A Tail-Wagging Tour: Orlando’s 25 Top Dog-Friendly Activities

Orlando is one of our favorite places to spend a day or a long weekend. And what makes it even better is that we have found so many dog friendly things to do in Orlando with Kiwi. This city is a paradise for furry companions and I am here to share all the fun experiences you can have together.

Hikes and Parks

This first section contains all the best parks, hikes, and gardens to take your dog to in and around Orlando. These experiences are ideal for active dogs who want to explore the outdoors.

However, be sure to do these early in the morning or later in the evening in the summer, because middays can be too hot from April through October!

1. Spring Hammock Preserve

For those who want to get out and explore, Spring Hammock Preserve in Longwood is just the place, This 1,500-acre park has a variety of trails to traverse and so much biodiversity to see. Take your dog here for a hike and enjoy the cooler temperatures under the canopy.

2. Lake Baldwin Park

Hands down, the best dog park in Orlando is the Baldwin Park Dog Park. This is an off-leash dog park, however, it is so spread out that it does not have many of the issues that other dog parks do. There is plenty of space to chill with your dog solo and even a lake for your dog to splash around in.

Best of all, this is one of the few places you can find off-leash walking trails. This section is shaded and even has a dog wash station in case your pup gets dirty. Whether your dog is social or shy, this is the perfect dog park to visit.

3. Barber Dog Park

Located close to the airport, Barber Dog Park is a convenient place to let your dog run off some steam. This is one of the larger ones with lots of shade and a few picnic areas.

Even more exciting, there are water fountains for your dog to play in and agility games for them to run through. This place is a dream come true for active and social dogs.

4. Lake Eola

If you want to spend some time outside in the city, Lake Eola Park is an extremely dog-friendly place to go. There are many places to relax along the lake and a one-mile walking path around it. Be sure to bring a picnic and stop by Eola Pets to get your pup a treat.

5. Lake Rianhard

If you are looking for something relaxing and dog-friendly, a walk around Lake Rianhard is always a nice idea. This is the lake by the Celebration town center, an adorable Disney-planned community.

The walking path around the lake is about a mile long and has plenty of scenic viewpoints. You can also stop at a café after, as many around here are dog-friendly.  

6. Bok Tower Gardens

This one is a bit of a hike from Orlando, but SO worth the drive. The Bok Tower Gardens is an amazing place to see with so much gorgeous scenery and an amazing singing tower.

There are tons of trails and walking paths for owners to walk their dogs on, as well as a shaded picnic area We brought Kiwi here when he was a puppy and had the best time!

7. Little Big Econ State Forest

Over in Oviedo, Little Big Econ State Forest is a haven for an adventurous dog. This 10,000+ acre forest is great for hiking, kayaking, biking, and fishing. And your dog can come too!

There are a variety of trails for going on a hike that vary from easy and wide to long and strenuous. Those looking for a laid-back experience should check out the 2.6-mile Florida Trail and Econlockhatchee River Loop or the 2.5 Yahoo and E Ditch of Doom Loop.

For more of a challenge, try the 3.7-mile Econlockhatchee River Trail or the 10-mile Little Big River, Digbat, Ditch of Doom, and Flagler Trail loop. No matter which you choose, most of the area is shaded and offers a fun retreat for pups and their owners.  

On the Water Activities

Whether your dog wants to cool off with a swim or feel the breeze through their fur. Orlando has plenty of water activities that are great for dogs.

You will want to be careful of taking your dog into retention ponds or other still water, as there can be alligators or dangerous bacteria. Instead, stick to this list for some safe aquatic activities for your dog.

8. Paddle a Swan Boat

For a fun activity downtown, you can rent a swan boat and paddle around with your dog! We love these little boats and the amazing views of Lake Eola they provide.  You can rent one in 30-minute increments for $15. There’s no swimming in the lake allowed obviously, but it is a nice place for a paddle.

9. Go on a Scenic Mount Dora Boat Tour

A day trip to Mount Dora is such a pet-friendly experience! In between dog-friendly restaurants and shopping there, be sure to take a boat tour with Rusty Anchor! These tours offer a unique and delightful experience for both pet owners and their furry companions to experience the beauty of Mount Dora.

