Whether you and your four-legged furry call the Gulf Coast home or you’re house sitting as a pet sitter in Sarasota, this guide is for you. Read on to find the best of pet-friendly Sarasota, FL – all the restaurants, beaches, parks, and walks just waiting to be explored by you and your pooch pal.
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Dog-friendly restaurants in Sarasota
Looking for a spot where your furry friend can join you for a bite? Sarasota has a fantastic selection of dog-friendly restaurants that serve up great food and drink outside on their patios.
Libby’s
Libby’s neighborhood brasserie serves the likes of orange chicken, krabby patties, and avocado egg rolls alongside classic cocktails with a twist. Their dog-friendly patio welcomes pups with iced water and treats, so everyone at the table feels at home.
Location: 1917 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239, United States
The Old Salty Dog
A Sarasota staple with locations on City Island and Siesta Key, The Old Salty Dog is a big fan of their furry regulars. With their own “Dog Blog” and a pet-friendly outdoor area, four-legged friends are guaranteed to have a good time – just don’t tell them about the hot dogs!
Location: 1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Famous for lobster rolls, bacon-wrapped scallops, and blackened grouper, this waterfront dining spot has a dog-friendly terrace overlooking the bay. Look out for dolphins, pelicans, and even manatees!
Location: 412 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228, United States
Boca
Boca is an everyday, upscale restaurant – grab a table in the dog-friendly seating area on the sidewalk so you and your furry companion can enjoy the buzz of downtown. Fresh, farm-to-table flavors are served with a seasonal approach to the classics.
Location: 19 S Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill
Enjoy the breeze from the Gulf of Mexico as you sip on cocktails and beer at this beachside hangout. Grab a table on the sand so your furry friend can play with other pooch pals while you dig into salads, handhelds, and appetizers.
Location: 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
Cha Cha Coconuts
Enjoy the island vibes as you sit back and soak in the atmosphere of St Armands. Four-legged fluffies will get some fuss from the staff, while humans can enjoy things like coconut shrimp, mahi mahi, and grouper tacos.
Location: 417 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
Oak & Stone
Craft your pizza at dinner time, enjoy bottomless Mimosas & Bloody Marys on the weekend, or pick from a menu of handhelds, salads, and starters any day of the week. The outdoor seating section is perfect for doggy dates.
Location: 4067 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233, United States
New Pass Grill & Bait Shop
Established in 1929, this laid-back local spot serves award-winning burgers and an extended menu of everything from salads to sandwiches. Four-legged friends are more than welcome outside!
Location: 1505 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
The Parrot Patio Bar & Grill
Treat Fido to a hamburger patty in the outdoor seating area as you catch the game on one of many 32-inch HDTVs. There’s a giant selection of mouth-watering food and a full bar with all your favorite beers on tap.
Location: 3602 Webber St, Sarasota, FL 34232, United States
Marina Jack
Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio of this waterfront restaurant, with iced water on tap. Enjoy Bourbon Maple Pork Chop, Marina Jack Bouillabaisse, or Crispy Red Snapper with pasta dishes and add-ons, all with your pup by your side.
Dog-friendly beaches in Sarasota
Sarasota is home to golden sands, sparkling blue waters, and plenty of sunshine – the perfect recipe for a beach day with your pup. But before you grab the leash and head out, it’s worth knowing that not every beach welcomes four-legged visitors. To save you the guesswork, here are the best pet-friendly beaches in and around Sarasota!
Brohard Paw Park
A little drive from downtown, but totally worth it, Brohard Paw Park is the only official dog beach in Sarasota County. Four-pawed pals can make new furry friends in separate play areas for big and small dogs, before taking the boardwalk down to the beach area to run in the sand and splash in the surf. There’s a dog wash station for a quick rinse before heading home, plus drinking fountains and benches for a well-earned rest.
Location: 1850 Harbor Dr S, Venice, FL 34285, United States
Bayfront Park
Furry friends can splash in the calm, shallow water of Bayfront Park, right in the heart of Sarasota. There are separate areas for big and small pups to explore off-leash, and you can stop by O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill afterwards for a drink and a bite to eat.
Location: 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
Bird Key Park
Keep Fido on the leash to stroll along this picturesque path beside Sarasota Bay. Pups can dip their paws in the water, and you’ll find doggy water fountains, waste bag stations, and free parking nearby.
Location: 200 John Ringling Cswy, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
Fort De Soto Dog Park / Beach
For a real doggy day trip, drive about an hour north to Fort De Soto, a true pawadise. There’s a dog-friendly section of the beach with crystal-clear water for swimming, along with a fenced, shaded play area just steps from the sand. Drinking fountains are available, but bring your own bowl.
Location: St. Petersburg, FL 33715, United States
Dog-friendly parks in Sarasota
Sarasota County has two types of spaces for pet parents and their furry friends:
- Dog parks are fenced, off-leash areas designed for pups to play freely under supervision.
- Dog-friendly parks are open spaces, preserves, and trails where four-legged friends are welcome on a leash (max 6 feet).
Here are some of the best spots to check out!
17th Street Paw Park
There are three sections to this doggy park: one for small pups, one for large, and one for training purposes. The large-dog section is roomy, and there’s plenty of shade, seating, water, and waste stations.
