Florida Guide to National Dog Day

Searching for that paw-fect place to celebrate National Dog Day on August 26? To show our furry friends some extra appreciation this year, we’ve compiled a list of Florida’s top dog-friendly destinations for readers and their pups to enjoy.

Photo by Rebecca Campbell, Unsplash

In Greater Miami and Miami Beach, dogs are part of the adventure. While the sun shines year-round, locals and visitors alike know the trick to keeping their four-legged friends cool: letting those paws hit the water. Several dog parks and beachfront spots across the destination are designed for pups to both play and rest, complete with water stations, shaded seating and plenty of room to run. Haulover Beach Park is one of Greater Miami’s most celebrated dog-friendly stretches. Between lifeguard towers 2 and 3, pups can roam off‑leash, and the adjacent Bark Park offers fenced-in runs for small and large dogs. Hobie Island Beach also permits off-leash dogs. Across Miami Beach, Bark Beaches have expanded their hours: South Beach (21st Street), Mid-Beach (53rd Street) and North Beach Oceanside Park (81st Street) are all open early-morning daily. Additional parks where furry friends are welcome include South Pointe Park’s designated grassy area, Belle Isle Park, East Greynolds Park and more.

Lincoln Road

Lincoln Road, situated in the heart of Miami Beach, is a premier pedestrian promenade where families, solo Miamians and even models go to walk their dogs. The destination has dozens of alfresco dining options and tons of stores, most of which will let you bring your dog inside (so long as they’re leashed). Treat your pup to a stop at Bonefly, where you can find luxury pet supplies ranging from crystal bone collars to pink quilt-patterned harnesses. 

Miami and Miami Beach Pet-Friendly Hotels

Paws & Play at Hotel Continental

Hotel Continental rolls out the red carpet for tail-wagging companions. Tucked into Mid-Beach’s quieter stretch, the retro-glam escape begins with a Polaroid-worthy snap beneath the hotel’s iconic 1948 sign, followed by check-in where pups get their own Pup Passport, a curated guide to the neighborhood’s best dog-friendly dining spots, off-leash parks, nearby grooming services and scenic waterfront walks. Each pet stay includes a high-quality welcome kit stocked with branded bowls, plush bedding, grooming wipes, homemade treats and a keepsake toy to take home. And because feel-good getaways should actually do good, a portion of each $150 nonrefundable pet deposit is donated to the Humane Society of Greater Miami, supporting animal welfare efforts across the region. 

Address: 4000 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140

Arlo Wynwood

Located in the heart of Miami’s creative and cultural arts district, Arlo Wynwood offers a stylish stay for four-legged companions, complete with a branded bone-shaped mat and food/water bowl. The 217-room, nine-story hotel serves as a cultural hub for locals while giving savvy travelers prime access to the best of the region, from trendy galleries to diverse culinary experiences and vivid nightlife. Arlo Wynwood welcomes up to two dogs or cats per room, each under 75 pounds, to stay with their humans. All animals must be registered with the front desk and are subject to a fee of $20 per pet, per night, in addition to the standard room rate. While pets cannot enter food-service spaces and common amenities, the hotel’s location makes it easy to stroll through the neighborhood and explore nearby attractions like the Margaret Pace Dog Park. Just a short stroll from Arlo Wynwood, DOG Hotels Wynwood is a chic, cage‑free indoor doggie day care, boarding and grooming spa complete with climate‑controlled play yards and structured socialization. 

Instagram: @arlohotels

Address: 2217 NW Miami Court, Miami, FL 33127

The Elser Hotel

The Elser Hotel is a 49-story luxury tower in Downtown Miami featuring 646 residential-style rooms with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, unobstructed bay views, walkout balconies, luxurious bathrooms for every bedroom, fully equipped kitchens, and washers and dryers. Pups who visit The Elser are pampered from the second they arrive. A concierge is available for guests looking for the best pet care and will curate a special selection of groomers, doggie day cares and walkers based on your preferences. Upon special request (for a fee), The Elser pet concierge will also deliver dog bath products and locally made pet food so you can continue to pamper your pooch during your visit. A nonrefundable pet fee of $125 applies, with a limit of two pets per room. Each pet must weigh under 75 pounds.

