Dog Walkers in Sun Swept Isles

Sun Swept Isles is a community of medium-sized homes, most of which are owner-occupied and small apartment buildings. Many of the homes here are on the water with docks jutting out from their backyards. The streets offer plenty of sidewalks and grass strips for you and your pup to stroll on. There are pet stores within driving distance along with several restaurants along Biscayne Blvd. 

Being on the water has its advantages. If you have a boat, there is a canal that runs all the way down to Greynolds Park where there is an off-leash dog park to play in. For those who like to do a little gambling, Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino is only a short drive up US 1. The weather here is very conducive to having a dog as you can expect 240 to 250 days of sunshine most years and winters that are warm enough to wear shorts year-round. 

The land here is just as flat as anywhere in the city. The community consists of a few streets surrounding the lake and alongside Highland Oaks Park. For the really ambitious walker, you can take your dog in a complete circle around the lake on the sidewalk. While you won't be lakeside, this would be a good challenge for most. 

The only variance in the terrain is the Highland Oaks Park and Highland Oaks Playground. However, for those who prefer to stay on the road, there are several other communities with more blocks you can add into your daily hikes. Just be sure to give your pup's paws time to toughen up before you try to go on an all-out romp around all three of the nearby lakes. Don't forget how hot paved surfaces can get when the summer sun shines down. Plan your walks for early in the day to avoid burning any paws.

Highland Oaks Park is the nearest green space and offers you a chance to see one of the few areas of freshwater wetlands still in existence at the headwaters of the famed Oleta River. This is a very large natural park with athletic fields, trails, and plenty of large areas of good grass to romp around on and play with your pup. The park also offers a playground for the little ones and a trail that circles the entire park. 

If you're really up for a challenge, just a few miles to the south on US 1, you can find the Oleta River State Park. The park has over 15 miles of trails, kayaking, picnic spots, and many other recreational opportunities. While it does cost $6 per carload, making the trip down here a few times a year is a great way to break the monotony of walking around the neighborhood.