Traveling To Miami With Your Pet

Greater Miami and Miami Beach is the perfect escape for travelers who prefer to travel with their 4-legged best friend. Whether you prefer lounging at a luxury resort or exploring a scenic coastal trail, you’ll find options catering to every visitor and their beloved furry companion. 

Little details make the difference – you’ll find outdoor shops with fresh water bowls on the sidewalk, designated swimming areas at local beaches and even specialized menus at neighborhood cafes. These small touches help make a trip with a pet something to be excited about.

Dog-Friendly Beaches and Parks

Haulover Park

The Miami coastline offers several spots where dogs can experience the water. Haulover Park features a dedicated bark park with separate enclosures for different dog sizes. Between lifeguard towers 2 and 3, pets run on the sand and swim in the surf from sunrise to sunset. This location remains a favorite for visitors and locals because of the ample space and welcoming atmosphere.

Hobie Beach

Farther south, Hobie Beach sits along the Rickenbacker Causeway on the way to Key Biscayne. This stretch of coastline allows dogs to play in shallow, calm waters while the skyline provides a beautiful backdrop for longer walks and an ideal spot for those who love windsurfing or paddleboarding with their pets.

Miami Beach

Miami Beach offers beach access to dog at specific locations from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. November through March and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. April through October:

• South Beach on 21^st Street
• Bark Beach between 80^th and 81^st streets in North Beach also offers extra off-leash play times during weekends: Friday through Sunday, the hours are 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. from November through February. From March through October, the hours are from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

South Pointe Park

South Pointe Park features a grassy area where dogs run off-leash from sunrise to 10 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

North Beach Oceanside Park

North Beach Oceanside Park, located near North Beach's Bark Beach, provides 2 large dog runs and shaded trails for leashed exercise.

Tropical Park

At Tropical Park in Westchester, pups enjoy a 2-acre dog park with play equipment.

David T. Kennedy Park

David T. Kennedy Park in Coconut Grove provides separate play areas for large and small dogs alongside a scenic walking trail.

The Underline

You can spend an entire afternoon exploring The Underline, which turned the space beneath the Metrorail into a massive park with a 10-mile trail that has separate, shaded paths for cyclists and pedestrians. The entire park is dog-friendly, but make sure to stop at the Chewy Bark Park where your pup can mingle with other similar-sized dogs and play on an agility course. 

Wynwood

If you prefer a more artistic vibe, the streets of Wynwood act as an open-air gallery for a long leashed stroll past world-famous murals. If your furry bestie is seeking a treat, Cielito Artisan Pops offers fruit-based popsicles created specifically for dogs.

Miami Design District

For a high-end experience, head to the Miami Design District. This 18-block neighborhood shopping area welcomes dogs to join as you window shop high-end fashion boutiques and explore large-scale public art installations.

Aventura Mall

Aventura Mall makes it easy to include your pets in a day of indoor shopping, dining and exploring, thanks to its pet-friendly amenities. This massive shopping center maintains a pet-friendly policy throughout its spaces and nearly all its individual stores, so you can browse international brands in comfort with your your leashed companion. Take your dog to its dog park to exercise, play or hydrate. There's an extra hydration station near Pubbelly Sushi. 

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Many restaurants welcome pets in outdoor seating areas all across Miami.

Glass & Vine

Coconut Grove remains a top choice for dining with a dog because of its lush canopy and walkable streets. To fully experience the energy of the neighborhood, take a seat on the massive patio at Glass & Vine. This casual garden restaurant overlooking Peacock Park boasts a dedicated "Dog Menu" featuring dog-friendly dishes like grilled chicken and rice.

Isabelle's Coconut Grove

Nearby, Isabelle's Coconut Grove provides a sophisticated outdoor terrace where leashed companions can lounge during a weekend brunch.

Restaurants at The Betsy South Beach

On Ocean Drive in South Beach, The Betsy South Beach offers two distinct dog-friendly dining choices. You can choose LT Steak & Seafood for a classic, New American meal on their dog-friendly outdoor terrace, or for a more casual setting, head to The Alley, a modern trattoria serving Neapolitan-style pizza and homemade pasta where your pup is welcome to join you.

Pet-Friendly Hotels

There are plenty of hotels in Miami that include every member of the family.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Fontainebleau Miami Beach welcomes pets up to 50 pounds and provides various amenities. Dogs receive a complimentary tag with return information. The property also features an on-site oceanfront dog park and in-room pet movies. 

Kimpton Hotels

Kimpton EPIC Miami welcomes pets of any size without an extra fee and offers guests the option to borrow dog beds and toys during their stay. Additional amenities include pet concierge service and a playlist your pets will love.

Other hotels within the Kimpton family are also animal-friendly like the Kimpton Surfcomber Miami South Beach and Angler's Hotel South Beach.

Loews Hotels

Loews Miami Beach Hotel and Loews Coral Gables Hotel feature the Loews Loves Pets program, which includes a room service menu with specialty dishes made just for animals. 

W Hotels

W South Beach and W Miami offer a Pets Are Welcome (PAW) program with specialized treats and beds, water bowls and a menu that's specially-designed for pets. They also get their own Pet in Room sign.

Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami

Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami has the WOOFTOP, where humans can order drinks from the bar while their pets have fun. There's also a dog park on the third floor, which is open from sunrise to sunset.

The Standard Spa, Miami Beach

The Standard Spa, Miami Beach on Belle Isle welcomes all types of pets and allows dogs at the bayfront pool. Pets stay free.

Marriott Hotels by the Airport

For stays near the airport, Miami Airport Marriott and Residence Inn by Miami Airport allow pets that weigh a maximum of 50 pounds. Up to two pets are allowed per room.  Marriott hotels offer a special Jet Set Pet package which include goodies like tennis balls and bandanas.

Getting Around with Your Pet

Public Transportation

Traveling through the area with a pet requires some planning. On Miami-Dade transit services – including Metrorail and the free Metromover – pets can join you if they remain in a properly enclosed carrier. These containers must fit on your lap or under the seat to keep aisles clear. For local hops in South Beach or Mid Beach, the Miami Beach Trolley also welcomes pets in secure carriers.

Brightline

For trips to or from Aventura, Brightline offers a high-speed, pet-friendly experience. Dogs and cats under 25 pounds can ride in a carrier for a fee. At the stations, pets must stay leashed until you pass through security. Afterward, they can move into their carriers for the trip.

Pet Tips

• Dogs must be on a leash in public spaces except within designated off-leash zones.
• Proper waste disposal remains essential, although most parks provide waste stations.
• Stick to grassy areas during peak afternoon hours and carry a water bottle to keep your pet hydrated.

For those that need to see a vet while in town, centrally located in the heart of Miami Beach, VCA Alton Road Animal Hospital offers comprehensive care. You can also find modern veterinary services at Chewy Vet Care in Aventura, which provides routine and urgent care in a relaxed environment.

Explore more pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and parks in Miami.