Updated for 2026 with current dog beach regulations, restaurant recommendations, dog park listings, and pet-friendly accommodation options in Miami.

Dog-Friendly Miami: Sun and Sand With Your Pup

Miami is a city of extremes: extreme heat, extreme beauty, extreme nightlife, and, it turns out, extreme dog-friendliness. While Miami might not be the first city that comes to mind for a dog-friendly vacation, the reality is that the city has embraced its canine population with dedicated dog beaches, year-round outdoor dining, expansive dog parks, and a cultural attitude that makes dogs welcome nearly everywhere.

My partner and I spent two weeks in Miami with our rescue Pittie mix, Luna, exploring everything from the art murals of Wynwood to the turquoise waters of Haulover Beach’s dog section. What we found was a vibrant, multicultural city that not only accommodates dogs but actively enjoys them.

Dog Beaches

Miami’s biggest draw for dog owners is the beach access. While most Miami beaches restrict dogs, several designated dog beach areas offer genuine sand-and-surf experiences.

Haulover Beach Park (Dog Beach)

The best dog beach in Miami and one of the best in Florida. Located north of Bal Harbour, Haulover has a designated off-leash dog beach area at the north end of the park (south of the clothing-optional section).

Details:

• Location: 10800 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour
• Hours: Open during park hours (sunrise to sunset)
• Features: Wide sandy beach, ocean swimming, open space for running
• Cost: Parking $7 per car on weekdays, $10 on weekends
• Rules: Dogs off-leash allowed in the designated area. Must have current vaccination tags. Owners must clean up.
• Tips: Arrive early on weekends. Bring fresh water (the ocean water is obviously salt water). Rinse stations available.

Hobie Island Beach Park (Dog Beach)

Located on the Rickenbacker Causeway between Miami and Key Biscayne, this beach offers calm, shallow water ideal for dogs who are new to ocean swimming.

Details:

• Location: Rickenbacker Causeway
• Features: Shallow, calm water (Biscayne Bay side), sandy area, views of the Miami skyline
• Cost: $2 toll on the Causeway
• Tips: The water is warmer and calmer than ocean beaches. Good for smaller dogs or those nervous about waves.

Bark Beach at North Shore Open Space Park

A designated dog beach on Miami Beach’s north end.

Details:

• Location: North Shore Open Space Park, between 79th and 87th Streets on Collins Avenue
• Hours: Check current schedule (often limited to specific days or times)
• Features: Sandy beach, ocean access
• Rules: Dogs must be leashed in the park and off-leash only in the designated beach area during permitted hours

Beach Rules

Miami Beach (the famous South Beach strip) does NOT allow dogs on the beach from 10 AM to 6 PM. Dogs are allowed before 10 AM and after 6 PM in some areas, but enforcement varies. For a guaranteed dog beach experience, go to Haulover or Hobie Island.

Dog Parks

Miami has invested heavily in dog park infrastructure. Here are the standouts.

Alice Wainwright Park Dog Park (Coconut Grove)

A beautiful waterfront dog park with Biscayne Bay views. Separate areas for large and small dogs. Shaded by mature trees. One of the most scenic dog parks in the country.

Kennedy Park Dog Area (Coconut Grove)

Located in a charming Coconut Grove park with water views. Fenced off-leash area. Close to Coconut Grove’s walkable village center with restaurants and shops.

Amelia Earhart Dog Park (Hialeah)

One of the largest dog parks in South Florida. 5 acres of off-leash space with separate areas by size. Includes a lake where dogs can swim, agility equipment, and shaded areas with benches.

Blanche Dog Park (Mid-Beach)

A well-maintained dog park on Miami Beach. Separate areas for large and small dogs. Convenient if you are staying on the Beach.

Haulover Marina Dog Park

Adjacent to Haulover Beach Park. A fenced dog park with separate areas, shade, and water fountains. Good for a visit before or after the beach.

Dog-Friendly Neighborhoods

Coconut Grove

The most dog-friendly neighborhood in Miami. A leafy, walkable village with boutique shops, cafes, waterfront parks, and a community that revolves around outdoor living. CocoWalk (the shopping and dining center) has numerous dog-friendly restaurants and shops. Kennedy Park and Alice Wainwright Park provide green space and bay views.

