Parks & Beaches
When it comes to fun-in-the-sun destinations, Florida has just what you need for a great day out with your four-legged friends. You can let Fido run around and socialize at a dog park, or trek along one of the many dog-friendly beaches scattered throughout the state. With so many fantastic options, it’ll be easy to find a spot to lounge with your buddy by the sand and sea.
Here are some of the best dog parks and beaches in Florida:
- Fort De Soto Dog Beach Park has a large fenced area for dogs both big and small. With picnic areas, a huge Paw Playground, and more than 300 acres of beach to enjoy, this is one of the best dog parks on Florida’s West Coast.
- Jupiter Beach offers a 2.5-mile stretch of beachfront to enjoy off-leash fun with your buddy. Parking is free and visitors are asked to do their part to keep the beach clean.
- Davis Island Dog Beach is a 1.5-acre dog paradise, with two fenced-in areas for unleashed romping and frolicking. It features 200 feet of waterfront access, with a 1-acre dog park.
- Key West Dog Beach is a small strip of soft-sand beach where your dog can have a good time playing while you can enjoy a drink at the neighboring bar, Louie’s Backyard, a popular pet-friendly, oceanfront Victorian home-turned-restaurant.
- Miami Beach’s Bark Beach is a great spot for a stroll by the ocean. There are also plenty of outdoor, pet-friendly restaurants nearby, although visitors will be required to pay a daily permit fee of $25.
- Panama City Beach Dog Playground offers more than 400 feet of beachfront for leashed dogs to enjoy. There are also a number of outdoor, pet-friendly restaurants in the Pier Park area.
- St. George Island boasts 28 miles of serene, pet-friendly beachfront. With crystal-clear waters and beautiful marshes for wildlife viewing, it’s no wonder it’s frequently ranked as one of the best beaches in the country.
Fun, Dog-Friendly Florida Experiences
If you’re looking to have a more interactive dog-friendly experience, these unique adventures and tours are perfect:
- Lazy Dog Adventures in Key West boasts pet-friendly kayaking excursions across the channel and down the canal with your dog. Groups of dog lovers can scoot their pooches to a sandbar together to enjoy an entire private island dog park.
- SUP PUP Kids Paddleboard Tour is a pet-friendly Airbnb experience featuring a tour of the world-famous Las Olas canals. This is a great outing option for families, as each tour can accommodate up to six guests.
- Dinosaur World is an outdoor museum in Plant City with more than a mile of outdoor walkways to view more than 150 life-sized dinosaurs. Dogs are more than welcome, and there are plenty of activities for families, including a fossil dig where children can sift through sand in search of fossils to take home, and educational opportunities in the indoor Prehistoric Museum.
- Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre, world-class, pet-friendly paradise. Enjoy a walk among the beautiful gardens, and bask in the restored natural habitats. It also hosts an annual Dog Day in the Garden event, designed for pups and owners to enjoy pet-friendly vendors, canine-focused demonstrations, and even a dog fashion show.
Traveling Tips
We can all agree dogs make everything better, but there are many additional factors to consider when traveling with your canine companion.
You need to ensure that your furry friend is up to date with all shots and vaccinations, and remember to bring a copy of their health certifications. Check all identification tags, collars, and tracking chips, too.
If you plan on traveling by air, verify flight procedures and requirements for transporting your dog ahead of time. You don’t want to be blindsided by unfavorable pet policies at the airport.
It’s also important you take note of where the nearest veterinarian is located, in case of emergencies. The last thing you want is for your dog to get hurt or sick while abroad, but if the worst happens, it’s crucial to know where to go for aid.
Pack plenty of food and drinks for long car rides, so your whiskered buddy doesn’t go hungry or get dehydrated during the day’s activities.
Travel planning can be hard. You don't want to overlook something, or unknowingly miss out on amazing offers or opportunities. InteleTravel makes the entire process easier.
InteleTravel Advisors are experts on all things travel, and ensure your vacation goes smoothly—leaving you more time to spend with your beloved canine, and less time spent stressing the details.
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