10. Go to the Beach

If you do not mind a bit of a drive, you can take your dog to a beach just outside of Orlando. There are beaches on both coasts that allow dogs to run around and swim on the shore.

Over on the Gulf Coast, we like Fort De Soto Dog Park which is about an hour and a half from Orlando.

Even closer, the East Coast has dog-friendly beaches in New Smyrna Beach and Cocoa Beach for pups to enjoy. To find a full list of dog-friendly beaches near Orlando, check out my full dog beach guide.

11. Reserve a Sniffspot

If your dog does not play well with others, do not despair! You can actually find some dog-friendly swimming spots around Orlando that can be reserved privately. Sniffspots are private yards that homeowners rent out on an hourly basis.

I have seen ones with dog-friendly pools, splash pads, and more, like Pepper’s Backyard or Kai’s Oasis. For a fun day in the sun, check out one of these sniffspots!

12. Take a Kayak or Paddleboard Tour

Cool off with your dog with a refreshing paddle on Lake Ivanhoe. Epic Paddle Adventures offers all sorts of different paddle tours that allow your best friend to go with you. Both paddleboard and clear kayaks are available to rent.

13. Alligators Unlimited Airboat Tour

Crazily enough, you can even take your dog on an airboat ride through the swamp! Alligators Unlimited allows dogs on a case-by-case basis, so call them if you think you have a daredevil-type dog who would enjoy it.

Many suggest getting a pair of doggles for your pet to protect their eyes. Your dog may not enjoy the wind or noise, but if they have been on boats before and like it, it’s worth a try!

Food and Drink Experiences

Next, are some dining ideas for making a foodie outing with your dog. This includes different types of bars and restaurants to visit, as well as food-related dog-friendly activities.

Most restaurants in Orlando with outdoor seating are dog friendly, but the following places are some of the best I have found for hanging out with your dog.

14. Plan a Downtown Orlando Brewery Crawl

If you and your dog like frequenting breweries, Orlando is the place to go. There are close to a dozen options between Downtown and Winter Park and a handful within walking distance.

I recommend taking your pup on a brewery crawl. Check out a couple or more of the following breweries within walking distance.

• Persimmon Hollow
• Motorworks Brewing
• Big Storm Brewing Co.
• Broken Strings Brewery

15. Take the Cool Craft Beverage Trail in DeLand

For those that like the sound of a bar crawl, but are not into beer, DeLand has a beverage trail that caters to all! Over fifteen different places participate and offer unique beverages to try around West Volusia.

Head to any of the following watering holes to enjoy patio seating with your pup.

• Abbey Bar: Mead, Wine, Beer and Cocktails
• The Elusive Grape: Wine and Beer
• Sidecar Market and Bar: Cocktails, Beer and Wine
• Trilogy Coffee Roasting: Coffee and Bites

16. Go to Winter Park for a Progressive Dinner

Another unique way to enjoy a night out with your four-legged friend is to go for a progressive dinner. This is where you get an appetizer, entrée, and dessert at three separate places. 

Park Avenue has tons of dog-friendly places within walking distance, so I recommend going there. Here are some suggestions to try

• Appetizer Options: The Porch, The Parkview, Boca
• Entrée Options: The Ravenous Pig, 310 Park South, Bosphorus
• Dessert Options: 1803 Desserts Counter, Peterbrooke Chocolatier, Choulala Fine Pastries

17. Check out the Weekly Farmers Market in Orlando

If you are looking for leisurely dog friendly activities on the weekend, Farmer’s Markets are perfect! These free outdoor markets allow dogs and you might even find some delicious dog treats from the vendors.

Below are some options for dog friendly Orlando farmers markets.

• Winter Park: Saturdays from 8 AM – 1 PM
• Winter Garden: Saturdays from 8 AM – 1 PM
• Downtown Orlando: Sundays from 10 AM – 3 PM
• Celebration: Sundays from 10 AM – 2 PM
• Lake Nona: Saturdays from 11 AM – 3 PM

18. Lakeridge Winery

On a nice day, dog and wine lovers flock to Lakeridge Winery to have a refreshing glass of wine in their gorgeous vineyard. Dogs are allowed on the winery tours and outside for tastings.  It’s the perfect place to spend some time outside and try some new wines.

