When it comes to taking a break, Florida is one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in the United States. Filled with beautiful landscapes from the stunning Appalachians to the gorgeous beaches of the Gulf, and teeming with culture and attractions, it’s no surprise that so many want to come this state for vacation. Many of us might not realize this but going on vacation doesn’t necessarily mean we have to kennel our beloved pet pals, either. Florida loves dogs, and there are many dog-friendly vacation hotspots throughout the state.
With our mobile veterinarians working throughout the Tampa and Miami regions, we know the state well, so we’ve gathered a list some of our favorite dog-friendly vacation hotspots in Florida for you.
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Go to the Beach
Florida is filled with dog-friendly beaches for you and Fido to go for a run or even take a swim. When taking your dog to one of these beaches, remember to bring a leash, and even keep the leash on them while they’re in the water.Â
Below are two of our favorite beaches to visit with our dogs in Florida.Â
Rickenbacker Causeway Beach
3501 Rickenbacker Cswy, Key Biscayne
Photo by Naya / Tripadvisor
This long stretch of beach extends from Miami to Key Biscayne, and dogs are allowed throughout the entire beach area. Hobie Beach Park along the Rickenbacker Causeway is a dog paradise, and the only public beach in Miami that allows dogs to enjoy the sands without a leash. If you’re going with the family and have someone to stay behind on the sands with your pup, there are plenty of fun activities like paddle boards and windsurfing.
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
1601 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
Photos by @thevandergroup, @hermaninthehood / Instagram
If you need a place to stay alongside a trip to the beach, the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, a luxurious art-deco-inspired hotel resting on Miami’s South Beach. This gorgeous hotel provides the perfect resort experience for the whole family. Rest in a private cabana, surf on the beach or take a trip downtown to visit some other dog-friendly hotspots in Miami. Besides being a luxurious experience for the humans, the Loews chain of hotels pampers your pups, with gourmet menus for them to choose from and plenty of amenities to help make your stay comfortable.
Ben T. Davis Beach
1002 Severn Avenue, Tampa
Photos by Alison B. /Facebook
As part of the generally dog-friendly Courtney Campbell Causeway, this Tampa-based beach is a great vacation hotspot for you and your dog. The water here is moderately shallow, making it a safe space for wading in with your pet and young children, or sitting on the beautifully landscaped beach and getting a tan.
Enjoy the Park Scenery
As part of the generally dog-friendly Courtney Campbell Causeway, this Tampa-based beach is a great vacation hotspot for you and your dog. The water here is moderately shallow, making it a safe space for wading in with your pet and young children, or sitting on the beautifully landscaped beach and getting a tan.
13105 NW 47th Ave, Opa-locka, FL 33054
Photos by Mark M., Erick O. / Yelp
The Amelia Earhart Park in Miami is a 500-acre piece of wilderness in the city featuring water activities and a skate park. Using a leash, you can explore the entire park and its many trails, but if you’re looking to let Fido loose there is the 5-acre Amelia Earhart Bark Park. At the unleashed Bark Park, your dog can get a taste of nature running through the grass and fun tunnel systems designed for them. The Bark Park is divided into a small dog and a big dog section, so you can feel safe no matter what size your dog is. To help keep your pet cool, the park features water sprays and fountains, along with plenty of shady areas.
9625 Canoe Launch Rd, Lithia, FL 33547
Photos by Billysview, Ingrid S.
Just east of Tampa is the 970-acre Alderman’s Ford Nature Preserve, a dog-friendly park in Florida. The trails here lead you through preserved hills of oak and pine forests. You and your pup will be excited to find the trail is filled with wildlife, with the chance to spot deer, rabbits, and even wild hogs. The highlight of this park is the river rapids, where you can watch the Alafia River rumble over limestone boulders. You will need to bring a leash with you for this hike, as there is no dedicated dog park here.
Enjoy the Park Scenery
One of the things we love best about vacationing is getting to check out the unique culture of the city’s we are visiting. When it comes to the nightlife scene, Fido might have to stay home, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to check out with them! You can visit some of the great restaurants in Tampa with your pup or check out the unique art and architecture of these cities.
1001 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Photos by Roseanne / Tripadvisor
This historic district on Miami’s South Beach captures the heart and spirit of Miami, featuring 800 historic buildings showing off the stunning Art Deco architectural style. There are self-guided walking tours that you can take your dog with you as you visit the historic district. If you are taking a guided tour, the tour guides will provide a pet companion who will stay with your dog while you go inside the buildings, and will also provide water for your companion.
Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Photos by DestinysD / Tripadvisor
If you’re looking to get some shopping done while on vacation and want to bring your dog with you, the Lincoln Road shopping area is a great place to visit. This world-renowned outdoor shopping mall is a great place to take the dog for a walk and get your shopping in. Many of the shops will even allow well-behaved dogs to come into the shop. If you’re looking to grab a bite, the shopping district also includes many outdoor dining opportunities where you can sit with your dog and eat.
1602 W Snow Cir, Tampa, FL 33606
Photos by Hyde Park Village, K.L.R. / Yelp
In Tampa, a city voted as the Number 1 home for dogs, well-behaved dogs are able to visit Hyde Park in the historic district of the city. Filled with art galleries, dog-friendly restaurants, and shops, there is plenty to be seen at this vacation hotspot. Dogs are able to relax at the fountains, and many shops and restaurants will offer them treats and water.
Bring Your Pet with You on Vacation
With so much to do, Florida is the place to bring your dog with you when you go on vacation. The cities of Tampa and Miami are some of the most dog-friendly cities in the country filled with exciting dog parks and welcoming restaurants. Outside the cities, the state parks are among the most beautiful and great spots to bring your pup with you on a hike.
There are many places to take your dog with you in Florida. Make sure all your preparations for traveling with your dog are made. When you book your vacation choose a hotel that has friendly pet policies in a location with plenty for you and your pup to do.
Tampa is considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in Florida and the entire United States. With its dog-friendly beaches, a multitude of dog parks, and great hiking spots outside the city, Tampa is a great choice for a dog-friendly vacation.
Most state parks in Florida will allow dogs with a leash, but it is important to check the policies of the specific park you are visiting. Here is a list of some of the springs you could visit while vacationing in Florida.
