the Ultimate Guide
DOG-FRIENDLY PLACES IN TAMPA
It's a dog's life in Tampa Bay! Don’t just take our word for it. Tampa Bay is regularly ranked among the top pet-friendly destinations, and according to Honest Paws, is No. 1 for the Best U.S. City to be a dog. With hundreds of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, breweries, and 16 amazing dog parks and beaches, it truly is a pet paradise. So don’t leave your pup at home when you visit Tampa Bay. Bring your four-legged friend with you as you explore Florida’s Most pet-friendly destination together!
Dog-Friendly Hiking
At Al Lopez Park you and your fury friend will find 132 acres of nature trails and freshwater ponds, perfect for an outdoor outing. Once you’re done with your hike, let your dog run free in the fenced dog park for pups of all sizes. Just north of downtown Tampa, Hillsborough River State Park offers seven miles of dog-friendly nature trails to explore. On your hike, enjoy beautiful scenic landscapes, river rapids, and historic structures lining the paths. You can also take a trip to the beautiful USF Botanical Garden to see what’s in bloom. Stroll through their vast collection of plants and natural habitats with your pup by your side. Or, for a waterfront walk, the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk is perfect for a pet-friendly stroll day or night.
LawnStarter:
Tampa - Al Lopez Park #8
Al Lopez Park Trail gets high marks from users. “Great dog park. Nice trail. Police drive by every 15-30 minutes. The city of Tampa cleans the dog area,” wrote Jo Graber in her Google review of the park. And that’s why it makes it onto our list. Hikers love and recommend it, and there is a large, fenced dog park inside the park, so once you’re done with your hike, you can let Daisy off of her leash for a little fun with the other dogs.
Pup playgrounds
Let your pup run off-the-leash to exercise and socialize at Tampa Bay’s greatest dog-parks and pet-friendly playgrounds. Along The Tampa Riverwalk, you’ll find dog parks at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Water Works Park, and the new Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. At each park you’ll find large areas of grass and turf for your fury friend to enjoy and doggie hydration stations. Plus, these parks all offer views of the downtown skyline and Tampa Bay waters. Looking for more options? Find a full list of dog parks here.
And what would a Florida destination like Tampa Bay be without a dog beach? Find two within a short distance from downtown Tampa. Take a quick trip over the bridge to Davis Island Dog Park, that includes a popular, local beach just for dogs. A little farther south, Picnic Island is a hidden gem with plenty of open space for picnics and a dog beach for pooches.
A Pet-Friendly Place to Stay
Need a relaxing place to stay after a long day of play? Across Tampa Bay, there are dozens of locations that will accommodate you and your pet while traveling. In the heart of downtown, the Aloft Tampa Downtown, Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk, or Le Meridien Tampa are three popular properties that allow pups of all sizes. These locations are all centrally located in the heart of downtown Tampa and just a short walk away from The Tampa Riverwalk and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Just 10-minutes from downtown is historic Ybor City, where you can find more pet-friendly locations, including new boutique Hotel Haya.
Dining with your doggie
With hundreds of outdoor eating options, you never have to worry about leaving your pup behind. Grab a table on the patio at these pet-friendly, local favorites: Ulele, Datz, Ella’s Folk Cafe, Two Shepherds Taproom, or the waterfront Whiskey Joe’s. In Hyde Park Village, an outdoor shopping neighborhood, dogs are welcome at Goody Goody for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Just steps from the Tampa Convention Center on the Tampa Riverwalk, the Sail Plaza is one of downtown Tampa’s most popular outdoor dining options. With 360-degree waterfront views, the Sail is another great spot to bring your dog along.
Drink local with fury friends
Don’t just dine with your doggie, drink local with them! In the heart of Ybor City, Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Florida’s oldest brewpub, offers a fun, pet-friendly environment for you and your pooch with a large outdoor patio and water bowls. Other dog-friendly breweries in Ybor City are Barriehaus Beer Co., Coppertail Brewing, and Zydeco Brew Werks. These breweries all offer outdoor patio seating and allow you to sip on Tampa Bay’s best, award-winning brew with your best friend by your side.