Dog Walkers in Overtown

Miami’s climate is highly amenable to dog walkers with warm weather throughout the year. Summer days can be exceptionally hot and humid, however, and you may want to plan your daily constitutional with your pup for early or later in the day to avoid the heat. Keep in mind that thunderstorms often occur later in the afternoon and should be avoided as windy, rainy conditions and thunder can be frightening to your dog. 

Overtown is an irregularly shaped neighborhood that is bordered by the Miami River on the west, West First Avenue and train tracks on the east, North West Fifth Street on the south, and North 20th Street on the north border. Two elevated major freeways intersect in the Overtown neighborhood and these create an impediment to on foot travel. Local streets run under the overpasses and provide pedestrian access across the thoroughfares, however, you may need to go a few blocks out of your way to access them. 

Public transportation rail lines also run on the east border and through the community. The tracks are elevated and main roads with sidewalks run under them, allowing people and pets to cross safely. 

Overtown is a historic, highly developed, urban neighborhood with some multi-story buildings, commercial developments, apartments, condominium complexes, and detached single-family homes. The terrain is level and there are no steep hills to trek up and down with your dog.

There are many community parks in and around the Overtown neighborhood. These include Dorsey Park, Gibson Park, Henry Reeves Park, Spring Garden Park, Town Park, and Williams Park. These parks are not large, due to the central urban location of Overtown, however, they feature recreational facilities, well maintained open spaces and lawns, shade trees, and paved paths where you can stroll with your dog on regular outings in the area. Dogs must remain leashed in neighborhood parks and you should be prepared to clean up after them.

There is an off-leash dog park about a 30-minute walk from Overtown to the southwest. The park allows your pooch free play and socialization with other pets. Be sure to supervise your pup while they play!

The Miami Riverwalk Trail is located near the dog park and provides a great hiking trail along the waterfront. Keep your dog leashed and watch for joggers and cyclists on the trail.