Beyond the bright lights and cruise ships, Miami’s palm trees and beaches offer lots of fun for your floof, from seaside strolls to kicking back with a cold one.
Enjoying dog-friendly activities is the perfect way to shake up the mutt monotony and make pawesome memories with your pooch.
Below, we’ll share the best dog-friendly activities in Miami and break down the basics of dog outing etiquette, so your next adventure is a smashing success.
The 9 Best Dog-Friendly Activities in Miami
Canine enrichment activities are critical in helping your dog live a fun, fulfilled life, and Miami delivers in that department by being four-footer-friendly on many fronts. See which of these dog-friendly activities in Miami matches your mutt.
1. Grab a beverage with your barker at a dog-friendly bar.
Dog-friendly activities aren’t always about getting tons of exercise. Sometimes, all you need is to sit back and sip a cold one with your canine at your side for a bit of fun, with a dog-friendly bar being the perfect venue!
On the surface, grabbing a drink with your dog may not seem entertaining to your floof, but venturing into a new environment introduces him to an overload of fresh scents, sounds, and sights.
You can stick to soda and mocktails or nurse a beer during your bar visit, but remember to drink responsibly and limit yourself, as your dog is your responsibility. Also, never share alcohol with your pup; it’s toxic to four footers.
A barker-welcoming bar trip is best for a friendly, obedient pup who won’t mind sitting in one place while you finish a drink. These visits aren’t recommended for rambunctious Rovers who are still learning basic obedience commands or for anxious pooches who are unsure of new people and pets. The goal is to relax, not babysit your barker!
Breeze through our picks for the best dog-friendly bars in Miami and find a watering hole for you and your woof.
Help your doggo display some team pride by fitting him with his very own sports jersey!
2. See the sites with your sniffer.
Miami is a city of great beauty, which makes for a great sightseeing trip with your pup.
Traveling the city on foot and experiencing landmarks up close and personal puts your dog’s brain and body to work as he investigates every new smell. In the end, your woof will get quite the nose-to-tail workout!
If your pup can’t travel much on foot, consider a dog stroller or backpack carrier to give him breaks. These are excellent options for senior sniffers eager to get out and see the world!
Get to know Miami better with your mutt at one of these dog-friendly stops.
Art Deco Historic District
About: This Miami Beach neighborhood is a must-visit for anyone but is particularly great for a dog-friendly scenic stroll since it’s so pedestrian-friendly. Keep your camera handy, as the stunning architecture features a smattering of pastels and neon accents, and there are fountains worth capturing with your pup in a perfect pose.
Address: Miami Beach, between 5th Street and 23rd Street
Website: https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/l/attractions/art-deco-historic-district/2116
Special Notes:
- Some stretches of sidewalk are more shaded than others; avoid mid-afternoon walks to protect your pooch’s paws
- Some walking tours are offered in the area but double-check their dog rules before signing up
Little Havana
About: This colorful Cuban city district is super walkable, making it a great place to explore with your pupper. The bright buildings are worthy of a selfie stop with your pooch, and the scents of authentic eats will send your dog’s tongue (and yours) wagging!
Address: Start at the visitor center, 1600 SW 8th Street, Miami, Florida
Website: https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/explore-little-havana-in-miami/
Special Notes:
- Trees offer some shade in spots, but triple-check the weather before your trip and plan for potential pop-up showers
- Always check that businesses are dog-friendly before entering with your pup
Coral Castle Museum
About: If your floof is leashed and on his best behavior, he’s welcome to enter the grounds of this unique landmark. Handbuilt with coral rock by a Latvian immigrant, this stunning structure is a treasure trove of mutt-mazing photo opportunities.
Address: 28655 South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33033
Phone Number: (305) 248-6345
Website: https://coralcastle.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Thursday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Please potty your dog in advance, and don’t let him lift his leg on anything
3. Let your Rover run free with friends at a dog park.
Sometimes, your dog just needs a little freedom, and an off-leash dog park delivers all that and then some.
Dog park statistics point to these pupper play places being beneficial to communities, and if your canine’s a social butterfly, they’re a perfect venue for meeting new furry friends. The best offer awesome extras, like agility obstacles and splash pads – a greatly appreciated feature in muggy Miami.
The best dog parks have tall fencing and separate areas for large and small dogs to promote safe play. Remember to follow all posted rules and practice dog park etiquette for the best visit possible.
