars:

• Blue Heaven (Key West) – It’s kitschy, it’s funky, and it’s oh-so Key West. Your dog is welcome at this eclectic establishment – provided they can handle themselves around the cats, chickens, and roosters that roam the property, of course. Known for its incredible breakfast menu, Blue Heaven offers an array of local Caribbean-inspired seafood dishes that are sure to satisfy.
• Schooner Wharf Bar (Key West) – Describing itself as “a last little piece of Old Key West,” this eatery at the end of the Historic Harbor Walk taps into the signature laid-back spirit of island life. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, and a dazzling array of frozen cocktails, there’s something for everyone, and the patio is the perfect spot for your pup to chill with their own water bowl. Pro tip: don’t miss the fresh oysters at the raw bar.
• Nine One Five (Key West) – For a more upscale dining experience or a romantic getaway, consider this charming bistro and wine bar. Fans rave about the world-class food and excellent service to all guests, whether two- or four-legged. Your pup will be spoiled with a water bowl, and you’ll be sure to love the selection of local seafood, shareables, homemade pastas, and fresh ceviche.
• Hog Heaven (Islamorada) – Let your hair down at this seaside sports bar. Boasting a heroic happy hour and some of the freshest seafood in town, the patio at Hog Heaven is the perfect place to hang out, eat your fill, gaze at the ocean, and even watch the game from their selection of flat-screen TVs.

Pet-Friendly Hotels:

• Pier House Resort & Spa (Key West) – Your tropical paradise awaits at Pier House! This idyllic waterfront resort is home to the only full-service spa in Key West, as well as a private beach, pool, and multiple dining options. Pets are considered part of the family here: for a one-time fee of $75, your furry friend will be treated to an array of amenities to help make the experience enjoyable for the both of you.
• Havana Cabana Hotel (Key West) – The Cuban-inspired Havana Cabana is the perfect place to escape from reality. Your four-legged friend is welcome in the lobby, tiki hut, resort shuttle, game areas, and pool bar, making it easy to experience island life alongside your faithful friend. The hotel has even got you covered for sightseeing: all Havana Cabana bicycles come equipped with handlebar baskets so smaller pets can enjoy the ride, and bigger pets can ride in style in the cabana’s golf-carts.