Dog walking in Sanibel

Wulfert

The Wulfert neighborhood is the largest on Sanibel Island, but is mostly taken up by nature. The entire northern half of the neighborhood is part of the J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, a dog-friendly nature preserve that offers driving routes for scenic car rides, hiking trails, and canoe launch sites. Dogs are welcome, but must remain on leashes 6 feet or less, and owners must come prepared with clean-up bags. The preserve can get pretty busy during the summer months, so for something quieter, the Blind Pass Park provides a small getaway for you and Fido, with a small open, grassy area and paved walking trails, with gorgeous views of the water. The park has benches and trash bins available.

Sanibel City Center

Scenic views of the water, long shorelines and access to the forested area of the park- how can life get any better for Fido at the Sanibel City Center neighborhood? You and your dog have access to all these great features when heading to the Gulfside City Park Beach, a dog-friendly beach and park for leashed dogs that allows them on the beach, in the water or on the nature trails of the park. The beach has a dog-sized water fountain, trash bins, grills and picnic areas in the parking lot. The Lighthouse Beach Park is also a dog-friendly beach area, with public access to fishing piers and the boardwalk as long as Fido remains on a leash.

Causeway Islands

The Causeway Islands is a group of islands that help provide structure to the bridge that links Sanibel Island to the mainland. Located off the northeast shoreline of Sanibel, the islands are dog-friendly and separated into Island A and Island B. Island A has a parking area and surrounded by the ocean, with access to restrooms, grills, and picnic areas. Island B doesn't have a parking area and can only be accessed by the pedestrian bridge. The area does have a small dock though, is lined with palm trees, and provides access to swimming, water fountains and trash bins. Fido must remain on a leash when visiting both islands.

Pine Ridge Rd/ Summerlin Rd

The Pine Ridge Road and Summerlin Road neighborhood is about 11 miles north of Sanibel, on the mainland in Fort Myers Beach. Although a bit of a drive, the town has the Woof-A-Hatchee Dog Park, a fenced-in park for Fido which provides separate areas for smaller and larger dogs with dirt and mulch ground cover, so beware of dirty puppy paws! Both areas feature double-gated fences, covered seating areas, clean-up stations, and water fountains. If you're looking to stay in the neighborhood, the Candlewood Suites is a dog-friendly hotel that allows pets up to any size stay any amount of nights for a fee.