For the past 4 years that I’ve been living in Central Florida, I have had 3 dogs (1 Schnauzer -died 2017-, another Schnauzer -since 2018- and a mixed since 2018). They are my children so I like to find places that I can visit with them.
There are many places to visit and see that you can go with your dog. From beaches and shops, even areas that are very dog-friendly.
— Ponce Inlet. We love the beach, so this is a good option. Here we pay $20 a year (the last time I saw it, it was $ 10 for the day) and we can enter to the state park as many times as we want. Ponce Inlet beach’s water is a bit dark, but super calm which is why we love it with dogs. The place has a parking area, spots for cookouts and picnics, restrooms, showers, good views and a few steps away is the highest lighthouse in the state. It is important to keep your dog on his chain at all times. And in the late afternoon you may be able to see dolphins very close and / or manatees.
— There are 2 restaurants relatively close to the beach. My favorite and the closest one (right in front of the lighthouse) is “Hidden Treasure Rum Bar & Grill”. The food is very good and you can eat with a good view. Another option is “Aunt Catfish’s on the River” which is very good, although it can fill up easily, it is a little further but well worth it.
— Mount Dora. In this small town everything is dog friendly. Even as you walk around the area you will find water bowls for the dogs. There are bars, restaurants and lots of shops, including pet friendly ones of course.
— St. Augustine. A little further north, towards the east coast, you’ll find this amazing city. It’s about 2 hours from Orlando but it’s worth the trip. It is the oldest city in the country and your dog is more than welcome. There is everything from museums, shops, a castle, the bay and more.
Remember that Florida during the summer is very hot and humid, so it is good that you always carry extra water for your dog, even when you can find many places with water bowls for them. And one app / web that I recommend for finding dog spots is “BringFido”.
