Pawfect Places: 8 Pet-Friendly Spots in Fort Myers & Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach in Florida is a sun-soaked haven featuring endless outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, and lively wildlife. This cherished destination attracts countless visitors throughout the year, many of whom bring along their beloved pets.
Finding pet-friendly spots can be challenging when traveling, but not in Fort Myers Beach. Numerous beaches, parks, and restaurants here are welcoming to dogs. Simply adhere to local rules, and you and your furry friend can embark on a day full of exploration and natural splendor.
Planning a trip with your pet? This guide has you covered. Here are some top pet-friendly spots in Fort Myers Beach.
Ready for some tail-wagging adventures?
1. Bonita Beach Dog Park
Bonita Beach Dog Park, located along the edge of Lover’s Key State Park, is just a short drive from Fort Myers Fishing Pier. It offers a vast natural playground where dogs can frolic off-leash.
The park features an off-leash beach where Fido can play in calm and shallow waters (just make sure to visit during low tide) while you enjoy beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. Since there are no fences, be sure to keep an eye on your furry companion and supervise their behavior. You can also explore sandy bars and the beautiful coastal vegetation that surrounds the area.
Amenities include shower stations for rinsing your pet after playtime, free parking, and restrooms. We suggest you bring water, but note that glass containers and alcohol are not allowed.
Note: The beautiful Fort Myers Beach is also pet-friendly, but dogs must be on a leash at all times. Leashes should be no more than six feet long, and you should keep your companion under close control.
2. Mound House
Sitting atop an ancient Calusa Indian Shell Mound directly on Estero Bay, the Mound House is Estero Island’s oldest standing structure. While the house that serves as a museum displaying interactive exhibits doesn’t allow dogs, its pristine and scenic grounds can be explored with your best friend on a leash.
Just a 6-minute drive from Fort Myers Fishing Pier, you can walk through the beautiful area surrounding the house and head to the Observation Pier where you can fish, spot wildlife, or just chill soaking in the views. Another fun activity is picnicking on the house’s grounds. Make sure to also check the educational programs the museum has to offer.
3. Woof-A-Hatchee Dog Park
Providing a great off-leash space for your four-legged pal to run and make new friends, Woof-A-Hatchee Dog Park is a local pet-friendly gem in Fort Myers. The park is fenced and has two separate areas for small and large dogs.
The grassy play areas have some bushy trees and are equipped with water stations, dog-waste disposal stations, and shaded chairs where you can relax and chat with other dog owners while Fido has fun.
4. Koreshan State Park
Koreshan State Park, located just a short drive from both Fort Myers Downtown and Fort Myers Beach, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and their canine companions. This park offers a vast and diverse area where dogs on a leash are welcome, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty and rich history of Estero Island with their furry friends.
Walk through an extensive network of trails that wind through various ecosystems, providing plenty of opportunities for both exercise and relaxation. As you wander these paths, you and your four-legged pal can enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of the lush surroundings like dense woodlands, majestic oak trees and open fields. Just make sure your pet is on a leash at all times.
Koreshan State Park also features several historical sites that add an educational element to your visit. The remnants of the Koreshan Unity Settlement offer a glimpse into the unique history of the area, with structures and artifacts that tell the story of the utopian community that once thrived here. Dogs are not allowed inside the historic buildings, but you can admire the structures from outside with them or join outdoor tours, allowing you to learn and explore without leaving your pet behind.
5. Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park, a beautiful coastal preserve near Fort Myers, is an ideal destination for dog owners seeking more outdoor adventure with their furry companions.
Dogs are not allowed on the beaches, but leashed pups can explore the extensive network of trails that traverse different ecosystems and take you to hidden wild areas. The 2.5-mile Black Island Trail is great for spotting native plants and secluded estuaries, while the Eagle Trail cuts through a beautiful maritime hammock. Both offer the opportunity to see wildlife, like snakes, lizards, and even the endangered gopher tortoise.
