By Maxine Carter
Are you one of those weekend warriors who loves taking your dog along on your travels? Located along the stunning South Florida coast, Fort Lauderdale has lots of dog-friendly activities from splashing around in the water to dining out with you.
Check out these things to do with your dog in Fort Lauderdale.
Canine Beach
If you love the beach and can't stand the thought of not bringing your furry best friend along, Lauderdale's Canine Beach is for you. It's not a dog park where dogs run around off-leash, but rather a real beach where responsible beach-loving dog owners walk their dogs along a designated 100-yard shoreline with sugary sand.
Don't worry about bringing "poop bags", Canine Beach provides them. And there are beach showers for rinsing off before you leave. You will need proof of vaccination and an annual or weekend permit obtainable from the city. The beach is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Dog Park at Oakridge Park
All dogs deserve a little off-leash time and they can have it at a generous fenced-in area within this 37-acre neighborhood park . Dogs can run and socialize with their canine friends as long as you supervise them with voice control and they're not aggressive. Small dogs have a separate area away from larger dogs.
The Dog Park at Oakridge has two spacious parking lots, benches for the owners to sit, and stations to wash your dog before leaving. You can also walk your pal on a leash along the grassy paths outside the fenced-in area.
The Dog Park at Oakridge is open from dawn to dusk.
SUP PUP Paddleboard Tour
Let guide Natasha and her Corgi Mr. Beaches take you and your pal on a dog-friendly SUP paddleboard tour. The Airbnb experience focuses on exploring the popular Las Olas canals rather than standup paddleboarding so you both can sit and paddle if you're more comfortable.
The tour begins with a safety lesson and a review of paddling basics before taking off to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. See some of Florida's most luxurious real estate, yachts, and sailing vessels at Hendricks Condos and Marina. You may even spot a manatee.
You should be in good physical condition, comfortable around water, and know how to swim or wear a life vest.
Barkyard n' Brews
Take the break you both deserve at Barkyard n' Brews, a beer garden where you can relax with beer or wine while your pooch plays in the off-leash membership dog park or at a splash pad for pups where a designated "wooferee" supervises to ensure safety.
Meanwhile, you'll relax in the beer garden with a choice of local craft, domestic, and imported beer, wine, or an Italian specialty coffee.
Passes are on a daily, monthly, or annual basis. Take proof of rabies, bordetella, and distemper with you.
Shooters Waterfront
Enjoy waterfront dining alongside your furry friend at Shooters overlooking Ft. Lauderdale's stretch of the Intracoastal waterway. You can get there by car, boat, or water taxi for lunch, dinner, or a special Sunday Brunch.
Shooters Waterfront serves seasonal and year-round favorites and has a special menu just for dogs. Fido can dine on dishes featuring turkey, chicken, or ground beef made with healthy ingredients like potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and more. Humans can feast on dishes like Southern fried chicken, crab cakes, or fresh oysters.
Fort Lauderdale is For the Dogs
With beautiful beaches and great food, you and your pup will enjoy exploring this dog-friendly city. Remember to check ahead that your destination allows dogs, follow all local leash ordinances, and keep a watchful eye on your pet. Even a good dog, may become aggressive in an unfamiliar situation and if your dog does bite, you will be held responsible under Florida’s strict liability laws. So, grab your best furry friend and see all Fort Lauderdale has to offer.