Address: The Elser Hotel, 398 NE Fifth St., Miami, FL 33132

Paws and Paradise at Balfour

Four-legged companions deserve luxe boutique getaways, especially in a setting as effortlessly stylish as Balfour, an iconic art deco retreat located in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. Spanning two historic buildings connected by a lush tropical courtyard, the 82-room property blends 1940s architecture by Anton Skislewicz with contemporary comforts, including hardwood and herringbone floors, in-room bar carts, Lavazza coffee stations and sustainable bath amenities. Furry guests are welcomed with the same attention to detail, from designer dog beds and art deco-inspired water bowls to ethically sourced treats. Just steps from the beach, Balfour is the perfect home base for sun-kissed strolls along Ocean Drive, lazy afternoons in the courtyard and sunset lounging. Additionally, the hotel’s new signature restaurant, Cleo, serves up fresh family-style Mediterranean fare in a relaxed, open-air setting—perfect for guests who want to dine outdoors with their pup by their side. For those booking directly, the $150 cleaning fee is waived.

Address: 350 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

The Gates Hotel South Beach - Tail Waggin’ Retreat

The Gates Hotel South Beach invites guests to treat their furry friends to a luxurious getaway with the Tail Waggin’ Retreat package*. Located along the peaceful Collins Canal, this tranquil hotel offers the perfect blend of wellness, relaxation and pet-friendly indulgence. Upon arrival, pets are provided a welcome kit featuring gourmet dog treats, a water bowl and a plush bed. Guests can unwind in custom double-sided cabanas by the pool, where pets can relax in the shade while their owners bask in the sun. For the ultimate pampering experience, pets can enjoy a soothing massage from K’Alma Spa’s experts alongside their owners, available either in-room or on the serene third-floor Plunge Deck. Guests are encouraged to explore Miami Beach with their pets and visit nearby pet-friendly parks and beaches. *This package is available upon request, based on availability. 

Address: 2360 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139

Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club - Cadillac Pet Program

Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection, a 357-room oceanfront resort in the heart of Miami Beach’s Mid-Beach neighborhood at 39th Street and Collins Avenue, welcomes furry family members of visiting guests. The Cadillac Pet Program ensures that every pet is cared for and ready for adventure. The hotel offers a complimentary Waggo dog bed for a comfy night’s sleep, Waggo water and food bowls, and a treat at the reception upon check-in. There is a $100 pet fee per stay, with two pets (each weighing no more than 75 pounds) per room. 

Address: 3925 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33140

The Goodtime Hotel

Located in the heart of South Beach on Washington Avenue, just a short walk from the beach and a block from the vibrant South of Fifth neighborhood, The Goodtime Hotel is the perfect retreat for you and your furry companion (up to two dogs per room, each weighing no more than 75 pounds). The hotel also offers a curated puppy itinerary with suggested pet-friendly dining options and off-property walking areas. Plus, with pet-friendly parks like Washington Dog Park and the Washington Park Small Dog Run just a short stroll away, pets have plenty of space to run, play and soak up the Miami sunshine. An arrival fee of $150 covers pets’ stays. Service animals are always welcome at no charge. 

Address: 601 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139

The Betsy South Beach - Canine Executive Officers

Located in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco Historic District, The Betsy is a haven for four-legged guests. Going beyond typical pet-friendly accommodations, the family-owned and -operated hotel has woven an unconditional love of animals into its culture, setting itself apart with its omnipresent resident golden retrievers and Canine Executive Officers (CEOs) Betsy and Rosa, as well as Daisy, the owners’ black German shepherd rescue who is very much the leader of the family pack. Hotel guests are greeted by the resident pups at 5 p.m. every Friday for cocktail hour and can visit them all week as they make their daily rounds throughout the hotel. A poetry chapbook called DOG POEMS (edited by Betsy and Rosa), which includes a special poem from the late great American poet Gerald Stern, is available free of charge at the front desk. Betsy and Rosa’s story is also told in a beautifully produced book, Rosa’s First Day as CEO. The Betsy’s culinary team also prepares homemade dog treats, which are offered at the registration desk, and ice-cold water in public venues for guest pups upon request. As part of The Betsy’s pet policy, dogs of all sizes are welcome. A one-time fee of $150 is applied, with 50% benefiting the Harare SPCA, an animal welfare organization in Zimbabwe, hotel co-owner Lesley Goldwasser’s birthplace. 

Address: 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33139

Miami and Miami Beach Pet-Friendly Restaurants 

CEOs (Canine Executive Officers) at LT Steak & Seafood 

Located within the famously dog-friendly hotel The Betsy South Beach (led by three adorable CEOs (Canine Executive Officers), LT Steak & Seafood is a casually elegant dining destination perfect for pups. Guests can enjoy New American dishes with their furry friends on the outdoor patio facing Ocean Drive. The menu, helmed by award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel, features a range of fresh dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, from sushi rolls and flatbreads to grilled meats and seafood. For four-legged diners, the restaurant also offers house-made dog treats that are crafted on-site with natural ingredients.

