Dog Friendly St. Pete the Ultimate Guide from Local Guides

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Is St. Petersburg, FL a good place to visit with my dog?

Learning that St. Pete is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US made us eager to see it for ourselves. We spent a month living in St. Pete with our two terriers, and discovered all the reasons why it deserves such a spot.

In a month, we never ran out of new beaches to visit, parks to walk around, or patios to sit on. The white sand beckons to you and Fido to join in the fun.

Your visit will be even better with insider tips from dog-loving locals. We were lucky to have two sets of people share their advice. The founders of the US Bark Ranger’s Facebook group live in St. Pete and Angi a vacation rental host in the area gave us tons of great suggestions.

Top Dog Friendly Activities Around St. Petersburg, FL

Almost all the best things to do with your dog around St. Petersburg are outdoor activities.

The Dog Bar, Downtown St. Pete

I had heard about Dog Bar for months before arriving and it did not disappoint. We visited with the US Bark Rangers founders and their dogs.

At The Dog Bar, your pups can roam free off-leash in a vibrant atmosphere. It’s an excellent spot for doggie playdates while owners can chat and have a drink. Employees help to keep an eye on dogs and reinforce expected behavior.

For hotter weather or if your dog just loves water, the kiddie pools filled with ice and water are one of the most popular activities

There is a separate seating area that can be reserved for private parties or if your dog wouldn’t do well in the zoomie atmosphere of the main section.

Remember to bring your dog’s vaccination records, and note that male dogs need to be neutered to join the fun.

St. Pete Pier

The pier’s design means you and your pup can enjoy a long stroll (just over a mile round trip). The area is packed with interesting sights, from the water views to little hidden paths, and even spots to relax like those colorful Adirondack chairs, perfect for a sunset.

Plus, there are plenty of places with large patios where you can grab a bite or a drink, making it easy to plan a day out.

The atmosphere is vibrant and fun, but it’s wise to consider your dog’s personality when deciding the best time to visit— Does your furry friend love the buzz of a crowd or the calm of a quieter time?

Exploring Dog Friendly Beaches Near St. Petersburg, FL

If you’re looking for a place where you and your dog can enjoy the beach too, some great ones are available in the area.

Many beaches in the St. Petersberg area boast soft, white sand and are great for shell collecting, attracting folks from all over the country. Clearwater Beach is a standout, often making Trip Advisor’s top 10 list. Unfortunately, these top beaches aren’t all dog-friendly.

Make sure to check out the full post on dog friendly beaches in St. Petersburg to find out where you can bring your pup along for some beach day fun. Here are a couple of highlights.

Fort De Soto – it’s one of the few spots in the county dedicated completely to dogs where they can play off-leash and swim on the beach to their heart’s content. The island on the gulf is also a fun place to camp, hike and explore historic sites.

Honeymoon Island Dog Beach – This stunning beach is a bit of a trek north. You can take the scenic route to get to the beach through some nature trails. This beach is on-leash and the currents may not be in your favor, so it’s best for more of a scenic walk than a romp.

Clearwater North Beach – Located just north of the multi-award winning brilliant white sands of Clearwater Beach (not dog friendly), you can catch an incredible sunset with your leashed dog.

Dog Friendly Sunset Cruise in Johns Pass

If you want to get off the beach and into the water and enjoy a picturesque sunset, the John’s Pass Sunset Cruise is a must-do in Dog-Friendly Tampa Bay.

Up to 12 people can join on this pet friendly tour. They provide the cooler. You provide the drinks. Absolutely breath-taking water views of all of our beaches and, of course, that magical Florida sunset.

➡️ Click here to book your Sunset Cruise with your dog ⛵

Dog Friendly Restaurants St Pete

Since the area has such pleasant weather in the evenings year round, patios are a great way to get a delicious meal and have your furry friend join you. Most places especially near the beach will have a patio.

