Sip, Splash, Play! Our favorite dog

Sit. Splash. Sip!

Our Top 10 Outdoor Spots to Take Your Pup

by Brie Gorecki Tampa has become one of the most dog-friendly towns in the United States. Thanks to the beautiful weather and array of outdoor hangouts, many places allow people to bring their pups. After all, pets are part of the family too! Here is a roundup of our favorite beaches and parks where your furry friend can frolic and play on a sunny day.

OUR FAVORITE DOG BEACHES

Name a happier animal than a dog playing fetch along one of our beautiful beaches. Not only are we lucky to have some of the best beaches in the country here, but our pups can enjoy them as well!

Fort De Soto Dog Beach

Fort De Soto’s Paw Playground and Dog Beach are fan favorites for dogs and their humans. A section of Fort De Soto beach is exclusively reserved for dogs and their owners, making it the perfect spot to let your pup run around off-leash and splash in the ocean. The Paw Playground has two areas—one for large dogs and one for small—both with water stations. After passing through the entrance, follow the signs to the Paw Playground. The dog beach entrance is on the southwest corner.

Pass-A-Grille

Though there are plenty of places that welcome leashed dogs, there is a dog-friendly beach area on the bay side at the end of Pass-a-Grille Way (between First and Third Avenues) where dogs can run free in the sand and surf.

OUR TOP DOG PARK PICKS IN TAMPA

There are lots of great off-leash spots to take your pup. Here are a few of our favorite dog parks around town.

Carrollwood Village Park

Located in the heart of Carrollwood, there are two large dog parks—one for big dogs and another for small dogs—as well as a water station and a covered pavilion with seating.

West Dog Park

Just off Anderson and Sligh sits West Dog Park. They have a huge space for all dogs with plenty of trees for shade. There is also a smaller fenced-off area for small dogs. Al Lopez Dog Park

Not far from Raymond James Stadium, Al Lopez Park has a huge fencedin dog park. There is plenty of shade from the trees and the park itself has some great trails for some on-leash hiking.

Enterprise Dog Park

Sitting along Enterprise Road in Clearwater, Enterprise Dog Park is a huge play space your pup will love. Between January and April of this year, the park underwent several renovations, including new sod, a new irrigation system, dog water stations, water fountains, shade structures and dog rinse stations.

Two Shepherds Taproom

Davis Islands Dog Beach

If you’re in South Tampa, you don’t have to travel far to give your four-legged friend some fun in the sun. This sand-covered stretch of dog park acts as a great alternative to the beach. If your dogs aren’t keen on getting sand in their paws, there is also a fenced-in dog park with a grassy area for them to play in. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Dog Park

Located near downtown Tampa, this is the perfect place to bring your pup on a summer day. In addition to the large open space, there is also a splash pad just for pups to run around in!

Honeymoon Island Dog Beach

Dogs are allowed in designated areas such as the pet beach on the southern tip of the island and on the nature trail. However, they must be on a 6-foot handheld leash at all times in these areas.

Picnic Island Dog Beach

Down near the boat launch, the first stretch of beach along Picnic Island Boulevard is where dogs can frolic and play. There are also picnic tables, a grassy area for them to run around in, and a hose to rinse them off when they’re ready to go.

OUR FAVORITE DOG-FRIENDLY BARS!

Enjoy a pint with your pup at some of these “pawsome” spots around town that are meant for dogs to tag along! Please note that all locations require proof of your dog’s updated vaccinations and most are ages 21+. Please visit their website for exact details before paying them a visit. ● Two Shepherds Taproom | 4813 N. Grady Ave., Tampa | twoshepherdstaproom.com ● The Dog Bar St. Pete | 2300 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | dogbarstpete.com ● Pinellas Ale Works (PAW Beer) | 1962 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg | pawbeer.com ● Pups Pub | 2202 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | pupspubco.com