From beach parks to dog parks, restaurants and hotels, here's your ultimate guide to all things that are pet-friendly in Tampa Bay, Florida.
LessIf you’re seeking an open space off-leash beach retreat for your furry friend, Picnic Island Beach Dog Park is where it’s at. Dogs can access the ocean and play in the waves until their heart is content. While there is an enclosed space for dogs, there is no separation between small and large dogs—so keep an eye on your dog while they play. In addition, this park offers loads of shady areas and picnic tables for a nice treat break.
You and your pup get the best of both worlds with Davis Island—an enclosed beach park and a grassy park like a typical dog park. The grassy park is separated into two spaces, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. The gates are spring-loaded, so there’s no need to worry about closing them behind you. Davis Island offers dog bags, picnic tables, and shaded areas as well.
Two Shepherds Taproom is the city's first indoor/outdoor dog park & bar! Unleash the fun as your dog roams freely while you sip your drink. Just register your pup & upload vaccination records beforehand. They'll enjoy toys & supervision while you savor craft beers, wines, & hard seltzers. Join Trivia Tuesdays, Bingo Thursdays, or bottomless mimosas at Sunday brunch. It's a haven for humans & their furry pals. Let's raise the woof!
Bringing a West Coast vibe to the Gulf Coast, the City Dog Cantina is a San Diego-inspired eatery that serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner paired with a full bar and craft beers on tap as well as bottled. Known for offering free meals on the patio for your canine companions, the cantina also serves up delicious menu items such as breakfast burritos, bacon jalapeno mac and cheese and lobster tacos.
While this one doesn’t have beach access, it’s among the best dog parks in Tampa thanks to its location. Positioned under the Selmon Expressway, this park is fully shaded and has plenty of room for your dog to run around and play. The park is fully enclosed and has separate areas for small and large dogs. It offers canine-specific turf that’s easier on the paws, fun concrete obstacles to climb through and jump on, water fountains, built-in pet bowls, and a lot of seating for humans.
Eureka Springs is a small conservation park made up of marshland, garden areas, walking trails, and picnic areas. A shaded boardwalk runs through most of the park to ensure the safety of humans, dogs, and wildlife. Dogs must be leashed while enjoying the park, but there are tons to do and lots to explore.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a small, fully enclosed park with artificial grass turf that offers many obstacles and agility equipment to stimulate and tire out your dog. There are water fountains for humans and dogs and a nice view of the Hillsborough River.
Aloft is located right in the heart of Tampa along the Hillsborough River and is within walking distance of some of the city’s finest restaurants and entertainment. Aloft offers a smoke-free environment, free coffee, a pool, fitness center, and a 24-hours convenience store in the lobby. Pets are allowed, and while there is no fee, they have a maximum weight restriction of 40 pounds—so this place is not ideal for bigger dogs.
Hyde Park Villages is a six-block modern oasis for those ready to shop till they drop with over seventy specialty retail stores and restaurants. They often hold special events like live outdoor concerts. The villages call themselves the “go-to” place for dogs—all outdoor common areas and restaurant patios are pet friendly.
The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.4 miles walkable, bikeable path along the Hillsborough River. It connects the south end of downtown to the north end; as you walk, you’ll pass riverfront parks, attractions, museums, and businesses, all accessible from the riverwalk. As long as dogs are on-leash, they are most welcome to join you.
Mad Dogs was founded in 1991 and boasts a brunch and dinner menu with a European flair – order the scotch eggs or bangers and mash (Irish sausage smothered in caramelized onions with mashed potatoes). Of course, dogs are welcomed on the patio, and there are even a few menu items dedicated to your pup’s tastebuds, like a hamburger patty or chicken breast.