Top 5 Pet Friendly Things to do

in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay happens to be a very dog-friendly area. There are countless activities to do with our canine companions that will have us all smiling while having a good time. To help simplify the types of fun you can have with your pup, I have devised my Top 5 Pet Friendly Things to Do in Tampa Bay.

Dog Friendly Beaches

We have so many beautiful beaches here in Florida. Tampa Bay is no exception. Many of us love to spend time on our pristine sand and splashing in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. But, did you know that we have pet friendly beaches as well in Tampa? Take some time hanging on the sand or wading in the water with your pup.  Here is a shortlist of some dog friendly beaches.

Honeymoon Island – Located   #1 Causeway Blvd.   Dunedin FL 34698 https://www.floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland

Davis Island Dog Beach – 864 Severn Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

Fort Desoto Dog Beach – Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, St. Petersburg, FL 33715 – There is a dog park there as well –http://www.fortdesoto.com/pawplayground.php

Pet Friendly Resturants

We live in Pet Friendly Florida. As a result, we don’t have to eat on the run or wait until we get home.  The reason? Many good restaurants are also dog-friendly restaurants here in the Tampa Bay area. Here are a couple of the restaurants I love:

Ellas Folk Art Café – The food is tasty. The décor is wonderful. The outdoor patio is enormous. Some nights, they even have live music.  Ella’s Folk Art Café is considered Elevated Comfort Food. I would completely agree with that statement. 5119 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa FL 33603. Take a peek at their menu. You won’t be disappointed: http://ellasfolkartcafe.com/

Costas Restaurant is located in the heart of Tarpon Springs near the Sponge Docks. This popular Tarpon Springs Restaurant offers Authentic Greek Food. Their menu consists of Spanakopita, Dolmades, Gyro (Vegetarian Gyro available), Greek Salad, Home Made Sangria, and so much more. Sit outside with your pup and enjoy a friendly staff, good food and people watching. They are located at 521 Athens St, Tarpon Springs Fl 34689. Take a look at their website: https://www.costascuisine.com/

Also, I have created a list of what I consider the best restaurants in Tampa Bay, or at least my top 10 Best Dog Friendly Restaurants in Tampa Bay.  Number One will be regarded as one of my favorite restaurants in Tampa Bay.  So enjoy the list. But more importantly, enjoy the time out with your canine companion. Click here for my top 10 list

Dog Friendly Parks

There are different types of parks available to take your canine companion. My two favorites are the off leash dog parks and woodland parks. The off leash parks are great to let your dog run free to burn off that extra energy. I love Woodland Parks since they allow exercise for us as well.

Off Leash Dog parks

A.L. Anderson Park –  39699 US Hwy 19 N, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. This is a great park for a picnic and dog park day. Huge off leash dog park and plenty of picnic tables outside of the dog area to spend time with your fur baby.

Kenwood Dog park – 401 20^th St N Saint Petersburg, FL 33713

Gadsen Dog Park – 6901 S MacDill Ave Tampa Fl 33611

Woodland Hiking

J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park – Great for Hiking on paved and or unpaved trails. Also, a good spot for having a picnic. 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655

Hillsborough River State Park –  15402 US-301 Thonotosassa FL 33592

Pet Friendly Outdoor Events

Tampa is full of outdoor events, and most of these events are dog friendly.  If you find an event that you like, check their event link, website or Facebook page to see if they will allow dogs. If all else fails, contact the event organizer for details. Below are just a few pet-friendly events.

Here are a couple of Pet Friendly Outdoor Events

St Petersburg Saturday Morning Market – 101 1st Street Southeast, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Great place to shop and get something to eat. Visit their website for details. https://saturdaymorningmarket.com/

Dunedin Downtown Market – 420 Main Steet, Dunedin Fl located un the John R Lawrence Pioneer Park. http://tampabaymarkets.com/dunedin-downtown-market

Dog Friendly – Thinking Outside of the Box

Why not do something with your pup that is different and yields delicious fruit as well? Try Blueberry, Blackberry, Peach, and Plum Picking. That’s right. You can go fruit picking while your well-behaved dog is by your side.

Head over to Bob’s Blueberry Farmers Market and U Pick. Located at 14000 Edwards Rd, Hudson FL 34669 – Here is a link to their Facebook Page. https://m.facebook.com/Bobs-Blueberry-Farm-U-Pick-116257961852631/

Well, this completes my Top 5 Pet Friendly Things to do in Tampa Bay. I hope you are now inspired to get out there with your dog and have a good time.