A Weekend in Dog-Friendly Miami

Posted by Erin Ballinger

Pack Fido’s flashiest collar for a weekend getaway in dog-friendly Miami. The "Magic City" always brings the heat with year-round dog-friendly restaurant patios, pet-friendly beaches, and highly-rated hotels that welcome canines, making it the “pawfect” spot to travel with your pup.

Friday

Get snuggly at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel. Photo by @pipasweetpotato

4 p.m. Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel

Bring Fido to relax and enjoy beachfront views in the heart of South Beach at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel. Four-legged guests are provided with pet beds, food and water bowls, and waste bags for use during their stay. In addition to daily activities and on-site pet-friendly patio dining at The Social Club and High Tide, the resort welcomes dogs poolside and at its evening wine receptions from 4-5 p.m. The hotel concierge is also available to make arrangements for pet-sitting or grooming services. Pets of any size are welcome to stay at Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel for no additional fee.

Have a blast on this “quacky” tour!Photo by Janice

5 p.m. Duck Tours South Beach

Introduce your pup to Miami on a dog-friendly excursion with Duck Tours South Beach. Duck boat tours take place on amphibious buses that can explore both land and sea. The tour starts in Miami’s South Beach with informative tidbits about Art Deco architectural landmarks before splashing into Biscayne Bay, where you and your pooch will get a close-up view of homes of the rich and famous on Star Island. Duck Tours South Beach last about 90 minutes and cost $45 for adults, $39 for seniors, $28 for kids (4-12), $10 for toddlers and infants (3 and under), and is free for pups.

"Pink is my color, don’t you think?" Photo by @milesprime112

8 p.m. Big Pink

Located in the SoFi neighborhood of South Beach, Big Pink is Myles Chefetz’s take on the retro diner experience. Enjoy views of the signature pink Volkswagen Beetles with your pup from one of the covered patio tables while you indulge in over-the-top comfort food that screams Americana. There’s something for everyone on the 200-item menu, from fried chicken and waffles to foot-long Kobe hot dogs. Fido might want an order of sweet potato fries, too! Be sure to save room for one of Big Pink’s enormous banana splits for dessert.

All dressed up with somewhere to go.Photo by Facebook.com/SouthPointeTavern

10 p.m. South Pointe Tavern

After dinner, walk to nearby South Pointe Tavern for a nightcap. The dog-friendly watering hole hosts a monthly yappy hour and welcomes dogs on the patio every day. Choose from one of the espresso drinks or cocktails on offer, or combine the two with an Irish coffee or an espresso martini. Grab a seat and enjoy a healthy dose of people-watching, the unofficial pastime of South Beach.

Saturday

Your pup will have it made in the shade at this park. Photo by Catrin

8 a.m. Flamingo Dog Park

Let Fido begin the day with an off-leash romp at Flamingo Bark Park. Pups can play in separate sections for big and small dogs, tackle the agility equipment and quench their thirst at the water fountains. It’s a popular spot on the weekends, so you and your canine might even make a new friend or two!

Pomeranian, party of two.Photo by @pompomgiorgie

9 a.m. The Lido Bayside Grill

Break the fast with your furry friend at The Lido Bayside Grill, located waterside at The Standard Miami Beach hotel. Treat your good boy to a side order of bacon or chicken sausage to enjoy while you munch on healthy fare like a fruit plate, vegan scramble or avocado toast. Don’t forget to try one of the signature smoothies like the Magic Mushroom, which is a blend of cordyceps, chaga, reishi, cacao, wild blueberries and oat milk.

Take your dog for a dip in the ocean.Photo by @fredserranoiii

10 a.m. Hobie Island Beach Park

No trip to Miami is complete without a visit to one of its beautiful beaches. Bring Fido to Hobie Island Beach Park (also known as Windsurfer Beach). Your pup will love running off leash in the sand and taking a swim in the shallow water. Beach admission and parking are free, but there is a small toll to cross the causeway into Key Biscayne.

