Top dog friendly things to do when you stay at a vacation rental on Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is an amazing pet-friendly destination on the Florida Gulf coast, so you can definitely bring Fido on vacation! While it’s true, dogs are not allowed on the public beaches on Anna Maria Island, there is so much more to do with pets on the island and close nearby. We offer a large variety or pet-friendly vacation rentals so you don't have to leave your furry friend behind when you visit.
There is a dog park on Anna Maria Island called Scentral Park, located near the Holmes Beach Police Department and City Field at 62nd Street and Flotilla Drive in Holmes Beach. Offering two fully fenced in play areas, one for large dogs and one for the smaller guys, the Holmes Beach dog park is a great place for your pooch to burn off some energy while making new friends.
Many restaurants on the island are pet-friendly, in fact, most that offer outdoor seating will allow you to bring a well-behaved dog on a leash. There are so many wonderful restaurants on Anna Maria Island but here is a short list of places to bring your dog: The Waterfront Restaurant, Ginny & Jane E's Café, Duffy's Tavern, Harry's Grill, The Freckled Fin, Island Time Bar and Grill, Slim’s Place, and The Bridge Tender Inn even has a doggy menu. Many other options are available so you can always call ahead and ask if you are not sure of the restaurant’s policy.
To help you plan some fun day trips near your vacation rental home, we've put together some helpful information about parks and places to take your dog while vacationing on Anna Maria Island.
Several scenic parks, preserves, and beaches that either allow dogs or have designated areas for dogs are just a quick drive off Anna Maria Island. Palma Sola Causeway Park is the closest option, a scenic park surrounded by Palm Sola Bay just east of the Manatee Avenue Bridge. Here you will also find picnic shelters and grills so you can make a day of it.
Robinson Preserve, located just east of Anna Maria Island, is a beautiful 600+ acre preserve with trails that is dog friendly. Much of the park consists of smooth paths for hiking, biking, or skating with your pet. Robinson Preserve is also one of the best places to see native Florida ecosystems, wildlife, and plants.
A little further North but worth the trip, Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg, FL boasts a Dog Park Beach that caters to both large and small dogs with two fenced areas for off-leash fun. Dog showers are also provided for those hot days. The dog park includes a specific beach area located at the far southwest corner. While dogs are only permitted off-leash in the designated area, they are allowed on a leash throughout the rest of the park.
If you're planning a vacation to Anna Maria Island there are many dog friendly Anna Maria Island vacation rentals to choose from. We have a wide variety of pet-friendly rentals available, so you can bring the whole family along.