Dog parks are best for confident, friendly four-footers. If your pup is remotely dog-selective or bossy with other barkers, opt for a dog park alternative, like visiting a hiking trail for a solo outing.
Browse the best dog parks in Miami and find your fur buddy’s next favorite spot.
4. Float your floof’s boat (literally!)
Miami and boats go hand in hand, so why not invite your doggo to join in the fun?
You can set sail from the city’s shoreline with your sniffer in various ways, from dog-friendly float tours to paddling your boat. Boat tours range in pricing and may or may not welcome woofs, however, so always do your homework.
Above all, practicing dog boating safety is critical in keeping everyone secure. Check the weather in advance, and never overestimate your boating skills. If you’re not experienced, avoid the ocean or bay and stick to calmer lagoons.
Take on the water with your woof with one of these dog-friendly boating ideas.
Black Point Park & Marina
About: Set off with your pup in your kayak, rower, or other vessel from this marina and see the water in a whole new way with your woofer. There are nearby walking trails as well if you want to stretch your legs once you’re back on land.
Address: 24775 SW 87 Avenue, Miami, FL
Phone Number: (305) 258-4092
Website: https://www.miamidade.gov/parks/black-point-marina.asp
Special Notes:
- Open 24 hours a day (Park office open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Watch for wildlife in the area, including manatees
Oleta River State Park
About: Well-behaved, leashed fur friends are welcome to visit this natural oasis not far from the city’s hustle. Besides being a kayaker’s paradise, this state park has loads of trails for biking with your barker.
Address: 3400 N.E. 163rd Street, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
Phone Number: (786) 756-2327
Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/OletaRiver
Special Notes:
- Open daily from 6:00 AM to sundown
- There is a $6 entrance fee per car
- May close for the day due to capacity during busy periods (weekends!)
Florida is home to millions of alligators – a significant threat to dogs and people near bodies of water in the region. Leash your woof and keep him from wandering near the edge of Miami ponds and lakes.
5. Visit a dog-friendly beach with your water-lovin’ woof.
Humans aren’t the only beach lovers around! Your dog may enjoy a fun day in the sun and sand, too!
A barkin’ beach trip offers something for almost every pup’s play style and interests. Many canines get a kick out of chasing waves back and forth, while others prefer to paddle up a storm in the water. Add dog water toys to the mix, and the fun will hit new heights!
Have a dog that isn’t into the wet stuff? Your land-loving fluffer is in luck, too, with plenty of canines content with digging in the sand, sniffing seaweed, or catching a nap on a beach blanket.
Water safety is a must at the beach with your barker. In addition to always monitoring your mutt, consider a dog life vest for puppies, seniors, and amateur swimmers. Keeping your canine on a long leash is also recommended in ocean areas where currents are a concern.
Pack a towel and visit one of these mutt-friendly Miami beaches with your pooch.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
About: Corral your canine on a leash and visit this waterside state park with beaches, walking paths, and bike trails for all sorts of four-footed fun. Just make sure you respect your surroundings and wildlife. Don’t let your doggo dig!
Address: 1200 S. Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne FL 33149
Phone Number: (786) 582-2673
Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bill-baggs-cape-florida-state-park
Special Notes:
- Open 8:00 AM to sundown daily
- Park closes for the day when it hits capacity (arrive early!)
- The entrance fee is $8 per car
Hobie Beach
About: Soak up the sun and waves with your fur kiddo at this area beach, beloved for its shallow water and laid-back vibes. There are concession stands close by for drinks and food, just be sure to carry out your trash and keep this space clean for other visitors!
Address: South End (North Rickenbacker Causeway), Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Phone Number: (305) 361-2833
Website: https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/l/beaches/hobie-beach-windsurfer-beach/3768
Special Notes:
- Among the most popular dog-friendly Miami beaches, so arrive early to snag a good spot on the sand
- Parking is free in a nearby lot
Florida’s coastline stretches for more than 1,300 miles, so don’t be afraid to get out and explore! Check out some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Florida (or along the entire east coast) to learn where to start!
6. Hit the trails for a dog-friendly hike.
Hiking offers a wonderful escape from city life with your doggo, especially in a place as beautiful as Miami. You can find trails for all experience levels, too, whether you and your mutt are off-road beginners or you’re seasoned hikers with a multitude of miles under your boots (and paws!) Remember to let your dog stop and sniff, too!
