Sunny Paws in St. Petersburg, Florida
This travel spot is featured in our eighth blog series, Lassies Loved.
A dog water park? A restaurant menu just for pups? St. Petersburg, Florida—affectionately known as St. Pete—has some delightful surprises for travelers bringing their four-legged friends along! From special treats made just for canine guests to places where dogs can play, explore, and enjoy their own adventures, St. Petersburg offers more than you might expect from a dog-friendly destination.
And the fun doesn't stop in the city. Nearby St. Pete Beach and Tierra Verde offer even more opportunities to explore with your dog, from coastal outings and dog parks to pet-friendly restaurants and unique local businesses. Together, these destinations make it easy to plan a Florida getaway with plenty of options for both you and your four-legged travel companion.
From relaxing by the water and exploring the outdoors to finding dog-friendly places to eat and activities you can enjoy together, there's plenty to discover throughout the area. St. Pete Beach offers its own coastal charm, while Tierra Verde puts you close to some of the area's most popular outdoor attractions, including Fort De Soto Park. Together with everything St. Petersburg has to offer, these nearby communities make for a fun and memorable dog-friendly getaway.
For a quieter outing with your pup, Lassing Park is a great place to enjoy some time along the waterfront. Located in St. Petersburg's Old Southeast neighborhood, this peaceful park offers open green space, views of Tampa Bay, and a relaxed setting for taking a walk or enjoying a picnic with your dog. It is a nice option for travelers who want to slow down and experience a more laid-back side of the city away from some of the busier tourist areas.
St. Petersburg also has plenty to offer beyond the beach. The downtown waterfront and St. Pete Pier are popular places to take a leashed dog for a walk while enjoying views of Tampa Bay. The city's outdoor atmosphere makes it easy to slow down and enjoy a morning stroll, an afternoon break, or a sunset along the water.
Food lovers won't have to sacrifice dining out either. St. Petersburg has a variety of restaurants with dog-friendly outdoor seating, including Cassis American Brasserie. Combining the best of European brasseries with the relaxed atmosphere of American eateries, Cassis offers French-influenced American classics for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Located on Beach Drive, the restaurant has ample outdoor seating and even offers a doggie menu specifically for Fido.
For something more casual, several local breweries welcome dogs in their outdoor spaces. Pinellas Ale Works is particularly well suited to dog owners, offering award-winning craft beer in a casual and spacious setting where dogs are welcome both inside and outside. Visitors can choose from 24 taps of ales and lagers, along with wine, cider, and soda. Guests can also bring their own food, order in, or enjoy food from onsite food trucks. Yappy Hours are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, giving dog owners another opportunity to relax and socialize with their pets.
St. Pete Beach is a great place to start when exploring the communities near St. Petersburg with your dog. Located just a short drive from the city, this coastal community is known for its beautiful beaches, warm Gulf waters, and relaxed atmosphere. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the area with your four-legged companion, from exploring the waterfront to visiting the St. Pete Beach Dog Park at Ron McKenney Park, where dogs can run and socialize off leash. Dog-friendly boat tours also offer a fun way to explore the area's waterways and enjoy the scenery together. When it's time to grab a bite to eat, Buoys Waterfront Bar & Grill welcomes dogs in its outdoor seating area and provides water bowls for four-legged guests. For something special for your pup, Nikko Mussolini Dog Boutique & Spirits offers handmade dog treats and doggie apparel. These dog-friendly options make it easy to enjoy a meal, find something fun for your pet, and spend more time exploring the area together. With its outdoor recreation, waterfront scenery, and pet-friendly dining and shopping options, St. Pete Beach is a convenient place to experience more of Florida's Gulf Coast with your dog.
Tierra Verde is another nearby community worth exploring with your dog and a great way to round out your time in the St. Petersburg area. For a low-key outing, Tierra Verde Community Park offers a convenient place to walk and enjoy some time outdoors with your pup. For dogs that need more room to run, the Paw Playground at Fort De Soto Park has separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, along with water and cooling stations. When it's time to eat, Vista at the Top offers a rooftop setting with panoramic water views and dog-friendly outdoor seating. With its outdoor spaces, places for dogs to play, and scenic dining, Tierra Verde is an easy addition to a dog-friendly St. Petersburg getaway.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the water, a place for your dog to stretch their legs, or a dog-friendly spot to enjoy a meal together, St. Petersburg and its nearby communities make it easy to include your pup in the adventure.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone had paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in St. Petersburg, Florida. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Joyful Vista
This rental has 3 bedrooms with 4 beds and 2 baths.
