As for someone who grew up in the Orlando area, and have lived here my entire life thus far – it’s easy to say that there are so many pet friendly destinations in Orlando, Florida. Granted, we may never be able to take them to Disney (How great would that be? Seriously.), but Disney isn’t exactly what traveling to Florida should be all about, anyway.
Orlando is such a big area, with so much to do, that its impossible to do everything with your pet. But, there are many boarding facilities in the area to choose from (so you can make that day trip to the Prime Outlets or theme parks). As a former boarding manager (kennel and hospital technician), be sure to choose a kenneling facility that also has a Veterinarian office. It’s safer (staffed with trained doctors and technicians), and the well-being of your pet is ensured over those “dog hotels” and “doggy day cares”.
But, more and more places are accommodating pet friendly atmospheres. Hotels are more lenient as far as allowing your pets to stay (granted, many with an extra fee or size restriction), but even the more high end resorts and hotels are carrying over.
Hint: If you’re traveling and staying in Orlando area for a week’s time, or longer, it might be to your advantage to rent a vacation home in the area (use HomeAway or VRBO). First of all – it’s cheaper – secondly, your pet can be safely left indoors while you’re out and about. Most hotels won’t allow you to leave your pet in the room unsupervised.
Florida also has some of the greatest outdoors to experience, such as nature hiking trails, parks and water recreational activities (which are almost always pet friendly all year round). If you’re one for the beach, it’s basically an hour to the east coast beaches or 2 hours to the west coast beaches from Orlando. Which, as for a day trip, that isn’t too bad.
In the heart of Orlando alone, many restaurants cater their outdoor seating to being pet friendly. All you have to do is ask – call ahead, make a reservation and ask when in doubt! The Winter Park (Park Avenue) area has over 15 quaint restaurants alone, featuring different cuisines and each have outdoor seating that accommodate pets. For Orlando, Winter Park is known as the commonplace for locals to stroll with their furry family members on a night out on the town. But the list goes on, with over 25 pet friendly travel destinations in Orlando Florida.
pet friendly travel destinations
In Orlando Florida
Places to stay:
All destinations within 30 minute range of Downtown Orlando
La Quinta Inn & Suites (Universal and Orlando International Airport areas) ~$84/night & up
- No pet fee
- 2+ pets
- Sizes vary depending on which La Quinta you choose in designated areas above
Sheraton (Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee Orlando) ~$112/night & up
- No pet fee
- Small pets only
Doubletree Resort by Hilton (Seaworld, Kissimmee Orlando) ~$127/night & up
- $75 pet fee per night
- Small pets up to #25 pounds
- +2 pets allowed
Wyndham Resort (International Drive, Kissimmee Orlando) ~$143/night & up
- $50 pet fee per night
- One pet up to #50 pounds
- Rooms must be deluxe or family suites
Hawthorn Suites (International Drive, Kissimmee Orlando) ~$104/night & up
- $25 pet fee per pet, per night (pet fees vary as high as $150 per night per pet)
- 2 pets maximum
Best Western Inn & Suits (Orlando East) ~$119/night & up
- $20 pet fee per pet, per night (must not exceed $100/week)
- Up to #80 pounds
- 2 pets maximum
View of the sunset on Lake Maitland
The eats:
All eateries within 30 minute range of Downtown Orlando
Dexter’s: Winter Park OR Downtown Orlando
- Handcrafted cuisine (known for the best brunch!)
- Popular for over 30 wines and champagnes
- Artistic vibe with live music in a quiet downtown area
- $$
Teaks: Maitland (highly recommend!)
- Craft beer
- Known for their uniquely-crafted burgers (ex. Glazed Donut Burger)
- Menu features flat breads, dinner salads, burgers and more
- Low-key atmosphere; Large screen indoor/outdoor TVs
- Dog-friendly covered outdoor seating; comfortable couch or high-top outdoor seating; outdoor fans/heaters provided
- Adjacent to Lake Lily Park (a dog-friendly scenic park)
- $$
Caddyshanks: Baldwin Park
- Craft beer and wine
- “Table Service” with surrounding restaurants of Baldwin Park
- Dog-friendly outdoor seating/Doggy-potty area provided
- $
The Hammered Lamb: Orlando
- Craft beer
- Brunch menu & bloody mary bar (Saturdays & Sundays)
- Menu featuring flat breads, quesadillas, salads, & sandwiches
- Located across the beautiful scenic Lake Ivanhoe
- $
White Wolf Cafe: Orlando
- Bistro-style cuisine
- 6 dog-friendly outdoor tables
- Menu features seafood, flat breads, burgers & sandwiches, chicken and steak
- Brunch menu (Saturday’s & Sundays)
- $$
Santiago’s Bodega: Orlando OR Altamonte Springs (highly recommend!)
