According to Honest Paws, Tampa, Florida, is ranked among the top pet-friendly destinations in the United States. If you are looking for a great spot to travel with your dog, look no further than Tampa. Nestled in the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is a place where the water is always warm, and the dogs are always welcome. From furry-friendly parks to restaurants that cater to four-legged companions, travelers will find a wide variety of experiences and destinations to enjoy with their pets.
Dog-Friendly Beach Parks
Picnic Island Beach Dog Park
If 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. This park offers loads of shady areas and picnic tables for a nice treat break. Bags are provided for mid-swim bathroom breaks and freshwater hoses to clean your dog off before you head home.
Davis Island Dog Park & Beach
You and your pup get the best of both worlds with Davis Island—an enclosed beach park and an enclosed grassy park like a typical dog park. The grassy park is separated into two 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.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Bars
Two Shepherds Taproom
Two Shepherds Taproom is the city’s first indoor and outdoor dog park and bar. Your dog can run around while you enjoy a good drink; the owners just have a few requirements if you bring your dog; owners must register and upload an up-to-date vaccination record to their website before coming, and if your dog is over eight months old, they need to be either spayed or neutered.
The taproom offers toys for your dog to play with and an attendant to keep a close eye on the fun. For you, there is a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and hard seltzers to try. The taproom also holds Trivia Tuesdays, Bingo Thursdays, and bottomless mimosas at Sunday brunch. Two Shepherds also offer memberships and party packages. This place is truly the best for both humans and their canine companions.
Pups Pub
Pups Pub is one of Florida’s most popular full-liquor dog bars, and for good reason. Their menu boasts handcrafted cocktails, beer, wine, and champagne with fun dog-centric names such as the Skinny Frenchy and Old Yeller Old Fashioned. The pub is wall-to-wall turf inside and out to ensure your dog always has a good grip while wandering around. The owners also insist that all dogs be fully vaccinated and fixed if over a year old.
Mad Dogs & Englishmen
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). Dogs are welcomed on the patio, and there is even a little section on the Mad Dog’s menu dedicated to your pup’s tastebuds that offers a hamburger patty or chicken breast. You won’t be disappointed if you and your dog visit this restaurant—they’re known for their friendly staff, cold drinks, and fantastic food.
City Dog Cantina
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.
Dog-Friendly Parks
Deputy Kotfila Memorial Dog Park
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 Conservation Park
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 Dog Park
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.
Dog-Friendly Hotels
La Quinta Inn & Suites Tampa
Eight La Quinta locations in Tampa are dog and cat friendly. They allow up to two dogs or two cats per room and charge $20 per night with a maximum of $40 per stay per room. All Tampa locations offer a smoke-free environment, pool, free Wi-Fi and parking, and complimentary continental breakfast.
Aloft Tampa Downtown
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.
Residence Inn by Marriot Tampa Downtown
This centrally located hotel is only five minutes from the Tampa International Airport, and every room comes with a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for extended stays. The Residence Inn is a smoke-free property that offers full American and hot breakfasts, free coffee, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Two pets per room are allowed for a $75 fee and have a maximum weight restriction of 50 pounds. Parking is $25 a day.
Pet-Friendly Honorable Mentions
Hyde Park Village
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. Click here for a list of all the pet-friendly shops and locations at Hyde Park.
Tampa Riverwalk
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.