Wynwood

Miami’s famous art district. The outdoor murals and street art make this neighborhood perfect for a walking tour with your dog. Many galleries have outdoor areas that welcome dogs. Wynwood Walls (the main mural complex) does allow leashed dogs during less crowded times, though this can vary. The surrounding streets are equally photogenic and always accessible.

Wynwood has excellent dog-friendly restaurants and breweries:

• Wynwood Brewing Company: Dog-friendly taproom
• Veza Sur Brewing Co.: Outdoor area where dogs are welcome
• The Salty Dog (aptly named): Dog-friendly bar and restaurant

South Beach (SoBe)

The iconic Art Deco district. While the beach itself has restrictions, the streets of South Beach are excellent for walking with a dog. Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue are lined with restaurants featuring sidewalk seating where dogs are welcome. Lincoln Road (the pedestrian mall) is great for strolling with a dog, and many shops allow dogs inside.

Coral Gables

An elegant, tree-lined neighborhood with the beautiful Venetian Pool (dogs not allowed in the pool) and the Biltmore Hotel. The streets are gorgeous for walking, and several restaurants have dog-friendly patios.

Little Havana

A vibrant, culturally rich neighborhood. Walking Calle Ocho (8th Street) with your dog is a sensory experience: the smell of Cuban coffee, the sound of dominos clicking at Maximo Gomez Park, the colors of the street art. Many of the open-air windows (ventanitas) where you can grab Cuban coffee are dog-accessible.

Dog-Friendly Dining

Miami’s year-round warm weather means outdoor dining is standard, and dogs are welcome at most patios.

Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Mandolin Aegean Bistro (Design District): Greek and Turkish cuisine in a stunning courtyard garden. Dogs welcome in the outdoor area. The hummus, lamb chops, and seafood are outstanding. One of the most beautiful restaurant settings in Miami.

Greenstreet Cafe (Coconut Grove): A local institution with sprawling sidewalk seating on a corner of CocoWalk. Dogs are a regular fixture. Great for breakfast, lunch, or evening cocktails.

Lagniappe (Wynwood/Upper East Side): A wine bar with a backyard garden setting. Live music nightly. Dogs welcome in the outdoor area. Cheese and charcuterie boards, wine, and craft beer.

Coyo Taco (Wynwood): Creative tacos and a lively atmosphere. Dogs welcome on the outdoor area. Late-night tacos after exploring Wynwood.

Yardbird Southern Table and Bar (South Beach): Upscale Southern comfort food. Dogs welcome on the patio. The fried chicken and watermelon is signature Miami dining.

Threefold Cafe (Coral Gables): Australian-style coffee and brunch. Dogs welcome on the patio. Excellent flat whites and avocado toast.

Panther Coffee (Multiple locations including Wynwood): Miami’s best coffee roaster. Outdoor seating at all locations, dogs welcome.

Cuban Food With Your Dog

Miami’s Cuban restaurants often have walk-up windows (ventanitas) where you can order without going inside. Grab a cafecito (Cuban espresso) and a croqueta while walking with your dog along Calle Ocho. Versailles Restaurant (Little Havana) has a famous ventanita.

Water Activities

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Several outfitters in Miami welcome dogs on kayaks and paddleboards:

• Virginia Key Outdoor Center: Kayak and SUP rentals on Virginia Key. Dogs welcome. Paddle through mangrove channels with your pup.
• Oleta River State Park: Kayak rentals in North Miami Beach. Dogs allowed on the water.
• Biscayne Bay: Multiple rental points for SUP and kayak. The calm bay waters are ideal for dogs.

Boat Tours

Some private boat charter companies in Miami allow dogs. A Biscayne Bay cruise with your dog offers views of the Miami skyline, Fisher Island, and Star Island celebrity mansions.

Day Trips

Key Biscayne

A short drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne has a quieter, island atmosphere. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park allows dogs on leash on the trails (not the beach). The drive over the causeway with bay views on both sides is beautiful.

Everglades National Park

Dogs are allowed in Everglades National Park on a very limited basis: in campgrounds, on paved or maintained roads, and in parking areas. They are NOT allowed on trails, in the backcountry, or on boat tours. The Shark Valley paved loop road (15 miles) allows leashed dogs, but be cautious of alligators.