Instagram: @ltsteakandseafood

Address: 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

LT Steak & Seafood

Pet-Friendly Waterfront Dining at Verde

Treat yourself and your pup to waterfront dining at Verde at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), one of Miami’s most scenic pet-friendly destinations. Nestled along Biscayne Bay, Verde’s expansive outdoor terrace welcomes furry companions with lush greenery, world-class art and stunning views of the passing boats. Helmed by Executive Chef Valeri Fuentes of Constellation Culinary Group, the restaurant serves an artistic, Latin American-influenced menu with standout dishes like the Caracas Eggs Benedict, Mojito Cuban Tiradito and Coladita Tiramisu Pancakes. After your meal, stroll through Maurice A. Ferré Park’s Dog & Cats Walkway and sculpture garden for the ultimate day out. 

Instagram: @verdemiami; @byconstellationfl

Address: Pérez Art Museum Miami, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132

Fort Lauderdale Pet-Friendly Restaurants 

Casa Sensei

Looking to spoil your pup this National Dog Day? Head to Casa Sensei, where both humans and their furry companions can indulge in a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Located along the scenic Himmarshee Canal, this award-winning Pan-Asian Latin fusion restaurant serves “doggie sushi” on its pet-friendly waterfront patio. Treat your pup to a Woof Roll made with beef, rice, carrots and peas wrapped in soy paper, or go all out with the Salmon Delight and Chicken Lovers Stir-Fry—crafted just for dogs. Voted “Best Asian Restaurant” by Fort Lauderdale Magazine for the past five consecutive years, Casa Sensei is the perfect spot for dog lovers looking to dine in style, whether it’s a weekend outing with your pup, a special celebration or a relaxing afternoon on Las Olas. 

Instagram: @casasensei

Address: 1200 E. Las Olas Blvd., #101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Phone: 954.530.4176

Key West Pet-Friendly Hotels

The Marker Key West Harbor Resort - Pups in Paradise 

Celebrate puppy love at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, which allows dog owners to show their love for their pooches with a getaway fit for man’s best friend. Upon arrival, pets receive a blue doggie water bowl, red fire hydrant disposal bags, a doggie “do not disturb” sign, a customized welcome bag loaded with toys, treats, a Marker Key West pet tag and champagne for adults*. During their stay, pets are treated to puppy turndown service and, upon request, walks along Smathers Beach, a spa session at a local pet spa, a personalized pet portrait session with a local artist, and even a beautiful dinner under the stars with a multicourse dog food menu. The phrase “doggie paddle” takes on new meaning when guests embark on an excursion with adventure company Lazy Dog, which welcomes four-legged adventurers on paddleboards, kayaks and pontoon boats. The Marker has a $75 pet fee (plus tax) per pet, per night, with a maximum weight limit of 55 pounds per pet and no more than two pets per room. *Pet amenities based on availability.

Instagram: @themarkerkeywest

Address: 200 William St., Key West, FL 33040

Naples Pet-Friendly Hotels 

The Perry Hotel Naples

This National Pet Day, grab your furry friends and head to The Perry Hotel Naples, the newly opened 160-room boutique resort blending modern industrial design with local charm. Upon check-in, your pup will be greeted with a complimentary ball and treats. The hotel also offers a custom bone-shaped door hanger with your dog’s name to ensure they’re included in all the fun the hotel has to offer. Throughout your stay, you and your furry companion can enjoy world-class amenities, including ground-level and rooftop pools, and a delicious dining experience at Tigress, the signature on-site restaurant by celebrity chef Dale Talde serving Cantonese cuisine with unbeatable views. End the night at the outdoor rooftop cocktail lounge, Easy Tiger, offering panoramic views of the Gulf and the Cocohatchee River.

Instagram: @perryhotelnaples

Address: 12155 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, FL 34110

St. Petersburg Pet-Friendly Hotels

SkyBeach Resort - Paws & Relax

SkyBeach Resort invites guests to include their furry friends in a memorable getaway with its Paws & Relax package*. Pets are welcomed in style with a custom-designed bandana featuring the SkyBeach logo, a hotel-branded dog bowl for mealtime convenience, and an exclusive welcome kit filled with gourmet treats and waste bags. During their stay, pets can relax alongside their owners throughout the resort’s designated pet-friendly areas or explore nearby pet-friendly attractions. Priced at an additional $50 per night (capped at $200 for longer stays), the package offers thoughtful amenities and ensures pets receive the same care and comfort as their human companions. *Package based on availability.

