Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

5 cool dog-friendly Florida destinations to take your pet this winter

Gabrielle LaFrank
By

Though winter may be the season of snowflakes, hot cocoa, and sub-zero temperatures, this isn’t always the case in Florida. Luckily, this popular winter destination is filled with dog-friendly places of all kinds, so you and your pup can enjoy a milder winter whether you’re a local or on vacation.

These dog-friendly places in Florida are perfect for an outing with your furry friend this winter, no matter what type of activity you’re looking for. There are hikes, beaches, and tons of different landscapes to explore — how will you ever pick? Make sure to double-check all of the pet and leash rules before you go somewhere new. Even though these places welcome pets, some may have stricter rules than others. It’s always better to air on the side of caution, don’t you think?

Recommended Videos

Check out these really cool dog-friendly spots in Florida:

St. Pete Beach

This resort city in northwestern Florida is a great destination for everyone in your pack — whether human or canine — to take a well-deserved vacation. With plenty of dog-friendly beaches where you can roam, splash, or even surf, your furry friend will get plenty of winter beach action while you’re enjoying the sunshine.

While you’re there, why not stay? If you’re looking for a dose of luxury, you can visit or stay at the historical Don CeSar, aka the pink palace. They invite you to bring your pup along for custom walking routes, pet-friendly tips, and more surprises.

Two dogs on a leash run with a woman through the waves at the beach
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Paw Playground, Ft. De Soto Park

This place has gone to the dogs! Paw Playground is more than a dog park; it’s a year-round, off-leash doggo heaven, complete with dog showers and water fountains to keep everyone clean, cool, and hydrated. There are separate fenced areas for small dogs and large dogs, so you don’t have to worry about your buddy getting into too much trouble off-leash.

BringFido reviews note lots of furry friends for pups to play with, as well as tons of space to run, rest, and sunbathe. Make sure to visit early in the day if your dog isn’t a fan of other canines, as this is the only spot in the park where dogs can be off-leash. Be prepared for a crowd, no matter the time of year!

Torreya State Park

This hiking, picnicking, and bird watching paradise is also a fantastic place to take a stroll — or hike — with your furry friend. You’ll love experiencing a different kind of scenery at Torreya State Park: over 100 bird species to watch out for, sweeping panoramic views of the Apalachicola River, and dozens of unique plant species, including the Torreya tree for which the park is named.

Dogs are allowed in most areas of the park (don’t take your furry friend off-trail, of course) as long as they’re on a 6-foot leash. They’re more than welcome to stay with you at one of the park’s campgrounds, too, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Miami Beach

The nation’s southernmost city is also one of the nation’s most pet-friendly cities. With tons of hotels and rentals that will accommodate your fur baby, both you and your dog can enjoy the beach vibes in style. Miami and Beaches recommends Kimpton Surfcomber, Miami, South Beach, and Kimpton Angler’s South Beach for travelers with pets.

There are a number of outdoor restaurants that will seat both two-legged and four-legged patrons, but Shake Shack boasts their own menu especially for dogs. Surely that will hit the spot after a long day at one of Miami’s many beach parks. In addition, several of Miami’s most famed shopping districts are outdoors and dog-friendly, which means your buddy won’t miss out on any of the action.

A young woman sits next to her dog on the beach during sunset
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Lake Kissimmee State Park

Whether you and your pup want to enjoy a hike, some local wildlife (including turkeys, deer, eagles, and bobcats), or Florida’s cowboy culture, this state park is the place to go. You’ll have 13 miles of trails to choose from, as well as many shaded picnic areas to rest along the way.

If you decide to stay and camp here, make sure to stay up late for some stargazing. Your pup will need to be leashed and with you at all times, but they’ll love the trip regardless. There’s a lot to see at this park!

Florida is perfect for pups

Beaches, forests, rivers, dog parks — there’s something for every tail-wagger in Florida! No matter where you find yourself this winter you can rest assured knowing that there’s gorgeous weather and vacation-level destinations waiting for you. Winter who?

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
The best oversized dog beds your pup will love
One of these dog beds will help your puppers have a good night's sleep
Dog in bed with white blanket over his head

If you’ve ever come home from work and caught your pup snoozing on your bed, you know. Dogs like a soft place to lie down every bit as much as we do. And why not? They spend as much as 18 hours a day sleeping.

Big dogs, in particular, can develop health-related problems, such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and joint pain, as they age. Not only does the right bed provide comfort and support, but it also enhances good sleep, which is equally important for their cognitive health. The right bed is also one that gives your pooch plenty of room to stretch out comfortably.
Our top recommendations
So, how big should a dog bed be? Take a look at these oversized dog beds for your favorite pup.
FunnyFuzzy Large Dog Cushion Bed

Read more
Why do German shepherds have such a short lifespan?
Here's what you can do to keep this pup healthy
A German shepherd in the backyard

German shepherds are one of the larger dog breeds — females are typically around 50 to 70 pounds and males can go up to 90 pounds. However, these lovable pups are truly gentle giants. They’re affectionate and make good family dogs. They’re also whip-smart, adaptable, and highly trainable. For these reasons, German shepherds are often working dogs and heroes who serve as first responders, military members, and service animals.
Your German shepherd may not receive any medals of honor, but they're certainly the top dog in your book. Understandably, you can’t imagine life without your German shepherd. Unfortunately, this breed doesn’t live as long as some other popular ones. It’s a tough reality. Knowing it can help you give your dog the best life possible, though.
Let’s dig into the German shepherd’s lifespan and how to keep them healthy for as long as you can.

What is the average German shepherd lifespan?
According to the American Kennel Club, German shepherds typically live 7 to 10 years. To put that in perspective, the average lifespan of a dog is 10 to 13 years. Chihuahuas typically live 15 to 17 years, Biewer terriers’ lifespan is about 16 years, and Pyrenean shepherds can stick around until they are nearly 20 years old.

Read more
Does your dog drink a lot of water? Here’s when you should be concerned
It's usually just the weather, but you should look for signs of dehydration or excess thirst
A pug drinking water from a sink faucet

Ensuring your furry best friend gets plenty of water is one of the most important parts of being a pet parent. But how much water should your dog drink on a daily basis? Veterinarians claim the general rule of thumb is a simple equation: The majority of dogs require around 1/2 to 1 ounce (about 1/8 of a cup) of water per pound of body weight each day. Don't want to reach for your measuring cup? Make sure your pup has round-the-clock access to clean water, and everything should be fine.

That being said, if your dog empties their water bowl several times a day, or you notice their intake has increased drastically, you should probably keep a close eye on things. If your dog drinks a lot of water, you may be wondering, "Why is my dog always thirsty?" We'll share how to monitor your pup's water intake, the most common reasons your dog may be thirsty, and when you should speak with your vet.

Read more