The Keys

Key Largo and Islamorada are within day-trip distance. Many restaurants in the Keys have waterfront, dog-friendly seating. Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park allows leashed dogs in the park (not on boat tours or in the water).

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Hotels

Faena Hotel (Miami Beach): Ultra-luxury hotel that welcomes pets with VIP treatment. Dog beds, bowls, treats, and a pet concierge. No size restrictions.

Kimpton EPIC Hotel (Downtown): No pet fees, no size restrictions. Waterfront location in downtown Miami. Provides beds, bowls, and treats.

The Standard Spa (Miami Beach): A boutique hotel on Belle Isle with a spa, waterfront pool, and relaxed atmosphere. Pets welcome.

Freehand Miami (Miami Beach): A hip hostel-hotel hybrid. Pets welcome in private rooms. Great pool area and bar (The Broken Shaker, one of Miami’s best bars).

1 Hotel South Beach: An eco-luxury hotel that welcomes dogs. Beach access, rooftop pool, and sustainability-focused design.

Vacation Rentals

Miami has extensive Airbnb and VRBO options. Areas with the best pet-friendly rental selections:

• Coconut Grove: Houses with yards, walkable to parks and restaurants
• Wynwood/Edgewater: Modern apartments and lofts near art and dining
• North Beach: More affordable than South Beach with dog beach proximity
• Key Biscayne: Island living with quieter beaches

Practical Tips

Heat Safety

Miami’s heat is the single biggest consideration for dog travel. Average temperatures:

• Summer (June-September): 85-95F with high humidity. Heat index often exceeds 105F.
• Winter (December-February): 65-80F. The best weather for dogs.
• Spring/Fall: Warm and pleasant.

Critical heat safety rules:

• Never walk your dog on hot pavement. Test with your palm. Asphalt in Miami can reach 150F+ in summer.
• Walk early morning (before 8 AM) and evening (after 6 PM) during warm months
• Always carry water. Always.
• Dogs with short noses (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers) are at extreme risk in Miami’s heat. Consider whether a Miami trip is appropriate for brachycephalic breeds in summer.
• Look for shade constantly
• Air-conditioned indoor activities between 10 AM and 4 PM in summer

Mosquitoes and Bugs

Miami has year-round mosquitoes. Use pet-safe repellent. Ensure heartworm and flea/tick prevention is current.

Getting Around

Miami traffic is notorious. Use rideshare (Uber/Lyft) when possible. Most drivers in Miami are dog-friendly. The Miami-Dade Metrorail allows small dogs in carriers. Metrobus allows small dogs in carriers only.

Veterinary Care

Miami has excellent veterinary care including 24-hour emergency clinics. Knowles Animal Clinic (South Miami), Miami Veterinary Specialists (multiple locations), and various neighborhood clinics provide good options.

Budget Planning

Category	Estimated Daily Cost
Hotel (South Beach/Downtown)	$200-500
Vacation rental (Coconut Grove)	$150-300
Dining out	$30-70
Dog beach parking	$7-10
Kayak/SUP rental	$30-60 per hour
Rideshare	$15-30

Sample 4-Day Itinerary

Day	Activities
Day 1	Arrive, Coconut Grove walk and dinner at Greenstreet Cafe, Alice Wainwright Park sunset
Day 2	Morning at Haulover Dog Beach, afternoon Wynwood art walk, dinner at Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Day 3	Hobie Island beach morning, kayaking on Biscayne Bay, South Beach evening walk, dinner on Ocean Drive
Day 4	Little Havana Calle Ocho walk, Cuban coffee and pastries, Coral Gables stroll, departure

Final Thoughts

Miami is a city that thrives on its outdoor lifestyle, and dogs fit into that lifestyle more naturally than you might expect. The dog beaches are genuine highlights, the dining scene is almost entirely outdoor-accessible, and the neighborhoods offer diverse experiences from gritty Wynwood to elegant Coral Gables.

Luna loved Miami. The beach, the boat rides, the constant warmth, the restaurant patios where waiters brought her water bowls without being asked. It is a city that requires more planning around heat than some other destinations, but the payoff in terms of experiences, beauty, and dog-friendliness is substantial.

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