#1 Sun, Sand & Warm Waters
Your leashed pooch can pretty much play anywhere on the public beaches of Estero Island and Sanibel & Captiva except for Bonita Beach. Cross the bridge onto Lovers Key to frolic, play and splash with your pooch in the shallow gulf waters of Lovers Key Dog Beach, it’s a small stretch of beach so low tide is best! As you pass Lovers Key State Park and enter Bonita Springs watch for a small sign on the right. Chase the seagulls on Algiers Beach or escape to the quiet and picturesque Bowman’s Beach for a little shelling on Sanibel Island.
#2 Hike the Trails
There are many pet-friendly trails in and around Fort Myers Beach. Hike through the maritime hammocks of the Black Island Tail at Lovers Key State Park or through the mangroves and marshes alongside the Caloosahatchee River at the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve. Slosh through the tidal marshes and wet flatwoods of Estero Bay Preserve State Park or head to the paved John Yarbrough Linear Park Trail that rolls alongside the Ten Mile Canal with beautiful birdlife and picnic spots along the way. A happy hound and a six-foot leash is all you need!
#3 Go Fishing
Explore the waters and wildlife with Fishing Buddy Charters on a pet-friendly private inshore fishing excursion or charter a boat and head out on the gulf waters to Picnic Island, a quiet hideaway at the Pine Island and Fort Myers Beach split where your pooch can play and swim.
#4 Shell Factory and Nature Center
Spend the day with your pooch at Fort Myer’s best pet-friendly attraction, The Shell Factory and Nature Center. Here it is all about your pooch! Play in the dog park, aptly known as Doggy Heaven, dine at the Swamp Bar while your pet cools off in the shade on the outdoor patio, pick up a doggie treat at DogBones Café and you can even take Fido to Doggy Church on a Sunday! The perfect day out with your pet.
#5 Dog Parks
There are plenty of Dog Parks in the area! If you are out and about exploring Fort Myers, the Pooch Dog Park at Judd Park, Barkingham Dog Park and Woof-A-Hatchee Dog Park are perfect for your dog to run around. There’s Waggin Tails Dog Park in Cape Coral and closer to Fort Myers Beach is K9 Corral at Estero Park – a shady park with 2 acres of fenced off areas for small and large dogs with water fountains and plenty of space to play.
#6 Koreshan State Park
Your leashed pet is welcome to join you in exploring the gardens of the Koreshan State Park in nearby Estero. Sit quietly in the shade of the historic Bamboo Landing on the river’s edge, rent a canoe and paddle into Estero Bay to Mound Key Archaeological State Park, a Calusa archaeological site where your pet is welcome.
#7 JN Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge
JN Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge is the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the nation, a peaceful haven to explore with your pet. Your leashed four-legged friend is welcome on Wildlife Drive, Indigo Trail and the Bailey Tract. Stroll the boardwalk of Wildlife Drive, a refuge for racoons, alligators and even bobcats so keep your pet leashed! Walk along the crushed sea shells on the Indigo Trail or head to the wetlands along the trails of Bailey Tract. A serene encounter with nature.
#8 Shopping
Your pooch is welcome to explore the shops in and around Fort Myers Beach. The streets of Times Square are pet-friendly with leashed dogs and even dogs in strollers browsing the shops. Thursdays is Dogs Night Out at the Coconut Point Mall in Estero and every second Friday from 6 to 8pm its Yappy Hour at Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers, with live music and a good choice of pet friendly restaurants. Well-behaved pets deserve treats and Pawradise Dog Baker and DipidyDawg Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique in Estero is the place to go. If you’re in the Sanibel Island area, Island Paws serves up gourmet treats for dogs, cats and the people who love them!
#9 Eat Out
Wherever your travels take you during your stay in Fort Myers Beach, there are plenty of pet-friendly restaurants to share a dining experience with your pet! Let us know what type of cuisine you are in the mood for and we will give you our some of our favorite pet friendly spots to grab some grub.
#10 Stay In
Our pet-friendly vacation rentals range from spacious apartments to inviting beachfront cottages and are the perfect place to simply stay home, put some scrumptious meat on the BBQ and enjoy a little one on one time with your pooch at the end of a busy day!