Florida Travel: Dog-Friendly Sarasota
Tips for Vacationing with Your Canine in This Southwest Florida Community
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Sarasota
Dogs are not allowed inside Sarasota's restaurants but many eateries offering outdoor seating welcome dogs. In downtown Sarasota, enjoy French cuisine at C'est La Vie (1553 Main St.). This restaurant is extremely dog-friendly as small dogs have been spotted sitting in chairs next to their humans. For a bite of Italian fusion, head to local favorite, Mattison's City Grille (1 North Lemon Ave.). American fare is served at the Sports Page Bar & Grille (1319 Main St.).
Enjoy a "Salty Dog", a deep-fried beer battered hot dog, at the Old Salty Dog. The original restaurant is on Siesta Key (5023 Ocean Blvd) and a second location is located on the water on City Island. (1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy.) The Dry Dock on Longboat Key (412 Gulf of Mexico Dr.) welcomes pooches and serves seafood and American cuisine.
Dog-Friendly Shopping in Sarasota
Canines into boutique shopping will appreciate Max's Dog Bakery in downtown Sarasota (1375 Main Street). Fresh baked dog treats are available along with unique gifts and canine essentials.
Wet Noses on St. Armands Circle (472 John Ringling Blvd.) offers a selection of gifts, treats and accessories for dogs and cats. The last Friday of each month the pet boutique hosts "Wine and Treat Tastings" where owners are invited to bring their dog to taste Wet Noses' private label wine.
The shopping event of the week that really gets tails wagging is Sarasota's Downtown Farmer's Market located at Main St. and Lemon Ave., 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sarasota residents and visitors bring their dogs to the weekly market and browse the selection of fresh produce, seafood, flowers, baked goods, crafts and other unique items.
Where Dogs Can Play in Sarasota
Dogs can run at one of four paw parks within Sarasota County. These are fenced green spaces allowing dogs to exercise and socialize with other canines. Separate areas for smaller dogs are offered and drinking water is available.
In Venice, just south of Sarasota, is the county's only dog-friendly beach, Brohard Paw Park and Dog Beach. Here, dogs can swim in the Gulf of Mexico and play in the sand. Be aware of alligators in the nearby retention pond.
Four paw parks in Sarasota County are:
17th Street Paw Park: 4510 17th St., Sarasota
Lakeview Paw Park: 7150 Lago St., Sarasota
Brohard Paw Park and Dog Beach: 1600 Harbor Dr. South, Venice
Woodmere Paw Park: 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice
Where Dogs Can Relax in Sarasota
Vacations can be tiring for dogs and The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, has the right touch to put pooches at ease with "The Privileged Pup" spa treatment. Registered guests can schedule an appointment with a certified pet massage therapist which includes a Pet Massage Lesson so dog owners can continue therapy once home. The Privileged Pup treatment includes a gourmet dog treat, photograph and relaxed canine.
Dog-Friendly Sarasota Accommodations
More than two dozen Sarasota hotels, motels and resorts welcome dogs. In downtown Sarasota, pets are welcomed at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Independently owned inns and hotels as Lido Beach Resort and Siesta Key Bungalows welcome dogs as well as familiar hotel names as Comfort Inn and Residence Inn. A handful of condominium management companies such as ResortQuest and A Paradise Vacation Rentals also offer dog-friendly accommodations. It's common for accommodations to have restrictions including a well-behaved pet and either requires a deposit or nonrefundable fee.
With activities as shopping and massages, a dog's life in Sarasota is a howling good time.
Planning Your Dog-Friendly Vacation to Sarasota
Contact the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.sarasotafl.org) for additional information and assistance in booking a vacation with your dog. (Tel: 800-348-7250 or 941-957-1877)
Sources:
Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.sarasotafl.org
Former Resident and Frequent Visitor, 2001 - Present
Published by JA Huber
Spent a decade in Death Valley, Everglades and Yellowstone Ntn'l Parks and now living happily in Florida working in tourism, editor of SoloTravelGirl.com; traveling alone, not lonely. View profile
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- While dogs are not permitted inside restaurants, many eateries with outdoor dining welcome canines.
- There are more than 20 dog-friendly accommodations in Sarasota.
- Sarasota County's only dog-friendly beach is in Venice, Fla.