With beaches, parks, and attractions that cater to pets and their owners, Miami is a colorful, pet-loving city. It offers a tropical climate that’s open to pets, and we’re already loving every second of it. Whether you are a newcomer or a regular visitor, check out our list of what to do in Miami with dogs! And from pet-friendly beaches to lounging in pet-friendly lodging, here are 10 tips and places to ensure that your Miami trip is both well-suited for you and your pet.
Choose Pet-Friendly Hotels and Rentals
Before you start packing, you’ll need a pet-friendly place to stay. Many Miami hotels and vacation rentals are pet-friendly and provide such amenities as pet beds, bowls, and even treats. Major hotel chains The Ritz-Carlton, Kimpton Hotels, and Loews Hotels provide special pet-friendly packages. You’ll want to verify each property’s pet policy before making a reservation. Some hotels may charge fees; others have weight limits or limits on the particular breeds accepted. The right hotel should make you feel like a guest and not a stranger.
Keep Your Pet Hydrated and Comfortable
Miami weather is warm and sunny, and that can be difficult on your furry friends, especially during the summer season. Prevent your pet from getting hot and thirsty during the day. Keep water and a collapsible bowl wherever you go. You can often find plenty of outdoor spaces in Miami, so take frequent breaks in the shade. If you’re taking the dog for a walk, skip the hottest part of the day. It is best to walk your dog early morning or late afternoon, and if that’s not possible, strolling in a shaded area will keep your pup most comfortable. Putting on a pet cooling vest or using pet-friendly sunscreen can also help avoid overheating.
Visit Pet-Friendly Beaches
Miami’s beaches are beautiful, and here’s the mega-bonus: many of them are dog-friendly, too. Haulover Beach Park has a popular area where you and your canine companion can have some fun along the seashore. At this spot, dogs can run off leash, splash in the water, and hang out on the sand. Virginia Key Beach is another fine choice, as its dog park is a large, fenced-off area right near the ocean where pets can run free. You’ll want to bring waste bags to pick up after your pup. Keep a watchful eye on your dog, especially around other pets or beachgoers.
Explore Miami’s Dog Parks
When it comes to ailing pooches, Miami also has a great selection of dog parks where your pooch can run and rub noses with friends. Among the best of breeds is Pinecrest Gardens Dog Park, which offers areas exclusively for big and small dogs. This park also has shaded areas, benches, and plenty of greenery for dog parents to enjoy and watch as their pets play. South Pointe Park provides an area where dogs are welcome with beautiful ocean views. It is ideal for running your dog around off-leash and giving it lots of room to expend energy. Many Miami parks also have canine waste stations and dog-friendly water fountains scattered throughout, which makes them extremely accessible.
Enjoy Pet-Friendly Outdoor Dining
There is a dining scene in Miami, and many restaurants have pet-friendly patios. At The Salty Donut in Wynwood, diners can bring their pets while dining outdoors, ordering up tasty fresh donuts and coffee for themselves and a doggie donut treat for the pooch. Lido Bayside Grill at The Standard Spa also has a waterfront patio for pets. It is always best to chat to the staff about the restaurant’s pet policy to help your dining go smoothly. Bring your dog’s water bowl; just keep them and their manners in check while dining. Miami’s restaurants have many pet-friendly dining experiences that provide a fun way to enjoy time out with your pet.
Take a Boat Tour with Your Pet
The water activities in Miami are a great way to get out and see the city, and luckily, many of the boat tours in the area are pet-friendly. There are also plenty of private tiki boats and yacht rentals offered in Miami, and quite a few are pet-friendly. Biscayne Bay is a beautiful backdrop and has a variety of places to explore with your dog. Some of the boat-rental agencies even include life jackets specifically designed for pets to help keep them safe on the water. Come equipped with fresh water, a towel, and your pet’s favorite treats. Give your dog some views while on the boat, although keep him secured so he doesn’t take a dive.
Visit the Miami Seaquarium
Pets are not permitted within the Miami Seaquarium, but the area outside features pet-friendly outdoor areas. You can stroll the water’s edge with your dog, breathe some fresh air, and soak in views of Biscayne Bay. The park has multiple picnic areas where you can chill out with your pooch while others go inside the aquarium. It’s an awesome thing to do where you can visit one of the well-known Miami attractions and take your pet with you. As usual, however, be sure to call ahead or check for any updated pet policies or restrictions.
Explore the Miami Design District
The vibrant Miami Design District is home to high-end luxury shopping, art galleries, and cutting-edge design showrooms. Pets are allowed in many outdoor spaces, so it’s a great place to walk around with your pup. Take in the tree-lined streets and wander through neighborhood shops, many of which have water bowls and treats at the door for your dog. Dog-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating, like The Café at Books & Books, are also pet-friendly and make it easy to eat and shop in style with your pet. This is THE spot for those who want access to Miami’s culture scene with your pet in tow.
Spend Time in Tropical Parks and Gardens
There are numerous gorgeous Miami parks & gardens, and many of them are great for a fun day out with your dog. Taking a walk is a popular activity at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and although you can’t take your pet into the museum, leashed pets enjoy the outdoor gardens. The beautiful landscaping, fountains, and walking paths are a serene place to relax with your pet. Pinecrest Gardens is also pet-friendly and boasts shaded trails, ponds, and picnic areas. It’s a nice place for a stroll or a place for your dog to roam amid a natural setting while you’re somewhere else.
Make Plans for Your Pet to Travel
For people traveling with dogs in Miami, it can be challenging to get around the city. To ease your travel, negotiate for your transportation beforehand. There are a couple of pet-friendly forms of transportation in Miami; some accept pets on the subway, but this definitely isn’t the most pet-friendly city for transportation. Some public transportation methods, including the Metromover and Miami-Dade Transit, also allow pets to board as long as the pet remains in a carrier. For those traveling by rental car, your pet should be comfortable in the car with proper restraints or pet seat belts in place. A pet carrier or kennel may be a good idea to keep your pet safe and comfortable for travel.
Additional Tips for Traveling With Pets in Miami
- Pack Pet Essentials: Remember to pack your pet’s food, medications, and things they’re used to, such as a bed, their favorite toy, etc. It will make your pet comfortable in an unfamiliar setting.
- Learn the Local Rules: Be sure to look up pet policies at parks or on beaches. Parts of town may have leash laws, times of day pets are not allowed, restrictions, or you’re not allowed to drink alcohol.
- Be Respectful of Visitors: Miami is a busy city, and some people might not be pet-friendly. Keep up with the people around you, and have your dog be well-mannered.
- Stay Safe: There is no perfect quarantine for dogs, and there is plenty of potential harm when people simply leave their dogs inside hot cars. Miami has a tendency to become dangerously overheated.
Conclusion
Reasons why Miami is a paradise for pet lovers. With a range of beaches, parks, restaurants, and hotels that welcome pets, the options for a little fun in the city are practically endless when you have a four-legged friend at your side. Whether you want to hole up on a sandy shore or explore local art galleries and take a boat tour, Miami makes it simple to bring your pet along for the ride. Whether you’re lazing on the beach, visiting art galleries, or taking boat rides, in Miami, it’s a breeze to take your pet right along with you. With some forethought, timing, and choice of spots, however, anyone can return with memorable moments and a good time had in Miami with their pet. Miami is filled with pet-friendly cafes, beautiful parks, and unique walks, ensuring a great time for you and your pet.