6. Crazy Dingo Brewing Company
Located on a family farm in Fort Myers, this local brewery has become a popular spot for both beer enthusiasts and dog owners looking for a relaxed and enjoyable outing—it combines great craft beer, a welcoming atmosphere, and pet-friendly amenities.
Leashed pets are more than welcome to join you on their spacious shaded patio, featuring large picnic tables overlooking the farm. Enjoy their “farm-to-pint” concept and savor a variety of delicious and refreshing craft beers while your furry friends socialize with other pets at nearby tables. You and your pet can also visit the operating farm together to see the tractors in action and the livestock. Customers often say that their dogs have a blast meeting the farm animals.
7. Estero Bay Preserve State Park
Estero Bay Preserve State Park is known for its stunning coastal landscapes and diverse ecosystems, offering incredible backgrounds for you and your leashed pet to enjoy together.
Taking you through coastal scrub, pine flatwoods, and mangrove forests the network of trails is great for keeping you active and connecting with nature. On the way, you get to see exuberant native plants and wildlife like gopher tortoises, snakes, lizards and a myriad of bird species. Trails along coastal marshes and maritime hammocks are extra special if you want to see stunning birds. Two observation decks near the marshes provide beautiful views and a quiet spot for you and Fido to take a rest.
Note: The trails in the preserve are rugged and seasonally flooded in some areas. Sturdy footwear, insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of water are recommended.
8. Night Market
On the second Wednesday of each month, you and your pet can join the Night Market in Fort Myers, hosted by the Alliance for the Arts. This pet-friendly market exudes vibrant energy and is a place to find great local produce and chat with friendly locals and other dog owners.
You’ll find a wide variety of local vendors selling bakery goods, crafts, plants, beer, wine, and much more. They are all dog-friendly, and some might even give your furry friend a treat and water. Adding to the great vibe, there’s live music, food trucks, and picnic tables. Just remember to keep dogs on a leash and bring disposal bags.
Extra Tips for a Successful Dog-Friendly Visit to Fort Myers & Fort Myers Beach
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit with your pet, here are some tips:
- Check Pet Policies: Confirm that your lodging is pet-friendly and understand any specific rules they may have.
- Bring Essentials: Pack your pet’s essentials, including food, water, bowls, medications, toys, and bedding.
- Stay Hydrated: Florida’s weather can be hot, so ensure your pet stays hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.
- Follow Local Regulations: Be aware of leash laws and any pet restrictions in public areas.
- Clean Up After Your Pet: Always carry waste bags and clean up after your pet to keep public spaces clean and enjoyable for everyone.
- Plan Ahead: Research pet-friendly spots and activities in advance to make the most of your trip.
The Most Pet-Friendly Spots in Fort Myers & Fort Myers Beach
With the tips above, you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable time with your furry friend in Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach. Just remember to follow the rules, watch your pup’s behavior closely, and clean up after them for a stress-free experience. By ticking all these boxes, you’re more than ready to enjoy beautiful beaches, scenic parks, trails, and much more in these Florida gems side by side with your best pal.
Want more tips on Fort Myers Beach? Head to our blog, where we’ve written about several topics, including where to go for some retail therapy, the best restaurants in town, and a complete guide to fishing and hunting around Fort Myers Beach.
We also have a dedicated page on things to do in and around Fort Myers Beach. So there’s a lot of information you might want to check out to make your trip a one-of-a-kind!
Wondering where to stay during your visit to Fort Myers Beach?
Our resort-style vacation rentals in Fort Myers Beach cater to all tastes and budgets. Whether you choose to explore the sights or stay indoors, you’ll find everything you need to make yourself feel right at home.
And guess what? You can bring your dog along! We offer beautiful pet-friendly homes on Fort Myers Beach.
To experience the highest quality in amenities, decor, and cleanliness, book your stay with Sun Palace Vacations. We guarantee you’ll have the most enjoyable and relaxing vacation ever!