Location: 4570 17th St, Sarasota, FL 34240, United States
Arlington Paw Park
Here, there’s plenty of shade, water fountains, and a half-mile walking path for pre- or post-play strolls. Parking can be found on the pool side of this popular park.
Location: 2650 Waldemere St, Sarasota, FL 34239, United States
Lakeview Park
Two enclosed play areas keep big and small pups happy, with restrooms nearby and shaded trails for a scenic walk around the peninsula and golf course.
Location: 7255 Hand Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241, United States
Canine Club Dog Park
Considering its downtown location, this dog park is surprisingly roomy. There are separate areas for dogs depending on their size, and plenty of furry regulars. Note that it’s closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.
Location: 1791 10th St, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
Happy Tails Dog Park
Three designated zones, including one for senior doggos, make this a great spot for pups of all ages. There’s seating, shade, and furry friends are welcome in the rest of the park so long as they’re kept on a leash.
Location: 2802 51st St W, Bradenton, FL 34209, United States
Blackstone Park
This clean little dog park has space for dogs big and small, plus all the essentials, including a pavilion, picnic tables, water, and cleanup stations.
Location: 2112 14th Ave W, Palmetto, FL 34221, United States
Sapphire Shores Park
While furry friends must stay on the leash to enjoy this park, there are facilities like water fountains and dishes for doggies to drink from. Make sure your pup steers clear of the children’s playground.
Dog-friendly walks in Sarasota
Sometimes the dog park doesn’t quite cut it. For days when you and your pup need to stretch your legs and explore somewhere new, check out these dog-friendly hikes with Fido on a leash.
Red Bug Slough Reserve
This 72-acre park has plenty of shady trails to explore, and while they might not be the longest, the paths twist and turn enough to give pups a solid workout. Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way, and watch out for alligators by the water.
Location: 5200 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231, United States
Venetian Waterway Park
This wide concrete path follows the banks of the waterway through open green spaces and urban scenery. It’s popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists, so keep your pup close and on the leash.
Location: 200 N Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285, United States
Celery Fields
Known as a great spot for birdwatching, this peaceful preserve has paths that weave through wetlands and open meadows. Leashed dogs are welcome to join, as long as they’re on their best behavior.
Location: 6799 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240, United States
Legacy Trail
One of the most popular trails in the area, the Legacy Trail stretches nearly 20 miles from Sarasota to Venice. It’s paved, flat, and dotted with access points, rest stops, and restrooms. You’ll be in good company with other dog walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers.
Location: Central Sarasota Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34238, United States
Emerson Point Preserve
Located at the tip of Snead Island, this beautiful preserve has a mix of coastal and forest trails with views over the Manatee River and Tampa Bay. Pups on a leash are welcome to join you on the boardwalks, lookout points, and sandy paths.
Dog-friendly activities in Sarasota
On the hunt for more dog-friendly places in Sarasota? Here are some of the best things to see and do with your pooch pal!
Sarasota Farmers Market
Is there anything better than strolling the stalls on a Saturday morning with your furry friend by your side? Over 75 vendors come here to sell everything from fresh produce and seafood to handmade candles, jewelry, and artwork. Other dog-friendly markets in the area include the Siesta Key Farmers Market, Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch, and Meadows Farmers Market, all of which are held on Sundays.
Location: N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
Sarasota Boat Tours
Climb aboard the Sylvan Tri Toon with Fido for a scenic cruise around Sarasota’s waterways. Captain Cory will make your furry friend feel right at home as you learn about wildlife and spot dolphins and manatees!
Location: 5253 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231, United States
St. Armands Circle
This European-style shopping district welcomes leashed pups to enjoy open-air boutiques, cafes, and shady green spaces. Stop for a pet-friendly snack or souvenir – plenty of stores have dog-themed items.
Sarasota, FL
Tips for pet parents in Sarasota
- Be aware of gators near freshwater. Many Sarasota parks and preserves have freshwater ponds and lakes where alligators live. Always keep your pooch on a leash near the water’s edge and avoid letting them swim or drink from natural ponds.
- Protect paws from hot pavement. Sarasota’s sun-soaked sidewalks can be scorching by late morning, especially in summer. Plan walks before 9 am or after sunset, and test surfaces with your hand before letting your furry friend step on them.
- Plan ahead for trips away. Next time you’re booking a getaway, why not sort your pet care at the same time – if not before?! With thousands of verified in-home sitters waiting to exchange loving pet care for a place to stay, your furry family member will be in great hands with TrustedHousesitters.
Find a pet sitter in Sarasota
Tips for pet sitters in Sarasota
- Check beach rules before you go. Most Sarasota County beaches don’t allow dogs (except for places like Brohard Paw Park). If you’re unsure, check Sarasota County’s Parks & Recreation site before heading out to avoid fines and disappointment.
- Enjoy the Farmers Market early. Sarasota’s Saturday Farmers Market is dog-friendly, but it gets crowded quickly. Arrive early for cooler temps, fewer people, and first dibs on treats – some stalls even hand out biscuits for four-legged visitors.
- Explore Sarasota as a pet sitter. Between morning walks on scenic trails, lazy afternoons in dog-friendly cafes, and trips to the beach on the weekend, there’s plenty to enjoy alongside your furry charge. It’s the best way to see the city like a true local!
House sitting in Sarasota
More dog-friendly travel guides near Sarasota
Thinking about house sitting in Sarasota, visiting a nearby town with your canine companion, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.
