If you’re thinking of a trip south to Florida with your pet, then you’re in luck: there are plenty of things to do with your dog on Anna Maria Island.
Book one of our many Anna Maria pet-friendly vacation rentals complete with pools and backyards so you can bring Fido along for the trip. After all, what is a family vacation without everyone’s favorite member?
Below is a short guide to vacationing on Anna Maria Island and the surrounding area with your dog.
Off-leash Dog Parks
Let your dog run free at the Holmes Beach Dog Park! Located on the corner of 62nd St and Flotilla Dr, this gorgeous grassy dog park has a small dog area and large dog run perfect for your furry friends of all sizes. Enjoy great company with the many locals and their friendly pups!
Happy Tails Dog Park is also a great spot to let your dogs get some exercise during your stay on Anna Maria Island! Located at 2811 51st St W, this dog park has 3 different sections for your pal to run around in based on their size. Enjoy picnic tables and shade trees for a great time at the dog park!
Dog-Friendly Beaches
The closest dog friendly beach is Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue, where you can take your dog for a run or swim. This park is less than a 10-minute drive from Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island. The area is close to the causeway, however, so be sure you’ve perfected your dog’s recall skills before letting her off the leash!
Venice Brohard Paw Park and Fort DeSoto State Park, both within an hour’s drive of Anna Maria Island, are doggie heaven for a pup on a vacation.
Both are clean, well-kept, and full of furry friends to play with. Let your dog run, jump, and swim with her friends for a couple of hours, so you can go to Anna Maria Island and do the same. These beaches are perfect for humans to enjoy a swim with their furry friends, as well.
Dog-friendly Hikes
Just 15 minutes from Anna Maria Island, Robinson Preserve has it all: a 7.3-mile dog-friendly loop trail that is paved for walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading. This beautiful trail is a great way to see Florida wildlife while ensuring your (leashed) dog gets some exercise.
Though a little further afield, Red Bug Slough Preserve in Sarasota is another great choice for Fido. This 72-acre preserve has flat, unpaved trails that are great dog-friendly walking paths.
Trails can be wet and muddy at certain times of year, as they cross creeks and ditches – an extra fun walk for the dog! It also has a number of public spaces, benches, and a playground for kids. Dogs are welcomed, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
If you’re looking for some bigger hikes, head to Myakka River State Park just south of Sarasota, which also allows leashed pets. Here, you’ll find almost 40 miles of well-maintained loop trails to explore with your furry friend. Dogs are also allowed on the campgrounds, so long as they’re leashed or tethered.
Dog-friendly Anna Maria Island
There are lots of pet-friendly restaurants and shops on Anna Maria Island – just be sure to look for a sign inviting your four-legged friend in or ask if you’re unsure.
Many restaurants have covered patios that allow dogs to relax while you have a nice meal and a cold beer. Some may even have a water bowl outside for your pup to have a drink.
If not, be sure to give them some water, as the Florida sun can get quite hot. Harry’s Grill on Gulf Drive, The Waterfront Restaurant on S. Bay Boulevard and Poppo’s Taqueria on Pine Avenue have dog-friendly patios.
Some of the island’s independently-owned shops are dog-friendly, too, but it’s always best to ask a staff person before entering with your dog.
Wherever you are, be sure to keep your dog leashed at all times, unless in a designated off-leash area or in the backyard of an Anna Maria pet-friendly vacation rental.
