Sun, Sand, and Sniffs: Your Ultimate Guide to 6 Pet-Friendly Miami Adventures

Going to Miami? There are plenty of dog-friendly activities that both you and your furry friend can enjoy. Here are some ideas.

May 6, 2025byBrianna O'Leary

pet friendly activities with your dog in miami

 

You don’t want to leave your dog out of the fun and are worried about where pets are and aren’t accepted. Luckily, there are plenty of pet-friendly places in Miami that both you and your furry friend can enjoy!

 

1. Stay at a Dog-Friendly Hotel

dog at hotel lobby
A dog on a hotel trolley. – Image from Boca Raton Magazine

 

Stay in a place that allows you to room with your pup. There are plenty of pet-friendly hotels in Miami, and many of them are downtown. Some of the top-rated pet-friendly hotels in Miami include the Hilton Miami, which is just two miles from the Miami International Airport and less than ten miles from Atlantic Ocean beaches.

 

Specific policies vary from hotel to hotel, but most do not allow you to leave dogs unattended. It’s always a good idea to call your hotel beforehand and disclose that you’re bringing a dog, so you can learn about its policies.

 

2. Go Shopping with Your Dog

chihuahua with shopping bags
A Chihuahua holding shopping bags. – Image from Dreamstimes.com

 

Miami has no shortage of dog-friendly malls. Brickell City Centre is an indoor mall where many of the shops allow dogs inside. Bayside Marketplace has over 65 stores where your (leashed) dog can join you on a shopping adventure. It also has a park area for your dog to run around while you relax, with doggy bags that are complementary. Many of the restaurants at Bayside Marketplace will grant permission for your dog to join you, too. If you want to treat yourself to a shopping spree in Miami, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to bring your dog along.

 

3. Schedule a Dog-Friendly Boat Tour

woman with dog on boat
A woman with her dog on a boat. – Image from Putneypics

 

There are many exciting attractions that you can visit in Miami while bringing your dog along. Coopertown Airboats allows any dog that is well-behaved and on a leash. The Coopertown Airboats tours are around an hour long and will take you through the Everglades and into sawgrass prairies, to an island that is only accessible by boat. Another boat tour, Kayak & SUP, allows small dogs on kayaks as well as the main boat. Alternatively, you can bring your leashed dog along on a private tour of Miami Bay via Airbnb.

 

4. Go Sightseeing with Your Dog

golden retriever on beach
A Golden Retriever at the beach. – Image by Augusta Grayson

 

You can also bring your dog to see art exhibits at the Wynwood Walls. Leashed dogs are welcome to accompany you on a tour of murals, street art, and three galleries. Another art exhibit that welcomes dogs is the Hidden World of Miami Design District. It’s a guided tour of unique and eccentric little-known art pieces.

 

Dogs are also welcome at the Miami Haunt, a historical tour of some allegedly haunted places in Miami. Small dogs are welcome to join you at the Coral Castle Museum, an outdoor museum with impressive sculptures made entirely of stone. This museum offers audio narrations in English, French, German, and Spanish. There are also many guides available who will be excited to tell you all about the history of the astonishing art pieces.

 

5. Visit Some Miami Dog Parks

dogs running in water
Two dogs at the beach. – Image from Floridatraveler

 

If you’re ready to relax and let your dog blow off some steam, here are some great dog park options in Miami. Hobie Beach is an off-leash beach where your dog can run around in the water and sand. It’s complete with shady areas for you to park and hang out. Margaret Pace Dog Park is a half-acre in size and has two sections for small and larger dogs. There is also benched seating for humans, and it’s fenced in for safety. Lago Mar is a bit smaller in size but is another great, fenced-in place for your dog to socialize and get energy out.

 

6. Relax with Your Dog Outdoors

small dog at spa
A dog relaxing at a spa. – Image from Oh So Cute! Dog Grooming

 

If you’re ready to wind down for the day, try a sip-and-paint experience. They last for two or three hours, and dogs are welcome. You’ll get to paint in a tropical backyard while you and your dog bask in the South Florida sunshine. You can also check out a healing experience. A holistic approach will be taken while you learn how to manage your stressors with your dog by your side. For something more lowkey, you can bring your dog for a guided meditation on the beach with you.

 

Once you’ve worked out an appetite, check out one of the 235 pet-friendly places to eat in Miami. In conclusion, if you’re planning a trip to Miami and want your dog to be able to join in on the fun, there is a plethora of options for both of you. With some planning, traveling with your dog can be a great time.

 

 

 

Brianna O'Leary
byBrianna O'Leary

Brianna owns a wheaten terrier mix named Murphy and an epileptic black cat named Cricket, with whom she enjoys watching movies. She also likes to pet sit for others and read in her free time.