Many dog parents are looking for the perfect getaway from the confines of their homes (we don’t blame them) and seek a fun, adventurous. Restorative stay away that looks nothing like their routine; we thought we’d bring your list of the Top 5 Places to Travel in Florida with your Dog.
With international travel looking like a thing of the past as we keep treading through the COVID-19 pandemic, people are searching for places within their state that they can safely vacation.
Choosing a destination can be difficult at the best of times, but when you want to travel with your number one companion, your furbaby, the options can be limiting.
At Miami Pet Concierge, we’ve done the groundwork for you!
Here are our top five destinations to travel to in Florida that are fun and safe for the furriest of travel buddies.
Dog Beach and Paw Playground at Fort De Soto State Park
Named one of the top five dog beaches in the South, Fort De Soto State Park, located in Tierra Verde, Florida, is the largest park in Pinellas County, consisting of 1136 acres of five interconnected islands (keys).
Fort De Soto State Park has the only dog park where dogs are allowed on the beach in a designated area. There are also two fenced-in areas near the beach for large and small dogs with water stations.
This slice of heaven is the perfect weekend get-a-way or stopover with its gorgeous white sand and beautiful views. Bring your beach chairs, have a picnic, and watch your pups frolic in the surf!
With Southern Living Magazine raving about this vacation spot, why wouldn’t you go and check it out? Better yet, pay five dollars to get access to the dog park adjacent to the beach. It’s pretty expansive, and your dogs can have the time of their lives, interact with other dogs, and you can meet some like-minded people.
After your trip to the beach, wash the salt out of your dog’s fur with the hose’s available, let them have a drink at one of the many water fountains.
Don’t forget to check out the Dog Park Rules here!
Dinosaur World
Usually, dog-friendly destinations are either a park or a beach, and if you are a family with young children, keeping them entertained can be fleeting. Dinosaur World in Plant City is a breath of fresh air. It’s great for a family vacation, and it’s dog-friendly! This prehistoric-themed theme park is great for the inquisitive and curious minds of young children. You get the chance to chat with paleontologists about their occupation, discuss facts about how dinosaurs became extinct, and gaze upon the realistic animatronic dinosaurs.
Dinosaur World is one place your kids won’t be asking for your iPad, and your dogs – well-behaved and leashed, will love the luxury of a new experience too.
Dogwood Park
When you think of dog heaven, what comes to mind? Rolling fields? Butterflies? Bacon galore? Well, we’ve found something close to it.
Jacksonville’s largest dog park, Dogwood Park, is a 25-acre, privately owned, entirely fenced-in park where you can feel safe leaving your dogs off their leash.
When we say entirely, we mean it. Dog’s can roam free around the trails, the ponds, and the fields, sniffing their heart’s content. There is plenty to do for your pup and yourself.
Hesitant about your little Chihuahua being playing side by side with a Great Dane? Don’t worry; the park has two lakes: Lake Bow Wow is for your big teddy bears, and Lake Fifi is for your little ones.
There are doggie sand piles, shady areas to lay in out of the blazing Florida sun, and fun obstacles for your dogs to explore.
Day visits are $11 for the first dog and $1.25 for each additional dog. There is an extra charge for other services, like using the park’s indoor dog wash area.
All dogs who enter the park must show proof of their current rabies vaccine, either by tag or vet record. All dogs over the age of one must be neutered to enter the park. Children under 4ft tall must be in a stroller at all times while in the dog park.
Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Located in St. Augustine, Florida, The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park dates back centuries ago with its rich history. The Spaniard Pedro Menendez de Aviles discovered this spring during his exploration in 1565. And before that, the Timucua Indians graced that land for 4000 years.
If you are a history buff and dog lover, this destination is for you! With more than 15 waterfront acres to explore, you and your pup will find plenty of activities to enjoy. You can visit the planetarium, visit the Timucua Indian village, look out from the 600-foot observation deck, and make friends with the peacocks that roam the property. Just keep Fido on a leash and clean up after him in the park; oh, and don’t forget to allow your dog a drink from The Fountain of Pooch!
Lazy Dog Adventures
Key West in itself is a destination that many should travel to. Many writers and thespians, like Tennesse Williams, would retire to Key West and live out their days in the beautiful location.
Although your dogs won’t appreciate the history, they will get excited over Lazy Dog Adventures, a tour on Stock Island where you and your furbaby can go paddleboarding all of the way to the sand bars.
During the low tide, your dogs can frolic in the sand and ocean.
After reading our Top 5 Places to Travel With Your Dogs in Florida, you’re probably wondering, “where do I stay”?
Below are just some of the pet-friendly accommodations we recommend checking out when planning your next adventure with Fido!
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Lake Buena Vista
- Best Friends Pet Resort, Lake Buena Vista
- Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando Resort
- La Quinta
- Aloft Hotels
Looking for my luxury? Here are our top choices for a more luxurious stay that will make you feel well-rested and enjoy your time away:
- Ritz Carlton hotels in Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Miami Beach
- Mandarin Oriental
If you want more tidbits of information that will keep you up to date and informed, don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list, where we give you all of the insider tips your pet-loving hearts could want!
Nicole founded Miami Pet Concierge in May 2007 with a mission to provide Miami, Florida’s pet parents with personalized pet care plans based on their pets’ species, age, breed, health, and lifestyle – All while keeping their pets “happy at home.” In addition, offering pet care education to all pet owners to help them become great pet parents.