Photos by Airbnb.com
It features the following amenities:
Nestled along the pristine waterfront with bay views
Fully equipped gourmet kitchen
Deck overlooking the water
Dining area with access to pool/deck through sliding glass doorsrs
Private backyard
Outdoor bar/kitchen with TV
BBQ grill
Private heated pool
Sun loungers
Kayak
Boat slip
Golf cart available during your stay
What would Luie Boone have thought of this rental? He would have woofed:
My humans had planned a special family vacation to Joyful Vista in St. Petersburg, Florida, and I was supposed to go with them. They had found the perfect dog-friendly waterfront home, complete with a heated pool, beautiful bay views, a deck overlooking the water, an outdoor kitchen and BBQ, a kayak, bikes, beach gear, a boat slip, and even a golf cart. They were excited to make wonderful memories with me. But before we could take our trip, I crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. My humans loved me so much that they couldn't imagine taking the vacation without me, so they decided not to go. They had loved knowing that Joyful Vista welcomed furry family members, with treats and special provisions for dogs. They imagined me enjoying the sunshine, watching dolphins, pelicans, cranes, and boats from the waterfront, and relaxing beside them as they watched the sunset. So although we never made it to Joyful Vista together, the vacation will always be a reminder of the memories we shared and the love that will always remain.
Some vacations are never taken, but the love behind them never fades.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone had sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in St. Petersburg, Florida!
Fort De Soto Dog Beach
For dogs who love the beach, Fort De Soto Dog Beach in Tierra Verde is a must-visit.
Located within Fort De Soto Park, this designated dog-friendly beach gives pups the chance to enjoy the sand, sunshine, and warm Gulf waters alongside their humans.
Dogs are allowed off leash on the designated beach while under voice control, making it a wonderful place for them to run, splash, explore, and enjoy the freedom of the shoreline.
Whether your dog loves chasing waves, digging in the sand, or simply relaxing beside you, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Bring plenty of fresh water, let your pup enjoy the sunshine, and get ready for a memorable day at one of St. Petersburg’s special dog-friendly beaches.
Sand, sun, water, and happy paws—what more could a dog ask for?
Clam Bayou Nature Preserve
Clam Bayou Nature Preserve is a peaceful waterfront spot in St. Petersburg, Florida, where you and your dog can enjoy an easy stroll surrounded by mangroves, marshland, and beautiful views of Boca Ciega Bay.
It is a great place for a dog-friendly outing, with trails and boardwalks that give pups plenty of new sights and smells to explore.
Dogs are welcome on leash, giving your pup the freedom to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the preserve while staying safe around other visitors and wildlife.
With plenty of spots to stop and take in the surroundings, it’s an easygoing place to slow down, explore, and let your dog enjoy a good sniff along the way.
One of the fun things to look for along the shoreline is what might look like tiny sand castles. These little mounds are actually fiddler crab burrows, created by crabs living in the muddy, sandy habitat. They’re a unique detail to spot while exploring and a great reminder that there is plenty of wildlife hiding right beneath your feet.
The natural setting makes the walk even more exciting for curious dogs. Your pup can sniff along the trails while you watch for wading birds, ospreys, fiddler crabs, and other coastal wildlife. You may even spot dolphins or manatees in the surrounding waters. Just remember to give wildlife plenty of space and keep your dog close.
One of the most unique things about Clam Bayou is its estuary habitat, where mangroves, wetlands, and open water come together.
Even though it is close to the city, the preserve provides a peaceful escape where you and your dog can enjoy a little taste of nature.
Bring water for your dog, especially on warm Florida days, and allow plenty of time for sniffing and exploring.
With its scenic views, easy trails, interesting wildlife, and dog-friendly atmosphere, Clam Bayou is a lovely place to spend some quality outdoor time with your four-legged companion.
St. Pete Boat Tours
Want to get out on the water with your dog?
St. Pete Boat Tours offers a fun way to see St. Petersburg from a completely different perspective.
Choose from sightseeing cruises, dolphin and wildlife watching, sunset trips, or a relaxing ride to a nearby sandbar.
Keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds as you cruise around Tampa Bay, and if you time your trip for sunset, you may even get to see the Sunshine Skyway Bridge light up as you pass beneath it.
For dogs who enjoy being on the water, this is a fun addition to a St. Pete itinerary and a chance to enjoy one of the city's best features—Tampa Bay—with your best friend along for the ride.
SUP With Your Pup at Urban Kai
If your dog loves the water, why not try paddleboarding together?
The “SUP With Your Pup” class in St. Petersburg is a fun way to get out on the water and experience something a little different with your four-legged companion.
The class teaches you the basics of paddleboarding with your dog, including how to get your pup comfortable on the board, where they should sit, and what to do if they decide to take an unexpected swim.
You’ll learn how to balance and paddle while keeping your dog safe and comfortable along the way.