Hiking is generally best for active doggos, but you can find shorter routes for older Rovers that still enjoy an outing here and there. Keep your dog leashed, especially when hiking near water, as Florida’s dangerous wildlife makes it one of the last places you want to risk a runaway dog.
The biggest risk when hiking with a dog in Miami is overheating. The region’s humidity can be downright oppressive sometimes, making even warm days feel stifling. Always pack ample dog water bottles for hydration, and seriously consider a dog cooling vest to prevent overheating. Watch for those sneaky pop-up thunderstorms, too!
Check out one of these Miami area hiking trails with your four-footed explorer.
Snake Creek Trail
About: This paved path extends 6.5 miles, giving you and your fur buddy plenty of ground to cover during your visit. The trail surface is primarily flat, though the winding bends and scenery keep your journey interesting.
Address: South Glades Drive, Miami, FL
Website: https://www.traillink.com/trail/snake-creek-trail/
Special Notes:
- Watch for gators that occasionally run along the waterway
- Popular with cyclists
- Pavement can get hot on paws in the afternoon
Otter Cave Hammock Trail
About: At only a half-mile round-trip, this natural trail won’t wear out your woofer, but it’s a good route for beginners or senior sniffers. However, it cuts into wooded areas, so wear hiking boots and pack bug spray.
Address: Within Everglades National Park
Phone Number: (305) 242-7700
Website: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/shark-valley-trails.htm
Special Notes:
- The trail may flood during the summer
- Since this is in the Everglades, you must remain alert for dangerous wildlife, including snakes and alligators
Crandon Park
About: Walk, jog, or bike with your barker around this park’s maze of trails. With over 800 acres to explore, including beaches and waterways for boating, it’s a one-stop shop for sniffer fun under the Florida sun.
Address: 6747 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL
Phone Number: (305) 365-2320
Website: https://www.miamidade.gov/parks/crandon.asp
Special Notes:
- Open daily from sunrise to sunset
- Trails occasionally close for maintenance; always refer to the site before your visit
Florida’s home to all sorts of bugs, many of which can make your dog’s life downright miserable. From mosquitoes to ticks and fleas, these biting pests spread disease and make your mutt itch up a storm. Help your sniffer with a good flea and tick preventative, and protect him against sickness with year-round heartworm prevention.
7. Grab a bite at a dog-friendly restaurant.
Settling in at a dog-friendly eatery exposes your dog to a symphony of sights, smells, and sounds that’ll send his senses into overdrive. Some restaurants even have dog-friendly “mutt menus” full of tasty food for your floof.
Skip table scraps when dining out with a doggo, as you don’t want to risk upsetting his stomach with fatty or salty foods. Also, only visit with friendly, well-behaved woofs who don’t beg or bark at others.
See the best dog-friendly restaurants in Miami and pick your next stop on our list. Keep the best dog-friendly chain restaurants in mind, too!
8. Shop with your deal-sniffin’ doggo.
Miami is a shopping paradise for humans. Why not invite your dog alone while you scout your next buy?
Several Miami-area markets and stores are dog-friendly, letting your ruffer roam aisles with you. Aside from exercising your barker’s body through walking, shopping puts his mind to work, as every corner presents new scenery to explore with his nose.
Shopping is best for friendly, well-mannered mutts that are housetrained. It’s not a good activity for nervous pups or those with poor leash-walking skills. Check if a specific business welcomes woofs before entering, even if you’re strolling a dog-friendly mall or shopping center. Every store is unique!
Get some retail therapy with Rover at one of these mutt-friendly shopping centers.
Bayside Marketplace
About: Dogs can browse at this famous outdoor shopping center with pet parents. There’s a mix of shops and restaurants to explore, with some – but not all – being dog-friendly, so remember to ask before venturing inside with your sniffer.
Address: 401 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132
Phone Number: (305) 577-3344
Website: https://www.baysidemarketplace.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday
- Watch the social calendar for special events
Lincoln Road Shopping District
About: Various dog-friendly shops and businesses await in this Miami shopping haven. Spanning from 1400 block of Lincoln Road to the Atlantic Ocean, the area’s downright massive, making it double as a good urban hiking destination, too.
Address: Lincoln Road, Miami, Florida
Website: https://lincolnroad.com/
Special Notes:
- There is tons of public and private parking around the area
- Check social media for planned events, including farmer’s markets
9. Settle in at a dog-friendly hotel.
Why ruin your perfect doggo day with traffic? Extend your barkin’ bonanza and stay the night at one of Miami’s best mutt-friendly hotels instead!