Arkane Aleworks

For the craft beer enthusiasts, Arkane Aleworks offers a dog-friendly spot to savor unique brews. With a rotating food truck feature, it’s the perfect hangout for you and your pup to indulge in some local flavors.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is a tropical escape for seafood lovers. Enjoy Caribbean and South American-inspired dishes on the patio where your dog is more than welcome to join in on the fun and entertainment on St. Pete’s Pier.

Category 36 Taphouse & Kitchen

Cheesy-gooey rich red sauce Stromboli makes a great way to end a day at the beach. Head over after visiting nearby dog friendly Sunset Beach Park. They have a small patio area with wood tables where dogs are allowed to join you.

If all these ideas weren’t enough, check out other dog friendly getaways in the Tampa Bay Area.

Dog-Friendly Accommodations in St. Petersburg, FL

When is the Best Time to Visit St. Pete? 

The best time to visit beaches in St. Petersburg with your dog largely depends on a few factors, including weather, beach regulations, and your preferences for crowd sizes. Here’s a straightforward breakdown:

Fall and Spring

These seasons are ideal for visiting St. Petersburg’s beaches with your dog. The weather is comfortable—not too hot for your furry friend—and the beaches are less crowded than during the peak summer months. This means more space for your dog to explore and less stress from overcrowding.

If you are a baseball fan visiting during the spring, don’t miss the spring training in Tampa. There are even days when you can bring your dog to the game with you.

Winter

While it might be cooler, winter offers a unique opportunity for beach visits. The beaches are much quieter, giving you and your dog plenty of space. Just ensure you won’t be disappointed if the water is chillier than you might like to go swimming.

Summer

Extreme summer heat in St. Pete can be particularly challenging for long-haired dogs. The high humidity and blazing sun can quickly lead to overheating, so it’s crucial to plan your outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day and always have plenty of water on hand. However, early mornings or late evenings can be a great time to visit as it’s cooler

Gasparilla is a pirate-themed festival in June that takes place in Tampa. It’s fun for the whole family. If your dog doesn’t mind crowds, they are allowed to join in.

Note: If you have a tiny dog, be extra cautious during hurricane season, which peaks from June to November. Although it’s rare, strong winds have been known to be a hazard for the littlest of pups.

By the Numbers: Why St. Pete is Rated One of the Most Dog-Friendly Cities

St. Pete and the greater Tampa Bay area is widely considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in America. In fact, it has consistently been named as one of the 12 friendliest large cities in the US, which is a testament to its welcoming vibe.

Greater Tampa Bay has claimed the top spot as for pet-friendly vacation spots due to high numbers of pet friendly accommodation. It also far outranked any other US city for access to dog welcoming beaches and dog parks . Finally, it is a top contender for pet-friendly restaurants receiving an A. Put it all together, and it makes this area a great place to bring your dog.

The Top 12 Dog-friendly Cities in the United States

I looked into what the data said and I surveyed people who regularly travel with their dogs to come up with the most dog-friendly cities in the US.

Best Dog-friendly cities on the East Coast

Best Dog-friendly cities on the West Coast

Best Dog-friendly cities in the Southwest

If you have been to one of the places on my list or if you have a suggestion of another fabulous pet destination, I’d love to hear your story on our review page for the United States.

Final Thoughts: Is St. Pete a Good Place to Bring a Pet?

It’s clear this sunny locale is a paradise not just for humans but for our dogs as well. From the sprawling white sands of its beaches to the welcoming patios of its eateries, St. Pete promises tons of adventures that both you and your pup can enjoy together.

We’ve made it even easier to explore with insights from three invaluable guides: ourselves, based on our month long stay; Angi Trapp, your go-to for dog-friendly vacation rentals; and the local expertise of the founders of the US Bark Ranger’s Facebook group, who are always ready to share their favorite spots. Each guide contributed their unique perspective to ensure your visit is filled with memorable moments.

So, leash up and get ready to explore the best of St. Petersburg with your four-legged friend by your side.