A recent study by RewardExpert ranks the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater region as the No. 1 region to travel with pets in the U.S. The study compared the number of veterinarians, pet stores, and pet-friendly activities per every 100,000 residents in 53 of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. There’s no reason to leave your four-legged friend at home when you visit the Gulf Coast—after all, your pet is family!
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Settle in at The Don CeSar which caters to dogs and cats for a fee of $45 a night. The historic hotel offers a room-service menu for your pet, along with all of the home comforts expected by a pampered pet including bedding, leashes and collars, litter boxes and even spa services. Pet-walkers and pet-sitters are also on standby. Choose from two beachfront properties at TradeWinds Island Resorts: both have pet-friendly suites, a leash-free Pet Play Zone, designated dog walking area, and a Paw Court Bistro room service menu. At the Clarion Inn & Suites, you can bring along two pets weighing 70 pounds or less for a small fee. You can also try these pet-friendly places to stay.
Dog Beaches & Parks in St. Petersburg/Clearwater
Doesn’t your dog deserve to run free on the shores of the Gulf Coast? Enjoy a day playing fetch on a stretch of beach designated for dogs at Fort De Soto. Amenities at Sand Key Park also include a dog park, along with a playground for kids, and a picnic area with grills. At Honeymoon Island State Park’s dog park, enjoy the natural shoreline and crystal-clear water. (Keep your pup on a six-foot handheld leash, though.) Explore all of the pet-friendly beaches and parks in St. Petersburg/Clearwater here.
Pet-Friendly Dining on the Gulf Coast
Once you’ve worked up an appetite playing fetch, head to Cassis American Brasserie in St. Petersburg where your dog can order from a special menu including “Mutt Loaf” and a Hot Dog. For something more laidback, try The Dog Bar in St. Pete’s Grand Central District. On Clearwater Beach, try The Brown Boxer Pub & Grille, where you can dine on the patio with your dog. Or, head to pet-friendly Dunedin Brewery for a cold one at the oldest craft brewery in Florida.
