Dog walking in Fleming Island

Downtown Jacksonville

Jacksonville is the largest city in the U.S. to adopt a no-kill pet shelter policy, so it's clear this city loves its dogs. Downtown Jacksonville is no exception -- this hip, densely-populated waterfront area is incredibly dog-friendly! There's a 3-mile riverside walk you can take your furry buddy on, or you could visit the off-leash Riverside Park with its well-shaded separate areas for small and large pooches. The park has plenty of baggie dispensers and trash cans, but you'll need to bring your own water as none is provided in the park. Although there is a strict "no dogs in restaurants" policy across the state of Florida, almost all of Downtown's restaurants have ample outdoor seating where your canine companion is more than welcome. Overall, this neighborhood is the perfect spot for you and your furry friend!

Downtown Saint Augustine

If it’s some beautiful historical city life you and your canine companion are after, then Downtown St. Augustine is the place to be! This charming coastal city is steeped in history and full of pawesome attractions. In keeping with Florida’s strong urban park policy, there is a beautiful central park here for you and your bounding buddy to enjoy. There is also the Pup Crawl (a pet-friendly pub crawl), the Bone Appetite food tour, and the Pawsitivity walking tour for you and your Fido to enjoy. Each of these tours has a ‘pup stop’ facility to tend to the needs of your barking buddy. There is also a good selection of pet stores here, including the excellently named Faux Paws.

Central

In keeping with Florida’s excellent dog-friendly attitude, Downtown Gainesville loves its dogs just as much as other muttropolitan areas of the state. Downtown is a cultural hot-spot in this beautiful city, home to a whole area (located at South Main) full of art galleries and interesting local boutique shops. You don’t have to worry about your furry friend's comfort here; most of the restaurants in this area have outside seating, and many are happy to supply a water bowl for your canine companion. After stuffing your faces, work off those extra calories at Haisley Lynch Park, downtown's only off-leash dog park. Explore the area on foot to find other Fido-friendly pit stops!

Ponte Vedra Beach

Ponte Vedra Beach, although more densely populated than nearby St. Augustine, has fewer dog-friendly amenities. It does, however, have an excellent dog park, which includes a section for large and small dogs (over and under 25 lbs.), so no need to worry about any ruffhousing from bigger dogs if your fetching friend is of a diminutive stature. There are also 10 pet-friendly hotels, 16 pet-friendly restaurants, 2 stunning beaches, and a large nature reserve (your bounding buddy’s got to stay on their leash in this one, though). You'll also find a veterinary clinic here to take care of your furry friend. Although not as pet-friendly as its neighbor, Ponte Vedra Beach is still a really pawesome place to visit!

Orange Park

If you’re looking for the perfect hangout spot with your tail-waggin' wonder, then Orange Park is gonna make your furry friend think they're in wonderland! Orange Park boasts no fewer than 18 doggie-friendly restaurants, as well as waterfront walks, 4 pet-friendly hotels, and Poochie's Park, the biggest canine attraction. Poochie's Park has a 3.5-acre doggie play area where you can let your bouncing buddy roam free around the sand pit, nature trail and grassy meadow; it’s quite literally "off the chain"! The park has strict guidelines and safety procedures for new visitors, so no need to worry about your pets’ safety. Just be sure to check out the website before you visit (and don’t forget your vaccination papers!).