Pet-Friendly Fun in St. Petersburg, Florida: Beyond The Beach

Surrounded on three sides by Tampa Bay, naturally everyone who visits St. Petersburg, Florida is looking to spend some time at the beach. Fortunately, two of St. Pete's most beautiful beaches are dog friendly!

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Fort De Soto Park and Dog Beach is GoPetFriendly.com's pick for the #1 pet-friendly attraction in Florida. With 1,100 acres to explore, miles of trails, camping, a fenced, off-leash dog park, and a beach designated especially for dogs, what's not to love? Dogs under voice control are welcome to leave their leashes behind while they romp on the dog beach, and can rinse off at the doggy showers before hopping back in the car.

Another fantastic dog-friendly beach is located at Honeymoon Island State Park. This natural barrier island boasts four miles of gorgeous sand, a nice selection of nature trails, and crystal-clear waters. The dog beach is located at the southernmost tip of Honeymoon Island, which gives you and your dog plenty of room to roam. Keep in mind that dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet while exploring Honeymoon Island with you.

Other St. Petersburg Activities

Once you've shaken the sand out of your fur, will you and your pet find more fun things to do in St. Petersburg? You betcha!

Farmer's Market: Stop in at the Saturday Morning Farmer's Market (101 1st Street SE) where pets are welcome (as long as they don't get up close and personal with the baker's display). Live music, lots of seating, and over fifteen types of international food represented, make it a great lunch spot.

Pinellas Trail: The market can be crowded, so when you're ready to stretch your legs, take a walk on the Pinellas Trail (1st Ave. SE and Bayshore Dr. SE). Running along a former railway bed, the paved trail traverses over 40 miles, from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs.

The Pinellas trail includes rest stops along the way where you can get water and other drinks. You'll also find short nature trails that lead off the main route for more exploring.

Shell Key Shuttle: If your pup enjoys the opportunity to feel the wind in his fur, time your visit for when the Shell Key Shuttle (801 Pass-A-Grille Way) is offering their Pet-Friendly Sunset Cruises. The 90-minute sunset cruise starts at St. Pete Beach and travels through residential waterways and the pristine barrier islands south of Pass-A-Grille. Pups ride for free (1 per paying adult), and reservations are recommended.

Shopping & Restaurants

Before hitting the town, your pet might appreciate some stylish attire. One Lucky Dog (5320 4th Street N) has bandanas, tank tops, harnesses, and other accessories. For pooches that prefer food to fashion, they sell a wide range of healthy treats.

Once everyone is pretty, it's time to grab a bite. Why not stop at The Chattaway (358 22nd Avenue South)? The large, shady outdoor patio welcomes pets. In the evening, you'll be able to hear live music several nights a week.

Or try the tapas bar, Ceviche (10 Beach Dr NE), Three Birds Tavern (1492 4th Street N), or Bella Brava (204 Beach Drive NE) -- whose servers sometimes bring treats. All feature pet-friendly outdoor dining.

Nikko Mussolini Dog Boutique and Spirits (9524 Blind Pass Road) at nearby St. Pete's Beach is the perfect place to stop for a nightcap. Named for the owner's pup and house dictator (also known as the Dog Father), Nikko Mussolini is "A place you can pet your dog and have a drink!"

St. Petersburg is a short drive from Tampa, Clearwater, and dozens of small Florida towns with their own pet-friendly places and happenings. With our GoPetFriendly.com road trip planner, you don't have to miss any of them!