School is out, the heat index is crazy, and bathing suits are typical attire. This can only mean one thing: people are enjoying their Summer vacations. With Florida being a hot vacation spot year-round, traveling to the Sunshine State is a Summer tradition for many families, couples, and solo-travelers. There is an abundant selection of hotels, resorts, and vacation homes to choose from and to enjoy a relaxing time in Florida. When planning a trip, most people want to be able to travel with their children, significant other, and/or their dog. Wait, what? Their dog? Yes, that’s right! Florida is a dog-friendly vacation destination. If you have a furry family member you don’t want to leave at home while you enjoy the sunshine, bring your dog along with you.
Here is a list of top dog places in Florida where you and Fido can both relax and sip margaritas on the beach:
Dunedin Goes To The Dogs On Florida’s Gulf Coast
Located just outside of Clearwater on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the small town of Dunedin has dog-friendly cafes, shops, and bars for you to sip a drink and your dog to have a treat.
Where To Stay: Coconut Villas has 2 dog-friendly apartments, complete with a kitchen and waterfront views.
Where To Play: Honeymoon Island State Park has beautiful white sand beaches and a dog-friendly beach area. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Where To Eat: Rosie’s Tavern offers a relaxing vibe, live music, and free treats for your doggie.
Woof It Up In Upscale Winter Park
Located in Orange County, Winter Park is Orlando’s little sister. The little sister with great taste, because she obviously loves dogs! Park Avenue boasts dozens of dog-friendly bars and restaurants.
Where To Stay: Located a few blocks from Rollins College, The Alfond Inn is a dog-friendly boutique hotel in the heart of Winter Park. The even offer a V.I.P. (Very Important Pup) package for your four-legged family member. For casual fine dining, visit Hamilton’s Kitchen, located at The Alfond Inn.
Where To Play: Stroll own Park Avenue with your dog, and explore the many shops and cafes lining the chic Winter Park walkway. Be sure to check out Woof Gang Bakery.
Where To Eat: Can’t decide on brunch, lunch, or dinner? Try all three at The BriarPatch, a casual café with an ice cream parlor. The servers will even bring your pup a bowl of water while you wine-and-dine.
Bring Fido To Florida’s First Coast
Where can you bring your pup to drink from The Fountain of Youth? Saint Augustine, of course!
Where To Stay: Saint Augustine has so many dog-friendly places, that we can’t name just one! Plenty of Airbnbs and hotels are pet-friendly in The Oldest City. The Collectors Inn is downtown, and The Saint Augustine Beach House is located on sunny Vilano Beach. Both hotels accept pets, but please check their websites for info on possible weight restrictions.
Where To Play: You and your dog can both enjoy the rich history Saint Augustine in this dog-friendly city. The Fountain of Youth, Castillo San Marco , and all of Saint Augustine’s beaches (only seems to be a limited dog access at Anastasia State Park) offer a wide variety of places to go with Fido.
Where To Eat: Florida Cracker Café has a large outdoor patio for dogs, and the best salads and sandwiches for you. The servers bring dogs a bowl of water and treat them like paying customers! You can even do a restaurant tour that is specifically designed for dog lovers! Bone Appetit: A Pet-Friendly Food Tour, takes a group to some of Saint Augustine’s dog-friendly bars and restaurants.
Where will you vacation with your dog this Summer?
A dog parent will easily find a pet-friendly vacation in Florida anywhere from the West Coast to the East Coast of the Sunshine State. No matter what type of town you and your dog enjoy, there are beaches, boutique hotels, and bars for everyone! So, what are you waiting for? Book your dog-friendly Flori da vacation today!
