The city beautiful is a pet-friendly city. We love taking our pups out to enjoy the sunshine at local parks, nature trails, and city spots. If you live here, you know how much Central Floridians take pride in their pups. With pet-friendly events throughout the year, welcoming water bowls set out among boutiques and cafes, and plenty of nature to enjoy together, visiting Orlando with a dog is a great way to spend time with your furry best friend.
If you’re traveling to the area to visit our famous theme parks, you’ll want to figure out where your dog is welcome and when they’ll have to stay and play in their own place. It may be a good idea to plan days away from the parks so your pup can enjoy the sights too in dog-friendly spots like Winter Park, Lake Nona, and Lake Eola. But when it comes to lodging, Orlando has the best accommodations for your four-legged tourists too.
Theme Parks and Dogs
Unfortunately, most attractions are a no go. Aside from service animals, dogs are not permitted at theme parks. Some resort hotels do allow dogs in their rooms, however charges, restrictions, and rules abound, so check their specific guidelines before booking. Parks offer kennels that vary in comfort, care, and fees, however, independent boarding facilities outside of the parks may also be a good option to ensure the best care for your pup. A Ruff Day Bark Club offers luxury boarding options near the theme parks and just minutes from the Orlando International Airport.
Dog-friendly Parks and Urban Spots
There are plenty of parks beyond the themed lands in the Central Florida area. Natural and man-made wonders alike await the novice and seasoned trail blazer and their furry companions.
Orlando’s downtown centerpiece, Lake Eola, is a dog-friendly space with nearly a mile walk around the water where swans glide and the city’s landmark fountain splashes merrily.
Another city within the city, Lake Nona boasts outdoor spaces where pups are welcome, including a dog park in the trendy Boxi park district which features restaurants and bars housed in repurposed shipping containers. You’ll also find lots of indoor space for your furry besties to roam at A Ruff Day Bark Club where your pup can enjoy an enriching and customized doggy daycare while you explore the area. Members can also enjoy a private dog park and the Bark Garden Lounge which features a self-pour beer and wine station. All four-legged members are screened for vaccinations and “pawsonality,” so you’ll never have to worry about aggressive pets disrupting playtime.
Lake Baldwin Park near the modernized “main street” style community of the same name is home to a dog-park that allows pups to be off-leash. The park features a sandy beach where dogs can enjoy the waterfront and over 20 acres of recreation space.
Paw Park in Sanford, a northern suburb of greater Orlando allows dogs to roam off-leash in two areas. One designated for small dogs, and the rest for larger pups. The park does not allow aggressive dogs; however, this is usually up to the owner’s discretion to honestly know the personality of their pup.
The Orlando suburb of Winter Park has a dog-friendly atmosphere on their high street, Park Ave. Stroll around with your pup and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a chic European neighborhood with boutiques and outdoor seating at cafes perfect for calm, leashed pets. Many businesses set out water bowls for thirsty dogs. You’ll also find a large park bordering the main boulevard where you can meander amid the rose garden and large grassy lawns shaded with oaks.
Dog-Friendly Natural Areas
If you can brave the heat wisely or wait for a Central Florida winter, you’ll find plenty of natural beauty to enjoy with your four-legged best friend. Lots of nature trails and recreation areas are perfect for you and your pup to enjoy together.
Wekiwa Springs
Touted as one of Central Florida’s oldest tourist attractions, Wekiwa Springs State Park is home to an abundance of natural thrills that can be enjoyed with your pup. Doggy paddle anyone? The springs are a popular place to launch canoes and take a dip in the always 72-degree water.
Little Big Econ State Forest
Leashed pets are welcome to trot the trails at this sustainable forest, rich in Florida natural history. Bordered by two rivers, the forest offers hikes through various ecosystems. Paddling and fishing are also popular activities at this park, tucked away in a rural corner of Central Florida.
Smyrna Dunes Park
You’ll find a large section of beach offering dog-friendly swimming at this coastal gem. Located on the shores of Ponce de Leon Inlet, Smyrna Dunes sprawls over 180 acres that include a boardwalk, fishing pier, and scenic overlooks of the Inlet, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian River.
When visiting Orlando with a dog, and you begin to enjoy all that Central Florida has to offer, let us pamper your pup and enrich them with engaging playtime. Whether you’re taking a break from sightseeing with your furry best friend or need a place for them to stay while you take in the theme parks, A Ruff Day Bark Club is the place for your pet. We conveniently offer dog boarding close to the Orlando International Airport.
Our luxury staycation suites are like no other boarding facility with individual air systems, themed rooms, and digital technology that allows pet parents to check in whenever they want. Our trained staff gives pets the best care outside of your arms. For reservations or to check out our 7,500 sq. ft. facility, find out more here.