“Chicken n’ rrrice, my favorite!”Photo by @mambakingz

1 p.m. LoKal Burgers & Beer

When it’s time to chow down, take your salty dog to LoKal Burgers & Beer. This Coconut Grove burger joint from Miami restaurateur Michael Kushner welcomes man’s best friend with scratch-made dog biscuits and a doggy menu. While you nosh on a gourmet burger made with grass-fed ground beef from a local ranch, your hungry hound can devour chicken and rice or meatloaf and wash it down with a non-alcoholic Bowser Beer.

Get fur-resh and clean at Dog Bar Miami.Photo by Facebook.com/dogbar

2 p.m. Dog Bar Miami

If Fido needs to get scrubbed and fluffed after his morning at the beach, look no further than Dog Bar Miami. Book his appointment in advance and do some shopping while you wait. Pick up a souvenir from the salon’s boutique, which sells collars, leashes, apparel, bedding and accessories.

Class it up with Art Deco Tours.Photo by Christine Michaels

4 p.m. Art Deco Tours

After your mutt has freshened up, take him on an educational walk with Art Deco Tours and learn about Miami’s famous architecture. With advance notice, dogs are welcome on this fun and informative excursion. Art Deco Tours even provides a pet companion who will keep Fido company outside when the party heads inside a building. The tour costs $32 for adults, $15 for children (age 6-12) and $30 for dogs.

“I can has all three courses, right?”Photo by @ciaralabeba

7 p.m. Sawa Restaurant & Lounge

Sawa Restaurant & Lounge in Coral Gables serves Mediterranean-Japanese Fusion cuisine for humans and caters to its canine clientele with a three-course menu just for dogs. Fido can chomp on a Beggin’ Strips appetizer, munch on the main course of salmon kebab and then lap up coconut-pineapple ice cream for dessert on Sawa’s large patio shaded by palm trees. The human menu features sushi, tapas and cocktails like the Sawa Kiss Martini, a shaken mixture of Ketel One vodka, Chambord liqueur, raspberry and sparkling water.

His and hers popsicles.Photo by Facebook.com/cielitoartisanpops

9 p.m. Wynwood and Cielito Artisan Pops

Before calling it a night, head to the bohemian, artsy Wynwood neighborhood. Walk around the outdoor murals and browse the funky shops, many of which allow pets inside. Don’t miss a pit stop at Cielito Artisan Pops, a "pop shop" that serves unique paletas (popsicles). Cielito caters to canines with special diet-appropriate options so your pup won’t be left out. It’s a delicious way to end your day on a sweet note!

Sunday

Play fetch in the pines. Photo by @sagesupernova

8 a.m. Pinetree Dog Park

Play in the shade at the quaint Pinetree Dog Park, which houses two dog runs. Let your pup roam leash-free while you watch from a bench, or get in some cardio and exercise with Fido. Drinking fountains are available for your worn out pooch to rehydrate.

Breakfast buddies.Photo by @rakower__m_shalom

9 a.m. The Social Club

Back at the Kimpton Surfcomber, enjoy breakfast at The Social Club. The South Beach eatery welcomes your pup on the patio while you dine on Biscuits and Chorizo Gravy, the Lake Meadow Omelet, or Chicken and Waffles. Pair your meal with a strong cortado coffee or bottomless mimosas, served with your choice of juice: Kennesaw Orange, peach, mango or guava.

Hi, Seas!Photo by iStock/Nadia_Kompan

10 a.m. Club Nautico

Exercise Fido’s sea legs with a day on the open water in a rented boat or chartered yacht from Club Nautico at Crandon Park Marina. The owner, Greg, loves dogs and allows them on the entire fleet. Drive yourself or for an additional fee, hire a captain to navigate for you. Rates start at $299.

Your dog will go loco for the Doggy Loco Moco.Photo by @puck_the_pup

1 p.m. International Smoke and Depart Miami With a Pooped Pooch

Enjoy one last meal at International Smoke, a barbecue restaurant from renowned chefs Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry. Sample wood-fired meats while your four-legged friend feasts on Doggy Loco Moco (ground beef and steamed rice), a Smoked Beef Bone or Assorted Treats. He’ll sleep well on the trip home with a full tummy and tired paws from all the fun he had in Miami!

Did we leave out your favorite activity, restaurant or hotel in Miami? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by iStock/LeoPatrizi.