Instagram: @skybeach.stpete

Address: 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane S., St. Petersburg, FL 33711

St. Petersberg Pet-Friendly Restaurants 

SkyBar + Grille

With sweeping Gulf views, a laid-back atmosphere and a pet-friendly patio, SkyBar + Grille at SkyBeach Resort in St. Petersburg is a standout destination on Florida’s west coast. Located on the resort’s private beach, this two-story, open-air restaurant serves up elevated coastal favorites such as the Crawfish Po’boy and Tuna Tartare alongside tropical frozen cocktails and stunning views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Guests with dogs will appreciate that the lower portion of the restaurant is dog-friendly, offering even more space to relax with their pups. Enjoy happy hour Monday through Thursday from 4-7 p.m., or drop in any day of the week to unwind in one of St. Pete’s most scenic and welcoming beachside settings.

Instagram: @skybeach.stpete

Address: 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane S., St. Petersburg, FL 33711

FL Panhandle Pet-Friendly Hotels

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Miramar Beach

At Hotel Effie, pets are an extension of the family. Four-legged guests receive a dog bed, a dog bowl, doggie bags, a toy and treats from Einstein Pets. The property also has an exclusive partnership with Goochie Poochie Doggie Resort & Spa and What’s Up Dog for off-site pet sitting. The hotel’s very own Director of Pet Services, Simba, is the heart and soul of Hotel Effie’s pet-friendly haven. Whether it’s a friendly tail wag, a comforting nuzzle or a virtual “paw of approval” to ensure all four-legged guests feel at home, Simba embodies the spirit of hospitality and warmth that Hotel Effie stands for. Note: A $250 tax-exclusive fee per stay will be added to your folio (does not apply to guide or assistive dogs). 

Instagram: @hoteleffie

Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach, FL 32550

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Miramar Beach 

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast offers a tail-wagging gateway for pets and owners. Spanning 2,400 acres of scenic walking trails, sugar-white sand beaches and lush landscape, the resort welcomes dogs of all sizes and breeds with plenty of options to keep them entertained. Sandestin’s town center, The Village of Baytowne Wharf, also welcomes pets for a stroll through its pedestrian-friendly streets filled with entertainment, shopping and dining options. When it’s time to let loose, the Bark Park near the Treehouse offers a clean, fenced-in space for off-leash play and socializing. Sandestin is also a proud partner of Alaqua Animal Refuge, a no-kill animal shelter and the Southeast’s premier 501(c)(3) refuge and sanctuary. Sandestin’s Director of Pet Services, Sandy, a toy American Eskimo, champions the “Adopt, Not Shop” initiative and serves as a furry ambassador for the resort’s pet-friendly policies. Throughout the resort, guests can purchase plush toys in Sandy’s likeness with sales benefiting Alaqua Animal Refuge. 

Instagram: @sandestin

Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach, FL 32550

FL Panhandle Pet-Friendly Restaurants 

Marina Bar & Grill 

Overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, Sandestin’s dockside hangout Marina Bar & Grill invites pets to join their humans on the outdoor deck for a hearty breakfast, laid-back lunch or sunset dinner. The restaurant is also home to Sandestin’s colorful resident pet, MaryAnne the Macaw, who guests can visit in her open-air habitat. On Saturday, August 23, at the Baytowne Marina Beach, guests can celebrate their pup during the resort’s annual International Dog Day “Paw”ty from 6:30-8:30 p.m., featuring live DJ beats, gourmet treats, dog-themed movies, face painting, puppy pampering, and jaw-dropping entertainment like stilt walkers, fire performers and a tennis ball drop from the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic weight scale. 

Address: 8330 Mike Hayes Drive, Miramar Beach, FL 32550

FL Panhandle Pet-Friendly Parks and Recreation

Jolee Island Nature Park

Tucked within Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Jolee Island Nature Park is a 5-acre hideaway perfect for resort guests exploring with their four-legged companions. Accessible by a wooden footbridge near Baytowne Marina, this serene slice of nature features shaded trails, grassy lawns and views along Choctawhatchee Bay, ideal for a relaxed stroll or picnic with your pup. Dogs are welcome on leash and can enjoy the peaceful, low-traffic paths under a canopy of oaks and pines. 

Address: 8868 Baypine Drive, Destin, FL 32550 

By ML Staff. Photos provided by each venue mentioned on this story.