Even if you’ve never tried paddleboarding with your dog before, this is a fun opportunity to learn together and enjoy some time on the water.
For dogs who love being outside and don’t mind getting their paws wet, it could be one of the most memorable activities of your St. Petersburg trip.
Abercrombie Park Loop
Abercrombie Park Loop offers a peaceful outing with your dog in St. Petersburg.
The short, shaded route winds through the park along trails and boardwalks, with scenic views of Boca Ciega Bay.
The park is also one of St. Petersburg's designated archaeological sites, with Native American shell middens and mound remains dating back hundreds of years.
A picnic table sits at the top of the mound, making it a nice place to pause and take in the surroundings with your pup.
The area also has connections to the early Abercrombie family homestead.
Keep your dog leashed as you explore, and watch for the many squirrels that scurry through the trees and along the paths. Curious pups may find the squirrels especially entertaining as they dart from one spot to another.
With its waterfront scenery, history, and wildlife, Abercrombie Park Loop is a fun way to enjoy some time outdoors with your dog.
Shell Key Shuttle Sunset Cruises
Enjoy a beautiful Florida sunset with your dog aboard Shell Key Shuttle's dog-friendly sunset cruise in St. Pete Beach.
The 90-minute cruise takes you through the waterways and barrier islands south of Pass-a-Grille, offering a relaxing way to see the area's coastal scenery from the water.
Along the way, you may spot dolphins, manatees, seabirds, and other wildlife as the sun begins to set over the Gulf.
Dogs ride free with an adult and must be leashed and well behaved, and dog treats are even provided for four-legged passengers.
With plenty of fresh air, scenic views, and the chance to experience a sunset on the water together, this cruise is a fun addition to a dog-friendly St. Petersburg getaway.
Maximo Park
Maximo Park offers a scenic outing where you can explore St. Petersburg's natural surroundings and history with your dog.
Located along the waterfront, the park has walking trails, open green space, and views of the water that make it a pleasant place to explore at a relaxed pace.
The park is also one of St. Petersburg's designated archaeological sites, with shell middens and other evidence of Indigenous communities that lived in the area long before the city was established.
Maximo Park is also connected to the history of Antonio Maximo Hernandez, a 19th-century fisherman, guide, and homesteader after whom the park is named.
The site later became an important part of St. Petersburg's African American history when a Black bathing beach was established there during segregation.
Keep your dog leashed as you explore the park and take in its combination of waterfront scenery, wildlife, and history.
It is a nice way to experience a quieter side of St. Petersburg while giving your pup a chance to enjoy the outdoors with you.
The Big Catch at Salt Creek
The Big Catch at Salt Creek is a laid-back waterfront restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with your dog while taking in views of the marina.
Located on Salt Creek in St. Petersburg, the casual restaurant has an open-air setting that fits perfectly with the relaxed atmosphere of the area.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a leash, making it an easy place to stop with your pup after a day of exploring.
The seafood-focused menu includes favorites such as grouper, shrimp, fish and chips, crab cakes, tacos, and fresh catch sandwiches, along with burgers and other choices for those who want something besides seafood.
What makes The Big Catch especially appealing to dog owners, though, is its dedicated dog menu. Your pup can choose from the Hot Diggity Dawg, made with bite-sized beef franks, carrots, and rice; Beethoven's Beef 'n' Rice, featuring ground beef with carrots and rice; or Chow Chow Chicken, made with grilled chicken bites, carrots, and rice.
With waterfront views, casual outdoor dining, and an actual meal made just for dogs, The Big Catch at Salt Creek is a fun choice when you want your four-legged companion to be part of the dining experience rather than simply sitting beside you while you eat.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
St. Petersburg, Florida
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that would have put Luie Boone's leash in a twist and he would have woofed:
My humans had been talking about our upcoming vacation to St. Petersburg, Florida, and I was excited to be going along for the adventure. I listened carefully as they talked about the beautiful beaches, warm sunshine, and something called pelicans. I wasn't sure what a pelican was, but when I learned they were enormous birds with giant wings and ridiculously large beaks, I started to have some concerns. What exactly had my humans gotten us into? Apparently, there could be dozens of these enormous birds around the beaches. Dozens! Why did anyone need that many giant birds in one place? What if they surrounded me? What if they held a meeting? And what exactly were they keeping inside those giant beaks? I was prepared to keep a very close eye on them and protect my humans from these suspicious flying creatures. Unfortunately, I never got to meet them.
Before our vacation, I crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. My humans decided they couldn't go to St. Petersburg without me, so they canceled the trip. I was supposed to be there with them, making memories and keeping an eye on those ridiculous pelicans. Maybe someday they'll visit and see those giant birds flying over the water. I hope they'll smile and remember me standing beside them, wondering: WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THOSE BIRDS?
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