Dog-Friendly Activities in Longboat Key, FL

Bring Fido to Joan M. Durante Park located just north of Longboat Key, FL. This pet-friendly recreation space spans 32 acres and offers parkgoers a variety of activities to partake in. Amenities include a 1.4-mile loop walking trail, a playground, restrooms, water fountains and picnic tables. While leashed dogs are welcome to visit this park, they aren't permitted on the beach.

Brohard Paw Park has a fenced dog play area featuring separate sections for small and large dogs, which leads to Sarasota County's only dog-friendly beach. Located in Venice, FL, pups are invited to enjoy a variety of park amenities, including drinking fountains and showers. There are also water fountains, picnic tables and benches. Please observe the posted signage stating where the dog beach ends.

Bayfront Park and Marina is a pet-friendly recreational area in Sarasota, FL. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you for a shaded stroll on the walking path around the bayfront. The park also offers picnic areas, restrooms, public art and more.

Fort De Soto County Park is a dog-friendly state park in Tierra Verde, FL. Escape to the white sands and crystal clear waters of this popular 1,136 acre park. There are 15 picnic shelters, restrooms, fishing piers, playgrounds, and several trails to enjoy with your leashed pup. There's also a fenced dog park and a designated dog beach area. A nominal fee is required to enter the park.

Red Bug Slough Preserve is a dog-friendly nature preserve on 72 acres in Sarasota, FL. There are several trails that you can enjoy with your pup, some of which afford views of a small lake. There are two picnic shelters were you can share a snack with Fido. Be aware that you may encounter alligators during your visit, so keeping your dog leashed is imperative. Please clean up after your pets to help protect the flora and fauna.

Sarasota Boat Tours offer dog-friendly charters for an unforgettable experience on the crystal clear waters surrounding Sarasota, FL. Step aboard the Sylvan Tritoon for a memorable excursion with Fido. Tours vary in length from a 2.5 hour sail at sunset to a 6 hour cruise. Sarasota Boat Tours will need to know the number and size of your dog(s) at the time of booking. Due to the warm climate, morning boat tours are recommended if bringing pets.

Bring your pet for a dip at De Soto National Memorial Beach in Bradenton, FL. This dog-friendly recreation area welcomes leashed pups to enjoy a stroll along the trails and shoreline with you. Restrooms and water stations are available.

Bring Fido for some off-leash exercise at the Arlington Park Dog Park! This fenced area is located at the Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex in Sarasota, FL, and features separate sections for large and small dogs to play.

Pet-friendly Pirate Monkey Boat Rentals in Palmetto, FL prides themselves in offering adventure for everyone, locals, visitors and dogs alike! Bring Fido along for a boat ride and explore this nook of the Florida coastline. They offer various boat packages and destinations, with pups welcome with no additional fee, so make sure to call ahead to make a reservation for you and your pet!

Paw Patch Dog Park is a fenced-in, 2-acre off leash dog park located at Creekwood Park in Bradenton, FL. The park features a doggie drinking fountain, waste bags, pavilion, and an enclosed area for small, fragile or elderly dogs. The park is closed for maintenance on Tuesday mornings from 7 AM until 11 AM.

Bay Street Park is a pet-friendly park in Osprey, FL. This 19-acre area features picnic facilities, restrooms, unpaved walking trails, and a one-acre, off-leash dog park. The dog park has two separate, fenced-in areas for large and small dogs to play. Both sections offer dog exercise equipment, water fountains and shaded seating for dog owners. Leashed dogs are welcome in all other areas of the park.

Palma Sola Botanical Park welcomes your leashed pup to enjoy a walk through the dog-friendly gardens with you in Bradenton, FL. This donation-based park offers a beautiful landscape of native plants, succulents, plumeria, several ponds and more. They also have a seasonal cafe on site. Please remember to clean up after your pet, and prevent them from harming any plant or animal life.

The Dog Park Beach at Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg, FL, features two separate fenced areas so both large and small dogs can enjoy off-leash fun. It also has dog showers for hot days. The rest of the park allows leashed dogs, except for the beach areas. There's a designated dog beach area at the far southwest corner of the dog park.

Shelf Indulgence Used Book Cafe is a dog-friendly, used bookstore and cafe in Sarasota, FL. Shop or enjoy a cup of coffee and bite to eat with Fido by your side! Dogs are welcome both outside at one of the bistro tables along the sidewalk, or inside the store. They offer a wide array of specialty coffee and tea drinks, along with a selection of pasties and fresh-to-order sandwiches and wraps with vegan options available. The shop buys and sells gently-loved books, and also offers free Wi-fi to customers.

With a few trails to choose from, Robinson Preserve is a lovely nature walk bordering the Manatee River and Perico Bayou in Bradenton, FL. This pet-friendly preserve provides waste bags, water fountains, and hoses at the parking lot, but not within the park. Do take water for your pups - the trails can get hot and there isn't much shade.

Lakeview Paw Park in Sarasota, FL, features two acres of fenced area with separate sections for large and small dogs. Fido can enjoy some off-leash play with other canines and plenty of shade for rest breaks. Park amenities include benches and drinking stations.

St. Armands Circle is pet-friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome to wander around the outdoor sections of this shopping mall. Here, you'll find an array of shops, restaurants, salons and spas. St. Armands Circle is open every day of the week from 10am to 9pm.

Take Fido to Siesta Key Rum in Sarasota, FL, a family-owned and dog-friendly distillery that uses all-natural ingredients. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you in the tasting room as you try their selection of small-batch spirits, which include toasted coconut, coffee, spiced and special age-released rums.

Chase the Blue Charters in Bradenton, FL, offers a dog-friendly, family-focused fishing experience along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Known for being great with kids and welcoming dogs aboard, Captain Devin expertly guides guests on offshore, inshore, and sandbar trips. Anglers of all skill levels can target species like Tuna, Grouper and American Red Snapper for an unforgettable day on the water.

Enjoy a variety of recreational activities and trails at pet-friendly Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, FL. Leashed dogs are allowed in the campground and visitor recreation areas of this 1,381-acre park. Several campsites are not pet friendly, so dog owners should call ahead before arriving. Pets are not allowed in buildings, on playground equipment, rental canoes, on the swimming beach or in the lake. Admission varies by vehicle occupancy and time of day.