10 Fun Places to Visit with Your Dog in the Sarasota Area

Many families have a four-legged member, and happily there’s plenty of ways to enjoy quality time with your K-9 here in the Sarasota area. Check out our list, from the beach to outdoor dining, enjoy the snaps of MSC Marketing team member pups, and then watch our summer splash video with famous golden retriever, Albus! Bark at Benderson Park The Nathan Benderson Park, right next to University Town Center, is a great place for owners to enjoy a three-mile walk around the 400-acre lake built for rowing competitions. Be sure to bring plenty of water for you, and your pup, as there’s little shade. Dogs must be kept on leash, and be sure to have waste bags at the ready! 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota Bow Wow at the Beach Brohard Beach and Paw Park in Venice is one of the best and most popular dog parks on Florida's Gulf Coast. Pups with a love of the sand and surf have the opportunity to make a splash on the pet-friendly section of the beach, which offers the only dog-friendly, off-leash beach area in Sarasota County. There’s also an enclosed dog park with fresh water, seating areas and plenty of waste bags. 1600 Harbor Dr S, Venice

Connect with Nature at the Celery Fields Great for energetic dogs and fitness enthusiast owners, the Celery Fields in Sarasota encompass a steep yet scenic 60-foot hill. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Sarasota Audubon’s Visitor and Nature Center. The paths also connect to other trails for a longer, more adventurous hike! Again, dogs must be on leash with bags at the ready! 6893 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota

 Lead the Pack at Ann Dever Regional Paw Park A popular park in laid-back Englewood, this doggy-destination features large fenced areas for energetic pals to play! There’s also an area for dogs who need a little more training, plus plenty of fresh water and waste bags. 6791 San Casa Dr, Englewood

Canines at Creekwood This sweeping green paw park in Bradenton is a favorite destination for Lakewood Ranch and East County canines, with a doggie drinking fountain, plenty of waste bags, a pavilion for shade and an enclosed area for small or elderly dogs. 7025 44th Avenue East, Bradenton

First Furry Mate Nothing beats a warm summer day out on a boat with the companionship of your dog! Many rental boat companies, including CB’s on Siesta Key, allow you to bring your dog along for a day of cruising on the water. If you have your very own boat, even better! Be sure that your pup wears a pet life jacket and has plenty of fresh water along the way. The Coolest Pups Meet at 17th Street Paw Park Established in 1999, this is the longest running dog park in Sarasota County. The park features separate fenced areas for small and large dogs to play off leash, as well as doggie drinking fountains, plenty of waste disposal bags to help keep the park clean. Leashed pups are welcome to join their owners in the public park. 4570-4730 17th St., Sarasota

Hipster Dogs at the Sarasota Farmers Market Forget “people watching”— the downtown Farmer’s Market is all about pup-watching! You and your well-behaved four-legged friend will love strolling the Saturday morning market on Lemon Street in downtown Sarasota. Many vendors offer water and treats, too! We suggest getting there early before the crowds, and then enjoying lunch outside at C’est La Vie on Main Street, where dogs are welcome! Did Someone Say, Treat? Woof Gang Bakery is the ideal place to pamper your pooch, with locations on trendy St. Armand's Circle and in Lakewood Ranch. Dogs are welcome in the store, which features premium house-baked dog cookies and other treats, top dog food brands, accessories and gifts. St. Armands Circle | 28C S Blvd Of The Presidents Lakewood Ranch | 8314 Market Street, Lakewood Ranch

 Bayside Bark Park Located near downtown Sarasota, Bayfront Park is a 32-acre peninsula with gorgeous views across Sarasota Bay and the Ringling Causeway. It’s also one of the most dog and family-friendly spots in town! Leashed dogs are welcome to stroll with their owners through the grassy park and around its paved perimeter bordered by the Bay. O'Leary's Tiki Bar— a waterside restaurant, also welcomes dogs on its spacious patio.

Watch the video with @GoldenAlbus on our blog post, Sarasota Dream Pools: Instagram Star Golden Albus Makes a Splash  For a complete list of dog-friendly areas in Sarasota, for both on and off leash, click here: Dog-friendly areas