- (Tapas) Menu featuring cold & hot tapas – beef short ribs, bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese, and pan-fried potatoes (highly recommended menu items!)
- Menu items meant for “sharing”, as it is recommended to order multiple “Tapas” to the table
- Dog-friendly outdoor seating available
- $$
310: Park Avenue Winter Park OR Downtown Orlando Lake Eola (highly recommend!)
- Over 20 dog-friendly outdoor seating, looking out over the beautiful Park Avenue shopping strip
- Menu featuring American cuisine
- $$$
Harry Buffalo: Downtown Orlando
- Menu known for their tacos
- Craft beer; Sports pub atmosphere
- Dog-friendly outdoor seating area
- $
Rock & Brews: Oviedo OR Orlando
- Menu featuring American style cuisine; burgers, sandwiches, signature wings, & wood-fired items
- Craft brews & flights available
- Dog-friendly outdoor atmosphere
- $$
Lake Maitland, Maitland/Winter Park
Activities:
All “areas” within 30-45 minute range of Downtown Orlando
Park Avenue Shopping Strip (Winter Park)
- Shopping, coffee, galleries & restaurants
- Most restaurants that seat outdoors are dog-friendly
- Only some shops allow dogs inside – shops will indicate with “dogs welcome” sign
- Dog-friendly park adjacent to shopping strip
Wekiva Island (Longwood)
- Riverside hang out
- Dogs allowed on property (on leash)
- Canoeing and kayaking available
- Great place for outdoor picnic/grill out, and soaking up the sun with outdoor games
Lake Baldwin Dog Park – personal favorite “dog park” (Lake Baldwin/Winter Park)
- Gated multiple acre dog park; Off leash accepted
- Park surrounds part of Lake Baldwin
- Dogs are allowed to swim in the lake
- Tree canopy trails to hike through
- Restrooms & bathing station available
Buena Vista Watersports (Buena Vista Orlando area)
- Dog-friendly venue featuring water sports activities such as tubing, kayaking, canoeing & paddle boarding
- “Key West” style hang out along a man-made sandy “beach”
Old Town (Kissimmee)
- Dog-friendly shopping strip
- Unique collection of shops, restaurants & amusement
- Pets not allowed “inside” shops
Florida’s Little Big Econ State Forest & trails (Oviedo)
- Multiple trail heads in the area to choose from (all within 5-10 mile distance from each other)
- Dog-friendly authentic backwoods hiking
- Bird watching, sight seeing & great place to spot the Florida alligators
- Dogs can swim in the river, yet it is not recommended due to possible gator in the water
West Orange Trail (Apopka)
- Great dog-friendly paved trail
- Leads to Winter Garden shops (Restaurants & breweries)
Blue Springs State Park (Orange City)
- Dog-friendly park
- Perfect place to visit in the Winter to catch manatee sightings
- Dogs not allowed in the springs, but can be in & around the park
- Camping & lodging available
Farmer’s Market (Orlando areas)
- Multiple locations with weekend farmer’s markets that are dog-friendly:
- Winter Park
- Lake Eola Downtown Orlando
- Windemere
- Maitland
- Sanford
New Smyrna Beach Dunes Dog Park
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If you’re willing to go the extra mile, take your pooch to
Locations up to 2 hours east & west of Orlando, FL
Fort De Soto State Park (St. Petersburg, Tampa, FL)
- Best off leash dog beach in the central area of the state of Florida
- Beautiful, calm, pristine waters and sandy beach
- Camping available in the state park
- Trails and sight seeing
- Canoe or kayak off the Gulf shores
New Smyrna Beach Dunes Park (New Smyrna Beach, FL)
- On leash dog beach
- Hiking trails & stretch of boardwalks around the park
- Great place to relax & walk along the beach
Rainbow Springs State Park (Dunnellon, FL)
- Beautiful man-made waterfalls
- Dog-friendly trails
- Dogs not allowed in water areas
- Great for sight seeing, hiking, canoeing and kayaking