Florida is a fascinating destination to consider for dog-friendly holidays. Known as the Sunshine State, its expansive tropical landscape boasts sunny skies and consistently warm weather, allowing you to engage in outdoor adventures all year round. From sprawling parks to inviting beaches, there’s plenty of space for your pet to play fetch and explore.
Furthermore, Florida has many pet-friendly establishments, including museums like the International UFO Museum and Research Centre, plus lots of cafes, and restaurants, ensuring a fantastic experience for you and your best furry friend.
Here’s your guide to dog-friendly vacations in the Sunshine State.
The Best Time to Visit Florida
The best time to visit with your furry little playmate is generally during the cooler months, from November to April. This period offers milder temperatures, making outdoor activities more enjoyable for you and your pet.
Summer in Florida can be scorching, with high humidity, posing risks of heat exhaustion for your furry friends. Additionally, summer is peak tourist season, leading to crowded beaches and attractions, which may not be ideal for pets.
Spring and fall are also good times to visit Florida with your pets, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. However, local events or seasonal restrictions could affect your travel plans, so do your research. Orlando, for instance, is extremely busy in the summer holiday, so spring is a perfect time to visit here. During the off-peak season, you’ll find plenty of villa rental options in Orlando, offering great opportunities to save money on accommodations.
During the hot summer months in Florida, it’s best to avoid taking your dogs out during the peak heat of the day. The high temperatures and humidity can be tough on their furry bodies and increase the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Plus, crowded beaches and attractions during this time can be overwhelming for our four-legged pals. So, it’s smarter to plan outdoor adventures during the cooler months, the winter or shoulder seasons (April through May, and September through November) are the best times to visit Florida for your dog-friendly adventure when the weather is gentler and more comfortable for both you and your pets.
The Best Places to Stay in Florida
When planning your dog-friendly vacation, it’s wise to do some research beforehand to pinpoint the best destinations that offer activities and amenities tailored to your furry friend’s needs. This ensures a more enjoyable experience for both you and your canine companion.
To give you an idea, here’s a list of the best places to stay in Florida.
- Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando – certain areas of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground welcome dogs, offering pet-friendly accommodations and designated play areas. But bear in mind, that only service dogs are allowed into the actual park itself.
- Universal Studios Orlando – Universal Orlando Resort has dog-friendly hotels, including the pet-friendly Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Although Pets and therapy animals are not permitted inside any of the theme parks at Universal Orlando.
- Dog-friendly Hotels – outside the famous resorts in Orlando, you’ll find some fantastic dog-friendly hotels that offer amenities like designated pet areas, cosy beds, and even special treats upon arrival, ensuring your four-legged friend feels right at home during your stay.
- Private Villas – and of course, when in doubt, there are amazing villa holiday rentals that are just perfect for those travelling with pets. Opting for a villa rental means your furry friends get to enjoy plenty of space and freedom, making them feel right at home while you relax and unwind on vacation.
The Best Things to Do in Florida
One of the best things about choosing Florida for your dog-friendly vacation is it offers plenty of opportunities to bond with your pets. Here are some suggestions on the best things to do in Florida with your dogs:
- Key West Dog Beach, Key West– located near Louie’s Backyard restaurant, this off-leash dog beach is a favourite spot for local and visiting pups to splash in the waves and socialise. Plus Key West is a dog-friendly community, with numerous restaurants and establishments welcoming both you and your pet.
- Lake Eola Park, Orlando – this scenic downtown park features a pet-friendly sidewalk surrounding the lake, perfect for a leisurely walk with your dog while enjoying stunning views. The park offers beautiful views of the Orlando cityscape, toilets, picnic tables, paddleboat rentals, shaded benches, and neighbouring dog-friendly restaurants to cool off.
- Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales – this serene botanical garden allows leashed dogs on designated walking paths, providing a picturesque setting for a scenic stroll.
