Do you love traveling and going on trips, but hate leaving your dog behind? For many of us, our dogs are our family and we want to take them with us wherever we go! Unfortunately, it can be difficult finding dog friendly places that allow your dog to experience the fun with you. Whether you’re a Florida native or traveling to the sunshine state, here’s a list of best things to do with your dog in Florida that will help you and your furry family member have a great, non-stop adventure.
1. Visit a Dog Friendly Beach
While not all of Florida’s beaches are dog friendly, no matter which part of Florida you’re visiting, you should be able to find a dog friendly beach near you! Fort de Soto Park on the West Coast is dog-friendly, and was also voted America’s Top Beach in 2009. There is also Davis Islands in Tampa, Bonita Beach near Fort Myers, Key West Dog Beach, and Miami’s ‘Bark Beach’.
2.Experience Dinosaur World in Plant City
Dinosaur World walks you through dinosaurs in their ‘natural habitat’! Learn more about these prehistoric animals through their interactive exhibits. They also have a dinosaur themed playground for kids. As a bonus, they do offer water stations for your dog!
3. Take a Ghost Tour in St. Augustine
St. Augustine, located on Florida’s East Coast is the oldest city in America, which makes it no surprise that many people believe this city to be haunted! If you’re a fan of the spooky, take your dog on this ghost tour with A Ghostly Encounter. Who knows – maybe they will detect something that us humans can’t!
4.Go on a Dolphin and Manatee Tour on the Space Coast
Go on a Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour on the Indian River. Give you and your dog a fun and relaxing few hours on the water, kayaking among dolphins, manatees, birds, and more. Don’t forget your pup’s life jacket!
5. Hike the Ocala National Forest
6. Visit Theater of The Sea in Islamorada
Theater of The Sea is a marine mammal park that offers various exhibits of marine animals, birds, and more. They also have daily shows, including their dolphin shows. Reviewers have stated the park is very welcoming to dogs, and you can still get very close to the animals!
7. Walk Through Botanical Gardens
There are a few pet friendly botanical gardens in Florida. Some notable ones are Naples Botanical Garden, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville, and Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens. These are all beautiful places for a nice stroll with your dog!
8. Discover The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine
The Fountain of Youth park offers many exhibits that explore the history of the nation’s oldest city. They have a planetarium, a blacksmith exhibit, and several historical exhibits. Spend a day with your dog learning some local history!
9. Visit Doggie Bag Cafe in Miami
Want to take your dog to the ultimate pet store and boutique? This is it! Doggie Bag Cafe has a unique inventory of dog items, and they even sell dog birthday cakes and throw dog birthday parties! They offer a class for humans too – a canine cooking class to learn how to make some of the dog food and bakery items they sell!
10. Explore the Key West Aquarium
The Key West Aquarium offers many exhibits, including shark and jellyfish exhibits. They also have a touch tank and sea turtle conservation tour. Fun fact: This aquarium was opened in 1935 and was the first ever to use an “open air concept”, allowing natural sunlight into it.
Do you know more great things to do with dogs in Florida? Leave us a comment, and we can let others know!