Staying in the city allows you and your floof to focus on fun rather than your commute. It also lets you sneak in more unique dog-friendly activities, like a sunset stroll on the beach or grabbing a nightcap at a dog-friendly bar.
Unfortunately, a hotel stay isn’t right for every dog. Nuisance barkers and anxious four-footers may struggle with the change in scenery, for instance.
From local gems to the best dog-friendly hotel chains, the city’s packed with pupper-positive places to rest your paws. Check out some of our favorites.
The Betsy South Beach
About: Your pooch is a prized guest at this fancy hotel, paying homage to everything pupper with a dog photography exhibit and dog-named beer. The hotel’s own two doggos may even greet you upon arrival!
Address: 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Phone Number: (844) 539-2840
Website: https://www.thebetsyhotel.com/
Special Notes:
- Dogs of all sizes are welcome, though please let the staff know if your pooch is heavier than 40 pounds to accommodate your pup during your stay properly
- There is a $150 fee for pet visits, with half of the fee donated to animal-friendly causes
- You can schedule a dog massage at the hotel’s spa
Mayfair House Miami
About: Your dog may join your stay at this luxury hotel if he’s fully trained and weighs less than 30 pounds. This weight limit excludes medium and large pups, but if you have a small sniffer and love the look of this stunning spot, it’s a match made in mutt-friendly hotel heaven.
Address: 3000 Florida Avenue, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Phone Number: (305) 441-0000
Website: https://www.mayfairhousemiami.com
Special Notes:
- There is a maximum of 2 pets per room
- Each pet visit comes with a $150 deep cleaning fee
Remember Dog-Friendly Activity Etiquette Basics
Being on your best behavior is vital when out with your woof, just as much, if not more, than that of your dog. Ensuring that dog-friendly activities remain strong in the city starts with following the rules and being an excellent example to others.
When you’re out with your Rover:
- Clean up your dog’s poop. Dog poop disposal keeps public areas clean and reduces the risk of spreading illnesses from canine to canine since many are transmitted through feces. Scoop all of your dog’s poop and properly dispose of dog waste bags to do your part.
- Make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccines. Dogs must have a current rabies vaccination by law, but vaccines against other canine illnesses like parvo and distemper are also recommended for pups going in public. Depending on your dog-friendly activity plans and your pooch’s age, your vet may recommend additional shots, like one against canine influenza.
- Never take a sick dog in public. Dog-friendly activities are meant for healthy hounds, not those recovering from an illness. Your pup needs his rest now more than ever. Aside from that, you don’t want to risk spreading infectious diseases to other doggos.
- Don’t let your dog damage public property. When you leave a dog-friendly area, it should be as nice as when you arrived. Don’t allow your dog to dig, shred, or damage public spaces.
- Follow the rules. Dog-friendly activities have rules to keep the fun rolling in a safe, orderly fashion. Don’t swim against the stream. Respect a business’s rules or go elsewhere, plain and simple.
- Leash your dog. All dogs must be contained to a leash in public areas unless designated as off-leash by Miami officials. The good news is you can customize your dog’s lead to your needs, such as a short leash for shopping trips or a hands-free leash for jogging.
- Don’t let your dog harass others. No one wants a strange dog jumping on them or humping their legs. Your dog also shouldn’t be barking at or begging from others in restaurants and bars. Keep him leashed and at your side, only venturing over for pets when people grant permission.
- Never visit public spaces with an aggressive or anxious dog. Public areas are stressful for dogs already dealing with nervousness. Add in the unpredictable nature of these settings, and you have a potential recipe for a dog bite. Don’t stress your pup further. Opt for solo activities in a controlled environment, such as hiking a remote trail or making homemade dog cake pops together.
- Make sure your four-footer is flea-free. Nothing is worse than bringing your dog home from a fun day with a coat full of biting, hairy hitchhikers. Ensure your floof’s flea treatment is up-to-date before spreading any to other doggos in public.
- Skip memorial sites and cemeteries with your dog. Visiting places of rest with your Rover may seem harmless, but piddling pups near someone’s loved one or memorial is beyond disrespectful. Leave these areas off your itinerary.
Do any of our best dog-friendly activities in Miami sound like a good fit for your Fido? Is there another you enjoy in the city? Tell us about it in the comments! We’d love to hear!
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