Few places in the Sunshine State are as serene and idyllic as the picture-perfect Florida Keys. During a visit there, it’s possible to snorkel among sea turtles and dolphins, catch amazing sunsets, sip on tropical drinks, and try so much key lime pie.
With a plethora of open-air restaurants and outdoor activities, bringing dogs along for the ride is not just allowed but warmly welcomed. There are even chances for four-legged friends to hop on a paddleboard or take a ride on a charter boat.
During our visit, we tried out some options firsthand with Leo, our black Labrador retriever, who has a love for swimming and playing fetch in the sunshine. Here are a few ideas for making your Florida Keys trip dog-friendly.
Dog-Friendly Outdoor Destinations
When it comes to bringing pets along on a Florida Keys trip, safety should be your top priority. During the winter months, the temperature peaks in the mid-70s and drops to the mid-60s at night. In the summer, hot cars and scorching sidewalks should be at the forefront of pet owners’ minds as they work to keep their furry companions cool.
We stopped at Sombrero Beach, which allows leashed dogs right near the Seven Mile Bridge. This beach features white sand, clear water, and amenities like bathrooms and pavilions, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a day basking in the sun.
Other dog-friendly beaches include Coco Plum Beach in Marathon, where all city parks are pet-friendly, Anne’s Beach in Islamorada, and Key West Dog Beach. There’s also the Higgs Beach Dog Park in Key West, which offers a dedicated space for pets to run and play.
Florida’s state parks provide numerous dog-friendly hiking trails and outdoor spaces. Leo enjoyed the rockland hammock habitat of the Curry Hammock State Park nature trail (1.5 miles round-trip) as well as the Golden Orb Trail at Long Key State Park—both offering stunning waterfront views and unique ecosystems.
Other dog-friendly spots include Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park in Key Largo, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park in Islamorada, and the National Key Deer Refuge in Big Pine Key, though beaches at state parks are off-limits to dogs.
Dog-Friendly Attractions
One of the most pleasantly surprising aspects of visiting the Florida Keys is discovering how many attractions welcome four-legged visitors alongside their humans.
The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, features historic butterfly gardens and flora native to the Florida Keys, Cuba, and the Caribbean. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll with your dog along the boardwalks and mulched paths while learning about Key West’s biodiversity.
The historic Key West Aquarium, which opened its doors in 1935, also welcomes pets, providing indoor respite from the heat with plenty of shade. You can view rehabilitated sea turtles, sharks, and many species of tropical fish while keeping your leashed dog by your side.
Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden, a parrot sanctuary, is another Key West attraction that stands out for its dog-friendly policy.
In the Upper Keys, Theater of the Sea allows well-behaved, leashed dogs in all areas except for the Parrot Theater. Additionally, the Key Largo Princess glass-bottom boat tours also permit dogs under 50 pounds to sail away with their humans. It’s best to call ahead to ensure there’s room for your furry friend on board.
With so much water to explore in the Florida Keys, various kayak and paddleboard outfitters allow canine companions to join the adventure. One notable option is Lazy Dog Adventures in Key West, which offers kayak and paddleboard tours where pooches are encouraged to come along. Many charter boat tours and even a floating tiki hut adventure also welcome dogs on their excursions.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
When it comes to dog-friendly dining in the Florida Keys, there are several open-air establishments lining the Overseas Highway. Many servers are quick to provide water bowls to ensure that everyone, including your pup, stays hydrated.
During our trip, we first tried the Island Fish Co. Restaurant & Tiki Bar in Marathon. We dined on conch fritters and deep-fried key lime pie while sipping on tropical cocktails. Leo was happy to relax next to our table, enjoying his water bowl.
He also enjoyed some leftover chips, and kept us company during our visit to Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West, where a band played classic rock tunes and the tuna nachos hit the spot.
As we departed the Keys, we made sure to check out Robbie’s, the popular Islamorada hotspot where visitors can feed the tarpon. This waterfront hangout features a market and boat rentals. From our table at the Hungry Tarpon Restaurant, we enjoyed corvina and mahi while observing people feeding the tarpon.
In Key West, other notable dog-friendly eateries include Blue Heaven, Louie’s Backyard, Salute!, Hogfish Bar & Grill, and First Flight. If you’re in Key Largo, don’t miss The Buzzard’s Roost, Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen II, Key Largo Fisheries Backyard, Snook’s Bayside, and more.
In the Middle Keys, top options include Islamorada Fish Company and Wahoo’s Bar and Grill. For more recommendations, check out bringfido.com.
Dog-Friendly Stays
There’s no shortage of accommodations for the whole family, including pets, in the Florida Keys.
We spent three nights camping at Bahia Honda State Park, located just after the Seven Mile Bridge. Known for its pristine beaches and mesmerizing stargazing opportunities, this park is perfect for camping right by the water—though dogs are not permitted on the beaches or in cabins.
Any state park campground makes for a fantastic getaway in the Keys. For indoor stays, various vacation rentals can be found on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com.
Particularly pet-friendly overnight accommodations include the Islander Resort and Three Waters Resort and Marina in Islamorada, Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo, Ambrosia Key West, Margaritaville Beach House in Key West, and Hawks Cay Resort.
For those seeking unique experiences, BringFido lists interesting overnight stays like an Airbnb apartment in a historical Key West building where the 1955 film “Rose Tattoo” was filmed. Others include East Sister Rock Island, a private rental just off the coast of Marathon.
Other one-of-a-kind stays include a 34-foot catamaran sailboat near Key West, and an Islamorada home with a private dock.
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