19. Visit a Coffee Shop

If you are looking for a leisurely morning where you can have a cup of coffee with your pet, there are a variety of Orlando coffee shops that will help facilitate this. The following coffee shops allow dogs inside and outside making for a delightful dog friendly experience working, socializing, or relaxing.  Most even have water bowls to help keep your pup comfy!

Check out these coffee shops for dog friendly seating:

• Craft and Common – Robinson Street
• Lineage – Colonial Drive aka one of Florida’s best coffee shops!
• Foxtail – Various Locations
• Baldwin Perk – Broad Street
• iCafe de Paris – International Drive

20. Get Ice Cream and a Pup Cup

Orlando is home to over any of the Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream locations, where your dog can join you for a tasty treat. All locations are dog-friendly and offer scoops in all sorts of flavors. Best of all, they even have pup cups so you can both enjoy something sweet.

Unique Things to Do

Last but not least, there are some unique activities to try with your dog. Most of these just didn’t fit into another category, however they do tend to have an artsy or cultural vibe.

21. Take a Mural Tour of Mills 50

To take in some local art, buckle up and take your dog on an urban adventure. There are so many vibrant murals around Downtown Orlando and I love to go on a mural-focused scavenger hunt.

See how many dog ones you can find and make sure to bring your camera for pictures!

22. Experience Art After Dark in Lake Nona

If you haven’t been to Lake Nona yet, check the events page and see when the next Art After Dark is. Lake Nona comes alive each month during this event with stunning art installations, talented craft vendors, and dazzling performances.

These events are totally free and dog friendly, so plan to spend an evening taking in the art of Lake Nona.

23. Mennello Museum of American Art

Surprisingly, Orlando even has a dog friendly art museum! The museum’s sculpture garden is not just an exhibition space for stunning artworks but also a dog-friendly area where your furry friend can accompany you.

Located along the shores of Lake Formosa, the sculpture garden at the Mennello Museum showcases an array of impressive American sculptures. It’s a serene and visually striking environment, perfect for a tranquil walk with your dog.

24. Pubs Pub

Switching gears from the arty activity, Pup’s Pub is a blast for all sorts of dogs. Picture an off-leash dog park, but it has indoor and outdoor seating, a bar, and even a doggy play place.

This is one of the few indoor things to do in Orlando with your dog, so keep it in mind for hot or rainy days. Keep in mind, your dog needs to be up to date on vaccines and spayed or neutered to go and you will need paperwork to show this. However, once you are registered, it will be your dog’s new favorite place!

25. Old Town USA Florida

There aren’t any theme parks in Orlando that allow dogs, but if you want a unique experience, you can take your dog on a stroll through Old Town USA in Kissimmee. With its classic American architecture, vintage shops, and an array of entertainment options, it’s a vibrant throwback for shopping and dining.

Some family members can ride the rides while others enjoy the sights and sounds with their pet. You can also take them into shops and dine at outdoor restaurants, like 3 Sisters Speakeasy and Broadway Pizza Bar. For a quintessential Central Florida experience, filled with fun, food, and furry friendliness, Old Town USA is a fun place to visit.

Know Before You Go

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there is a plethora of things to do in Orlando for you and your beloved pet. Grab the leash, and make some paw-some memories in this pet-friendly city. Keep these things in mind before you do.

• Make sure your dog is friendly if you are doing anything that involves interaction with other dogs. Reactive dogs should stick to less crowded areas and always be on a leash.
• Temperatures are regularly above 70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round in Florida. Be sure your dog is prepared for the heat and NEVER leave your dog alone in the car.
• If you plan to take your dog to the beach, make sure it is one of the dog-friendly beaches. There are off-leash and on-leash beaches, so follow all regulations depending on the location.
• For those staying at a hotel, you usually cannot bring your dog to the pool area. Book an Airbnb if you want your dog to swim with you!
• My favorite pet-friendly hotels are Aloft and Hyatt Hotels. Check out my hotel reviews for more ideas for a Florida getaway with your dog.

Looking for more dog friendly travel tips? Be sure to check out my Florida Pet Packing List and my guide to the best dog vacation spots across the state.