By Vanessa Caceres
So you want to bring your canine best friend to Sarasota, Florida? Here’s the good news: There’s no shortage of places to take your dog best friend along, as Sarasota is a town of dog lovers. From parks to cafes to markets to hotels, dogs are often part of the fun on the Suncoast—if not the main attraction.
Here’s a run-down on some of the friendliest places for dogs around Sarasota:
Dog Friendly Parks and Beaches
Beach time is part of fun time in Sarasota, and that doesn’t mean leaving your furry friend out of the picture. Take your dog to Brohard Paw Park and Beach in Venice, which is a designated off-leash dog beach area adjacent to Venice Beach. You’ll find both a traditional dog park area not in the sand as well as the dog beach. Some dogs take right to the water while others are scared of it, so keep a close eye on your dog if it’s his or her first time chillin’ at the beach.
Photo credit Laurén Ettinger
Photo credit Laurén Ettinger
Sarasota has several other dog parks, including the newest addition to the mix, the Canine Club in the Gillespie Park neighborhood. This mostly shaded area is near the larger Gillespie Park, so you and Fido can have off-leash time at the dog park and take a walk at the larger park area. Then there’s the busy 17th Street Paw Park, with separate areas for small and large dogs. The park is mostly in the sun, but you’ll find a few shaded areas. At the Arlington Paw Park, you’ll also find separate areas for smaller versus larger dogs, and you can round out your visit with an on-leash walk at Arlington Park. At Lakeview Paw Park, find shade, benches, and picnic tables as your furry travel companion gets to run around and make a few friends.
Photo credit Laurén Ettinger
Food and Shopping
One no-brainer for fun with your dog in Sarasota is strolling at one of several farmers markets. At the Sarasota Farmers Market in downtown Sarasota on Saturdays, dog-watching is practically a hobby (just watch that little Yorkie greet the passing Great Dane or the basset hound get accolades for his long ears). Other area markets welcome dog visitors, including the Phillippi Farmhouse Market, Siesta Key Farmers Market, and the Venice Farmers Market. You’ll find vendors that set out water bowls specifically for your dog buddy. Check schedules in advance online, as some markets are not open year-round.
Photo credit Laurén Ettinger
A great next destination is St. Armand’s Circle, located near Lido Beach. St. Armand’s is a European-style circular area with shopping and restaurants, with several outdoor restaurants that regularly cater to dog and human customers. Some of the stores also have dog-themed gift items. When your dog needs a break from the many humans attracted to St. Armand’s, just go to the “circle” part of St. Armand’s for some green space.
There are other restaurants around town that welcome dogs, including Libby’s, The Daiquiri Deck on Siesta Key, O’Leary’s Tiki Bar near Marina Jack in Bayfront Park, Amore Italian Restaurant in the Burn’s Court neighborhood, and Big Top Brewery.
Photo credit Laurén Ettinger