Southwest Florida is a haven for pet owners, offering a mix of dog-friendly parks, beaches, trails, and social spots where pets are welcome. Whether it’s enjoying the Gulf waters, playing with other pups at the park, or exploring scenic trails, there’s no shortage of ways to spend quality time with furry companions. This list of dog-friendly spots has something for every pup to enjoy.
Bonita Beach Dog Park
Bonita Beach Dog Park is a fantastic spot for dog owners who want to let their pups enjoy the beach off-leash. The calm, shallow waters and sandy shoreline make it an ideal place for dogs to splash around and socialize. There are no fences, so be sure to supervise your dogs at all times. A maximum of two dogs per person is allowed and doggie showers and disposal stations are readily available. Located along the edge of Lover's Key State Park in Fort Myers Beach, the park is open daily from dawn to dusk and there is no fee for parking.
https://www.leegov.com/parks/beaches/dogbeach
Bonita Springs Dog Park
The Bonita Springs Bark-N-Play Park is a wooded, spacious park that covers approximately six acres. There are three fenced areas for small, medium, and large dog breeds. The park features a covered pavilion, dog washing station, picnic tables, benches, and an asphalt multi-use path. Leitner Creek winds through the park, enhancing its peaceful and scenic atmosphere. Located at 11071 E Terry Street, the dog park is open from dawn until dusk. Regular closures occur every Thursday from 11:00 am-3:00 pm for maintenance.
https://www.bonitaspringsparks.org/bark_n_play_dog_park
Bowman’s Beach Park
Located on the west end of Sanibel Island just past the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, this secluded and picturesque beach is known for its miles of unobstructed white sand beaches and some of the best shelling in Southwest Florida. Bowman’s is an on-leash park that features dog-friendly hiking trails, picnic tables, grills, bathrooms and a pavilion. The parking fee is $5 per hour and Lee County Annual Parking Stickers are accepted.
https://www.leegov.com/parks/beaches/bowmansbeach
Keewaydin Island
Keewaydin Island is is the perfect place to bring your dog for some fun, exercise, and a great outdoor adventure. A barrier island located between Naples and Marco Island with nearly eight miles of untouched white sand beach, Keewaydin is only accessible by boat. Dogs are welcome but they must be leashed at all times. Pack a lunch or wait for the "burger barge" that routinely anchors onshore on the east side of the island, serving ice cream, hot dogs, sandwiches, sodas and beer. Not a boat owner? Take Pure Florida’s dog-friendly cruise to the island! This cruise departs once a month from Tin City, located at 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples.
https://www.paradisecoast.com/listing/keewaydin-island
Lighthouse Beach Park
Situated on over 44 acres, Lighthouse Beach Park and Fishing Pier on Sanibel Island welcomes leashed dogs on the beach. This pet-friendly destination features amenities such as restrooms, outdoor showers, drinking fountains, picnic areas, bike racks, and ample parking with a fee. Parking is $5 per hour through the new mobile payment system. Pet owners are encouraged to check the tide chart so they can visit during low tide when there's more room for dogs to run. Please note that the Fishing Pier, Lighthouse Tower area and the West Gulf Drive Beach access are closed.
https://www.visitfortmyers.com/beaches/lighthouse-beach-park
Pooch Park Dog Park
Pooch Park Dog Park at Judd Community Park in North Fort Myers is a fully enclosed, off-leash area that has two separate sections for small and large dogs, seating, a water fountain and pet waste stations. The park features water and shower stations for your dogs to use while they exercise and socialize. Restrooms are available nearby, and adjacent to the park there is access to a narrow channel of water popular for kayaking. Located at 1297 Parkview Court, this 14-acre facility also offers a lighted softball field with clay infield and pavilions (first come, first served only).
https://www.leegov.com/parks/parks/juddpark
Wagging Tails Dog Park
Wagging Tails Dog Park at Rotary Park in Cape Coral Dogs invites you to enjoy some off-leash fun in a beautiful park setting. Adjacent to a wildlife preserve, it features a 1.25-acre dog run that includes separate fenced sections for small and large dogs, as well as several park benches and shaded areas. Dog registration and an annual fee are required to enter the park and can be completed at the Rotary Park office.
https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/497
Woof-A-Hatchee Dog Park
Woof-A-Hatchee Dog Park at Wa-Ke Hatchee Park in Fort Myers provides a fantastic off-leash space where dogs can run, play, and socialize. This well-equipped park includes a fenced area with a designated section for puppies or timid dogs, along with convenient amenities such as restrooms, watering stations, and dog-waste disposal stations. Located at 16760 Bass Road, this doggie paradise is open from dawn until dusk.