You don’t have to leave Fido at home when you visit Anna Maria Island – as one of the top pet-friendly destinations in Florida, there are plenty of accommodations and things to do for the entire family. But what exactly can you do with your pooch once you arrive?
Not every attraction, beach, park, or restaurant will allow pets, but many do.
We’ve provided some helpful info about Anna Maria Island dog parks and places to take your dog while vacationing so you can plan some fun day trips near your Anna Maria Island vacation rental.
Dog Parks On Anna Maria Island
There is a small designated dog park on Anna Maria Island itself – the Holmes Beach Dog Park at Central Park located at 62nd Street and Flotilla Drive in Holmes Beach.
This park isn’t filled to the brim with amenities, but it can be a fun place to take your pet to stretch their legs before you head off to one of the nearby pet-friendly nature preserves, restaurants or cafes.
Dog Parks Near AMI
Although the public beaches of AMI prohibit dogs, with just a quick drive off Anna Maria Island you will encounter several scenic parks, preserves, and beaches that either allow dogs or are designated parks for dogs.
Palm Sola Causeway Park
The closest option is the Palm Sola Causeway Park, a scenic park surrounded by the Palm Sola Bay just east of the Manatee Avenue Bridge. This park offers amazing water views, covered pavilions with picnic tables and grills, fishing docks and a beach area for your furry friend to play around.
Although this is an off-leash park, make sure your dog is well trained before letting it off-leash, as the park is right next to the busy road.
De Soto National Memorial Beach
A bit of a further drive northeast will take you to the De Soto National Memorial Beach, a much larger beach preserve area where dogs are allowed on-leash.
With much more beach area to play on, facilities to clean up after your pet, and plenty of mangroves providing shade, this is a fun spot for a romp for a few hours and some great exercise. Be sure to bring water with you as there are no water fountains in this park.
Robinson Preserve
Head out to the Robinson Preserve, also just east of Anna Maria Island, for some amazing hiking opportunities with your pet. There is an 8-mile loop trail that you can take your dog on, and it’s paved if you would prefer to skate or bike. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times, but this beautiful preserve is one of the best places to see native Florida ecosystems, wildlife and plant species including swamps, beaches, and mangroves.
Plenty of other options are available in the area for parks or outdoor areas with your pets. If you want to drive a bit further south to Venice, don’t miss the Brohard Paw Beach Park, a spacious and beautiful section of beach designated for off-leash beach romping and fully equipped with facilities.
Closer to AMI is also Joan Durante Park on Longboat Key which allows leashed pets on the walkways for a nice relaxing walk through the mangroves.
Plan Your Visit
Start planning your next vacation to Anna Maria Island! Bring the whole family along as we have a wide variety of Anna Maria Island rentals. Contact us today for more information.
Restaurants That Allow Pets
Several restaurants right on the island are pet-friendly, allowing you the opportunity for exploring Anna Maria Island with your pooch. There are a few Holmes Beach dog-friendly restaurants and other options in the City of Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach.
Some of the options on the island include the outdoor patio of The Waterfront Restaurant, the outside seating area of Ginny & Jane E’s Café, the outside area of Duffy’s Tavern, the outdoor seating of Joe’s Eats and Sweets, the outdoor dining area of Harry’s Grill, The Freckled Fin and several others.
It can be fun and relaxing to head out and enjoy the sunshine and try out some of the amazing dining options with your pet that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s always best to call ahead to make sure an outdoor seating area is available for you and your pet.
We can help you plan a vacation to Anna Maria Island with the entire family. We have the highest percentage of dog-friendly Anna Maria Island rentals on the island. So go ahead and plan to bring your dogs with you the next time you visit AMI.
