Things to Do with Your Dog in Miami

Miami's sunny weather makes it a fun place to take your dog outdoors whenever you leave the house. Fortunately, Miami has plenty of places for you to spend quality time with your dog, whether you feel like playing Frisbee or taking it easy at a restaurant. Keep your dog on a leash if you're in doubt about any establishment's policies, though several of the city's parks allow you to let your dog off its leash and run free.

  1. Dog Parks

    • Dogs love going for walks, and Miami has a host of dog parks where they can sniff around, get some exercise and even socialize with other dogs. Perrine Wayside Dog Park in Palmetto Bay is popular with Miami dog owners, such as the Palmetto Bay Dog Owners Group. Tropical Park has a two-acre dog park, with separate areas for large and small breeds. Dogs can play on the tire jump and king-of-the-hill ramp, with breaks to drink from the doggie drinking fountain.

      In some parks, if your dog is well-behaved you can let it off its leash and play Frisbee with it. Otherwise, take it for a walk and sit down for a picnic when you get tired. Take some healthy dog treats and make your excursion a training trip if you want to teach it some new tricks. You'll both enjoy the fresh air and grassy surroundings.

      Tropical Park

      7900 SW 40 Street

      Miami, FL

      305-226-8316

      miamidade.gov

    Beaches

    • Taking your dog to the beach gives it a new environment to play and explore, while you enjoy the fresh breeze and gorgeous views. Take a walk along the shore or play Frisbee on the sand. Many beaches have additional walking trails if you want to explore beyond the coastline. Keep your dog leashed unless you know it's okay to let it run free. Several beaches, including Miami Beach and Virginia Beach, also have beach chair and umbrella rentals if you want to sunbathe with your dog---though it may fall asleep before you do! Having a seat gives you a chance to rest while you throw a ball for your dog to fetch.

      Homestead Bayfront Park Beach

      9698 N Canal Drive

      Homestead, FL

      305-230-3033

      miamidade.gov

    Outdoor Restaurants

    • While taking your dog inside a restaurant may be risky, you can always take a seat at an outdoor restaurant and let your dog lounge in the sun while you dine. Miami has dozens of outdoor restaurants, including Beverly Hills Cafe and Pizza Fusion; both allows dogs on leashes to sit at outdoor tables. If you walk your dog to the restaurant, it probably won't mind taking a nap while you eat. Otherwise, bring some dog snacks for it to enjoy; if you forget, you can always sneak it scraps under the table, as long as it's healthy and your dog remains well-behaved.

      Pizza Fusion

      14815 Biscayne Boulevard

      North Miami Beach, FL 33181

      305-405-6700

      pizzafusion.com