- St. Armands Circle, Sarasota – a pet-friendly shopping and dining district where well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome to accompany their owners at a variety of shops and eateries. Many of the establishments offer water bowls for your beloved friends outside as well as wonderful outdoor seating places.
- The Dog Bar, St. Petersburg– a unique establishment with a dog-friendly environment, including an outdoor patio, where pet owners and their furry companions can relax and socialise together.
- Embark on boat tours – imagine sharing that moment of seeing a dolphin bounce through the waves. Silver Springs Park also has an incredible glass-bottom boat ride where you and your furry pal can spot all the different species of fish, ancient Native American and Spanish artefacts and even underwater movie props.
- The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Dog Park – located in Tampa, Florida has a dedicated dog facility that offers two fully fenced areas suitable for off-leash play. The dog runs are well-equipped with various facilities. A dog fountain, housed within the runs, provides fresh drinking water to all pets. There is also agility equipment set up in the play areas and poo bags are supplied from on-site dispensers.
The Best Areas to Visit in Florida
Florida warmly embraces dogs, yet some areas excel in providing the ultimate experience for you and your furry companions. Before leaving for a vacation, check this list of Florida’s finest places for pet-friendly adventures.
- Orlando – as well as Walt Disney Resort, you can choose from a range of pet-friendly spots in Orlando such as Lake Eola Park. The park has a.9-mile pavement that goes along the lake’s shore and is ideal for a leisurely stroll with your best furry pal. Leashed dogs are welcome at the Old Town Entertainment District Kissimmee. Offering a variety of food and shopping options, as well as arcade games and amusement rides like a carousel, Ferris wheel, and family roller coaster.
- Miami – There’s no shortage of centrally located bark parks here, offering a total of 11 options to pick from. These parks feature separate enclosed areas for small and large dogs, complete with amenities like water fountains, benches, and waste bins. The Bark Beach at North Shore Open Space Park is also a popular spot providing plenty of space for dogs to run off leash, although the beach itself is leash only.
- Key West – experience the laid-back island lifestyle with your furry friend. Head to Key West Dog Beach for off-leash fun. Smathers Beach is the largest beach in Key West where dogs are welcome on the sidewalk.
- St. Petersburg – enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of St. Pete Beach, where you’ll also find some fantastic seafront restaurants to indulge in delicious coastal cuisine. Explore the city’s pet-friendly parks and trails, such as the scenic Boyd Hill Nature Preserve or Crescent Lake Park, where you and your dog can enjoy a stroll while you both take in the scenery.
- Sarasota – home to several off-leash dog parks that allow pups to exercise, explore and play. Explore pet-friendly shopping districts such as St. Armands Circle, where dogs are welcome in many stores and cafes. Brohard Beach and Paw Park allow your dog to splash and romp on the pet-friendly section of the beach.
What to Pack for a Trip to Florida
Pack all the essentials for your trip to guarantee an enjoyable time in Florida with your dog. Here’s a list for your guide:
- Doggy Apparel -lightweight clothing or doggy cooling vest for hot days, and boots to protect paws from hot surfaces.
- Leash and Harness – essential for walks, especially as some of the parks will only allow leashed pets.
- Portable Water Bottle – keep your pet hydrated with a portable water bottle, especially in the Florida heat.
- Travel Bowls – a portable travel bowl provides a convenient way to offer food during outdoor activities or while travelling, keeping your dogs happy and fulfilled.
- Dog Bed or Blanket – provide your dog with a comfortable resting spot, whether in your accommodations or on the go.
- Medications and First Aid Kit – bring any necessary medications and a first-aid kit to address minor injuries or health issues.
- Sunscreen for Dogs – protect your dog’s skin from the Florida sun, especially for breeds prone to sunburn.
- Favourite Toys and Treats – bring familiar toys and tasty treats to keep your dog entertained and rewarded during the trip.
Vaccination Records and ID Tags – keep copies of your dog’s vaccination records and ensure they wear an ID tag with your contact information.
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